First of all, let me say thank you for the wonderful feedback we have received regarding the High Point Report and our first keepsake issue of the Walking Horse Report.

We have made a few refinements in the categories for 2004, but essentially the program will remain the same. Each week, we will keep you updated in The Report about how the weekend’s activities have changed the High Point Report standings. You can also see them for yourself by logging on to www.walkinghorsereport.com.

This past weekend was a great National Trainers’ Show. The double point show made a real impact on the early status of the High Point Report. Here’s how it’s looking:

Walking Horse Championship

In one of the most exciting Walking Horse Championships in years, 11 horses entered the ring at the Trainers' Show for the final class of the show. Amid smoke and electric music, each horse answered the gate call by name. When it was over, five judges, pulled from a hat once the entries were in the ring, made the unanimous choice.

It was The Black Night Shade and Jimmy McConnell. The 2003 Reserve World Grand Champions have their sights set on wearing the roses on the final Saturday night in August, and they started their championship bid in the same place they plan to end it - Shelbyville, Tenn. They also have plans for Gulf Coast Charity - so stay tuned.

The Black Night Shade earned 20 points at the double point Trainers' Show. This put them in a tie for the lead with Final’s Eb Tide, who won both stake classes at Marshall, Texas with Joe Cotten in the irons for the Pollacks' Silver Spur Ranch. Also in the three-way tie is Motown Delight, an entry owned by the late Eva McClure, and ridden by Russ Thompson to two titles at Carousel in Arizona.

There are 13 horses within 10 points (one win) of the lead - so be sure to check each week to see who’s winning where.

Open Four-Year-Old

The two four-year-old winners from the Trainers' Show top this category. Pusher’s Renaissance and Ramsey Bullington won the stallion class, and Jimmy McConnell and Altima topped the mares/geldings class.

Don’t Bust My Bubble is the first four-year-old in the top 10 to have shown at two different shows. Mike Civils directed the youngster to a win at Marshall, Texas and a reserve at Louisiana Jubilee for owner Maddie Jones

Open Three-Year-Old

Owl’s Biloxi Blues tops the High Point Report in the three-year-old category after showing and winning three times - twice at Marshall, Texas, and once at Louisiana Jubilee. Congratulations to Dick Peebles and owners George and Carol Smith.

Next in line are the three Trainers' Show champions in the three-year-old category. Neon Bright and Larry Edwards; Jose’s Intimidator and Jamie Bradshaw; and Blue Blooded Bandit and John Allan Callaway were three of the most talked about horses of the show. This looks to be one outstanding division this year - one you won’t want to miss!

Open Two-Year-Old

The early starts on the two-year-olds feature Hey Hey Ole and Jimmy McConnell and Jose Dot Com and Knox Blackburn as front runners after winning their classes at the National Trainers' Show. Already we’ve had 26 horses earn points in this category - so it looks like there’s going to be a fight!

Amateur

Another Trainers' Show champion topping the early charts is Dr. Perfect and Sandra Hodgson. Riding under Bill Bobo, this talented team won both classes at the Trainers' Show to earn 40 points already.

Just behind the leaders are Sanman and Pam Russell, an exciting new team that has already won at Holly Springs and Starkville in addition to earning a reserve at the National Trainers' Show.

Amateur Specialty

Mary Medina and husband Bob enjoyed a terrific Trainers' Show. One of the thrilling moments was Mary’s victory aboard They Call Me Sir. After winning the gelding class, the team returned to a yellow ribbon in the Amateur Specialty Championship.

Kelly Sherman Garrett enjoyed a pretty good show herself. She directed Rankin County to a second and third place tie at the Trainers' Show to land herself in second place in the high point standings.

Amateur Four-Year-Old

National Trainers' Show champions Skywatch’s Dark N Stormy and Tricia Timmons debuted in 2004 winning the mares/geldings class to top the High Point Report. Stallion winner Dragonfly and Mary Medina are a terrific new team who also earned 20 points at the Trainers' Show to tie with the top spot in the High Point Report. 2003 Reserve World Grand Champion Three-Year-Old, Dragonfly, and 2003 World Champion Three-Year-Old Mare, Skywatch’s Darn N Stormy, are poised to possess these top spots all year long.

Amateur Three-Year-Old

Tricia Timmons also made a victory pass at the Trainers' Show aboard Santana’s Hurricane, an entry owned by Brian Mahoney to co-own the top honor in the High Point Report. Peyton Manning and Gail Walling also made a Trainers' Show victory pass to also earn 20 points and to also top the High Point Report.

Amateur Two-Year-Old

Jamie Etheredge and Dr. In Command won the mare/gelding class in Shelbyville and co-owns the top spot with Hand Command and Spud Warr, who won the stallion class. There are already 20 different horses earning points in this division, so it too promises to be hard fought.

Upcoming shows include Alabama Ladies Auxiliary, Upper Cumberland, Purchase Area and Weakley County, NCWHA Spring Show and many more. Next week we’ll review the pleasure standings at this point in the year.

As always, please go to www.walkinghorsereport.com and double check your points. If you have any questions about your points in the High Point Report, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].