By Sara Engel
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – As the year draws to a close, walking horse enthusiasts travel from near and far to Franklin, TN. for the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association annual banquet. The banquet ends to a weekend filled with meetings as well as the ever-popular Ladies Auxiliary event, which this year was the Beautyless Beauty Pageant.
The Walking Horse Trainers’ Association uses the banquet to honor the top horses of the past season by naming Horse of the Year Awards. This year the reserve horses were also acknowledged and given their moment in the spotlight.
Bobby Sands was back to serve as master of ceremonies and he and David Landrum kept the crowd laughing all night.
Corey Green earned the Youth Council Member of the Year. Green has been active in the Youth Council since 2003 and can been found almost every Saturday night cheering on all her family and friends. A new riding suit was presented to Green by World Champion Horse Equipment.
The Walking Horse Youth Council would like to thank Christy Parsons and World Champion Horse Equipment for its support of the Youth Council and its generous donation.
The youth awards were presented next. The WHTA Youth High Point Award winner for the 11 & Under Plantation went to Anne Evans. Ashley Shelton received the reserve. Mackenzie Morgan won the Youth Lite-Shod division and second place went to Stratton Weaver. The 11 & Under Performance division winner was Thomas Derickson. Will Cole received second place. Capturing the 12-17 Performance division title was Lindsay Hess with reserve going to Amy Nesius.
Four people were inducted into the Trainers’ Friendship Club for their contributions to the industry. Ninety-six individuals have been inducted since its inception. This year the honorees were Mike and Lee McGartland, Molly Walters and Gloria Ellis.
To honor each year's World Grand Champion, a green blazer with the Celebration logo and the year in which they won stitched in gold thread on the pocket is presented to the trainer. Again this year that blazer was presented to Jimmy McConnell whose blazer now reads 2004, 2007 and 2009.
The F.A.S.T. organization and its officers were recognized next for their contributions and dedication. Mike Inman explained the program and its benefits and asked that everyone keep F.A.S.T. in mind when considering holiday contributions.
Next the auxiliary awards were presented. The auxiliary celebrated its 38th year. Meg Callaway received the Celebration Award for winning the Celebration Auxiliary class aboard Absolute Proof for the Ricky Young family. The High Point Members of the Year went to the Auxiliary members who have accumulated the most points by showing in Auxiliary classes throughout the year. Megan Peebles received first and the gold award. Jaclyn Williams was second with the silver award. Dru McCormick was third with the bronze award.
The auxiliary equitation awards were next. The Equitation Youth 11 & Under winner was Kaitlyn Rippy. Allison Thorson won the Youth 12-14. Kailin Kesselring was second, with Maggie Mae White claiming the third place honor. The Youth 15-17 winner was Stephanie Smith with reserve honors going to Amy Nesius. Alex Bumpus was the winner of the Equitation Adult honor.
The Auxiliary’s Rookie of the Year went to Kari Tisma. The Mudslide Slim Lifetime Achievement award went to Dru McCormick, and the Auxiliary Member of the Year went to Jaclyn Williams.
Next, the Riders’ Cup presentations were made by Jeffrey Howard and the Walking Horse Report. In the five years since its inception, the Riders’ Cup program has paid out over $300,000. Justin Harris earned the big check this year receiving $8,490. Presentations were also made to each sponsor of the Riders’ Cup classes. James Corlew Chevrolet in the Two-Year-Old division. The Molly Walters family in the Four-Year-Old and the Joey Tidwell family, Greyline and Lined Walkin’ in the Riders’ Cup 15.2 & Under class.
Awards were given to the horses who won the Riders’ Cup divisions. The L.A. Ritz, owned by Norman Williamson, won the Two-Year-Old. He was shown by Joe Cotten a total of eight times in Riders’ Cup divisions. Spotlight On Parole won the Three-Year-Old for the Randall and Sadie Baskin. He was shown by Steve Dunn and Tim Smith in 10 classes this season. Showboat By Skywatch won the Four-Year-Old. He was shown by Charlie Green for Gordon and Angelyn Ezzell 11 times this season. Masked Threat topped the 15.2 & Under division for owner Nestor Stewart. Charlie Green was in the irons in six Riders’ Cup classes this season. The winner of the Stake division went to Pusher’s Astro and Joe Cotten for Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Blankenship. Pusher’s Astro was shown 10 times in Riders’ Cup classes and earned over 1,700 points.
The Trainer of the Year Award went to the talented Justin Harris. This award is voted on by trainers. This was Harris’ first titleandhis list of accomplishments is very impressive, especially since he is only 27 years old.
The Assistant Trainer of the Year was given to Aaron Self. Besides assisting Chad Williams in preparing 2009 World Grand Champions Roll The Gold, Rocky Mountain Sky, and I’m Packin’ A Pistol and World Champions Be Cool, The Lineman and Gin & Juice, Self also was able to step into the irons aboard The Prime Suspect to win the Young Trainers on Stallions World Championship.
Next on the agenda was the presentation of the Horse of the Year awards, along with the reserve winners. The Weanling of the Year was Miss Cheyenne, owned by Larry Mesimer. Miss Cheyenne was presented by Bobby Richards to the Weanling World Grand Championship and Weanling Fillies World Championship. BJ Richards directed her to the TWHBEA Youth Weanling World Championship, bringing her blue ribbon tally to an impressive 13 in the 2007 season, keeping her undefeated. Capturing the Reserve Horse of the Year award was The Gipper, owned by Hoyte Eakes. The Gipper was directed to a blue ribbon victory pass at the Dickson County show, as well as claiming the reserve honors was the Money Tree Classic, Fayetteville Blue Ribbon, TWHBEA National Futurity and in the Weanling Colts World Championship.
The Yearling of the Year was Good Ole Rocky Top, owned by the partnership of Jones, Curtis and Richards. This hard-working young colt was shown 12 times in 2007, earning nine blue ribbons including one blue and one tri-color at the 2009 Celebration. Bobby Richards led this youngster to the Yearling World Grand Championship. Roger Richards Jr., Chris Richards and Keith Reed each also got a chance to lead Good Ole Rocky Top to blue ribbon honors. Accepting the reserve honors was Skyanide for Fred and Vicki Benjamin. Skyanide had 2009 victories at the Columbia Spring Jubilee, Tony Rice Center Show and also the Owner-Amateur Yearlings World Championship with Fred.
The Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding Horse of the Year was Poison’s Splash Of Gin, owned by the Dr. Jim Baum family. Lisa Baum showed Poison’s Splash Of Gin to the Owner-Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares or Geldings World Championship Section B, as well as the Spring Fun Show and Tony Rice Center Show this year under the Rising Star Ranch banner. 9 In The Sky not only captured the Two-Year-Old Geldings World Championships with Wayne Jones and the Owner-Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares & Geldings, Section A World Championship at this year’s Celebration but he also claimed the Reserve Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding Horse of the Year award. Owned by Corri Knudson, 9 In The Sky also earned five other blue ribbons during the 2009 season.
The Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion Horse of the Year was He’s 3 Under Par, owned by Jay and Barbara Kenehan. Barbara directed He’s 3 Under Par to the Owner-Amateur Two-Year-Old World Grand Championship in an undefeated year that included two wins at the Celebration and wins at the Red Carpet Show of the South and Delta Fall Classic under the Finish Line Farms banner. Before being purchase in mid-July by the Kenehan’s He’s 3 Under Par also captured blue ribbon honors at the Purchase Area Charity, Bedford County4-H Spring Festival, Columbia Spring Jubilee and Woodbury Lions Club shows with trainer Todd Smith. The Reserve Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion award was captured by I’m The Dark Knight, owned by Mike and Lee McGartland. Jimmy McConnell directed I’m The Dark Knight to the reserve finish in the Two-Year-Old Stallions, Section C class at the Celebration, and Lee was in the irons to top the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions & Geldings class at the Performance International Grand Championships.
The Two-Year-Old Mare Horse of the Year was Miss Midnight Rider, owned by Ramsey Bullington. Philip Trimble directed this top mare to the Two-Year-Old Mare Section A World Champion at the 2009 Celebration. The pair had a previous show ring appearance at the Marshall County Horsemen’s Association show were they earned the reserve streamer. Another undefeated contender for the 2009 season captured the reserve position. Josa Dolly was directed to the Two-Year-Old Mares, Section B World Championship by Sam Martin, as well as other wins at the Florence Charity, Curtis Hamilton Memorial, Southeastern Classic and Camps Kemo show. Following the Celebration victory, Josa Dolly caught the eye of Larry McLaughlin and was added to his show string.
The Two-Year-Old Gelding Horse of the Year was 9 In The Sky, owned by Corri Knudson. Wayne Jones directed 9 In The Sky to the Two-Year-Old Gelding World Championship. Jones was also in the irons to walk to blue ribbon honors at the Purchase Area Charity and Tony Rice Center shows.
The Two-Year-Old Stallion Horse of the Year went to Bingo Time, owned by Sandy Shumate. Bingo Time was directed to the Two-Year-Old Stallions, Section A World Championship by Tim Gray, but it was when Billy Gray stepped into the irons to top the Two-Year-Old World Grand Championship class that the crowd stood up and roared for Bingo Time. Tim also had two previous 2009 victories with this talented stallion at Moore County and the Sumner County Fair. They Call Me Samson was awarded with the reserve honor for Bill and Karen Bean. Under the Mickey McCormick Stables banner, They Call Me Samson earned the Two-Year-Old Stallions, Section C World Championship as well as a victory at the Mississippi Charity show.
The Lite-Shod Specialty Horse of the Year was Double Java, owned by the Mike Chiappari family. In addition to an outstanding season with 10 other blue ribbon honors, Double Java captured the Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Mares & Geldings World Championship with Jacqueline Holtschult in the irons, as well as the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Grand Championship with trainer Scott Benham. Awarded with the reserve honor was Elegance Of Design, owned by Kasidy Petty of Utah. On top of her victory at the Tony Rice Center Show this year, Elegance Of Design also earned the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Championship with Mark Lambert, along with the Owner-Amateur 50 & Over Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Championship and Owner-Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Grand Championship with Nancy Lovato.
The Lite-Shod Canter Horse of the Year was Honor My Cash, owned by Don and Debbie Parmer. Honor My Cash, along with winning five other blue ribbons earlier in the season, captured an impressive three world championships and one world grand championship at this year’s Celebration. Debbie Parmer was in the irons to capture the Owner-Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Championship, while trainer Patrick Thomas directed Honor My Cash to the Western Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Canter World Championship, Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Canter World Championship and Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Canter World Grand Championships. Double Java picked up the reserve Lite-Shod Canter Horse of the Year award for the Mike Chiaparri family.
The Youth Pony of the Year was He’s Extraordinary, owned by Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch. Ashley Diamond Pollack capped off a terrific season in 2009 with two blues at the Celebration, which consisted of the Owner-Amateur Youth Ponies World Grand Championship and Owner-Amateur Youth 15-17 Ponies World Championship. The team had a previous season victory at the Spring Fun Show. Walking away with the reserve honors was Frankie Blue Eyes who captured three blue ribbons throughout the season. Samantha Bell was in the irons to claim victory at the Grinder’s Switch and Cornersville Lions Club shows, while brother A.J. took over the reins at the Jack Keltner Memorial show.
The Adult Pony of the Year went to reigning World Grand Champion I’m Packin’ A Pistol for owner Charlene Gibson. I’m Packin’ A Pistol and Gibson together captured a blue ribbon at the Spring Fun Show as well as the Adult Pony World Grand Championship under the direction of Chad Williams Stables. Stephanie Gordon is the proud owner of the reserve recipient Olympic Power. Together this popular pair earned blue ribbon victory passes at the Bedford County 4-H Spring Festival, Petersburg Lions Club, P.C. Splash and Performance International Grand Championships.
The Novice Horse of the Year was The Who, owned by Molly Walters. Walters not only claimed her first world championship, she also won the roses in the Amateur Novice Riders on Novice Walking Horses World Grand Championship. This championship team rode under the Formac Stables banner. Other top wins for the season for this competitive team were earned at the Germantown Charity, Brownsville/Haywood County and Mid-South Horse Show Association shows. It was the team of Mary Ann Blessing and Command Again who captured the reserve placing. This team walked away with the blue ribbon honors in the Novice Amateur class at the Delta Fall Classic along with capturing reserve ribbons at the Red Carpet Show of the South, Celebration and Performance International Grand Championships.
The Elite Horse of the Year was Star, owned by Wilsene Moody. The popular team of Star and Wilsene Moody enjoyed an outstanding 2009 Celebration when they teamed up to claim not only the Elite Owner-Amateur Ladies on Stallions World Championship, but also the Elite Owner-Amateur World Grand Championship. They finished out their season capturing the Amateur Specialty Grand Championship title at the Delta Fall Classic. With an almost flawless season, the team of Ed Breedlove and Kid Callahan earned the reserve honors. This pair captured a total of seven 2009 blue ribbons occurring at the Gulf Coast Charity, Bedford FFA, Tony Rice, Marshall County, Southern Championships and a world championship win in the Elite Owner-Amateur Gentlemen on Stallions class.
The Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding Horse of the Year went to Call Me Ted, owned by Mary Ellen Owens. In addition to winning the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares or Geldings World Championship in Section A, Emma Lee Cannon and Call Me Ted claimed a victory at the South Carolina Ladies Auxiliary show under the direction of Martin Training Center. Awarded with the reserve honor was Muchos Colores for What A Blessing Farm. Muchos Colores was directed to five amateur blue ribbon victories pass with Mary Ann and MaryBeth Blessing sharing the reins. MaryBeth had the honor of directing this top contender to the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares & Geldings, Section C World Championship.
The Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion Horse of the Year was He’s Slim Shady. Lee McGartland claimed the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old World Grand as well as the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions, Section A World Championship. Following the team’s world championship performance, Bill and Karen Bean purchased He’s Slim Shady and still allowed for McGartland to direct him to world grand championship acclaim. The Reserve Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion award was captured by The Dixie Lineman, proudly owned by McDonald and Walling. Gail Walling had an impressive season with The Dixie Lineman walking away with victories as the Gulf Coast Charity, Columbia Spring Jubilee, Tony Rice Center, Red Carpet Show of the South, Delta Fall Classic, Southern Championships as well as the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions, Section B World Championship and reserve in the Owner-Amateur Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship.
The Three-Year-Old Mare Horse of the Year was Paroled In Texas, owned by the Coggin and Whittenburg families. Paroled In Texas was directed to the Three-Year-Old Mare, Section B World Championship by John Allan Callaway, as well as a reserve placing in the Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship. The talented mare also won at the Marshall County Horsemen’s Association and Performance International Grand Championships will regular rider Holly Coggin was off on maternity leave. Jazzy Sally was awarded with the reserve honor. Under the Formac Stables banner, Jazzy Sally earned the Three-Year-Old Mares, Section A World Championship as well as victories at the Spring Fun Show, Red Carpet Show of the South and Illinois WHA Fall Charity show. At the end of the season, Jazzy Sally caught the attention of the Kasey Kesselring family and has moved to now compete under the Wayne Dean Stables banner.
The Three-Year-Old Gelding Horse of the Year was Muchos Colores, owned by What A Blessing Farm. Knox Blackburn had the honors of being in the irons to capture the Three-Year-Old Geldings World Championship at the 2009 Celebration. The reserve position brought about a two-way tie between Call Me Ted and Vince Lombardi. Call Me Ted, owned by Mary Ellen Owens, and Sam Martin captured blue ribbon honors at the Land O’ Sky Summer Festival, while Vince Lombardi, owned by Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch had a good season winning ribbons in Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee under the David Landrum Stables banner.
The Three-Year-Old Stallion Horse of the Year was Folsom Prison Blues, owned by Judy McDonald. Folsom Prison Blues was directed to the Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship by Rodney Dick after winning the Three-Year-Old Stallions Section A World Championship. Right after the Spring Fun Show, Folsom Prison Blues was purchased by McDonald to compete under the Finish Line Farms banner. This talented youngster also claimed victories at the Mississippi Charity, Faith Haven, Spring Fun Show, Columbia Spring Jubilee, Red Carpet Show of the South and Delta Fall Classic this year, leaving him undefeated for 2009. The reserve honor in the Three-Year-Old Stallion category also came as a two-way tie between Lethal Nightshade and He’s Slim Shady. Lethal Nightshade, owned by Phyllis Langley, was directed to 2009 season blues by Mac Benham at the Bedford County 4-H Spring Festival and P.C. Splash shows. He’s Slim Shady was directed to the Three-Year-Old Stallions, Section B World Championship and Mid-South Horse Show Association blue ribbon by Jimmy McConnell, and most recently to the Three-Year-Old Stallions Riders’ Cup victory at the Southern Championship Charity by Mickey McCormick.
The Trail Pleasure Horse of the Year was the popular mare Playin’ Hooky, owned by Liz Gassaway. Playin’ Hooky made only two show ring appearances in 2009, but walked away with both the Owner-Amateur English Trail Pleasure World Grand Championship and Owner-Amateur Adults English Trail Pleasure, Section A World Championship. Walking away with the reserve honors was Texas Daisy Darling who was directed to top ribbons all across the state of Tennessee by young owner Alex Blackburn.
The Western Lite-Shod Plantation Horse of the Year was Catastrophic, owned by Laurie Toone. Catastrophic captured an impressive 10 blue ribbon honors including the Western Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Grand Championship and Western Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Championship. Other top honors were amassed at the Upper Cumberland Show, Spring Fun Show, National Trainers’ Show, Pleasure & Colt International Grand Championships and Delta Fall Classic. It was the team of Debbie Parmer and Honor My Cash who captured the reserve placing. This team walked away with the blue ribbon honors in the Owner-Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod World Championship. Other top victories were claimed at the Germantown Charity and National Trainers’ Show.
Once again the Western Park Pleasure Horse of the Year was Dragonfire, owned by Jim and Cindy Heiting. Jim Heiting directed Dragonfire to the Owner-Amateur Western Park Pleasure World Championship, as well as the Owner-Amateur Five & Over Western Park Pleasure World Champion. Dragonfire claimed an impressive 11 blue ribbons in 2009, shared between Heiting and trainer Jamey Thompson. Dragonfire closed out his season undefeated. Awarded with the reserve honor was Armed & Trigger Happy, owned by Jim and Debbie Nichols. In a limited number of appearances for 2009, Jim Nichols and Armed & Trigger Happy capture blue ribbon honors at the North Carolina Championships and earned reserve placing in the Owner-Amateur Western Park Pleasure World Grand Championship and Owner-Amateur Five & Over Western Park Pleasure World Championship.
The Amateur Fine Harness Horse of the Year belonged to Gin And Juice, owned by Rick and Marla Lovett. Marty Irby drove Gin And Juice to the Owner-Amateur Gentlemen’s Fine Harness World Championship under the direction of Chad Williams Stables. Walking away with the reserve honors was Clutch’s Power Play who captured the Owner-Amateur Lady Drivers Fine Harness, Section B World Championship with Kathy Owen. Scott Beaty and Ben Harrell each took turns capturing reserve placings at the Jackson County Show as well as two other world championship Fine Harness classes.
The Professional Fine Harness Horse of the Year went to Available Stock, owned by the partnership of Coleman and Floyd. Wayne Dean drove Available Stock to the Fine Harness World Championship. Capturing the reserve placing in the professional category as well as the amateur category was Clutch’s Power Play, for Double Springs Farm.
The Ladies Amateur Specialty Horse of the Year was received by My First Dollar, owned by Don and George-Ann Pratt. George-Ann claimed the Owner-Amateur Mares & Geldings World Grand Championship as well as the Owner-Amateur Ladies on Mares World Championship under the direction of Allan Callaway Stables Stables. This team had an undefeated season with wins also coming at the Columbia Spring Jubilee, Woodbury Lions Club and Red Carpet Show of the South. The popular team of Pushin That Jazz and Dalia Smith picked up the reserve honor. Together they earned the Owner-Amateur Ladies on Geldings, Section B World Championship and a reserve finish in the Owner-Amateur Mares & Geldings World Grand Championship. They had other top placings throughout the season at the Columbia Spring Jubilee, Woodbury Lions Club and Marshall County Horsemen’s Association, as well as a victory and reserve honor at the North Carolina Championships.
The Men’s Amateur Specialty Horse of the Year award was won once again by Kid Callahan, owned by Genevieve Breedlove. Ed Breedlove showcased Kid Callahan to the Elite Owner-Amateur Gentlemen on Stallions World Championship. Other blue ribbon performances from this team in the 2009 season came at the Gulf Coast Charity, Bedford FFA, Tony Rice Center, Marshall County Horsemen’s Association and Southern Championship Charity shows. With only one show ring performance this season, the reserve award went to the ever popular team of Dr. W.H. Hill and Cash’s All Star. Together they walked their way to the blue ribbon honors in the Owner-Amateur 70 & Over World Championship class under the direction of Carl Edwards & Sons Stables.
The Amateur Specialty Horse of the Year was Jazzed Up, owned by Bramlett and Wilson. Under the direction of Allan Callaway Stables, Brenda Bramlett captured the Owner-Amateur Specialty World Grand Championship, while John Allan Callaway directed Jazzed Up to the Five & Over Open Specialty, Section A World Championship. Other season blues for Bramlett came at the Money Tree Classic and Marshall County Horsemen’s Association shows. The Reserve Amateur Specialty award was captured by Command & Control, owned by Crawford Colts. Sheryl Crawford directed Command & Control to the reserve finish in the Owner-Amateur Specialty World Grand Championship class at the Celebration, as well as other blue ribbon honors at the Warren County, P.C. Splash, Red Carpet Show of the South, Al Miller Memorial and Delta Fall Classic.
The Amateur Canter Horse of the Year went to Roll The Gold, owned by Warr Development. Spud Warr rode Roll The Gold under the Chad Williams Stables banner, to the Owner-Amateur Canter World Grand Championship. Together the pair also placed reserve in the Owner-Amateur Five & Over Stallions (Canter) World Championship, as well as a previous season win at the Red Carpet Show of the South. Enrique Enrique was awarded with the reserve honor. Under the Carl Edwards & Sons Stables banner, Enrique Enrique earned four blue ribbon victory passes in four outings in the 2009 season for proud owners Lawrence and Hutto. Victories were captured at the Billie Lane King Cotton Charity, Money Tree Classic, Georgia Ladies Auxiliary Festival and Southern Championships with Bob Lawrence in the irons.
The Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding Horse of the Year was received by Terror On The Border, another Carl Edwards & Sons trained contender. Owned by Wink and Nancy Groover, Nancy directed Terror On The Border to the Owner-Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings Section B World Championship as well as to a victory at the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary and Woodbury Lions Club shows. Awarded with the reserve honor was Showboat’s Heartstopper for Lisa Evan. Showboat’s Heartstopper was directed to six amateur blue ribbon victories including the world championship victory in the Owner-Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings, Section A class.
The Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion Horse of the Year was Nine Yard Blitz, owned by Tim and Laura Cochran. Laura claimed both the Owner-Amateur Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship aboard Nine Yard Blitz as well as the Owner-Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallions, Section A World Championship under the Mickey McCormick Stables banner. The duo also claimed at the Gulf Coast Charity, P.C. Splash and Southern Championship Charity this season. Sky Miles was awarded with the reserve honor for the Mike Chiappari family. Under the Joe Martin Stables banner, Sky Miles earned the Owner-Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallions, Section B World Championship as well as victories at the Grinder’s Switch, Columbia Spring Jubilee and Red Carpet Show of the South shows.
The Four-Year-Old Mare Horse of the Year went to A Major In Business, owned by Leon and Clara Jean Forrester. Jimmy McConnell rode A Major In Business to the Four-Year-Old Mare Canter World Championship under the Formac Stables banner. The team also walked away with blue ribbon honors earlier in the season at the Savannah Lions Club show. Awarded with the reserve honor was Lorena Ochoa, owned by Jimbo Conner. Justin Jenne’ directed the young talent to winning rides at the Performance International Grand Championships and Delta Fall Classic to finish the year off strong, along with their reserve placing in the Four-Year-Old Mares Canter World Championship class.
The Four-Year-Old Gelding Horse of the Year was The Lineman. Chad Williams was in the saddle for wins aboard The Lineman at the Petersburg Lions Club, National Trainers’ Show, Bedford FFA, P.C. Splash, as well as the Four-Year-Old Geldings Canter World Championship. Following that world championship ride, Jeff Smith added The Lineman to his show string. Since then, the new team rounded out their season two-for-two at the Camps Kemo and Carolina Classic Benefit shows. Walking away with the reserve honors was Hytone On Line who was directed to top ribbons at the Crossroads of Dixie, Adamsville and North Carolina State Fair as well as reserve in the Four-Year-Old Geldings Canter World Championship class by Jerry Collier. Hytone On Line is owned by Black Fence Farms.
The Four-Year-Old Stallion Horse of the Year was Lined Walkin’ who closed up his undefeated 2009 season with the Four-Year-Old World Grand Championship with Justin Harris in the irons. Together the team as walked their way to top honors at the Gulf Coast Charity, Liberty Lions Club and Dickson County shows, as well as the Four-Year-Old Stallions Canter World Championship class, for then owners the Joey Tidwell family. As the year came to a close, the gorgeous gray stallion was selected by Andrew Waites to be added to his great show string. The reserve honors were captured by He’s The Whole Shabang, owned by Roger and Rebecca Emerick. Greg Bryant captured four of the five blue ribbon awards aboard He’s The Whole Shabang with Russ Thompson claiming the fifth. Most honors were awarded in the Open Stake division on the California show circuit, but Bryant did direct the talented four-year-old to the blue ribbon honors at the Western State Celebration in the Four-Year-Old Open class to close out their season.
The Amateur Park Pleasure Horse of the Year was Tijuana Tex, owned by Gladney Farms. Brothers Dr. John and Darden Gladney shared saddle time all season long to direct Tijuana Tex to 10 top honors throughout the season, but it was Darden in the irons who walked away with the Owner-Amateur Park Pleasure World Grand Championship and Owner-Amateur 50 & Over Park Pleasure World Championship. The other blue ribbons came at the Marshall Lions Club, Texas National Showdown, Texas Spring Classic, Winnsboro Charity and Pleasure & Colt International Grand Championships. Santana’s Coin, owned by Landrum and McNeely, earned the reserve honors. Santana’s Coin claimed two Celebration titles with two different riders. It was Wallace Brandon once again directed Santana’s Coin to the Park Pleasure Driving World Championship. David Landrum did the honors to win the Park Pleasure Five & Over Mares & Geldings World Championship. Other 2009 season blues were captured by John McNeely and Lindsey Landrum at the Mississippi Charity and P.C. Splash shows.
The Professional Park Pleasure Horse of the Year honors went to the popular Sam Whiskey, owned by the Arthur Gordon family and trained by Russ Thompson Stables. Jamey Thompson was in the irons on each of the five show ring appearances for this talented horse who resulted in five blue ribbon victory passes making him undefeated for the season. Together the team walked their way under the spotlight in the Park Pleasure World Grand Championship and also topped the competition in the Five & Over Park Pleasure Stallions World Championship class. The pair’s three other victories came at the California Celebration and Western States Celebration. The popular horse Santana’s Coin also captured the reserve honors in the Professional Park Pleasure category for proud owners McNeely and Landrum.
The Amateur Park Performance Horse of the Year category resulted in not only a two-way tie for the first place honors, but also the season place award. Capturing the first place title was both All American Ritz and The Concealed Weapon. All American Ritz, owned by Cynthia Wright, was directed all season by her daughter Marian Wright. Together the team earned the Owner-Amateur Park Performance Mares & Geldings World Championship, as well has top honors at the Savannah Lions Club and Adamsville shows. The Concealed Weapon, owned by Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch, had Patti Pollack in the irons for top performances at the Spring Fun Show, Tony Rice Center and Red Carpet Show of the South. Reserve in the Amateur Park Performance category went to both Gold Danger and High Fashion Statement. Gold Danger, owned by Becky Gilmer, was directed by Gilmer to the Owner-Amateur Park Performance Stallions World Championship. High Fashion Statement, owned by Pat and Jamie Gardner had Jamie taking over the reins from trainer Patrick Thomas late in the season to capture victories at the North Carolina Championships and Delta Fall Classic shows.
The Professional Park Performance Horse of the Year honors went to High Fashion Statement. Patrick Thomas directed High Fashion Statement to the Park Performance World Grand Championship as well as a reserve placing in the Five & Over Park Performance World Championship class. The pair also topped the competition at the Germantown Charity and Woodbury Lions Club shows. Placing reserve in the category was San Juan for proud owners Eric and Diane Lackey. San Juan accumulated seven blue ribbon honors for the 2009 season in both open and amateur competition. David Landrum directed San Juan to his open division blue ribbon honors at the Lady Azules Soccer Show, National Trainers’ Show, Cornersville Lions Club and North Carolina Championships.
Another Warr Development owned entry, Be Cool was named the Amateur Show Pleasure Horse of the Year. Be Cool finished off his undefeated season by capturing the Owner-Amateur Show Pleasure World Grand Championship with Spud Warr in the irons. Together the team also captured the Owner-Amateur Gentlemen Show Pleasure World Championship as well as a blue ribbon victory at the Marshall County Horsemen’s Association show. Coin’s Black Stroke picked up the reserve placing for owner Reginald Pimentel. Jean O’Brien was in the irons aboard this talented black stallion to earn the Owner-Amateur Ladies Show Pleasure, Section B World Championship. O’Brien and Coin’s Black Stroke also have other 2009 blue ribbons from the National Trainers’ Show and Jackson County show.
Topping the Professional Show Pleasure category was Absolutely Flawless for Jim and Judy Leek. John Allan Callaway was in the irons to claim to honors at the Money Tree Classic as well as a reserve finish at the Crossroads of Dixie show. The popular white stallion, Stewart Little, owned by Red and Dot Strickland captured the reserve position. Brandon Stout directed Stewart Little to the top honor at the Red Carpet Show of the South as well as the reserve placing in the Show Pleasure Stallions World Championship class.
The Juvenile 11 & Under Horse of the Year was Moonstruck Dollar, owned by Brenda Little and Lake Weaver. The team of Weaver and Moonstruck Dollar proved to be an unstoppable team in the 2009 season. The pair not only earned blue ribbon recognition at the Children’s Miracle Network, Spring Fun Show, Tony Rice Center and Red Carpet Show of the South, but they also captured the Owner-Amateur Youth 11 & Under World Grand Championship and Owner-Amateur Youth 11 & Under Mares World Championship. This team was prepared for competition by the Joe Fleming Stables. Named reserve in the category was Major Player, owned by the Darrell Oliver family. Young Nathan Oliver and Major Player had a phenomenal season with victories occurring at the Columbia Spring Jubilee, Money Tree Classic, Marshall County Horsemen’s Association, and Performance International Grand Championships. Sadly Major Player passed away in October of this year, right after his last victory. Also, at the end of October, Nathan underwent heart surgery to correct a birth defect that was discovered when he was only three weeks old. Happily Nathan has made a fabulous recovery and is looking forward to riding again real soon.
The Juvenile 12-17 Horse of the Year went to FDR, owned by the Rick Nesius family. Under the direction of Bud Dunn & Sons Stables, Nesius and FDR claimed the Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Mares & Geldings World Grand Championship as well as the Owner-Amateur Youth 15-17 Mares & Geldings World Championship. Other season highlights for this popular team occurred at the Money Tree Classic, P.C. Splash, Wartrace and South Alabama Charity shows. Reserve in the Juvenile 12-17 category was The American General, owned by the Dan McSwain family. Maisie McSwain and the American General only made two show ring appearances together as a team, but they resulted in a reserve finish in the Owner-Amateur Youth 15-17 Mares & Geldings World Championship and a three place award in the Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Mares & Geldings World Grand Championship.
The 15.2 & Under Amateur Mare or Gelding Horse of the Year was Gen’s Color Me In, owned by Lisa Baum. Baum and Gen’s Color Me In are a popular team in the 15.2 & Under Amateur competition. 2009 has been a terrific season for the duo with wins at the Columbia Spring Jubilee and Marshall County Horsemen’s Association shows, and of course, at the Celebration in the Owner-Amateur 15.2 & Under Mares & Geldings World Championship. Reserve honors came as a tie between My First Dollar and Cheatin’ Danger. My First Dollar, owned by Don and George-Ann Pratt, had an undefeated season with George-Ann with wins occurring at the Celebration, Red Carpet Show of the South, Woodbury Lions Club and Columbia Spring Jubilee shows. Cheatin’ Danger, owned by Trish Harrison captured top placing ribbons at the Money Tree Classic and Red Carpet Show of the South this season.
The 15.2 & Under Amateur Stallion of the Year was Shock Jock, owned by Dr. Michael and Becky Coleman. Becky and Shock Jock claimed the Owner-Amateur 15.2 & Under Stallions World Championship as well as wins at the Lady Azules Soccer, Dickson County and Alabama Jubilee under the direction of the Mickey McCormick Stables. Another tie came in the 15.2 & Under Amateur Stallion Horse of the Year category, this time between Don Julio and Rocky Mountain Sky. Don Julio, owned by Tim Napier, had a fabulous season with Alie Napier in the irons. Together the team earned blue ribbon honors at the Gulf Coast Charity, Spring Fun Show and Performance International Grand Championships, as well as a strong reserve finish in the Owner-Amateur 15.2 & Under World Grand Championship. Rocky Mountain Sky, owned by Don and Lucky Collins, captured the Owner-Amateur 15.2 & Under World Grand Championship, with other top finishing performances at the Children’s Miracle Network, National Trainers’ Show, Tony Rice Center, P.C. Splash and Delta Fall Classic.
The 15.2 & Under Mare Horse of the Year was Miss Hosanna, previously owned by the Hawkersmith family and recently purchased by Deborah Williams to campaigned in 2010 in the amateur division. Miss Hosanna and Larry Edwards had an undefeated season and were crowned 15.2 & Under Mares Canter World Champions at the 2009 Celebration. The top team earned their other three blue ribbons at the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary, Warren County and Georgia Ladies Auxiliary Festival. Reserve in the class went to My First Dollar for Don and George-Ann Pratt.
The 15.2 & Under Gelding Horse of the Year was He’s Dr. Cash, owned by Larry and Farrah McAlexander. Jimmy McConnell directed He’s Dr. Cash to the 15.2 & Under Canter World Grand Championship and a strong reserve finish in the 15.2 & Under Geldings Canter World Championship class. Reserve in the category went to The Prime Suspect for Brian and Candra Carroll. Chad Williams directed The Prime Suspect to winning performances at the Alabama Jubilee and Bedford FFA shows, but it was Aaron Self who was in the irons to top the Youth Trainers’ 35 & Under Mares & Geldings World Championship title.
The 15.2 & Under Stallion Horse of the Year was More Of The Major, owned by Jim and Judy Leek and under the direction of Allan Callaway Stables. John Allan Callaway navigated an impressive season the Young Trainers 35 & Under 15.2 & Under World Champion. Other top performances for the season occurred at the Bedford County 4-H Spring Festival, Lady Azules Soccer and Crossroads of Dixie shows. Reserve honors came as a two-way tie between Private Charter and Ozone’s Cut Above All. Private Charter, owned by Eva Eddleman, was directed by Knox Blackburn to five top performances including the 15.2 & Under Stallions Canter World Championship. The other four blue ribbon honors were captured at the Lady Azules Soccer, Columbia Spring Jubilee, Performance International Grand Championships and Alabama Jubilee. Ozone’s Cut Above All, owned by Mark & Sharon Thomas, and John Allan Callaway earned victory passes at the Bedford County 4-H Spring Festival, Woodbury Lions Club and Alabama Jubilee, as well as a reserve finish in the Walking Horse Championship at the Performance International Grand Championships.
The One Night Horse Show of the Year in 2009 was the Money Tree, for the third year in a row. Put on by the Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary, it was held July 2nd at the Bedford County Ag. Center in Shelbyville, Tenn. This year the Auxiliary had a great show with a total of 273 entries. Reserve honors in this category went to the Marshall County Horsemen’s Association Horse Show in Lewisburg, Tenn. Held July 24th, the show saw a huge crowd of spectators come out to enjoy the show and cheer on the competitors.
The Multi-Night Horse Show of the Year, excluding the Trainers’ Show and the Celebration, was the Delta Fall Classic. Held at the Paul Battle Jr. Arena in Tunica, Miss., the Delta Fall Classic has a lot to offer for the exhibitors and spectators in addition to the prestigious horse show. The voting for this award was done even before the 2009 edition of the Delta Fall Classic took place. This year, an impressive 587 entries showed during the three-day show. A two-way tie occurred for the reserve placing in the Multi-Night Horse Show of the Year category between the Columbia Spring Jubilee and Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show. The Columbia Spring Jubilee took place on May 29th in Columbia, Tenn., and amassed total of over 320 entries. The Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show was held in Panama City, Fla., and is always an event that draws many spectators, as well as top contenders, to enjoy the beautiful Florida beaches and entertainment.
The 15.2 & Over Mare Horse of the Year was the popular A Victoria Secret. A Victoria Secret was campaigned again this year by Gary Edwards. Edwards directed the talented mare to the 15.2 & Over, Five & Over Mares Canter World Championship. Other season victories came at the Walton County, Billie Lane King Cotton, Tony Rice Center and Southern Championships for the winning pair. During the Celebration, following her Aged Mare World Championship, A Victoria Secret was purchased by the Dan and Keith McSwain families to compete with the big boys in the World Grand Championship where she showed just how tough she was capturing the reserve honors. Walking away with the reserve honors was Ms. Jose’ Walks who was directed to top ribbons at the Gulf Coast Charity, Red Carpet Show of the South and Southern Championships as well as reserve in the 15.2 & Over, Five & Over Mares Canter World Championship class by Charlie Green. Ms. Jose’ Walks is owned by Sister Milligan.
The 15.2 & Over Gelding Horse of the Year was won by Busting Special, owned by Molly Walters. When Taylor Walters is not showing Busting Special in youth competition, Jimmy McConnell takes the reins for 15.2 & Over Gelding competition. This year at the Celebration, McConnell claimed the 15.2 & Over, Five & Over Gelding Canter World Championship. The pair had other successful blue ribbon performances at the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Germantown Charity and Marshall County Horsemen’s Association. The Reserve 15.2 & Over Gelding award was captured by Bold Vengeance, owned by Judy McDonald. Rodney Dick directed Bold Vengeance to the reserve finish in the 15.2 & Over, Five & Over Gelding Canter World Championship, while regular rider Heather Beard was off on maternity leave.
The 15.2 & Over Stallion Horse of the Year was Watch It Now (W.I.N.), owned by Waterfall Farms, and the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion. Under the direction of the Formac Stables, Watch It Now and McConnell had made only one previous show ring performance before coming to the Celebration which resulted in a victory at the Brownsville/Haywood County show. The team then placed a strong reserve in the A section of the 15.2 & Over, Five & Over Stallions Canter World Championship class, which is turn accumulated the crowd’s support behind them. This World Grand Championships win with Watch It Now marked the third World Grand Championship for McConnell in five years. Gracious owners Bill and Sandra Johnson showcased the world grand champion in many venues, including the Performance International, Asheville, Middle Tennessee State University Homecoming and the University of Tennessee Homecoming, where the team of McConnell and Watch it Now brought down the house. The popular team of The Golden Sovereign and David Landrum picked up the reserve honor. Together they earned the reserve finish in the B section of the 15.2& Over, Five & Over Stallions Canter World Championship. They had other top placings throughout the season at the Mississippi Charity and National Trainers’ Show, as well as a strong reserve honor at the North Carolina Championships.