by Linda Scrivner
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – The Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show and Music Festival celebrated its 11th annual show April 22-25, at Frank Brown Park near some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This event, always held the last full weekend in April, has benefited numerous charities, changing lives and comforting those in need for the past 10 years. This year’s show once again supported the Anchorage Children’s Home and other local charities.
Lined Walkin' claimed the top honors in the stake class Saturday night in impressive fashion. The four-year-old stallion ventured into aged competition for the first time and looked like a veteran completing the class with a unanimous tie as champion. He also won the four-year-old class on Wednesday night making him two-for-two at the show. Lined Walkin' won nine blue ribbons in 2008 including the Three-Year-Old World Championship. Ms. Jose Walks and Charlie Green received reserve honors in the class while third was awarded to Another RPM and Rob Brainard.
Many came to see the great horses that always show here, as well as enjoy the seafood and the musical entertainment, which was provided before and after each session. Jennifer Bingham and Joel Weaver, both from Shelbyville, Tenn., and Ty Irby of Mobile, Ala., judged this year’s event, which included 72 classes. The show had excellent quality, with world champions and world grand champions competing.
This year, as in the past, the USDA was present to inspect horses along with SHOW DQPs and officials. Seven USDA personnel and two state troopers were present in the inspection station all four nights. USDA Associate Deputy Administrator Dr. Andrea M. Morgan arrived Thursday evening to view the horses showing and the inspection procedures.
There were 284 entries showing compared to 520 in 2008, 413 in 2007, 381 in 2006, 389 in 2005 and 410 in 2004. Charlie Green Stables led the blue ribbon tally with 10 blues while Finish Line Farms returned home with nine Gulf Coast blues. Six blues were earned by Brad Beard of 4 The Glory Farm, Brandon Stout Stables and the team of Ginger Simpson and Bryan Clark. Five blues went to Joe Fleming Stables and Mickey McCormick Stables while Jeff Hatcher Stables won four blues. Tim Brooks earned three blues while Sam McLaughlin of Alpha Place Stables and Jack Way Stables received two blues apiece.
Complete results and judges’ cards follow and can be viewed by clicking here.