by Linda Scrivner
MANCHESTER, Tenn. – The 52nd annual Manchester Lions Club Horse Show was held at the Coffee County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 5, 2007. With threatening skies, the show went off without a hitch with Dick Myers of Shelbyville, Tenn., judging the 226 entries at this year’s event.
Nine entries appeared for the gate call of the final class of the evening, and the one walking away as the Manchester Lions Club Grand Champion was no stranger to the winner’s circle. I’m Packin’ A Pistol and Jeff Hatcher made the final lap for Charlene Gibson. This was the team’s fourth 2007 stake victory. Following the Trainers’ Show Grand Championship, he previously won both the Upper Cumberland and Fairview Lion’s Club championships.
Capturing the reserve spot was Knox Blackburn aboard Will E Walk for Harry and Trudy York. Third went to another outstanding team: Joel Weaver and World Grand Champion Generator’s Champion. This Brett and Lisa Jones owned chestnut stallion was the 2007 Mississippi Charity Grand Champion.
Many of the top stables brought talented horses to Manchester. Scott Beaty Stables and Mickey McCormick Stables won two blues each to top the blue ribbon tally. The remaining blues were won by Knox Blackburn Stables, Tex Dillingham, Steve Dunn Stables, Finish Line Farm, Jeff Givens Stables, Charlie Green Stables, Jeff Hatcher Stables, Bobby Hughes Stables, Torey Jacobs, Justin Jenne’ Stables, Joe Martin Stables, Robert Nelms Training Facility, Hal Newman Stables, Roger Richards, Frankie Roark Stables, Dickie Scrivner of Tan View Stables, Tim Smith Stables, Joel Weaver of Rising Star Ranch, Chad Williams Stables and Jerry Williams Stables.
The Yearling Fillies class was the first class to enter the ring. Pat Head Summitt and Amanda Winters made the walk to the winner’s circle for Roger Richards. Pat Head Summitt previously claimed blues at the Trainers’ show, Mississippi Charity and Gulf Coast Charity this season. Stonecutter’s Royal Gem and Robert Nelms picked up reserve for Brian and Kathy Velasquez.
World champion and current reserve world grand champion Kathy Owen and Commanding Dakota captured the Lite-Shod Plantation Pleasure Specialty class for the second year consecutively at Manchester under the guidance of Dickie Scrivner. Double Springs Farm proudly owns Commanding Dakota. Trainers’ Show Champion Williwalkin’ and Nicole Kakassy were reserve for Sharon Higginbotham.
The Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class with 10 entries welcomed Joy Of Jose and Justin Jenne’ to the winner’s circle for Gene Carbine. They also claimed the same class earlier this season at the National Trainers’ Show. The Archie Brooks entry Armed Gentle Lady and Jerry Beaty earned the reserve.
The Yearling Colts class was called to the ring next. Famous Phil and Robert Nelms caught the eye of the judge for the blue. Lisa Washburn owns this entry that won 2007 blues at the National Trainers’ Show and the Gulf Coast Charity. Command’s Jackman Blues and Ashley Womack were reserve for Bobby and Debbie Goff.
Jack McCormick took the next victory pass aboard his reserve world champion Silver Dollar Exclusive in the 17-entry Country Pleasure class under the guidance of Scott Beaty Stables. Doc’s Taking Charge and Laura Brandon were reserve.
The 10-entry James Corlew Chevrolet WHTA Riders’ Cup Two-Year-Old Stallions class was called into the ring next as the huge crowd hugged the rail for a better view. Chad Williams and Barbados received the top honors for Don and Lucky Collins. Lucky Collins directed this colt to the blue at the Trainers’ Show in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallions earlier this year. Pavarotti and Winky Groover captured the reserve for Larry Lowman.
Current reserve world champion Pzazz Marks and Tim Smith made it to the winner’s circle once again in the Park Performance Specialty class. Beverly McNeill owns this entry who has accumulated 2007 blues at Cullman, American Red Cross Show and Reeltown, Ala. She’s Perfect In Black and Susan Swaner took home the red ribbon for Mr. and Mrs. Albert Swaner.
Robert Cortner and A Fire In Dixie made a blue ribbon debut in the Youth 11 and Under class for the Cortner family under the Joe Martin Stables banner. Summer Passion and Stratton Weaver made a strong reserve performance for Brett and Lisa Jones.
Sixteen top entries made the gate call in the Amateur Specialty class. Outrageous Attitude and Rhonda Cole captured the blue for Thomas Holton under the guidance of Frankie Roark. Reserve in this top class went to Bar Code and Joe Christmas.
JFK’s Shining Moment and Charlie Green took home the blue in the 12-entry Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Bob Cherry. Lady’s Cashin In and Scott Beaty were reserve for Darrell Frazier.
Sweetwater Lions Club Champions Irish American’s Armed DS and Tex Dillingham remain undefeated this season for owners Powell, Moore and Redman. They added the Park Pleasure Two and Three-Year-Old title to their resume.
Freak Control and Jim Baum received top honors in the Amateur Two-Year-Old class in their debut performance. Freak Control is owned by Dr. Jim Baum and trained by Bobby Hugh. Reserve was awarded to Gen’s Vendetta and Laurel Roberts for MP Research & Rehab.
Next to enter the ring was the Hartland Farm WHTA Riders’ Cup Four-Year-Old class. Reserve World Champion Sanatone and Scott Beaty enjoyed the win in this competitive class for Darrell Frazier. This was their 2007 debut. Making a strong reserve ride was Catcher In The Act and Charlie Green for Bob and Luanne Sigman.
Lacy Neal rode her Pushin Jose to the blue in the Youth 12-17 Specialty class under the Finish Line Farms banner. FDR and Amy Nesius happily accepted reserve for the Rick Nesius family.
Sixteen eager riders entered the ring for the Show Pleasure class. Feel The Touch and Jerry Williams rode to the winner’s circle for Cathy Mercer. BMF and Jeff Green were reserve for Judy Shapiro.
Pushover’s Dreamaker and Jacob Kelley made a polished show to win the WHOA Youth Challenge Canter class. Last year he won six blues in the TWHBEA Youth Medallion class for owner Linda Atkinson. Reserve in the class was Jacob Baum and All Time Favorite Dude for Dr. Jim Baum.
The Amateur Ladies Specialty found talented entries making the gate call. Suzy Johnson and her 2007 Mississippi Charity dual blue ribbon winner Kamikaze made the winning ride under the Mickey McCormick Stables banner. Renee Carlton rode Dumas to the reserve tie for the Keith Carlton family and trainer Steve Dunn.
The Park Pleasure class featured top quality entries. Judge’s Red Alert and Jeff Givens finished in the top spot for Ralph and Elaine Pinner. This was his 2007 debut after winning eight 2006 blues. Finishing in the reserve spot were Sunfire Phoenix and Jeff Hatcher for Morna Conway.
In the 14-entry Waterfall Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Stallions class Bill Bobo rode Cadillac By Ritz to the blue for the BGS Group in his 2007 debut. Reserve in this talented class went to Quarterback Laser and Ronnie Campbell for Madison House Farm.
Joseph Guthrie rode Pride’s Generizer to the blue in the Amateur On Novice Horses Specialty class for the Thurman Guthrie family and trainer Hal Newman. Lynn Womack and Demand’s Design were reserve for Mark West.
Owner Michael and Becky Coleman had not seen trainer Mickey McCormick show their current world grand champion since he was a two-year-old. They were afforded this chance as McCormick directed Shock Jock to the blue in the 10-entry15.2 and Under Specialty class. Shock Jock has amassed an incredible resume with Becky Coleman in the irons. The All American Jazz and Jeff Willis captured the reserve for Jimmy Reece.
Here Comes Tootsie and Barbara Corbett made an outstanding performance to capture the blue in the Amateur Three-Year-Old class for Ridgemont Farms. Joel Weaver prepares this team for the show ring. White Chick and Tex Dillingham made each pass count for reserve for Avery Smith.
The Five and Over Mares and Geldings class had nine entries make it into the ring. Knox Blackburn rode Ritzey Zone to the winner’s circle for the Anthony Joseph family. Bill Bobo and Brigand were reserve for George Brown.
Riding to the blue in the 13-entry Amateur Four-Year-Old class was Mike Inman aboard current National Futurity Champion All In for Mike and Karen Inman. Steve Dunn does the training duties. Motown’s Boss Man and Linda Garnes walked to the reserve honors for Richlin Farms.
Complete results follow and may be viewed, searched and printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com. Also, check out this horse show’s impact on High Point Report and WHTA Riders’ Cup standings.