By Jennifer Maack-Condren

DIXON, Mo. - The 54th annual Dixon Horse Show was held July 26, 2003, at the Dixon Saddle Club. This show is always a favorite on the Midwest circuit due to the hospitality shown to the trainers and exhibitors by the members of the Dixon Saddle Club. Beautiful trophies are a tradition in Dixon, along with many memorial and challenge trophies from past members and family of the Saddle Club. A total of 90 entries made the gate call, including both Tennessee Walking Horses and Missouri Fox Trotters.

Richard Hardin of DeSoto, Mo., served as the judge for the 16 walking horse classes.

Jay Teaford started off the night for the walking horses winning a blue in the Open Model class with JJ’s American Buck. Steve Skopec and Toppin’ High Cotton received the red. Taking home his second blue this season in as many shows was Jeff Laughlin and Loose Spirit in the Two- Year-Old class for 4-J Land & Cattle Co. Olympic Gem and Truman Volkart were reserve for Heartland Acres.

Generating Cash and Bill Branham took home their 20th and 21st blues for the year with wins in the Park Pleasure Two-Gait and Park Pleasure Three-Gait classes. Caretaker’s Image and Glenda Nichols rode to the reserve spot in the two-gait class and Brian Nichols returned for the three-gait class, also receiving the reserve ribbon. Amateur Specialty Show Pleasure winners Darlene Swaringim and Mark The Time have certainly learned their way to the winner's circle this year, making this their ninth win this season. Toppin’ High Cotton and Steve Skopec made the good ride to the reserve placing.

Major Monkey Business and Weston Hetland proved they were all business as they entered the ring in the Juvenile 17 and Under Specialty class under the direction of Grandpa Truman Volkart. Hetland was all smiles as he made his victory pass. Brad Nichols and Coin’s Smooth Operator were reserve. Not to be outdone by his brother, earlier in the evening Jay Laughlin directed JFK’s Lady Leslie to the win in the Three and Under Park Pleasure class for 4-J Land & Cattle Co. JFK’s Something Good and Brent Salsman were second.

Amateurs directed by Curt Caldwell won two classes back to back. Julie Patterson and Antidote received the judge's nod in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class. Matt McWilliams followed suit on the flashy Gray Sky in the Amateur Specialty class. Sherry Hill and Excite Me made the good ride to the reserve spot in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class. Virginia Counts and Spun’s Precious Jewel rode to the reserve spot in the Amateur Specialty class.

Dixie To Motown and Jerry Manes were victorious in the Open Specialty class for Jerra Williams. Carroll Counts and Movin’ On Up were putting the pressure on for the reserve spot. Brian Nichols and Eclectic were in top form for the win in the Open Amateur class for Mrs. Glen Campbell.

Lite-Shod Two-Gait class winner My Horse Showtime and Marvelene Kusewitt added another win to their lengthy resume for Kusewitt and Jones. Cheyenne Jones and She’s High Tech made a good show to receive the second place decision.

The gait call was made for the Open class and once again Curt Caldwell and Jubilee’s Image delivered a flawless performance for Matt and Lisa McWilliams. Caldwell treated son Nick to a ride during the victory pass, while his fan club assisted him with the three trophies he won in this class.

At the close of the evening, club member Bill Withers once again displayed that Dixon hospitality by thanking each person who brought horses and helped support this annual tradition. This concludes the highlights from the 54th annual Dixon Horse Show. Complete results may be found by visiting the results section of our web site.