by Linda Fox

CARTHAGE, Tenn. - Ninety-five top contenders and their exhibitors vied for honors at the 44th annual Smith County Walking Horse Show. The 2008 edition was held on Friday evening, June 20, at the new Ag Center on Highway 53 in Carthage, Tenn. The South Carthage Civitan Club sponsored the event. The club’s most outstanding project is its annual $1,000 and $500 college scholarships awarded to Smith County students. The club also contributes to little league baseball and girl’s softball, Carthage and Gordonsville bands and other charitable organizations.

Mack Motes of Franklin, Tenn., judged the 23 classes. Although only two entries made the gate call for the Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Stake, both contenders were talented and exciting. From the noise of the crowd, no one seemed concerned by the low number. When announcer John Hood called the winning number, it was Charlie Green and his black stallion King Of The Jungle who claimed the title for the Nestor Stewart family of McMinnville, Tenn. Making the good reserve ride were trainer Scott Beaty and his grey stallion America On Line for owner Darrell Frazier of Jamestown, Tenn.

Complete show results may be searched by clicking here.