by Margo Urad

IRIVING, Texas - May 10-13 were the dates for the Big D Charity Horse Show held in Irving, Texas, just outside of the Dallas Metroplex. For 38 years, Tennessee Walking Horses along with racking and American Saddlebreds have competed together in what is one of the top shows in the Southwest region. The Big D Charity Horse Show has donated more than $432,000 to various charities over the years with the benefactor of this year’s show remaining the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. This show has been known for its hospitality and this year was no different. Each morning offered complimentary breakfast items. Saturday afternoon the show sponsored a junior exhibitor luncheon and on Saturday night the annual Big D exhibitors’ party was held.

Officials included Show Manager Peter Fenton, Show Secretary Mary Anne Meiners, Announcer Mark Ferrar, Ringmaster Bill Whitley, Farrier Joe Bradshaw Jr., Photographer Howard Schatzberg and Organist Larry Bright. Jamie Hankins of Paris, Ky., served as the judge. Three hundred and nine entries made the gate call with Ira Gladney being the DQP. One scar rule violation was issued.

Horses from Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas competed over the four-day event, which featured WHTA Riders’ Cup classes, WHOA Youth Challenge class and the Amateur Judging Contest, which was won by Bill Marple and Sherry Frankel.

Thursday Evening

Four entries answered the gate call for the Park Performance Open Specialty. Brandon Urad made his professional Texas trainer debut aboard Cold Check for owner Shelia Denny to claim the blue ribbon. Don Crum was called for the second place ribbon aboard President’s Wingate for David and Kathy Sutton.

Galveston Texas, with Tom Gould up, took the blue ribbon in the Open Specialty class. This entry is trained by John Feltner Jr. The second place award went to A High Dollar Ritz with trainer Don Crum in the irons for owners Steve and Trish Raley.

It was time for the young stock with five entries in the Amateur Four and Under Trail Pleasure Specialty class. Major Misbehaven and Fred Gibbany walked their way into the winner’s circle. No Small Change and Billy Baker were second for owners Billy and Sylvia Baker.

All Night with trainer Stan Urad in the irons claimed the blue in the Lite-Shod Open class for owner Maddie Jones. Shock N Awesome and Marco Suarez took home the red ribbon for owners Dr. Jim and Dodi Speece.

With only one entry in the Four-Year-Old Open class, trainer Don Crum gave a textbook ride aboard Redneck At The Ritz for owners David and Elaine Kapinos.

Darden Gladney and It’s Up In Arms made their way to the winner’s circle after capturing the blue ribbon in the Park Pleasure Open class. Stan Urad, aboard Generator’s Masquerading, was second for owner Carl Lewis.

A Major Rebel and Jessica Davis walked their way into the winner’s circle, capturing the Three-Year-Old Amateur class with Sarah Day and The Grand Prize being called for second place for owner Michelle Peavy.

Hondo Texas and Justin Taylor captured the blue ribbon in the Walking Horse Open class for Wink and Nancy Groover. The second place award went to Stormy’s Bad Company and Don Crum for the Dogwood Stables and Palmer House Partnership.

Rebel’s Regal Dream and Brandon Urad captured the blue ribbon in the Open Show Pleasure Specialty. Ritzy And Famous with trainer John Feltner Jr. was called for the second place ribbon for owners Tom and Lesly Spencer.

Unfortunately only one entry was in the Open Two-Year-Old class, however trainer Don Crum gave the crowd all something to watch as he piloted Coquito to the winner’s circle for owner Michelle Peavy.

Friday Afternoon

The Amateur Trail Pleasure Specialty class kicked off the afternoon session. This is one of the most competitive classes with 13 exceptional entries making the gate call. Gen’s Legend In Black with owner Deborah Williams claimed top honors. John Feltner Jr. trains this entry. Bad News Fantastic Cash with Shelia Denny was called for the second place ribbon for owner Larry Denny. Stan Urad trains this entry.

Six entries were called into the ring for the Park Performance Amateur Specialty class. Billy Baker made an outstanding ride aboard President’s Wingate for owners David and Kathy Sutton. Shelia Denny and Cold Check were called for the second place honors.

It was the youths’ turn in the Youth Trail Pleasure Specialty class with Bad News Fantastic Cash and Miranda Denny smiling as they went to claim the blue ribbon. Brenna White was equally elated with her second place ribbon on What’s Up Tiger Lilly for Alyssa Langer.

Frosty Colors and Kim Lewis made their way into the winner’s circle in the Amateur Country Pleasure Four and Under class for owners Dr. Jim and Dodi Speece. Kem Payton and Splash Of Southern Power were second for owner Cathy Bryant.

Next came the highly competitive Lite-Shod Four and Under class with seven entries. Starting the 2007 season in winning style were Muchacha Grande and Kelly Sherman who made their way to the winner’s circle. Red Sunday’s Best with Laurie Toone placed second for owners Jared Carrier and Laurie Toone.

One entry came in for the Three-Year-Old Open class. The Grand Prize and trainer Don Crum made a sharp ride to the winner’s circle for owner Michelle Peavy.

Making a repeat performance from 2006, Lisa Weaver and Cash For Diamonds continue to dominate the Amateur Trail Pleasure Canter class taking home the blue for owners Fred and Lisa Weaver. Elaine Kapinos placed second on Armed’s Lovely Lady for owners David and Elaine Kapinos.

Command’s Fair Lady with Mary Kirton in the irons had a flawless ride, taking home top honors in the Amateur Country Pleasure Ladies class for Tenn-Tex Farms. Jody Balfay and Copy’s Dark Stranger picked up the second place ribbon.

The last class of the afternoon performance was the Park Pleasure Four and Under class. Trainer Don Crum made the transition from Lite-Shod to the Park division with I’m Jeb Stewart. This turned out to be a winning decision with I’m Jeb Stewart and Crum taking home the blue ribbon for owners Kelly and Jennifer Leblanc. I’m Dizzy Gillespie with Kim Carter carried out the second place honors for owner Micah Collis.

Friday Evening

Ginny Chapman had a great ride on Widowmaker All Over to claim the blue in the Amateur Lite-Shod Canter class. This entry is trained by Roger Ivins and also won this class last year. Dazzling Bad News with Kim Lewis were second for owner Rosalee Manning.

Redneck At The Ritz and Elaine Kapinos claimed top honors in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class. Don Crum trains Redneck At The Ritz. Over Due Blues with Steve Raley was second.

The next class called was the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty. This class had only one entry with Darden Gladney and It’s Up In Arms making a flawless ride to the winner’s circle.

The Pro Am Specialty class contenders made their way to the ring with the amateur riders the first way and the trainers taking over the reins on the reverse. The Texas Lotto with riders Wink and Nancy Groover received the blue ribbon. Stormy’s Bad Company with riders W.L. Palmer and Don Crum were called for the second place ribbon.

Ritzy And Famous with Darden Gladney in the irons for owners Tom and Lesly Spencer bested the field of five in the Show Pleasure Amateur class. John Feltner Jr. trains Ritzy And Famous. Steve Raley aboard Ream’s Regal Coin claimed the red ribbon.

Coquito, who is trained by Don Crum, and Sarah Day made their way to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Two-Year-Old class for owner Michelle Peavy.

The Youth 12-17 class had six outstanding entries. Classic Games made his Texas debut with Nick Plafcan in the irons for owner Phyllis Langley. Their debut claimed top honors in this highly competitive class. This entry is trained by John Feltner Jr. Jennifer Lassiter made her 2007 debut aboard her new mount Vim & Vigor to take home second place honors. This entry is trained by Stan Urad.

Jennifer Leblanc and I’m Jeb Stewart made a victory pass claiming top honors in the Amateur Park Pleasure Four and Under class.

The final class of the evening was the Amateur Specialty. Nancy Groover and The Texan made a repeat performance from 2006 to claim the blue ribbon honor. Making an exceptional show for reserve was Galveston Texas with Tom Gould in the irons for owners Tom and Judy Gould.

Saturday Morning

The Saturday morning and afternoon classes were dedicated to the youth and amateurs. Barbara Griffith and Adonis Addie Jane walked their way to the winner’s circle in the Weanling class. Magic By Adonis and Taylor Walters were second.

Threat’s Tall Tails and owner Maddie Jones made their way to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Trail Pleasure Canter class. Gen’s Silver Gambler and Donna Corbin were second.

The WHOA Youth Challenge 17 and Under Canter class was next. Maddie Jones aboard Don’t Bust My Bubble made her way to the winner’s circle. This entry is trained by Stan Urad and also won this class in 2006 and 2005.

The American President and Michael Kirton were called to the winner’s circle in the Youth Park Pleasure Specialty class.

Darden Gladney and It’s Up In Arms had the ring to themselves and put on a marvelous performance, claiming the blue in the Amateur Park Pleasure class.

Eight entries answered the call for the Amateur Lite-Shod Specialty class. Marquita By Design and Kelly Sherman had a flawless ride to start off the 2007 season in winning style. This entry is trained by John Feltner Jr. Lisa Weaver made a nice catch ride aboard Big Willie Style, claiming second place honors for owner 4-J Land and Cattle Company. This entry is trained by Laurie Toone.

Next class making the gate call was the Youth Trail Pleasure Western Specialty in which the first and second place horses were repeat winners from 2006. Miranda Denny claimed top honors on Bad News Fantastic Cash for the Denny family. This entry is trained by Stan Urad. Tyler Miller and Cash For Diamonds were called for the second place honors for owners Fred and Lisa Weaver.

Nicholas Kirton made his debut in the 11 and Under division aboard Jennifer Lassiter’s Vim & Vigor to claim the blue ribbon. This entry is trained by Stan Urad.

Hunter Morgan enjoyed his time in Texas, seeing friends and making new ones. He also loves to show and took home the top blue ribbon in the 11 and Under Country Pleasure class aboard Royal Sparkling Gen for owner Doug Toone. This entry is trained by Laurie Toone. Second place went to Nicholas Kirton aboard Command’s Fair Lady for owner Tenn-Tex Farms. Stan Urad trains this entry.

Saturday Afternoon

The first class of the afternoon was the Yearling class with three entries. Pearl Of Justice with owner Diana Reed took home the blue ribbon. Taylor Walters and December’s Black Ice were second for owners Brett and Gail Groeniger.

The Amateur Trail Pleasure Western Specialty class was next with eight entries. Making their way to the winner’s circle in a repeat performance from 2006 was Gen’s Legend In Black with proud owner Deborah Williams in the irons. Major Misbehaven and Fred Gibbany were called for the second place honors.

Polished, poised and determined are three ways to explain the two entries in the 12-17 Equitation class. Maddie Jones claimed the blue ribbon honor for the second year in a row. This entry is instructed by Margo Urad and trained by Stan Urad. Mary Bander claimed the second place honors. This entry is instructed by McDodi Farms.

Command’s Fair Lady made her way back to the winner’s circle for her second blue of the show. This time it was Michael Kirton winning the blue in the Amateur Country Pleasure Youth class for Tenn-Tex Farms. Splash Of Southern Power and Mary Bander were second for owner Cathy Bryant.

Next it was the gentlemen’s turn in the Country Pleasure class. Jared Carrier had a perfect ride aboard Royal Sparkling Gen to claim the blue ribbon honor. This entry is owned by Doug Toone and trained by Laurie Toone. Copy’s Dark Stranger placed second for owner Jody Balfay.

Kelly Sherman directed Muchacha Grande to the winner’s circle for their second blue ribbon in the Amateur Lite-Shod Four and Under class. This entry is trained by John Feltner Jr. Red Sunday’s Best claimed the red ribbon with Jared Carrier in the irons.

Saturday Evening

The evening performance is the start of many championship classes with several entries being undefeated at this show. Sarah Day aboard Coquito took home the tricolor championship for owner Michelle Peavy in the WHTA Riders’ Cup James Corlew Chevrolet Two-Year-Old Championship.

Dr. John Gladney and It’s Up In Arms claimed championship honors in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty Championship for Gladney Farms. Jennifer Leblanc aboard I’m Jeb Stewart claimed the reserve championship honors.

Cold Check with Brandon Urad in the irons claimed championship honors in the Park Performance Specialty Championship class. President’s Wingate claimed the reserve honors with trainer Don Crum.

The next championship class was the Waterfall Farms Three-Year-Old Championship, which is also a WHTA Riders’ Cup class. The Grand Prize with Sarah Day claimed championship honors for owner Michelle Peavy.

Lisa Weaver and Cash For Diamonds went two for two to claim the tricolor championship ribbon in the Trail Pleasure Canter Championship. Eb’s Five Star General with owner Madeline McClure claimed the reserve championship.

A Major Rebel and Jessica Davis performed well and claimed the Amateur Four and Under Championship. This entry is owned by Jack Persons. Steve Raley piloted Overdue Blues to take home the reserve championship.

The final class of the evening was the Young Motors Walking Horse Grand Championship class which is also a WHTA Riders’ Cup class. After performing all three gaits, Judge Jamie Hankins selected Hondo Texas and trainer Justin Taylor to make the Grand Championship victory pass. Hondo Texas is owned by Wink and Nancy Groover. Don Drum aboard Stormy’s Bad Company made a top ride to take home the reserve championship honors.

Sunday Morning

The model horse class got the final morning performance under way. Displaying exceptional confirmation and poise, Jose’ Delight claimed top honors with owner and handler Lorraine Rosbury. Darden Gladney and Paper Thin walked out with the red ribbon.

The next class was the Amateur Country Pleasure Adult Championship. Seven entries came into the ring with Jared Carrier and Royal Sparkling Gen ousting the competition to claim the tricolor championship ribbon. Lisa Weaver was the reserve champion with No Stranger To Danger.

Next up was the Youth 11 and Under Equitation class. Three youngsters made their way into the ring with Brenna White taking home the blue ribbon. Nicholas Kirton took home the red ribbon.

John Feltner Jr.’s stepdaughter, Chelsey Way, made her show ring debut a winning one aboard Kelly Sherman’s Marquita By Design. This team claimed blue ribbon honors in the Lite-Shod Youth class. All Night and Maddie Jones were called for the second place honors.

The Youth Specialty Championship class was next in the ring. Classic Games with Nick Plafcan were undefeated to win the championship with The Midnight Falcon and Miranda Denny taking home the reserve championship.

Gen’s Legend In Black and Deborah Williams were elated when their number was called for the victory pass in the Trail Pleasure Specialty Championship. This team won the championship in 2006 as well. Major Misbehaven and Fred Gibbany made an excellent ride to pick up the reserve championship ribbon.

Marquita By Design was undefeated at Big D with Kelly Sherman claiming the championship ribbon in the Amateur Lite-Shod Specialty Championship. Red Sunday’s Best and Jared Carrier rode out with the reserve honor.

Morgan Hunter made two outstanding rides to remain undefeated. His final ride came with him winning the tricolor on Royal Sparkling Gen in the Youth Country Pleasure Championship. Jennifer Lassiter earned the reserve championship on Command’s Fair Lady.

Maddie Jones came into this horse show undefeated in the Equitation division this season and left undefeated. Jones claimed the championship honor in the 17 and Under Equitation Championship. Mary Bander earned the reserve championship honors.

Sunday Afternoon

Widowmaker All Over and Ginny Chapman had an awesome week at Big D. After winning the Amateur Lite-Shod class earlier in the week, they made another victory pass to earn the tricolor honors in the Amateur Lite-Shod Championship, which kicked off the final session of the 38^th annual Big D Charity Horse Show.

Next was the Amateur Park Performance Specialty Championship. President’s Wingate and Billy Baker made the perfect ride to take home the tricolor ribbon for owner David and Kathy Sutton. Cold Check and Shelia Denny gave it their all to be named reserve champions.

Redneck At The Ritz with trainer Don Crum commanded the ring taking home the championship award in the Open Four-Year-Old Championship class for owners David and Elaine Kapinos.

The Texan and Nancy Groover did not let the Texans down as they also went home with two-for-two after claiming the Amateur Specialty Championship honors. This team swept this division in 2006 as well. Judy Gould made a nice ride aboard Galveston Texas to be called for the reserve championship honors.

The Show Pleasure Specialty Championship class was next with four entries. Steve Raley made an outstanding ride aboard Beam’s Regal Coin to take home the championship award. Brandon Urad guided Rebel’s Regal Dream to the reserve tricolor award.

Next up was the Park Pleasure Championship class with two entries. Carl Lewis, owner of Generator’s Masquerading, turned 82 years of age on Saturday. He received his birthday present when trainer Stan Urad claimed the tricolor. Darden Gladney picked up the reserve award with It’s Up In Arms.

Don Crum made the victory ride aboard I’m Jeb Stewart in the Park Pleasure Four and Under Specialty Championship. Wink Groover piloted Tex Message to claim the reserve tricolor award.

Kelly Sherman made her week an undefeated one. Muchacha Grande shook and walked her way into the winner’s circle to earn the Lite-Shod Four and Under Specialty Championship. Jared Carrier and Red Sunday’s Best claimed the reserve award.

Cash For Diamonds and Tyler Miller walked away with the championship ribbon in the Trail Pleasure Youth Specialty Championship. Miranda Denny and Bad News Fantastic Cash were the reserve champions.

The final performance of the show was the Lite-Shod Open Championship with Laurie Toone aboard Big Willie Style to claim the championship awards. Shock N Awesome and Marco Suarez were named the reserve champions.

            Complete results follow and can be viewed, search and printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.