by Linda Scrivner

            PERRY, Ga. – The 50^th annual Southern Championship Charity Horse Show was held Nov. 15-17, 2007, at the spacious, elegant setting of the Georgia National Fairgrounds. Southern hospitality is always very apparent at this 67-class event. Outstanding horses make this one of the finest shows on the fall circuit.

            USDA officials arrived on Friday night to inspect horses alongside the NHSC DQPs. This year’s show hosted 319 entries, compared to 449 entries in 2006 and 590 entries in 2005. David Finger, DQP Coordinator, said that there were six violations during the three nights and that 98.1 percent of the horses were in compliance with the government present.

            Show Manager Lisa McMahan and the hard working members always put on a first class show. The Friday evening performance was followed by a delicious complimentary buffet and music for dancing the night away. The GWHEA, as always, took great pride in their show. This show’s Christmas lights blinked brightly and help put everyone in the holiday spirit. Center ring was decorated to compliment the festive atmosphere that generally accompanies this show.

            Dee Cantrell once again handled the office duties. Cantrell returned from the Delta Fall Classic in Tunica last week where she assisted them in their third show.

            “We appreciated those that joined us again this year that have shown here previously and are pleased to see new faces each year,” said Lisa McMahan. “The GWHEA wants to thank everyone for coming. The quality of horses was outstanding. We appreciated everyone. Come back and have fun with us next year. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2008.”

            Judges for this year’s edition were Benny Johnson, Spencer Benedict and Ronald Mosley. The three-day show concluded Saturday night with the Young Motors WHTA Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Championship Stake. Talented horses worked hard in hopes of being name the 2007 Southern Championship Grand Champion. When the cards were marked the team of Hydrostatic and Link Webb were called out to make the trip to the winner’s circle unanimously for the tricolor ribbon and floral horseshoe for Jim Richmond. This team received quite an ovation when they made the victory pass.

            Another excellent team, I’m Packin A Pistol and Jeff Hatcher, finished second for Charlene Gibson. They have accumulated 13 blues this year and are the current leaders in the WHR High Point Report in the Stake division. The team of Pride’s Rattle & Snap and Charlie Green carried the yellow streamer from the ring for owner Jimmy Honea.

            Link Webb Stables led the blue ribbon tally with 10 blues. Three outstanding barns earned six Southern Championship blues. They were Scott Beaty Stables, Allan Callaway Stables and Bill Cantrell Stables. Finish Line Farm and Jeff Hatcher Stables were close behind with five blues. Mickey McCormick Stables and Connie Waldo claimed three Perry blues. Jeff Givens Stables, Charlie Green Stables and Shelley Herman won two blues apiece.

THURSDAY EVENING

            The first blue of the 50^th annual Southern Championship was won by Trigger Treat. Jeff Givens led the beautiful stallion to unanimously claim the Model class and his 12^th blue of the season. Reserve was awarded to Major Colors and Colonel Paul R. Walker.

            Maggie Moore and Sheeza Reba proudly claimed the 10-entry English Trail Pleasure class unanimously. Shelly Herman trains this talented head-shaking horse. Connie Waldo rode Cowboy On Parole to garner the red streamer.

            The current world champion team of Jose’s Ritzy Doll and John Allan Callaway proudly walked away with the blue in the 10-entry James Corlew Chevrolet WHTA Riders’ Cup Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Mickey McCormick directed Jose’s Midnight Tango to earn the second position in this competitive class.

            In the Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class, the team of The Watchmaker and Jimmy Grant rode to a unanimous blue and their sixth season blue with a superb performance. The reserve champions were Samaritan and Tammy Bennett.

            The Open Specialty class was next. Sky Jam and Allan Callaway made their debut with a blue ribbon pass following a thrilling performance. Rodney Dick and Legend Of JFK were hot on their heels for the reserve in this tremendous line-up of specialty horses.

            Current four-time World Grand Champion and five-time World Champion Drop The Hammer won three blues at Perry, Ga., bringing his year’s resume to 18 blues. Judy Leek directed Drop The Hammer to earn the first blue in the Lite-Shod Specialty class. Calvin Klein’s Obsession and Jeff Givens claimed reserve.

            With another memorable presentation, Moore County Champion Mayday Jazz and Dr. Ray Caughman wore the blue from the ring in the Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallion class. Allan Callaway Stables prepared this winning team once again. Keeper Of The Cash and Kelly Dunn strolled to the reserve spot. Riverbend Stables proudly trains this high-headed talent.

            Current World Champion Mister Pushbutton and Rhea Ellen Webb made the unanimous blue ribbon ride in the GWHEA and WHTA Ladies Auxiliary Specialty class in their debut performance from Scott Beaty Stables. This was the beautiful roan stallion’s sixth 2007 blue. Last year’s Perry champions in this class Dru McCormick and Night Twister made a great performance to earn the reserve position.

            Current World Champion Mighty Brew and Dr. Linda Jones made a great performance and were victorious unanimously in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Stallion Specialty class. They campaigned from Bill Cantrell Stables and earned their fifth blue of the season.

            The Park Pleasure Specialty teams entered the ring next with all eyes upon the show ring. It was another exciting unanimous win, their 10^th blue this year, for Sunfire Phoenix and Jeff Hatcher. Evil Patty Gray and Jeff Givens were the reserve winners.

            The gate opened next for the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions class and top entries strolled into the ring. The judges’ unanimous choice was the exciting team of Dumas Dandy and Sara Moresch. Link Webb prepared this striking combination for the show ring. Last week’s Oak Grove Champions Santander and Jack Pirkle won reserve from Bobo Farms.

            After winning Walton County with Heather Beard and last week’s Delta Fall Classic with Rodney Dick, Bold Vengeance and Gail Walling proved their talents by winning the Amateur 50 and Over class. Hard Mountain Cash and Mariella Fugger turned in the reserve performance under the guidance of Bobo Farms.

            It was another thrilling unanimous victory for Jeff Givens and current reserve world champion Evil Patty Gray in the Park Pleasure Western Specialty class. This was the striking gray mare’s 11^th 2007 blue. Miss Ultimate Masquerade and Mandie McFay, another strong team, claimed reserve.

            Current Reserve World Champion Go JoJo and Link Webb claimed the blue in the Waterfall Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Heartbeat’s Acapella and Mickey McCormick walked their way to reserve.

            The Amateur Park Performance classes always bring out lots of talented entries and Perry’s class proved that once again. Jewel’s Scatman carried Ginger Simpson to another outstanding unanimous victory, his eighth blue this season under Jeff Hatcher Stables. JFK’s Top Aide, last year’s Perry winner in this class, and Sally Reiley walked their way to the reserve under Doug Barnes Stables’sbanner.

            Last year’s winners, John Allan Callaway and Absolute Flawless claimed another Show Pleasure Specialty Open class victory at Perry. The team of This Spirit’s In Command and Scott Beaty followed them.

            Kathryn Ramsbottom claimed a unanimous blue as she rode Warlord to the blue in the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions class. Webb Stables prepared this team. Reserve in this truly talented class was Sleepwalkin’ and Dru McCormick.

            Making n unanimous blue ribbon performance in the Lite-Shod Western Specialty class was Connie Waldo with Drop The Hammer. Jeff Givens rode Magic Illusionist to win the red ribbon.

            Link Webb and current World Champion Tony Montana claimed the Hartland Farm Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class unanimously with the crowd’s approval. This was Tony Montana’s eighth season blue.

            Joyce Myers once again made the trip to the winner’s circle unanimously with current reserve world champion He’s A Rebel in the Amateur Canter class. This is the team’s third consecutive blue for the year under Dick Myers guidance. Empire Maker and Cindy Sullivan earned reserve from Webb Stables.

            The final class of the evening was one of the best. Top entries answered the gate call in the Amateur 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings Specialty class. Jose’s Illusion and Karen Callaway earned the blue ribbon under Callaway Stables’s banner. The red ribbon went to Cesar Ritz and Kathryn Ramsbottom. This team is trained by Webb Stables.

FRIDAY EVENING

            Link Webb directed current World Grand Champion London Rain down victory lane in the Warr Development WHTA Riders’ Cup 15.2 and Under Stallions class to unanimously win his eighth blue of the season. C Me Push and Charlie Green were reserve.

            Joe Lester made the trip from Lancing, Tenn., to bring back the Lite-Shod Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty unanimous title on Pusher’s Executor. Mandie McFay rode Victory For Vengeance to the red ribbon.

            Command At Sunrise and Ashlyn Avent were victorious in the Youth 11 and Under Specialty class under the guidance of Callaway Stables. Rumble At The Ritz and Taylor Wheless placed second for trainer Doug Moore.

             Charlie Green directed Triple Crown Classic Champion Jose Whole Shabang to the blue in the Three-Year-Old Classic. Mr. MG and Bill Callaway landed the reserve ride.

            The new team of Koni Tidwell and World Champion JFK’s Irish Dream made a unanimous blue ribbon ride in the Amateur Mares Specialty class in their debut performance under the guidance of trainer Barbara Agnich. Mo Nesbitt and Mamzelle Carard were reserve for Ronnie Spears Stables.

            In the Park Pleasure Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class, Miss Ultimate Masquerade and Mandie McFay made a flawless performance to ride out with the unanimous blue. Bustin Loose Image and Tammy Camybennett were reserve.

            Claiming a unanimous Perry blue and their sixth 2007 blue in the Youth 12-17 Specialty class was the team of The Mexican and Haley Lane from Bill Cantrell Stables. The second place tie went to A Sure Pushover and Nick Price for trainer Alan Price.

            Drop The Hammer and Judy Leek claimed their second blue of the show unanimously in the Lite-Shod Amateur Western Specialty. The second place went to Peddler’s Ace and Vicki Harris,

            In the Two-Year-Old Classic, A JFK Jr. and Scott Beaty were called to receive the blue. This was A JFK Jr.’s fourth 2007 blue. The second place tie went to Buck Twenty Five and Link Webb.

            Following their wins at East Hall Dugout and Heard County Lions Club Shows, Black Cash Delight and Gail Walling rode to a unanimous victory in the Amateur Stallions Specialty class. Finish Line Farms claimed the training duties of this exciting team. Jose Beam and Koni Tidwell took home the red ribbon for trainer Barbara Agnich.

            Ginger Simpson took home a Georgia blue aboard BB King’s Jazz, his sixth of the year, in the Park Pleasure Two and Three-Year-Old class unanimously. This talented team is trained by Bryan Clark. Evil Patty Gray and Jeff Givens were reserve.

            Kari Tisma rode away with the 10-entry Amateur Gelding Specialty title on The American Idol for trainer Mickey McCormick. Cindy Sullivan and Market Watch made a good show to claim the reserve spot under Finish Line Farms’s banner.

            The team of Sheeza Reba and Maggie Moore won their second blue of the show in the 10-entry Western Trail Pleasure class for trainer Shelly Herman. The reserve tie went to Cowboy On Parole and Connie Waldo.

            The Novice Specialty class was next on the agenda. Motown Mischief and Reeves Lane walked to the winner’s circle for a win under the guidance of trainer Stephen Brown. Prime’s Powerstroke and Richard Ward finished in second for Webb Stables.

            World Champion The Lady Has Connections won a Southern Championship blue in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class, winning her sixth blue of the season. Heidi McWilliams was in the irons under Beaty Stables’s banner. Ginger Simpson and Sunfire Phoenix made a good show to claim the reserve spot for trainer Jeff Hatcher.

            Diana Bowers took home a Georgia blue aboard current reserve world champion Generator’s Top Dollar for Mickey McCormick Stables. This is Generator’s Top Dollar’s eighth blue of the season. Riding out with the red award was the team of A Dollar General and Rhea Ellen Webb for trainer Ronnie Spears.

            The Amateur Lite-Shod class was next to take to the rail. Current World Champion Nita’s Double Pride and Ginger Simpson were the unanimous victors in this class. This is Nita’s Double Pride’s ninth 2007 blue and a repeat win from Perry last year. Drop The Hammer and Connie Waldo were reserve.

            Current reserve world champion Holyfield and Link Webb received the top spot unanimously in the Hartland Farm WHTA Riders’ Cup Four-Year-Old Stallion class to win his fifth blue of the season. Scott Beaty rode Sanatone to the second place tie.

            The Warr Development WHTA Riders’ Cup 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings class was the final class of the evening. With previous wins at the Pre-Celebration Splash Classic and North Carolina Championship, Pride’s Rattle N Snap and Charlie Green took the blue. Carolina Confederate and Mickey McCormick claimed the reserve ribbon.

            With 42 classes behind them, it was next time to enjoy the fine food, friends and music at the exhibitors’ party.

SATURDAY EVENING

            Everyone anticipated the third and final night of the show. The show began with the Fine Harness class. Current World Champion Clutch’s Power Play earned his fourth blue of the year unanimously with Scott Beaty at the whip.

            The nation’s finest answered the gate call for the James Corlew Chevrolet WHTA Riders’ Cup Two-Year-Old Stallion class. Claiming the top position unanimously were Now UC Me and Bill Cantrell. Your Blaze Of Glory and Mickey McCormick were reserve.

            Laney Bledsoe rode Yatesville Community Classic and Al Miller Memorial Champion Visa Gold Card to the unanimous blue in the Juvenile Park Pleasure class for Carl Bledsoe Stables. Evil Patty Gray and Haley Lanw were the recipients of the red ribbon in the class for Jeff Givens Stables.

            Sarah Moersch directed Go JoJo to his second blue of the show unanimously in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Webb Stables. Reserve went to Ritz Rattle & Roll and Lynda Brogdon under the guidance of Charlie Green Stables.   

            The Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class was next. This

Spirit’s In Command and Dru McCormick claimed the unanimous blue for Scott Beaty Stables. This was This Spirit’s In Command’s sixth blue of the season. Ginger Simpson directed Godfather By Ultra Copy to the reserve tie for Jeff Hatcher Stables.

            Makin Night Moves and Keith Reed put on quite a show in the Walking Weanlings class. Anita Dickeson tied a respectable reserve in the fine class leading Gen U Wine Giorgio.

            The team of The American Idol and Jeanine Gullet claimed the GWHEA Members Only Specialty class unanimously for the second year in a row under the guidance of Mickey McCormick Stables. Martha Branson and Diamond’s Touchdown made a fine show for reserve under Allan Forman’s guidance.

            In the Aged Mares and Geldings class, Bill Cantrell directed The Crimson Lady to the unanimous top spot.

            Winning the first set of roses unanimously from the Southern Championship and their second blue of the show was the team of The Mexican and Haley Lane. Bill Cantrell Stables prepared this team for the show ring. Laney Bledsoe made a top notch ride aboard Generator’s D-Day Dolly to win the red ribbon for trainer Carl Bledsoe.

            In the Park Performance Open class, Jeff Hatcher rode Jewel’s Scatman to the unanimous win at Perry. Finish a strong reserve was the team of JFK’s Top Aide and Doug Barnes.

            Tee To Green and Jack Pirkle won the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class under the guidance of Allan Forman. Current World Champion Jose’s Dulce and Kathryn Ramsbottom made a powerful performance to receive the reserve award in the class for Link Webb Stables.

            Gail Walling rode hard and directed her black mount to the tricolor and floral horseshoe to win the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty Championship unanimously under the Finish Line Farm’s banner. Carolina Confederate was reserve with Tricia Timmons in the irons from Mickey McCormick Stables.

            The Yearling class took to the rail next. Amanda Winters led current World Grand Champion Pat Head Summitt to the unanimous blue and her 32^nd blue of the season. Maybe I’m Maybelline and Chris Bobo were reserve. Roger Richards owns and trains both these yearling stars.

            Dumas Dandy and Link Webb found their way unanimously down victory lane in the Waterfall Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Stallion class. This was Dumas Dandy’s second blue of the show. All Cash On Demand and John Allan Callaway made a powerful performance for the reserve spot. 

            Top entries made the gate call for the Lite-Shod Specialty Championship. When the cards were marked, the unanimous choice of the judges was the team of Nita’s Double Pride and Jeff Hatcher. Drop The Hammer and Judy Leek took home the red ribbon.

            Rodney Dick and Gail Walling rode Jose Grande to the blue in the Pro-Am Specialty class. Mo Nisbett and Ronnie Spears and Radical Jazz took home the red ribbon.

            I’m Uncle Kracker and Haley Lane topped the Youth Walking Pony Championship unanimously the second year in a row. Bill Cantrell prepared this team for the ring. This was I’m Uncle Kracker’s ninth blue of the season. Allison Oliver directed My Katie Lady to claim the red ribbon with another fabulous show for trainer Bryan Clark.

            Current World Champion Tony Montana claimed his second blue of the show unanimously in the competitive Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings under the direction of Lisa Baum and trainer Link Webb. Legend Of JFK and Gail Walling made a great ride to finish second under Finish Line Farm’s banner.

            Heidi McWilliams and The Lady Has Connections claimed their second blue of the show in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty Championship under the direction of Scott Beaty Stables. The reserve was won by B B King’s Jazz and Jeannae Patterson under trainer Bryan Clark.

            Cindy Sullivan and Market Watch made a flawless show to top the Amateur Specialty Championship. Rodney Dick prepared this team for competition. The reserve ribbon was won by High Jacked and Dr. Jim Baum for Bobo Farms.

            This concludes the 2007 coverage of the Southern Championship. Results and judges’ cards follow and may also be seen at www.walkinghorsereport.com.