by Stephanie Rose

WHITE PINE, Tenn. - The East Tennessee Fall Classic was held on Oct. 15-17, 2009, at the Expo Center in White Pine, Tenn. Nathan Clark, Justin Taylor and Gwain Wilson marked the cards for the three evenings with 55 divisions. Tami Triplett was the manager, and the show was affiliated with KWHA. The weather was cold, but everyone managed to stay warm in the heated arena. Concessions provided hot chocolate and coffee to help beat the weather. One has to mention the delicious pork chop sandwiches right outside of the arena, too.

There were five championship divisions. Tarheel’s Rose and Jaclyn Compton were crowned Youth 11 & Under Grand Champions. Bad Man José and Gerald Buckland were the Amateur Specialty Champions. Mr. Will Penny and Hunter Hensley were the Youth 12-17 Champions. Tank Williams and Rachael Miller were the Trail Pleasure Grand Champions.

For the final championship division, the Walking Horse Grand Championship, there was a workout and stripping of saddles for confirmation. It was much like the Celebration’s World Grand Championship class. Six competitive entries made the gate call. Nightfall At The Ritz and Derek Monahan were given the honors for owner Rom Folger. Mister Pushbutton and Scott Beaty were reserve for the Fred Allred family and The Star Of Sundance and Brent Coburn round out the top three for Fred Randolph.

Click here for complete results.