By Jennifer Maack-Condren

HALFWAY, Mo. - Halfway Saddle Club grounds played host to the Midwest Walking Horse Trainer’s Association colt preview April 4, 2004. Many members and friends gathered to have a sneak-peak or practice-run for the 2004 show season just a couple weeks away. Mild temperatures in the mid 60s were a welcome change to the cool temperatures seen lately. A potluck dinner preceded the riding exhibitions.

President Mike Maack welcomed the group with discussion of the Trainer’s Spring Show, scheduled for April 24. Members brought items to donate for the silent auction, which benefits the spring show. From tack and decorative items to old issues of Saddle and Bridle magazines, members enjoyed the friendly competition of bidding on the items.

Mike Maack started off the exhibitions with Generator’s Finale, a three-year-old stud colt owned by Sheila Hale of Heartland Acres of Kearney, Mo. This is the last colt sired by Pride’s Generator. Kurt King and Sheila Hale both exhibited this colt to the group’s delight.

Another horse owned by Hale and George Craig, The Inquisitor was presented to the gathering. Jill Wait proved her boots hadn’t gathered cobwebs over the winter as she looked like she was ready for the show ring with her ride on Inquisitor. Cheyenne Jones, granddaughter of Stephen and Patty Ayers, then took her first ride on a performance horse. The smile on her face told the crowd it wouldn’t be her last.

Jim Huffman rode a two-year-old filly named Spun’s Gold Cinderella. This filly proved she is looking for a ball and a lot of blue ribbons coming her way. “Cindy” is owned by Bob and Chris Willis of Rolla Mo. Spun Gold stands at Caldwell Stables, Strafford Mo.

Also from Huffman Stables in Ozark, Mike Clark presented Thorncrest’s PT Cruiser for Ron Boyer and Karen McKinnis. This three-year-old colt was shown in HAWHA Futurity classes last season and will be a force to be reckoned with in Park Pleasure classes this year.

Huffman presented (two) two-year -olds for Boyer and McKinnis - Summer Snow, a flashy filly by Pusher’s Bustin’ Loose, and Thorncrest’s Artic, a white stud colt by I’m Mr. Action. Artic is certainly eye-catching and ready to hit the show circuit. Artic and PT Cruiser were bred and raised by Boyer and McKinnis at Thorncrest Farms in Fair Grove, Mo., where sires ET’s Mr. Wonderful and I’m Mr. Action stand.

Susie Graham presented Shanghai Noon, a three-year-old gelding owned by Bill Maack, to the group. The adage “the apples don’t fall far from the tree” is certainly true in this case as he has his sire’s way of walking. Pat Kirk took Graham up on her offer for a ride and he too presented “Little Bill” well. Shanghai Bill stands at Bill Maack Stables, Polk Mo.

Last but certainly not least was a leggy two-year-old colt that Kurt King and Mike Maack presented for Jack Buddemeyer. Pushin’ Miller Time is out of The Pusher’s Generator and a Spirited Rendezvous mare. This colt proved he is not only Pushin’ Miller Time, but pushing for top honors in two-year-old open and amateur competition. The Pusher’s Generator is owned by Harold Roberts and Harold Heiney and stands at Anne Hardin Stables, DeSoto Mo.

With exhibitions completed, lucky bidders picked up their merchandise won during the silent auction. The first show of the Midwest circuit is only a couple weeks away and all left with eager anticipation following the day’s performances.