by Jennifer Maack-Condren

SEDALIA, Mo. - The Missouri State Fair Society Horse Show was held Aug. 11-13 in Sedalia, Mo. Joe Weaver made the trip north to judge the 33-class, four-performance event. All the activity of the fair didn’t impede the ability of Jose’s Strider and Margaret Hickman to win the Championship Stake. This win brings their total to three for the season for the 4-J Land and Cattle Co. This was the fourth State Fair Championship title for Hickman and certainly left her with some bittersweet emotions since her previous three titles were earned with Spirit And Silver who was laid to rest just a couple weeks ago.

The cooler temperatures that prevailed were a welcome relief from the normal August heat and humidity although the air conditioning of the Mathewson Exhibition Center was still welcomed by the exhibitors, horses and spectators. Entries were up slightly in the walking horse division, but down overall for the total entries. Show Manager Leonard Davenport was pleased with the number and quality of entries present at this year’s show.

The Society show actually begins at this event two days prior to the fair’s official first day, which makes it very nice for the exhibitors and the spectators. The Wednesday morning performance was host to the Heart of America Walking Horse Association Futurity classes, which hosted a total of seven classes for all the weanling, yearlings and young contenders.

This year was the first time the Laughlin family has shown at the Missouri State Fair and they began their winning streak early with a first and second in the first class. The Laughlin family ended their blue ribbon tally with an impressive 12 victory passes.

This year’s fair theme was “MO Fun Than Ever” and that was certainly true for some who won their first fair title and for many who were able to receive back to back or repeat titles. The ending of the State Fair marks the ending of the summer show season in Missouri and the hot temperatures make one wishful for fall and the fall shows that are just around the corner.

Complete results follow and can be found by clicking here.