Hydrostatic and Link Webb Cruise Through the Magnolia State
by Debbie Graham
VERONA, Miss. - The Loraine Wesson Faith Haven Walking Horse Show was held on May 5, 2007, at the Lee County Agri-Center in Verona, Miss. The show is dedicated to Loraine Wesson who is Faith Haven’s former director, serving from 1987 to 2003. Mrs. Wesson continues to lend her support and was present in center ring at this year’s edition.
Faith Haven is a shelter located in Tupelo, Miss., that provides a safe, temporary home for children and youth. It serves as an emergency shelter for children in protective custody of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. In 2006, Faith Haven had the opportunity to care for 127 children. The Faith Haven Board of Directors sponsors the event. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser give the additional support needed to provide services for these children. Horse show supporters help provide a safe, nurturing home for all the children who need them.
Chris Bobo judged the 32 classes that drew 232 entries. Perry Thomas served as master of ceremonies. Mike Farley handled the duties of ringmaster. Charles Ritchie entertained the crowd with his popular tunes on the show organ. Show chairman Jan Carnathan and her dedicated committee produced a successful event.
The evening began with the presentation of the colors by Kenneth Warren and his walking mule, Kate. Next on the agenda were two classes for young exhibitors. Sydney Starling and Will Wright enjoyed a trip around the ring with their stick horses in the traditional Stick Horse class. Lead Line winners were Dawson Powell and Vegas with Teresa Powell at the lead.
The Faith Haven show offered a Model class. I’m Ebony’s Dixie and Debbie Stewart earned top honors in this division for Terry and Donna Armstrong.
Hytone’s Buster Brown and Zach Woods were in top form to capture the Juvenile 11 and Under title for Woods and Herndon. I’m Pushin’ Tunica and Ashlyn Crowson made the victory pass in the Juvenile 11 and Under Pony division for Larry and Pat Doyle. Olympic’s Godfather and Phillip Carter topped the Juvenile 12-17 class for Barry Carter.
In the halter division, yearling contenders prepared by Smith Stables claimed both titles. Touch Of Heart made her blue ribbon debut in the Yearling Filly class with Lindsey Smith at the lead for Jimmy and Debbie Graham. Jeazibel’s Black Gem claimed his first blue of the season in the Yearling Colt class with David Smith at the lead for Dr. John Lay. Round One and Lewis Foster received the blue in the Weanling Halter class for Jimmy Stewart.
Formac Stables led the blue ribbon tally with four Faith Haven titles. Wesley Snipes and Jimmy McConnell won the first honor in the Two-Year-Old Stallion class for Louise Lyons. McConnell returned to claim the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding title aboard Texas Tiara for Dianne Donner. In a highly competitive field of 16 Amateur Specialty contenders, Our Chance By JFK and Joyce Brady earned blue ribbon recognition for Bill and Joyce Brady. He’s Dr. Cash and Farrah McAlexander were thrilled to receive the title of Amateur 15.2 and Under Specialty Champions.
Falcon Ridge Farm won three blues at Faith Haven. Oh My Wicked Ways and Ray Gilmer were in the spotlight in the Three-Year-Old Stallion class for the Tommy Jowers family. Armed Soldier and Elizabeth Rester were in the winner’s circle in the Amateur Ladies Show Pleasure class. Dangerous Falcon and Zach Parsons led the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Specialty class for Herb Murray.
Whitter Stables claimed three Faith Haven titles as well. On the heels of their recent Jackson, Miss., title, I’m Silver Too and Beverly Sherman collected the Ladies Amateur Specialty title. I’m Electric and Kelly Sherman were crowned Two-Year-Old Amateur champions. Smooth Like JFK and Jackie McConnell were victorious in the Four-Year-Old Open division for Joseph and Betty Clark.
Stanfill Stables had two Faith Haven champions. The Ultra Jose’ carried Ronnie Stanfill to the winner’s circle in the Amateur-Four-Year-Old Stallion division. Stanfill directed Skywatch In Black to blue ribbon honors in the Open Amateur division for Billy Stanfill.
Entries prepared by Dick Peebles Stables won dual blues at the show. Magic Spook and Lynne Harper were winners in the Amateur Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for Wally and Lynne Harper. Over Rated and Ashley Tuttle turned in an impressive performance to claim the Amateur-Three-Year-Old Stallion award.
Royal Sparkling Gen and Hunter Morgan made the familiar ride to the winner’s circle in the Country Pleasure class for Doug Toone. Jackie McKnight directed I’m Rose Walker to a top finish in the Trail Pleasure class for Jackie and Sims McKnight. Laurie Toone prepared these contenders for show ring competition.
Silver Darling and Ray Warren won the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for Ray and Betty Warren. Dark Illusion and Red Strickland claimed top honors in the Amateur Gentlemen Show Pleasure Specialty class for Red and Dot Strickland.
A Black Market Pusher and Todd Smith made the victory pass in the Open Specialty division for Sam and Faye Bogle. Symbol Of Ritz and Roger Latham walked away with the Amateur Owned and Trained title.
Champ’s Moonlite and Darren Jones topped the Open Spotted class for the Jones family. Pride’s All Copy and Wes Samford were the recipients of the Park Performance Specialty title for Dwight Hasty.
Out On Bond and Jerry Collier received the blue ribbon in the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for Harold Malone. Dillon’s Boy and Roger Hickman captured the blue in the Park Pleasure Specialty division.
In the final class of the evening, the WHTA Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Stake, Link Webb brought Hydrostatic to the Faith Haven tricolor for Jim and Sheron Richmond.
Complete results follow and can be viewed, searched and printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.