By Jennifer Maack-Condren

HALFWAY, Mo. - Halfway, Mo., population 215, was the host for the Saddle Club Horse Show on June 28, 2003. What is normally just a quiet, wide spot in the road came to life for this annual event to benefit the Halfway Volunteer Fire Department and the Dallas County Care Center. Those in attendance were able to enjoy catfish dinners prepared by the Fire Department in what is becoming a tradition in Halfway. Mike Locke from Wynne, Ark., served as judge for the walking horse classes. Club secretary/treasurer Susie Graham and Bobbi McKnight kept things moving from center ring. Announcer Senator Morris Westfall and organist Tina Potts entertained the spectators. HAWHA DQP Jimmy Gonz kept busy inspecting both the walking horse and fox trot entries.

Three stables took home three blues each: Mike Maack Stables, Jim Huffman Stables and Shadowwood Stables. Mike Maack began his trio with son Ross Maack showing Shaker’s Mr. Threat in the Juvenile Lite-Shod class for Georgia Swicegood. Amateur contenders under the guidance of Mike Maack claimed the Amateur Specialty class and the Open Amateur class. Ann Becker and Playin’ Favorites traveled from St. Louis to make the good ride in the Amateur Specialty class while Bill Branham showed his talents with Spirited Rendezvous in the Open Amateur class.

Just hours out of the hospital following surgery to repair his fractured arm, Jim Huffman was on hand to give advice and support to his family and amateur riders who did a good job in preparing nine entries to bring to the show. Starting off their trio of wins was Zahn Morrison and President’s Moondancer in the Juvenile Specialty class. Richard Mitch directed his filly Lite Jazz to another win in the Two-Year-Old Open class. Brad Huffman had big stirrups to fill, but did a great job in presenting Victory Colors to the Three-Year-Old Open win for his dad.

My Horse Showtime brought three blue ribbons home for owners Marvelene Kusewitt and Rosalie Jones. Lee Loveday of Shadowwood Stables won the first leg of this trio in the Lit-Shod Two-Gait class. Marvelene then took over the reins herself for wins in the Amateur Lite-Shod Two-Gait and the Western Park Pleasure class.

Don Bills Stables presented horses to two victory passes. Mark The Time and Darlene Swaringim proved once again that they were the team to beat in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class. Don Bills showed Pusher’s Wild Card in the Open Specialty class for the win. The juvenile classes are always crowd favorites and it is always exciting to see new entries in this division. Casey LeNeve-Heiman was sharply dressed and well prepared on Gen’s Lot Of Push and will be a force to contend with in Juvenile 11 and Under ranks under the direction of Don Bills.

Armed Silver Bullet and Jay Laughlin took two blue ribbons home to Waynesville, Mo., for 4-J Land and Cattle, Co. with wins in the Three-Year-Old and Under Park Pleasure and Park Pleasure Two-Gait classes.

It was Saturday night, but the judge thought it was Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday and Debbie Murray claimed the Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class win under the direction of Curt Caldwell. The well-coordinated team of Cheyenne Jones and Long Boogie Nights won the Country Pleasure class. John Deere and Lindsey Mott took home another blue ribbon to add their rapidly growing collection in the Lead Line class.

The successful evening concluded with Tom Burton and Royal’s High Pride winning the Open Walking Horse class for Frank Stone of Woodbury, Tenn.

This concludes the highlights from the Halfway Saddle Club Horse Show. Complete results follow and can also be found by visiting our web site: www.walkinghorsereport.com.