The event was sponsored by The Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and The Marshall County Fair Association. Proceeds from the show benefited the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, an overnight event that celebrates cancer survivors and raises cancer awareness. The event also raises funds that allow the American Cancer Society to continue its battle. The Holly Springs Relay For Life will be held on June 13, 2003. The dedicated show committee achieved their goal and produced a successful show. The Holly Springs Charity Walking Horse Classic will become an annual event for the city and provide added opportunities to showcase the Tennessee Walking Horse.

Dude Crowder judged the thirty walking and racking classes that drew 210 entries. Perry Thomas was master of ceremonies. Mike Farley performed the duties of ring master and Diane Beaver provided keyboard entertainment. Sid Abernathy was the official photographer. Mike Umberger handled the duties of farrier. Jeff Morgan, who serves as The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association’s Coordinator of Horse Show Development and Support was a special guest at the show. Morgan was instrumental in guiding the show committee as they organized the show and was present at the event to offer his guidance and support.

The first blue ribbon of the evening was awarded to Twist About’s Favorite and Carlye Johnson in the Colts Under Halter class. Newcomers to the industry, Steve and Charlotte Icardi were thrilled to accept the honor. Sunrise Que Sera Sera and Christina Butler made their show ring debut in blue ribbon style as they claimed the Youth 11 and Under title for Glen and Virgie Crutchfield. General’s Top Brass and Dale Watts walked their way to a victory in the Two-Year-Old Stallion class for Brett Jones. The new amateur team of Icewatch and Fred Benjamin made the victory pass in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class for Fred and Vicki Benjamin. Pam Schoenster rode Gem Sweep to the Blue in the Country Pleasure class. In a class of eleven Amateur Specialty contenders, Colorblind and Dr. Luby Jones were blue ribbon winners for Dr. and Mr. Luby Jones. I’m A Pushover’s Threat and Christie Miller took the spotlight as they claimed the Ladies Amateur Specialty title.

Pam Russell received dual blues at Holly Springs. She claimed the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion title aboard The Hotline and returned to win the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding Class with Sanman for Larry and Pam Russell.

Power Of Charm and Edgar Abernathy scored an impressive victory in the Three-Year-Old Open Mare and Gelding division for owner Frank Ditto. Keep The Cash led the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Specialty class with Katie Moore in the irons Marilyn Lubin. A Magic Trick, with Lane Hagood directing, took top honors in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class. Receiving the title of Amateur Show Pleasure champion was 1-800-Collect and Joe Clift for Sandra Pippin.

Dual blues were awarded to Jimmy McConnell. The first of these came in the Four-Year-Old Stallion class with Zorba, owned by Bob Medina. McConnell returned to claim the Three-Year-Old Open Stallion class aboard Twisted Dollar for Formac Stables.

Ebony’s Coin Dream and Marilyn Scott were the recipients of another blue in the Amateur Owned and Trained class for Bob and Marilyn Scott.

Hytone’s Buster Brown and Tyler Herndon made the familiar ride to the winner’s circle in the Youth 12-17 Specialty class for Tim Herndon. Black Sails and Kitty Herndon were at the top of the judge’s card in the Open Amateur class.

Skywatcher and Robert Stivers were in the winner’s circle adding another 15.2 and Under Open title to their resume of blue ribbon performances for Doug and Brenda Estes. Final’s Pineapple Willie and Ronnie Stanfill were in winning form in the Park Pleasure Walking Specialty class for Stanfill Stables. Olympic Godfather and Stephanie Carter were crowned Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion champions. Winning the blue in the Two-Year-Old Open Mare and Gelding Class was Generator’s Sunsational and Shea Woods for Great Oaks Farm. Robert Redford and Jenny Jones were the starring attraction in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for Frank and Sissy Bailey. Pusher’s Bustin’ Time and Billy Crockett were victorious in the Spotted Saddle Horse class for Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Crockett. The conclusion of the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class placed the blue ribbon in the possession of Martha Gandy and Nothing But Power.

In the evening’s final class, the Walking Horse Stake, Jackie McConnell brought All The Way to the Holly Springs tricolor for Bob and Debbie Frankino bringing the First Annual Holly Springs Charity Walking Horse Classic to a close.