by K.C. Hensley
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Professional Trainers Association Horse Show had always been a dominant Racking horse show -- until 2005! For the first time the show offered walking horse classes. With only 17 walking horse classes offered within a 53 class show, 116 walking horses came out to support the event.
The two-day show was held March 11-12 at the Miller Coliseum. Jerry Summers was the judge for the walking horse division. The Racking Horse divisions judges were Greg Johnston, Randy Moore and Tommy Thompson judged the Racking horse divisions.
Pushover’s Harley and Justin Jenne’ revved up the competition in the Walking Horse Stake and took home the thrills of victory for Leo Skelton. Justin Jenne’ Stables also received top honors in the Amateur Ladies Specialty class where Jean O'Brien rode Special Alert to victory. Bold's Weirdo added another blue to the team's collection for Joe Barnes.
Another RPM and Tony Palomino put on a stellar performance in the Open Three-Year-Old class. Larry Grishom of Ooltewah, Tenn., owns the entry. Pushin’ The Mile and Stephen Daniel finished reserve in the 12-entry class for Cheryl McGregor.
In the Park Pleasure Walking Specialty class, the well-known team of Gen’s Sundancer and Jeff Givens made their way to the winner’s circle for Shane and Sarah Hastings. The Lone Gunman and Dickie Scrivner garnered a close reserve for Pam Williams.
Pushin’ Backatcha claimed another show pleasure blue, but this time in the amateur division with Harold Malone in the irons for Frances Bivins. Double Shot Of Gen and Holly Johnson received the red ribbon in the 14-entry class for Bobby Johnson.
Jeff Givens returned to the winner’s circle once more, this time in the Lite-Shod Specialty class with Magic Illusionist for Cheryl Reidy. Threat’s Pride Of Texas and Kelsi Sotis were reserve in the class.
The Performance Pleasure class had the crowd at attention. Double the Score and Jerome Cole took home the top honors in the class for Curtis Williamson. Reserve in the talented class went to Crimson’s Deep Impact and Becky Day for John and Patty Shannon.
The competition was close in the Four-Year-Old Walking Specialty class. Buck Williams directed Delight’s Silver Dollar to blue ribbon honors for Sonny and Louis McCarter. Prior to the four-year-old class, Buck Williams Stables celebrated Jaclyn Smith's win aboard Spirit's Razzle Dazzle in the Amateur Specialty class. Dollar’s Direct Deposit and Casey Wright finished reserve in the 12-entry class for Jim Roberts.
The Ladies Amateur Specialty class featured one of the largest, most talented groups of horses at the show with 14 entries making the gate call. Special Alert and Jean O’Brien walked away with the blue. Look Who’s In Command and Jaclyn Smith collected reserve.
Clever Connection and Nancy Hall received top honors in the Country Pleasure Walking class. Outback Express and Sara Keenon took the red ribbon.
Double Shot Of Gen and Holly Johnson returned to vie for top honors in the Open Show Pleasure class and succeeded in a group of 11 talented horses. Reserve in the class was awarded to Jose’ Olay and Keith Ailshie for Ron Jones.
The ever popular Performance Pleasure Specialty class had everyone awaiting judge Summers' decision. The striking The Jazzman Rock N Rolls with Wendell Kirkpatrick made the winning ride for Harold Roberts. Reserve in the class went to Pusher’s Darkmoon with Shawn Cook in the irons.
The Three and Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class targeted some of the best young horses of the industry. Prime Target and Marshall Kemp made the winning ride for Coley and Kemp in the 11-entry class. Dollar’s Direct Deposit remained consistent in the reserve position, this time with owner Jim Roberts in the irons.
The Youth 11 and Under class was an added class to the show schedule. JFK’s Master Spy and Brandon Ailshie searched out the winner’s circle for dad, Kenny Ailshie. Total Control took home reserve with Austin Kidd in the irons.
The older juveniles were next to be welcomed into ring. Another Silver Dollar and Koni Tidwell put on a stellar performance to received the top honors in the class for the Joey Tidwell family. Dollar Rebel and Rachel Burch finished reserve.
The Open Specialty class was another large class with 11 making the gate call. He’s Wired and Buck Williams made the winning ride for Jaclyn Smith. Coming in a close reserve was Choice Of Silver and Mark West for Partners By Choice.
Finally, it was time for the main events -- the two Stakes. In the walking division Pushover’s Harley and Justin Jenne’ had the crowd at the edge of their seats while the duo put on a stellar performance for owner Leo Skelton. Pusher’s Phantom and Keith Ailshie captured reserve honors in the class. In the Racking Stake Kenny Ailshie made the winning ride with Pride’s Showtime while Impulsive and Michael Wright claimed reserve.
Complete results to follow and may be viewed or printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com. If you have any events you would like for the Walking Horse Report to try to cover or if you would like to submit a feature, letter to the editor or news please email me at hensley@horseworld.net.