by Andrea L. Patterson

Posted February 22, 2002

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. - The Heart of America Walking Horse Association held its 2001 high point awards banquet February 9, 2002, at the Lake of the Ozarks, located in central Missouri. The Inn of the Grand Glaize has been the hotel location many years, providing an expansive view of the lake and only an excited heartbeat away from the large factory outlet mall. The Association takes advantage of this event by conducting a Board of Directors meeting and a general membership meeting, including the nomination and election of officers. There was no contest to the nominating committee’s recommendations for 2002 HAWHA officers. Ted Nichols, a knowledgeable, long-time member of the Association, has been elected to the office of President. Ed Swaringim has taken the position of Vice-President, and his lovely wife, Darlene Swaringim, will undertake the demanding office of secretary. Anita Hopper will be the treasurer, and was commended for her hard work on the excellent quality of the HAWHA Futurity book.

Mary Lee Campbell and her family collected the highest number of high point honors, including High Point Performance Horse of the Year with Eclectic. Eclectic is frequently shown by Brian Nichols, and this team also swept the Amateur Open, Men’s Amateur, and Amateur Stake divisions. Glenda Nichols and her mount, Dixie Jubilee, have won countless blues in the show ring, as well as high point achievements. Glenda and Dixie topped the Amateur Specialty, Ladies’ Amateur Specialty, Amateur Owned & Trained Specialty, and the Amateur Specialty Stake categories. Following in this family’s tradition, the youngest member of the family, Brad Nichols, was a formidable competitor in the juvenile ranks with Coin’s Smooth Operator. This team dominated the Juvenile 12-17 Specialty, the Juvenile 17 & Under Specialty, and the Juvenile Specialty Stake.

The Huffman Family Stables was another successful winner, carrying home eight high point wins. Victory Colors was announced as the HAWHA Futurity Yearling winner. Hydro-Generator and Kristen Huffman earned high point honors in the Two-Year-Old Amateur, Two-Year-Old Open, and Two-Year-Old Stallions. Zahn Morrison and President’s Moondancer celebrated their successful show season by winning the Juvenile 11 & Under Specialty. Thorncrest’s Cat-Man-Do was one of the most talked about horses in the show ring in 2001. “Cat” picked up high point trophies in the HAWHA Futurity Three-Year-Old, Three-Year-Old Amateur, and the Three-Year-Old Stake for owners Ron Boyer and Karen McKinnis. Due in large part to the success of Thorncrest’s Cat-Man-Do, Ron and Karen were also presented with the honor of Sire of the Year for Estee’s Mr. Wonderful.

Whispering Pines Stables took their share in the plantation and lite-shod divisions. The biggest winner trained by Sandra Huffman was Ironman’s Mr. Mack, owned by Dana Douglass and Geri Stewart. Ironman’s Mr. Mack was a force to be reckoned with in 2001, sweeping the HAWHA Futurity Two-Year-Old Plantation Specialty, Four-Year-Old & Under Plantation Specialty, Three-Year-Old & Under Plantation Specialty, and Amateur Plantation 18 & Over Specialty categories. Dancer’s Shadow Lady and Sandra Huffman were hard to beat, and they won the HAWHA Three-Year-Old & Under Lite-Shod and the Open Three-Year-Old & Under Lite-Shod. Pusher’s Libby is the three-gait horse of this stable, tying for first in the Western Plantation Three-Gait and the Plantation Three-Gait Stake.

Steve Skopec also proved his talents with his plantation and lite-shod horses, taking a good number of categories. Gypsy Lane Dusty Maid won the Amateur Owned & Trained Plantation Specialty, Amateur Plantation Two-Gait, 50 & Over Plantation Pleasure Two-Gait, Plantation Pleasure Two-Gait, Amateur Plantation 18 & Over Two-Gait, and the High Point Plantation Horse of the Year. Lisa Beninati enjoyed the success of Lady Of Crime RW, which won the Lite-Shod Two-Gait high point award.

His winning streak knows no end. Pride’s Lucky Break is another horse that always seems to be in the money, if not the winner’s circle. Bill and Shirley Lotridge own this lovable horse and won the Costume Class, Amateur Lite-Shod Two-Gait, Amateur Owned & Trained Lite-Shod Two-Gait, Lite-Shod Three Gait, Lite-Shod Two-Gait Stake, and the Lite-Shod Three-Gait Stake.

Jerry Manes Stables was the recipient of six high point honors. Jerry presented Score’s Moonshiner as the winning entry in 2001 of the Open Yearling category. The owners of this yearling, Robert and Katherine Gubbe, also won the HAWHA Futurity Weanling with Major Expense. The Aged Mares & Geldings high point winner was Dark Spirit’s Absolute for owners Jim, Sherry, and Shelby Hill. Excite Me was the Two-Year-Old Mares & Geldings champion for the Hills also. Jerra and Larren Williams were pleased with Dixie To Motown’s win in the Four-Year-Old Specialty. Rosalie Jones and Marvelene Kusewitt found success with My Horse Showtime. They were the high point champs in the Juvenile Lite-Shod 17 & Under, Lite-Shod Western Two-Gait, and Plantation Western Two-Gait.

Don Bills Stables had five high point victories to its credit. Skyman was the Three-Year-Old Open champion for owner Lin Davis. The Amateur Show Pleasure was won by Mark The Time, owned by Ed and Darlene Swaringim. Carroll and Virginia Counts picked up the Men’s Plantation Two-Gait division with Choice Cut. The blue ribbon style continues for JoAnn LeNeve and Distinguished Pride, as they dominate the 15.2 & Under Amateur Specialty. Abby Gonz was the winner of the Novice Amateur Specialty division with Movin’ On Up.

Spirit & Silver was Hickman Stables’ big winner, claiming the Aged Stallions and Championship Stake classes for Dr. Lynn and Lynda Bridwell. The Bridwells also own The Major Major, which was victorious in the Three-Year-Old Stallions. Pam Witthofft was pleased with her two mounts. Promise Me Gold was the high point champion in the Show Pleasure Open Specialty, and The Major Gator was the winner of the 50 & Over Amateur Specialty.

Sue Halverson’s trip from Iowa proved fruitful, as she and her brother, Bruce Bowers, won four divisions. Sue and Fashion’s Magic Princess tied for first in the Western Plantation Three-Gait. The showy Magic Fashion’s Shadow bested the competition in the Plantation Pleasure Two-Gait Stake, under the direction of Sue. Bruce and Market’s Hot Rod B easily won the Lite-Shod Amateur Three-Gait and Western Lite-Shod Three-Gait.

The Patterson Family has been very pleased with the success of The Master Copy. Under the direction of Paul Patterson, this stylish roan won the Amateur Plantation Three-Gait, Plantation Open Three-Gait, and the Plantation Three-Gait Stake.

Curt Caldwell Stables always presents high-quality horses in the show ring. Spun’s Inspiration had an excellent show season, with high point honors in the Four-Year-Old & Under Open Specialty and Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty for owners Matt and Lisa McWilliams. The impressive Scores & Highlights was the Open Specialty champion for Mike and Julie Patterson.

Mike Maack Stables had three high point champions. Outworlder and Tabitha Richards enjoyed a smooth show season and won the 15.2 & Under Open. Carol Middleton and Miss Harley were consistent with their wins, taking the Three-Year-Old Mares & Geldings. Bruce Chrisco and Bill Gorges were thrilled with Pride’s Midnight Holiday winning the Open Walking Horse.

Winning dual high point honors, Rocky Ridge Stables’ fine entry of Crown Of Splendor won the 50 & Over Plantation Specialty and tied for first in the Park Pleasure Specialty.

Tom and Gerry Burton happily posed to accept the Trainers’ Family Class trophy for Main Performance. Tough to beat, Jill Wait and Stormy’s Applejack were the Ladies’ Amateur winners. Ken Taylor Stables’ bright star of the evening was Sun Dust With Attitude. This exceptional two-year-old won the HAWHA Futurity Two-Year-Old and Two-Year-Old Stake for owners Clifford and Shirley Sapp.

Robert and Katherine Gubbe know their colts, as evidenced by Major Expense taking the HAWHA Futurity Weanling and Score’s Moonshiner winning the Open Yearling.

The Jim King Family’s entry of Caretaker’s Image was another 2001 consistent winner, taking the Ladies’ Plantation Two-Gait and tying for first in the Park Pleasure Specialty.

Single high point winners were Truman Volkart and The Juice in the Men’s Amateur Specialty, Command With Pride in the Park Pleasure Two-Gait for Mae Nettleship, Fred Teter and Ebony Lady’s Spike in the HAWHA Futurity Three-Year-Old Plantation, Taylor Teaford and She’s Pushin’ TNT in Leadline, Sundrop’s Solar Flaire in the Open Weanling for Dennis and Susan Hills, The Lady Derringer in the Juvenile Plantation 17 & Under for Richard and Sarah Mitch, Travis Wieberg and Memory Of Shadow in the Juvenile Lite-Shod 17 & Under, He’s Blowing Cash for Anita Howe in the Juvenile Lite-Shod 17 & Under, and Arrowhead Stable’s Model Champion, The Rhapsodic Performer.

LEADLINE
1. SHE’S PUSHIN’ TNT, Jay/Cheri Teaford
2. JOHN DEERE, Clamp/McCall

WEANLING
1. SUNDROP’S SOLAR FLAIR, Dennis/Susan Hills
2. MAJOR EXPENSE, Robert/Katherine Gubbe

HAWHA FUTURITY WEANLING
1. MAJOR EXPENSE, Robert/Katherine Gubbe
2. SUNDROP’S SOLAR FLAIR, Dennis/Susan Hills

HAWHA FUTURITY YEARLING
1. VICTORY COLORS, Jim Huffman
2. DREAM’S LEGACY, R D McCoy
2. SCORE’S MOONSHINER, Robert/Katherine Gubbe

YEARLING
1. SCORE’S MOONSHINER, Robert/Katherine Gubbe
2. HOOCHIE COOCHIE GIRL, Fred/Nancy Teter
3. STYLING & PROFILING, Sarah Manes

TWO-YEAR-OLD AMATEUR
1. HYDRO-GENERATOR, Jim Huffman
2. CASH IS GOOD, Jim Huffman

TWO-YEAR-OLD
1. HYDRO-GENERATOR, Jim Huffman
2. SUN DUST WITH ATTITUDE, M/M Clifford Sapp

TWO-YEAR-OLD STALLIONS
1. HYDRO-GENERATOR, Jim Huffman
2. ANOTHER SHAKER SPECIAL, Harold Smith
2. SHINEY’S POWERFUL THREAT, Harold Heiney

TWO-YEAR-OLD MARES/GELDINGS
1. EXCITE ME, Jim/Sherry Hill
2. DANGEROUSLY DAZZLING, John Alford
2. TALK IS CHEAP, Don LeNeve

HAWHA FUTURITY TWO-YEAR-OLD PLANTATION PLEASURE
1. IRONMAN’S MR MACK, Douglass/Stewart
2. WILLIE WIRED HAND, Steve/Karen Skopec

HAWHA FUTURITY TWO-YEAR-OLD
1. SUN DUST WITH ATTITUDE, M/M Clifford Sapp
2. CASH IS GOOD, Jim Huffman

TWO-YEAR-OLD STAKE
1. SUN DUST WITH ATTITUDE, M/M Clifford Sapp
2. HYDRO-GENERATOR, Jim Huffman
2. CASH IS GOOD, Jim Huffman

THREE-YEAR-OLD MARES/GELDINGS
1. MISS HARLEY, Carol Middleton
2. SPUN’S PRECIOUS JEWEL, Carroll/Virginia Counts
2. SUN DUST’S JUBILEE, M/M Clifford Sapp
2. THE MOVIE STAR, Roger Campbell

THREE-YEAR-OLD STAKE
1. THORNCREST’S CAT-MAN-DO, Ron Boyer/Karen McKinnis
2. THE MAJOR MAJOR, Lynn/Linda Bridwell

THREE-YEAR-OLD OPEN
1. SKYMAN, Lin Davis
2. THORNCREST’S CAT-MAN-DO, Ron Boyer/Karen McKinnis

THREE-YEAR-OLD AMATEUR
1. THORNCREST’S CAT-MAN-DO, Ron Boyer/Karen McKinnis
2. MISS HARLEY, Carol Middleton

THREE-YEAR-OLD STALLIONS
1. THE MAJOR MAJOR, Lynn/Linda Bridwell
2. ABSOLUTELY SPUN GOLD, Matt McWilliams

HAWHA FUTURITY THREE-YEAR-OLD PLANTATION PLEASURE
1. EBONY LADY’S SPIKE, Fred/Nancy Teter
2. JJ’S AMERICAN BUCK, Jay Teaford

THREE-YEAR-OLD & UNDER LITE-SHOD
1. DANCER’S SHADOW LADY, Sandra Huffman
2. SHAKER’S MR. THREAT, Bill/Georgia Swicegood

HAWHA FUTURITY THREE-YEAR-OLD
1. THORNCREST’S CAT-MAN-DO, Ron Boyer/Karen McKinnis
2. SUNDUST’S JUBILEE, M/M Clifford Sapp

SIRE OF THE YEAR
EETEE’S MR WONDERFUL, Ron Boyer/Karen McKinnis

FOUR-YEAR-OLD & UNDER OPEN SPECIALTY
1. SPUN’S INSPIRATION, Matt McWilliams
2. DIXIE TO MOTOWN, Jerra/Larran Williams

FOUR-YEAR-OLD SPECIALTY
1. DIXIE TO MOTOWN, Jerra/Larran Williams
2. SPUN’S INSPIRATION, Matt McWilliams

FOUR-YEAR-OLD AMATEUR SPECIALTY
1. SPUN’S INSPIRATION, Matt McWilliams
2. SPUN’S GENERATIONEXT, M/M David Jones

JUVENILE 11 & UNDER SPECIALTY
1. PRESIDENT’S MOONDANCER, Zahn Morrison/June Clark
2. FIRST NIGHT OUT RW, David/Amanda Berg

JUVENILE PLANTATION 17 & UNDER
1. THE LADY DERRINGER, Richard Mitch
2. CROWN OF SPLENDOR, Sherry Roberts

JUVENILE SPECIALTY STAKE
1. COIN’S SMOOTH OPERATOR, Mary Lee Campbell
2. MARK’S SWEET DREAM, Josh Taylor

JUVENILE LITE-SHOD 17 & UNDER
1. MEMORY OF SHADOW, Travis Wieberg
1. MY HORSE SHOWTIME, Kusewitt/Jones
1. HE’S BLOWING CASH, Randy/Anita Howe

JUVENILE 12-17
1. COIN’S SMOOTH OPERATOR, Mary Lee Campbell
2. THE GENERATOR’S LEGEND, Joe Rozman

JUVENILE SPECIALTY 17 & UNDER
1. COIN’S SMOOTH OPERATOR, Mary Lee Campbell
2. ULTRA’S RISE & SHINE, M/M John Luker

SHOW PLEASURE OPEN SPECIALTY
1. PROMISE ME GOLD, Pam Witthofft
2. PUSHOVER’S ROMEO, Arrowhead Stables

AMATEUR SHOW PLEASURE SPECIALTY
1. MARK THE TIME, Ed/Darlene Swaringim
2. PROMISE ME GOLD, Pam Witthofft

COSTUME CLASS
1. PRIDE’S LUCKY BREAK, Bill/Shirley Lotridge
2. GOIN’ BIG TIME, Maack Stables

AMATEUR LITE-SHOD TWO-GAIT
1. PRIDE’S LUCKY BREAK, Bill/Shirley Lotridge
2. LADY OF CRIME RW, Lisa Beninati

MODEL CLASS
1. THE RHAPSODIC PERFORMER, Arrowhead Stables
2. ADONIS LIL ANGEL, Dennis/Susan Hills

AMATEUR PLANTATION PLEASURE THREE-GAIT
1. THE MASTER COPY, The Patterson Family
2. GENERATING CASH, Bill Branham

WESTERN PLANTATION PLEASURE THREE-GAIT
1. PUSHER’S LIBBY, Aileen Novinger
1. FASHION’S MAGIC PRINCESS, Sue Halverson
2. GOIN’ BIG TIME, Maack Stables

PLANTATION PLEASURE THREE-GAIT STAKE
1. THE MASTER COPY, The Patterson Family
1. PUSHER’S LIBBY, Aileen Novinger
2. UNDERCOVER PUSHER, April Crawford

AMATEUR OWNED/TRAINED PLANTATION TWO-GAIT
1. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steve/Karen Skopec
2. MAGIC FASHION’S SHADOW, Sue Halverson

AMATEUR PLANTATION PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steve/Karen Skopec
2. MAGIC FASHION’S SHADOW, Sue Halverson

LADIES PLANTATION PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. CARETAKER’S IMAGE, Jim King Family
2. THE MASTER COPY, The Patterson Family

50 & OVER PLANTATION PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. CROWN OF SPLENDOR, Sherry Roberts
1. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steven/Karen Skopec
2. CHOICE CUT, Carroll/Virginia Counts

WESTERN PLANTATION PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. MY HORSE SHOWTIME, Kusewitt/Jones
2. JJ’S AMERICAN BUCK, Jay Teaford

PLANTATION PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steve/Karen Skopec
2. GENERATING CASH, Bill Branham

PLANTATION PLEASURE THREE-GAIT
1. THE MASTER COPY, The Patterson Family
2. PUSHER’S LIBBY, Aileen Novinger

PLANTATION TWO-GAIT STAKE
1. MAGIC FASHION’S SHADOW, Sue Halverson
2. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steve/Karen Skopec

MEN’S PLANTATION PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. CHOICE CUT, Carroll/Virginia Counts
2. CROWN OF SPLENDOR, Sherry Roberts

FOUR-YEAR-OLD & UNDER PLANTATION TWO-GAIT
1. IRONMAN’S MR MACK, Douglass/Stewart
2. YOU’RE BREAKING MY HEART, Eldon Jenkins

AMATEUR SPECIALTY
1. DIXIE JUBILEE, Mary Lee Campbell
2. SCORES & HIGHLIGHTS, Mike/Julie Patterson

LADIES AMATEUR SPECIALTY
1. DIXIE JUBILEE, Mary Lee Campbell
2. MOVIN ON UP, Ed/Darlene Swaringim

LITE-SHOD AMATEUR THREE-GAIT
1. MARKET’S HOT ROD B, Bruce Bowers
2. LOOK AT YOU, The Patterson Family

AMATEUR OPEN
1. ECLECTIC, Mary Lee Campbell
2. STORMY’S APPLEJACK, Jill Wait

MEN’S AMATEUR
1. ECLECTIC, Mary Lee Campbell

TRAINERS’ FAMILY CLASS
1. MAIN PERFORMANCE, Tom/Gerry Burton
2. DARK SIDE’S STRIDE, Julia VanZyverden

THREE-YEAR-OLD & UNDER PLANTATION PLEASURE
1. IRONMAN’S MR MACK, Douglass/Stewart
2. WILLIE WIRED HAND, Steve/Karen Skopec

15.2 & UNDER AMATEUR SPECIALTY
1. DISTINGUISHED PRIDE, Don LeNeve
2. EXTRA’S DESIREE, Larry Carriger

MEN’S AMATEUR SPECIALTY
1. THE JUICE, Truman/Deborah Volkart
2. SCORES & HIGHLIGHTS, Julie/Mike Patterson

AMATEUR OWNED/TRAINED SPECIALTY
1. DIXIE JUBILEE, Mary Lee Campbell
2. PAY THE PUSHER, Bill Branham

AMATEUR SPECIALTY STAKE
1. DIXIE JUBILEE, Mary Lee Campbell
2. THE JUICE, Truman/Deborah Volkart

AGED MARES/GELDINGS
1. DARK SPIRIT’S ABSOLUTE, Jim/Sherry Hill
2. THE GENERATOR’S LEGEND, Joe Rozman

AGED STALLIONS
1. SPIRIT & SILVER, Lynn/Linda Bridwell
2. THE PUSHER’S GENERATOR, Roberts/Heiney

OPEN SPECIALTY
1. SCORES & HIGHLIGHTS, Julie/Mike Patterson
2. DIXIE TO MOTOWN, Jerra/Larran Williams

LITE-SHOD THREE-GAIT STAKE
1. PRIDE’S LUCKY BREAK, Bill/Shirley Lotridge
2. LOOK AT YOU, The Patterson Family

WESTERN LITE-SHOD THREE-GAIT
1. MARKET’S HOT ROD B, Bruce Bowers

LITE-SHOD THREE-YEAR-OLD & UNDER TWO-GAIT
1. DANCER’S SHADOW LADY, Aileen Novinger
2. OLD BLUES FANTASY MAN, Richards Stables
2. PAPA’S ROYAL DELIGHTS, Anita Howe

LITE-SHOD TWO-GAIT STAKE
1. PRIDE’S LUCKY BREAK, Bill/Shirley Lotridge
2. OUR GLORY GIRL, Debbie Murray

LITE-SHOD TWO-GAIT
1. LADY OF CRIME RW, Lisa Beninati
2. SHAKER’S MR THREAT, Bill/Georgia Swicegood

AMATEUR OWNED/TRAINED LITE-SHOD TWO-GAIT
1. PRIDE’S LUCKY BREAK, Bill/Shirley Lotridge
2. OLD BLUE’S FANTASY MAN, Richards Stables

WESTERN LITE-SHOD TWO-GAIT
1. MY HORSE SHOWTIME, Kusewitt/Jones
2. LONG BOOGIE NIGHTS, Stephen Ayers

LITE-SHOD THREE-GAIT
1. PRIDE’S LUCKY BREAK, Bill/Shirley Loridge
2. LOOK AT YOU, The Patterson Family

50 & OVER AMATEUR SPECIALTY
1. THE MAJOR GATOR, Pam Witthofft
2. THE JUICE, Truman/Deborah Volkart

AMATEUR STAKE
1. ECLECTIC, Mary Lee Campbell
2. STORMY’S APPLEJACK, Jill Wait

15.2 & UNDER OPEN
1. OUTWORLDER, Richards Stables
2. PROMISE’S REBEL, Jim King Family

LADIES AMATEUR
1. STORMY’S APPLEJACK, Jill Wait
2. OUTWORLDER, Richards Stables

PARK PLEASURE TWO-GAIT
1. CARETAKER’S IMAGE, Jim King Family
1. COMMAND WITH PRIDE, Mae Nettleship
1. CROWN OF SPLENDOR, Sherry Roberts

AMATEUR PLANTATION PLEASURE 18 & OVER TWO-GAIT
1. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steve/Karen Skopec
1. IRONMAN’S MR MACK, Douglass/Stewart

OPEN
1. PRIDE’S MIDNIGHT HOLIDAY, Bill Georges
2. SPIRIT & SILVER, Lynn/Linda Bridwell

CHAMPIONSHIP STAKE
1. SPIRIT & SILVER, Lynn/Linda Bridwell
2. THE PUSHER’S GENERATOR, Roberts/Heiney

AMATEUR SPECIALTY NOVICE RIDERS
1. MOVIN’ ON UP, Abby Gonz/Ed & Darlene Swaringim
1. BOUNTY HUNTER, Bill McCall/Murrell & Clamp
2. THAT’LL DO, Andrew Hickman

HIGH POINT PERFORMANCE HORSE
1. ECLECTIC, Mary Campbell
2. STORMY’S APPLEJACK, Jill Wait

HIGH POINT PLANTATION OR LITE-SHOD HORSE
1. GYPSY LANE DUSTY MAID, Steve/Karen Skopec
2. LADY OF CRIME RW, Lisa Beninati