JACKSON, Mo. - On Saturday, August 17 the Annual Midwest Futurity and Heartland Jubilee horse shows were held at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson, Missouri again this year. Exhibitors from several states came to show their TWH weanling through three-year-olds in the twelve Futurity classes and all gaited show in the twenty-two evening classes. Judge David Brown from Frankfort, Kentucky tied the classes as announcer Steve Eli from Johnston City, Illinois kept the shows moving and the riders informed. The perky fingers of Diane Beaver from Alamo, Tennessee matched the music to the classes as the audience of 450 enjoyed the social atmosphere of a good horse show as well. The silent auction was a treat again this year, as many stayed until the close of the show to collect their prizes.

A total of 237 entries combined to make this successful show as our volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors contributed wonderfully. Our chosen charity again is the Youth Diabetes Fund at Southeast Hospital, funding their Camp Daybreak, the new cooking class for grandparents and other caregivers of diabetic children, a resource library, parent’s night out and a proposed new class for teens and young adults for 2003.

The weanling classes are always interesting, as the young colts and fillies sometimes have an agenda of their own! The Weanling Championship class was won by Morpheus with handler Susan Hills for Dennis and Susan Hills of Festus, Missouri and reserve in the class going to Dance’s Sunni Girl with handler/owner Lana Holloway of Sparta, Illinois.

Yearling classes were full as well, with the championship honors going to Gold Jubilee Edition shown by Jennifer Schubert for Tim Schubert of Perryville, Missouri and reserve in the class to Pride’s Brambling Surprise and owner/handler Kim Abernathy of Lexington, Kentucky and Jackson, Missouri.

Two-year-old and three-year-old classes rounded out the entries with light-shod, plantation and build up entries.

After all points were totaled, the Premier Sire award was again presented to Generator’s Gold Edition owned by Mike Young of Anna, Illinois and reserve sire was Lightfoot’s Image owned by Terry Fickinger of Alahambra, Illinois. Premier Mare award went to Threat’s Kagen Queen and owner Paula Andrews of Millersville, Missouri. Reserve Mare award went to Hallelujah’s Bright Light, owner Marilyn Neal of Gordonville, Missouri. After four years of anticipation and hard work, the Graduate award was presented to Edge Cajun Style and owner Paula Andrews of Millersville, Missouri.

After a much-needed break and visit to Ruthie B’s Restaurant for some home cooking, the crowd was treated to an exciting exhibition by Mr. Leon Morgan on his World Champion Speed Racking Horse, The Gravy Man, and by Mr. Morgan’s grandson on Chief’s Speedy Comet. Boy, can those animals move in gait!!!

The evening show began with the leadline class, always a favorite as the kids are a joy to watch on these fine gentle horses. Each entry received a blue ribbon and a gift pack of assorted prizes. Classes were a mixture of youth and adult exhibitors as well as specific classes per age group and proved quite lively, as all invoked a spirit of camaraderie and good sportsmanship as the kids gave the adults a run for their money! Some classes are always favorites and water glass is one of them. A full class here means many wet horses and riders!

Total show results are listed in the corresponding section and pictures can be viewed by going to the website of our photographer, Jack Greene. We wish to thank all our exhibitors, fans, volunteers and sponsors for a wonderful show. Plans are already being made for next year’s show and we hope to see you there!