By Christie Miller

AMORY, Miss. - The Amory Kiwanis Classic Horse Show kicked off its first annual show on Saturday, June 21, 2003, with 144 entries. The show was affiliated with the Mid-South Walking Horse Association, the Heart of Dixie and the Mississippi Walking Horse Association. Sponsored by the Amory Kiwanis Club, this year’s show proceeds benefited the needy children of Amory and Monroe County, the J.S. Abney Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Monroe County Foster Parent Appreciation Day.

Two days prior, the show grounds received one to two inches of rainfall, making parking somewhat tight, but everyone was accommodated. Show manager Mary Ruth Wright graciously appreciated everyone’s patience for any inconveniences incurred at the show. “Next year we hope for an even bigger and better show. We certainly appreciate all the trainers, owners and exhibitors for coming, and a special thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work,” Wright said.

Jimmy Carnathan of Plantersville, Miss., penciled the judge’s card for the 32 class event. Perry Thomas of Tupelo, Miss., served as the announcer. Charles Ritchie of Memphis, Tenn., performed his musical talents on organ, and Mike Farley of New Albany, Miss., fulfilled his duties as ringmaster. Sid Abernathy of Shannon, Miss., snapped the action shots of each entry. The national anthem was sung by Tonya Herndon. The opening ceremonies and presentation of our nation's flag was performed by Masquerading Molly and Medford Knowles of Nettleton, Miss., for owner

Falcon Ridge Farm of Toone, Tenn., led the blue ribbon tally with five wins. ET’s Grey Threat, with a very excited Teri Olinger, accepted the blue ribbon award in the Amateur Park Pleasure division. Mr. And Mrs. Dudley Moore were delighted as their beautiful sorrel stallion Watch Delight and Ray Gilmer claimed yet another blue in the Open Four-Year-Old class.

Mr. and Mrs. L H Gaines enjoyed a blue ribbon weekend as all three of their entries walked away with first place honors. The first came when Mrs. Gaines directed Come To Papa to the winner’s circle in the Ladies Amateur Specialty division. Gaines returned on her world champion chestnut stallion Pride’s Flapjack to capture the blue award in the Open Amateur event. With a recent Germantown Charity win, and coming back stronger than ever after a year long show ring absence, Kat Man Dude proved that he was a “can do man”, as he and Ray Gilmer strolled to championship honors in the Walking Horse Stake.

Holley and Son Stables returned to Byhalia, Miss., with four blues to their credit. ASAP, with Verner Smith in the irons, caught the judge’s eye to make the blue ribbon ride in the Amateur Specialty event. Robert Redford and Jenny Jones boasted their seventh blue award to their resume in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for very proud owners, Frank and Sissy Bailey. Carrie Alice Rea is becoming quite the horse person in her very first year in the show ring. Rea joyfully received blue ribbon acclaim in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings class aboard She’s A Bar Maid, and again in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings Specialty division with A High Headed Lady.

Five Way Farms of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was credited with three wins. Design’s Ebony Girl and Alex Way walked to the blue in the Juvenile 11 and Under Specialty event. Moments Of Jazz and Lee Wall enjoyed a blue ribbon moment as they captured the first award in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallion class. Move Over and Carolyn Rutner slid by the competition and claimed blue ribbon honors in the Amateur 15.2 and Under Specialty division.

Whitter Stables of Collierville, Tenn., also carried home three wins. In the Open Two-Year-Old Stallion event, Shane Vaughn directed Almost Famous to the blue award for owner Odell McConnell. Grand Constellation and Chase Hawks reached for the stars as they were chosen for the blue award in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for owner John Ying. Hard Promises and Meg Duchaine rode to the blue award for owner Lisa Palmer.

Single blues were credited to Summer Crest Farms of Olive Branch, Miss. In their debut, the new team of Michelle Walker and Spellbound Generator held the judge spellbound as they danced to the blue award, topping a tough field of eight competitors.

In the Amateur Owned and Trained event, Stormy’s Black Rain and Summer Sullivan continued their winning streak.

Richard Woods Stables of Hickory Valley, Tenn., took home the blue award in the Open Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings division. Robert Stivers guided A Little Bit Of Jazz for the blue ribbon honors.

Abernathy Stables of Olive Branch, Miss., prepared the winners in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class. Wilson Pickett and Red Strickland topped a field of 13 entries in this class.

Percy Lewis Stables of Sallis, Miss., enjoyed a blue ribbon ride. Lewis and Pushover’s Lady Prowler were called to the first award for owners Steve and Susan Frank.

White Oak Farms of Atoka, Tenn., carried home single blues in the Open Three-Year-Old Stallion class. Shea Woods directed Oh By The Way to the winner’s circle for owner Bill Williams. In the Colt’s Under Halter division, My Santara and David Smith were victorious for owner Jimmy Graham.

In the pleasure divisions, Karla Massey enjoyed three blue ribbon awards. In the Trail Pleasure event, Massey rode Dazzling Dollar to the blue award. One Knight At A Time and Massey charged the competition for the first award in the Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod class. The third time was a charm, Eagle’s Legacy carried Massey to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Country Gaited Saddle Pleasure event.

This highlights the first annual Amory Kiwanis Classic Horse Show. Complete results follow and may be searched, viewed or printed from our website at www.walkinghorsereport.com.