Columbia, MS—The National Association of Women in Construction, Magnolia Chapter 352, held its 5th annual Walking and Racking Horse Show on Saturday, March 15. This year’s proceeds will benefit CANA, an organization providing a safe haven for abused, neglected, and abandoned children; Toys for Tots, the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation, the National Education Foundation, the University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship Fund, and the Future Business Leaders of America.
Dee Dee Sale of Lewisburg, TN. judged the 28 classes with 120 entries. Perry Thomas of Tupelo, MS announced each class, while ringmaster, Alton Folkes, of Seminary, MS., kept the event flowing right along. Larry Bright of Tylertown, MS captivated the crowd with his musical talents on the organ. The National Anthem was provided by Bo Parker and the presentation of colors was presented by Megan Folkes and Ramblin’ Par Bar.
Holley Stables of Byhalia, MS. led the blue ribbon tally with seven wins. The first blue came in the Open Walking Specialty as James Sills of Clinton, MS. directed Mark’s Motion Man to his second consecutive win this year. Mandy Heard of Stanton, TN. and Command Me walked their way to the blue in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty division. I’m a Pushover’s Threat and Christie Miller of Tupelo, MS. proved to be a threat as they claimed their first blue of the season in the Ladies Amateur Specialty event. Debbie Williams of Holly Springs, and Armed in Rio, were armed and ready to defeat their competition in the Three Year Old Amateur division. Robert Redford and Jenny Jones of Kosciusko are taking the show circuit by storm as this sorrel stallion wins his third consecutive blue, in the Two-Year Old Amateur ranks, for proud owners Frank and Sissy Bailey. The new team, Sunrise Raider Gal and Lucy Bailey made an impressive ride for the blue award in the Amateur 15.2 and Under division for owner Ken McCreary of Southaven, MS. Taking his second Walking Horse Stake Championship, Highway Willie declared it was “his way”, as he and James Abernathy strolled to the winner’s circle to wear the patriotic floral horseshoe for Larry Rae of Houston, MS.
Trailing with six big wins of the evening was Pioneer Stables of Summit MS.
Proud owners Brett and Lisa Jones of Tylertown, MS. enjoyed dual blues with their two entries, General’s Top Brass and Midnight at the Ritz. Trainer Dale Watts directed General’s Top Brass to blue honors in the Open Two-Year Old division, while Brett Jones and Midnight at the Ritz received blue ribbon acclaim in the Amateur Specialty event. Mom and daughter, Jeanne and Mary Elizabeth Morrison, of Hattiesburg, MS., were delighted with the dual blues as Jeanne and Knuckle Buster rode to the first award in the Amateur Four Year Old division. Mary Elizabeth and the Lady’s Touch earned their second consecutive blue in the Youth 11 and Under class. In a field of nine, Double Expresso and Dr. John Dial of Parchman, MS. claimed the blue in the Country Pleasure event. In the Open Three-Year Old division, Ritz Legacy and Dale Watts took home the blue award for owner Robert Taylor of Brandon, MS.
Kenneth, David and Daniel Warner, father and sons, of Prentiss, MS. celebrated dual blues for the evening. Their first win came in the Amateur Owned and Trained division with David and the Cash Master. This handsome team followed up their win in Laurel, MS. Command Oh, with Daniel in the irons claimed the Youth 12-17 title.
Dual blues were awarded to Swep Williamson of Hattiesburg, MS., and Blaze N’ Tusox. After winning the Men’s Amateur Racking division, the pair made a strong comeback to win the Racking Horse Stake Championship.
Etheredge Stables of Louisville, MS., also carried home dual blues. The Stock Market and Le Reginelli earned the blue award in the Ladies on Racking Horses division. Market Red Dawn and Daniel Cole were selected to wear the blue in the Style Racking event. Mike Etheredge trained and prepared these entries.
Blue Ribbon awards went to She’s Gone AWOL and Tommy McGinnis of Maben, MS. This is also their second consecutive win in the Two and Three-Year Old Racking division. In the Colts Under Halter event, Gimme’ a Gin on the Rocks and Jim Hardy of Hattiesburg, MS., walked to their second consecutive blue award.
In six pleasure divisions, Beach Bunny and David Ard, of Summit, MS., claimed the blue award in Favorite Gait. Cindy Power and Ann Hatcher, of Ackerman, MS., took home the blue in the Plantation Pleasure Lite Shod event. Stock’s Night Star and James Gatwood of Sumerall, MS., were victorious in the Park Pleasure Specialty class. Rodney Dangerfield and Landon Head of Jigger, LA. were chosen for the blue in the Youth Park Pleasure Specialty (17 and Under) division. Rocky’s Champagne Diva and Pam Rivers of Ocean Springs, MS claimed the blue in the Gaited Pleasure event, and Color Me Proud and Catherine Tucker of Lumberton, MS. were proud to wear the blue in the Amateur Spotted Saddle Horse division.