By Jennifer Maack-Condren

RICHLAND, Mo. - The Richland Saddle Club Show held Friday, June 20, 2003, was the first in a string of one-night shows to be held in Missouri. The show, traditionally held on a Saturday, moved to a Friday night in an effort to entice more entries. Show manager Warren Decker was pleased with the turn out of both walking horses and Fox Trotters.

Richard Hardin of DeSoto, Mo., judged the 13 walking classes, while Jimmy Gonz and Floyd Hampsmire served as DQPs.

Curt Caldwell and Jubilee’s Image were picture perfect on the victory pass for the Open Walking Horse class with garland flowing for owner Matt McWilliams. Stormy’s Applejack and Tom Burton claimed the reserve spot for Jill Wait.

Caldwell Stables also claimed two other wins on this chilly evening. Coby Coffman and Fair Lady’s Major Delight won the Three-Year-Old Amateur class for owners Coby Coffman and Gene Goff. Coffman entered the ring on Antidote to make a good catch ride in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class for owner Julie Patterson.

Don Bills Stables took home a trio of blues as well. Don Bill began the winning ways in the Two-Year-Old class with Extra’s Dark Mist for Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Sims. Two lovely ladies followed suit. Virginia Counts and Spun’s Precious Jewel were victorious in the Amateur Specialty class. This was the largest class of the show with seven good entries. Darlene Swaringim and Mark The Time claimed the third blue ribbon for the Bills Stable's banner in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class. This fine pair always puts on a fine performance.

Mike Maack Stables also claimed three blues throughout the evening. Shaker’s Mr. Threat and Mike Maack got things shaking with a win in the Lite-Shod Two-Gait class for owner Georgia Swicegood. Bill Branham and Spirited Rendezvous made the good victory pass in the Open Amateur class with wife Norma cheering from the rail. Maack returned to the ring on the showy He’s Goin’ To The Ritz to claim the Three-Year-Old Open win for 4-J Land & Cattle Co.

Caretaker’s Image and Brian Nichols won the first of a pair of blues for the Campbell family in the Park Pleasure Two-Gait class. Coin’s Smooth Operator and Brad Nichols won the Juvenile Specialty 17 and Under class for Mrs. Glen Campbell.

Winning the blue ribbon in the Model class was Steve Skopec and Toppin’ High Cotton. This pair was polished and shined like a new penny. Steve Davis and Dancing On The Bar claimed the blue in the Two-Year-Old Amateur class for owner Doug Montgomery.

Those in attendance at this show left with renewed hopes and anticipation of a pleasant weekend. It was a refreshing feeling following the disappointing HAWHA show the previous week due to the presence of government officials. This concludes the highlights from The Richland Saddle Club Show. Complete results follow and may also be found by visiting our website at www.walkinghorsereport.com.