By Linda Scrivner
GALLATIN, Tenn. - Known as one of the most prestigious events of the spring show schedule, the 47th annual Gallatin Lions Charity Horse Show certainly lived up to its name Saturday, May 8, 2004. Some of the top horses and riders in the industry turned out for this year’s edition, which featured 246 entries compared to 234 last year. Horses from across Tennessee and Kentucky attended this show held at the Sumner County Fairgrounds.
Show Chairman Martin Spears was extremely pleased with the show, but was dismayed that the event started a few minutes late due to an untimely accident with announcer Tommy Sands. Sands' finger was cut to the bone following a trailer accident. The show did go on, however, after Sands was treated by ambulance medics and stitches were put in by a veterinarian. This trooper kept the show lively with his comments throughout the evening. Sands celebrated his 21st anniversary of announcing this show.
The honorable Jerry Woodlee capably handled the mastodon task of judging the 30-class event. The crowd eagerly awaited the Championship class, and it was an exciting finale for the evening as son-in-law Knox Blackburn battled it out with Jimmy McConnell for the top spot. Knox Blackburn and Millenium Masquerade made an outstanding performance and were awarded the floral horseshoe and championship tricolor. Millenium Masquerade claimed the Open Amateur class earlier this season with Dee Dee Sale in the irons at Martin, Tenn., making his debut into aged ranks. His delighted owners are the Gilbert Miller family.
Jimmy McConnell and Big Time Pusher earned the reserve tricolor. This talented stallion is owned by Bill and Sandra Johnson and is prepared by the team at Formac Stables. Collecting the third place award was the team of Julio Julio and Dick Peebles for owners Wayne and Joyce Meadows.
The 17-entry Country Pleasure class opened the competition at Gallatin. Charlie Howard earned top honors aboard Pride’s Final Mark for Tay Ben Farms. In the reserve position were Fashionability and owner and trainer Pat Stout.
In the Yearling Filly class, I’m Shania Twain and an elated Roger Richards Jr., made the victory pass. The second place award went to Grandy’s Summer Love and Rita Ellis for Thompson Place Farm.
Next, the Lite-Shod Plantation Pleasure Specialty class entered the ring. After previously walking away with the Winchester title in this division with owner Sharon Higginbotham, Strike It Gold and trainer Larry Derryberry earned another blue ribbon. Reserve honors were awarded to Drop The Hammer and owner and trainer Connie Waldo.
In the Three-Year-Old and Under Park Pleasure Specialty, JFK’s A Diamond Doll and Bobby Patterson walked away with the blue ribbon honors. A Sure Fire and Connie Waldo were the reserve winners.
Ten talented competitors answered the gate call for the Yearling Colt class. Don’t Touch Me I’m Armed earned top honors in the division with Robert Nelms of Nelms Training Facility at the lead. Jose’s Tom Turkey and Chris Richards collected the reserve award.
The championship team of Skywalk and Seth Stanfill continued their winning ways in the 16-entry Youth Walking Pony Specialty class. Olympic Encore and Joel Johnson claimed the reserve honors. They are under the direction of Mickey McCormick Stables.
Making the victory pass in the Amateur Owner and Trained Lite-Shod Specialty class was Connie Waldo aboard Drop The Hammer. Noble Stout made the reserve ride aboard Fashion’s Cover Girl.
Following up his 2004 debut blue ribbon at the Mississippi State Charity last month, Rebel’s Glitter Of Gold and Joel Weaver made an outstanding show in the Open Show Pleasure Specialty class. Andrew Johnson took home the red award with trainer David Landrum.
Bold Stroke’s Attraction and Hailey Puckett made a flawless performance to claim the blue ribbon award in the Youth 11 and Under class. John Puckett Stables handles their preparation. Emily Loid made the reserve ride aboard Ritz’s 1st Lady under the Loid Stables banner.
She’s Artistic made an exciting performance in the Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Owners Buchanan and Wilsford were delighted with the outstanding performance of this new young star, who also won at the Upper Cumberland Horse Show. Trainer J.B. Buchanan made the winning ride. Earning the reserve honors were Malibu and Brock Tillman for Blackhawk Farms.
Kim Leonard was absolutely ecstatic following her win with The Silver Bandit. They captured the Park Pleasure Amateur Specialty class. They are under the direction of Joel Weaver of Rising Star Ranch. Coin’s Black Spirit and Miles Irby rode away with the reserve ribbon. Father Ty Irby trains this entry.
Eleven youth riders ages 12-17 competed for recognition at Gallatin. Prism Sky and Mary Beth Blessing collected the win in a flawless performance. This new team is prepared for competition by Knox Blackburn Stables. Kathryn Ramsbottom made the reserve ride aboard World Grand Champion Pusher’s Special Design, who is trained by Larry and Link Webb of Webb Stables.
John Allan Callaway won blue ribbon acclaim for the second consecutive blue for PGA in Gallatin. They debuted at the Cullman, Ala., show earlier this season. Callaway and PGA rode into the winner’s circle following the Two-Year-Old Stallions class. Knox Blackburn collected the reserve honors with Jose’s Dot Com.
Ten entries answered the gate call for the Two-Year-Old Amateur class. After a tough competition, A Flash Of Lightning was called into victory lane to collect top honors. Carolyn Miller was in the irons as they made their debut as a team. A Flash Of Lightning also won the Two-Year-Old Stake at the Mississippi State Charity Show last month under the direction of Allan Callaway Stables. Heidi McWilliams and Jose Magical Lady were rewarded with the red ribbon for their fine performance. This entry is trained by Scott Beaty Stables.
Maria Derickson and Watch For Glory took home top honors in the TWHBEA Youth Medallion class. Beam’s Eclipse and Kathryn Ramsbottom earned the reserve award. Larry Webb of Link Webb Stables handles his preparation.
In the Open Park Pleasure Specialty event, Howard Atkinson made the victory pass with Silver’s Long Shot. Reserve went to Wayne Barnes and his The KGB.
I’m Splashed entered the show ring in blue ribbon style. He and Joe Cotten received the top award in the Open 15.2 and Under class. Walkin’ All Over and Jimmy McConnell earned the reserve award.
Patty Marek made the victory pass ride in the 14-entry Novice Horse Amateur Specialty class. She directed her Big Guy Design to the blue ribbon honors for trainer Gloria Hilley of Derickson Training Facility. Counting The Dollars and Sue Ann Schott were the reserve champions. Joel Weaver handles their preparation.
World Grand Champion The Lottery topped the 11-entry open specialty division under the direction of Marvin North of Landrum Stables. They also enjoyed a victory at the Mississippi State Charity last month. Secretive and Joel Weaver were reserve.
Fourteen outstanding entries answered the gate call for the Three-Year-Old Amateur class. Mama’s Almighty Dollar made this ride a blue ribbon affair. Michael Coleman was in the irons of this striking sorrel stallion. Mickey McCormick Stables trains the young star. The reserve honors went to The American Choice and Cliff Garrard. This entry is trained by Charlie Green Stables.
The Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings event was another large class rich with talent. Absolutely Flawless and John Allan Callaway made an outstanding performance for the blue. Knox Blackburn directed I Could Command to the reserve honors.
Pure Tribute and Pam Ingraham added a Gallatin title to their lengthy resume’. They won the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class under the direction of Joel Weaver. Look Who’s In Command and Jaclyn Tillman earned the reserve honors.
The Amateur Lady Riders on Mares and Geldings Specialty class was filled with 12 world class talents. After one of the most competitive classes of the evening, Anita Blue and Anita George made the victory pass with an award winning performance. Trish Harrison rode to the reserve tie aboard Cheatin Danger. Landrum Stables assumes the training duties of this new team.
Charlie Green collected the prize in the 11-entry Three-Year-Old Stallion class. Rudy Rudiger made an outstanding performance to capture the honors. Expeditor and Knox Blackburn were reserve.
Rhea Ellen Webb was elated following her win in the 10-entry Four-Year-Old Amateur class. Her mount, Pop A Top Poppa, is trained by Scott Beaty Stables. Reserve went to Sky Jam and Suzanne Littell under the direction of Callaway Stables.
In a stunning performance, Jazz’s Master captured the Open Four-Year-Old title. Jimmy McConnell made the outstanding ride. Last year they earned the Three-Year-Old Stallion title at Gallatin. Central Command was awarded the red ribbon in the class. John Allan Callaway rode and trained the entry.
For the second consecutive year, Robin MacDonald and John F.K.’s Pusher added a Gallatin title to their lengthy resume'. They walked away with the blue ribbon in the 12-entry Open Amateur Specialty class. This sorrel stallion is trained by Dick Peebles Stables. Outer Limits and Jeff Rich were reserve.
Sunrise Que Sera Sera and Jimmy McConnell earned a Gallatin blue ribbon when they topped the Aged Mares and Geldings class. Reserve honors went to Lizzy Borden and Scotty Brooks.
Caress Mills and Generator’s Champion made a blue ribbon performance in Open Amateur competition. This excellent team is trained by David Landrum Stables. Pushover’s Cashflow and Larry David were rewarded with the red ribbon. Allan Callaway Stables trains this talented stallion.
This highlights the 47th annual Gallatin Lions Club Charity Horse Show.