coverage by JoAnne Overstreet
editorial by Stephanie Rose

FLORENCE, S.C. - The ninth annual Florence Charity was held on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the beautiful Hewitt Farm on River Bend Road in Florence, S.C. The show started promptly at four in the blazing heat as Allen Forman of Thomson, Ga., marked the cards. This show was affiliated with the National Horse Show Commission. The United States Department of Agriculture’s VMOs showed up during the 13th class and began inspecting and swabbing horses. The “sniffer” went into effect on June 1, 2008, and this is the first show it has been to officially. The USDA was also at this show last year.

The show went on despite a decrease in entries. Martin Training Center led the blue ribbon tally with seven blues. This included the Walking Horse Grand Champion Matador. He was shown by Sam Martin in the stake and also won the Open Specialty class with Rae Martin. Others that had multiple blues included I’m MGM Grand. He had three blues and was ridden and owned by Tricia Williams and family. Over The Hill Farm picked up three wins. Norman had dual blues with Laura Mauney.

Complete results can be veiwed by clicking here.