OWINGSVILLE, Kent. - The Owingsville, Kentucky horse show is billed as “The Greatest Walking Horse Show North of Shelbyville, Tennessee” and it certainly tries to live up to its name. It seems that all roads led to the 58th Annual Owingsville Lions Club 4-day Horse Show that was held on July 1-4, 2002. The crowds were huge with people standing three and four deep on the rail besides those seated.

The competition and the weather was hot. The show began with 35 leadline entries which lined up head to tail around the ring. No stake class could have had more cheering than this class did. Ken Moore judged the walking and racking horses at the multi-breed show. Each leadline entry was given a blue ribbon and a picture was taken as they exited the ring.

The Grand Championship Stake that concluded the show of 589 entries, which was a record number of entries, had seven outstanding entries. Each horse was called into the ring one at a time and the applause was thunderous from the huge crowd as their favorites entered the ring and throughout the class. Rodney Dick made the victory pass on New York, New York following a great show of talent. This talented stallion owned by Mann Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep made it seven blues for Finish Line Farms from Owingsville. Reserve went to World Champion Mark My Heart and Carroll Doyle for Jim and Barbara Finch with the third placing going to Warwick and Bob McQuerry for Joe and JoAnn Dietz. This team won the Stallion and Gelding earlier in the week.

This show always ends on the Fourth and after horses were put away, a dazzling display of fireworks is always the last thing of the day. Owingsville always has a barbecue following the show on the 3rd of July. In addition to the wonderful barbecue, exhibitors were treated with brown beans and boiled potatoes from huge black kettles. It was typical of the great things done by the Lions Club and show manager Earl Rogers, Jr. to make this such a fantastic show for all who attended.

The Open Yearling class was won by the palomino, Sunbeam’s Ivory Heat. Jamie Lee Derickson was at the lead for Van Bert Farms of Stanton, Ky. The reserve spot was awarded to Dark Spirit’s Shaman, led by Charles Howard for Billy and Sue Dean.

Clinton Day and his Eb’s Night Shadow Dancer was the recipient of the Open Weanling blue. Wave At Ivory and Jamie Lee Derickson carried out the red streamer for Van Bert Farms.

The Bath County Pleasure class had ten nice entries. Hometown rider, Melinda Anderson directed her spotted Pepper Girl to make the victory pass. Jake Rose of Olympia, Kentucky earned the reserve placing with his Buck Fury.

A few classes later, this team also won the Bath County Juvenile Pleasure title. Shadow Dancing and Jayme Patton, also of Owingsville, Kentucky were pleased to exit the ring with the reserve placing.

The Amateur Country Pleasure had 25 top entries answer the gate call. After viewing this talented class, Judge Moore selected the team of Cody Coyote and Charles Howard to wear the blue. Cody Coyote is trained by Billy Dean and owned by Wayne Hall of Fairview, Tennessee. Reserve went to the team of Glenda Kirkland of Berea, Kentucky and her Mark’s Mr. Shaker.

Patches True Grit topped a very large Spotted Saddle Horse Trail Pleasure with Erin Truesdell for hometown owners, Woody and Shirley Wells. Larry Stigers of Midway, Kentucky directed his Stuntman’s Gold Coin to win the reserve spot.

Cody Coyote won his second blue of the show in the Country Pleasure Juveniles class. Jayme Dean won her third consecutive blue in this class for owner Wayne Hall and dad/trainer Billy Dean. Alex Hamilton and Serenada were chosen to win reserve for Jim Longshore of Alexandria, Kentucky.

I’m Stagger Lee and Holly Waites topped the eleven-entry Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallions and Geldings class. Scott Beauty readies this team for the show ring for owners Ned and Holly Waites of Livingston, Tennessee. Reserve was awarded to Wasted Wages and Shane Cox for trainer Tom Cottle of Cook Stables. John and Shane Cox claim ownership of this nice horse.

Susan B. Anthony and Rodney Dick made their debut performance a blue ribbon one in the Two-Year-Old Filly class for the G.R. Trumble Family of Walton, Kentucky. They were especially proud of their home raised filly by Generator’s Silver Dollar and their show mare, Pusher’s Enchantress by Pusher. Reserve went to the team of Donnie May and Dazzled To Perfection for G. Baird Laser of Simpsonville, Kentucky.

The next class, the 15.2 and Under, was an extremely competitive one. Judge Moore selected Scott Beaty and World Champion On The Money to make the victory pass. Tom Cottle and Prince Of The Night carried the red ribbon out of the ring for John Somes of Hindman, Kentucky.

The always competitive 12-17 Juvenile class blue was earned by hard-riding Dalia Smith and Bottom Line, trained by Dale Burns for Pinecrest Farm of East Bernstadt, Kentucky. Bomar’s Ultimate Reality was directed by owner Evan Alexander to the reserve win.

In the very next class, dad Kenny Smith and his Final Design were victorious in the Amateur Owned & Trained class. Curtain Call’s Star, ridden by Daniel Carmichael for Bill Carmichael won the reserve spot.

The very large Plantation Pleasure Specialty was won by the high stepping team of Judge Me If You Dare and owner/rider Jessica Ray from Sweet Revenge Stables. Jessica Ray traveled from Given, West Virginia to return home with the blue. Poncho Via and Greta Potter were chosen for reserve; trained by Everett Rayburn of Winchester, Kentucky.

The Three-Year-Old Mares class was talent laden. My Spring Pride and Doug Becknell won the blue for Stonewall Investments, Inc of Lexington, Kentucky and Ashland City, Tennessee. Recent Liberty Lions Club and Moneytree Classic Champions, Fascinating Miss and Buddy Dick for Red Eagle Farms, owned by Randall and Gloria Dixon of Dacula, Georgia were the reserve winners.

The KSOA (Kentucky Stallion Owners Association) Two-Year-Old Champion was Wicket’s Walking Gen and Ronnie Choate for Chuck Williamson and Ray Roy of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee and Upton, Kentucky.

Placing reserve were Wicked Pushin Bandit and Danny Huges for Dr. Gordon and LaMar DePoyster of Greenville, Kentucky.

Fourteen talented entries rode into the Ladies Amateur Specialty class and Lisa Patton exited the gait aboard her Flashy’s Mr. Threat after making a victory pass. The crowd went wild for the home-town team from Sweet Revenge Stables. East Tennessee Classic Amateur Specialty Grand Champion Cash Is My Choice and owner Sharon Lessard of Great Falls, Virginia picked up the reserve award. Steve Woody proudly trains this team.

Doug Stephens and Silver Boogie Woman had a class all to themselves in the Mare class for Stephens and Clark from Grayson, Kentucky.

The Three-Year-Old KSOA class was next on the agenda. Carroll Doyle directed By Prescription Only to be blue for Egnew and Doyle from Ewing and Cynthiana, Kentucky. Brandi Todd and her Suspicious Minds were selected for the number two position.

Billy Dean’s third blue of the show came in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mares with Sue Dean directing Sky High Pusher. They hail from Shelbyville, Tennessee. Eb’s Pushy Lady and Cassie Hudson were the reserve champions from Sweet Revenge Stables.

The Equitation class was full of top equitation riders, five of which were put in the ring by Nicole Carswell. This class, complete with workouts, showed the ability of these youngsters to canter, as well as their other riding capabilities. World Champion Equitation rider, Erika Mann, riding Silver Signature was chosen for the medallion. Tony Mercer of Bell Buckle, Tennessee trains this flawless team and Silver Signature is owned by Mann Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, Eagle, Dawoo of Mt. Sterling. Reserve went to one of Nicole Carswell’s students, Rachael Jernigan aboard her Reggie.

The Novice Amateur class had fourteen entries and the judge’s selection, once again, was riding a grey horse, Design’s Silver Stone. Kim Johnson of Richmond, Kentucky was thrilled with her new horse and the blue ribbon, under the guidance of Danny Hughes. Karen Rector and Indio was reserve for trainer Dale Burns and owner Alma Hacker of Manchester, Kentucky.

Warwick and Bob McQuerry were the Stallions and Geldings champions. Warwick is owned by Joe and JoAnn Deitz of New Castle, Indiana. Reserve went to the team of Carroll Doyle and Pusher’s Black Legacy for Bill and Nancy Burke of Paris, Kentucky.

Major Player and Courtney Griffith made a great show to win the competitive Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class from Keith Ailshie Stables for the Linton Griffith Family. Reserve went to the team of Kathy Owen and Elegance Pride for Double Springs Farm. Scott Beaty trains this talented pair.

Donna Skelly made a great ride for Cook Stables of North Middletown, Kentucky on Delightful Romeo to win the Amateur Specialty Stallion division. Tom Cottle prepares this team for competition. Sharon Lessard and her Exclusive Gold won the reserve in the class from Steve Woody Stables.

The KWHA Ladies Auxiliary is always full of talented ladies riding hard and Owingsville was no exception with 11 entries. Centennial Pusher and Sabrina Young was chosen to exit with the blue for Sweet Revenge Stables. Centennial Pusher is trained by Black Hawk Stables of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Tameronn Kenney and Clutch’s Mo Money were the reserve team for the Lewis Kenney Family of Hillsboro, Kentucky. Mike Owney of Sweet Revenge Stables trains this team.

Fourteen entries answered the gate call for the Amateur Mare and Gelding Specialty. Courtney Griffith earned her second Owingsville blue aboard The Rain King for H.S. and Carolyn James of Flemingsburg, Kentucky. Larry George of J & H Stables was the proud trainer receiving the second blue for horses trained by the J & H team. Kaitlin Fields Byrom directed U.S.A. to the red for Kay Fields from Finish Line Farm.

One of the most popular and highly competitive classes was the Walking Mule class, which had nineteen entries. Red Rooster and Ronetta Little were chosen as the best of the best, although there were many excellent mules walking, striding and shaking their long ears. Tyler Oliver was on the smallest and fastest mule and had a very large cheering section but was not one of the chosen ones. Red Rooster was trained by Mt. View Farms and owned by Paul Stamper of Ezel, Kentucky. Tody and Lonnie Sluss were the judge’s choice for second.

The Two-Year-Old Amateur class also was loaded with eleven talented entries. Following their Liberty Lions Club win in Shelbyville, Tennessee, the team of Keep’s Memories and Beth Carol Thomas once again made the victory pass for the Butch Thomas Family. Brooks Stables trains Keep’s Memories. Color Me Crazy and Erica McCoy Reed were chosen for the reserve position for Bud and Sheila McCoy from Steve Woody Stables. This was the second Owingsville blue for Woody Stables.

Rodney Dick brought the blue ribbon tally for Finish Line Farm up to two in the Open Specialty class of 12 entries. He directed Major Mess to an inspiring win for the Dan Erwin Family of Olive Hill, Kentucky. Mike Oney and Flashy Mr. Threat won reserve for Lisa Patton.

Two classes later Kim Trumble earned a third blue for Finish Line Farm. She and multi-world champion Gen’s Color Me In made the victory pass in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class with 16 entries. The G.R. Trumble Family owns this great grey horse. I’m Bond James Bond and Terry Mann, also from Finish Line Farm, were chosen to win reserve for Mann Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge.

With Finish Line Farm on a roll, Buddy Dick and In Ca Hoots earned their fourth blue in the 12 entry Three-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings class. This talented Pusher Busting Loose colt is owned by Sean Schaffer of Miami, Florida. Reserve was won by Scott Beaty and Stormin Through Dixie for Jon Ying of Grandview, Missouri.

Justin Jenne’ earned the second blue for Black Hawk Farm when he won the Junior Championship Stake aboard Johnny Orlando for the Sweet Revenge Stables. Designs By Walker and Danny Hughes earned the reserve position for Howard Eastridge of Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Saturday evening began with Rodney Dick carrying the flag on the appropriately named U.S.A., a lovely sorrel with a blazed face. The Amateur Championship Stake soon entered the ring with 13 entries. Gen’s All Colors added another blue to his lengthy resume and the fifth of the show for Finish Line Farms. This time it was Rick Trumble in the irons making the victory pass. Rick Trumble stated that it was the first time he had cantered Gen’s Color Me In and the first show that Gen’s Color Me In had cantered in since the Celebration. Kim Trumble simply stated, “Dad, don’t get no crazy ideas, he’s my horse” as she gave him a big hug. To which, Mr. Trumble replied, “Of course he is!”

Reserve in this class went to Rave and Sherri Ward for Joe and JoAnn Dietz of New Castle, Indiana. Rave is trained by McQuerry Stables.

The Walking Pony Championship Stake touted 12 entries. Shaun Dick made an excellent show on I’m Bond, James Bond to bring Finish Line Farms’ blues to six. This was Shaun’s debut with this talented pony and he hadn’t shown since the groom’s class at Owingsville in 2001. Everyone was delighted, especially owners Mann Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. Reserve went to Cross Bone and Dahlia Smith riding for JM’s Enterprise from Scott Beaty Stables.

In the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding, it was My Spring Pride, winning her second blue of the show for Stonewall Acres. Doug McVey was in the irons. Reserve went to Nite Magic and April McQuerry for Sean Smith of Lancaster, Kentucky. Rocky McCoy of Midway Farm trained the entry.

Winning the third blue for J&H Stables was the team of Gen All The Way and Danny Hughes for the Tim Napier Family of Union, Kentucky. This talented colt, by Generator out of a Pusher mare, topped the 11 entry Two-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings. The reserve team was Hold On Loosly and Mike Oney for Marsha Draper.

There were also 11 top Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion teams that entered the show ring at Owingsville. Stormin Over Dixie and Kim Butler were reserve for John Ying and trainer Scott Beaty.

Luke Carswell won the Juvenile 11 and Under on his two-year-old, Sweet & Low Down for Gene Carswell and trainer Nicole Carswell. Reserve was awarded to Flashy’s Collector Pride and Mandy Napier for the Tim Napier Family and trainer Buford Martin.