by Sarah Smith
coverage by Maggi Painter
GALLATIN, Tenn. – In its 70th year as a club, the Gallatin Lions Club held yet another successful horse show. Celebrating their silver anniversary, the Gallatin Lions Club welcomed many top horses, fans and exhibitors. Ronnie Spears from Tullahoma, Tenn., was the judge for the event.
Laura Brandon and Doc’s Taking Charge claimed the first blue ribbon of the evening in the Country Pleasure class. This duo walked their way to the winner’s circle in a field of 16 competitors. Next to the winner’s circle were She’s All Cashed In and Karen McGee for Roger Richards in the Yearling Fillies class. Calvin Klein’s Obsession and Jeff Givens claimed yet another blue ribbon title for the year in the Lite-Shod Open Plantation Specialty. Donald Knight of Murfreesboro, Tenn., owns the talented entry. Yeo Ming and Nicole Kakassy made a familiar ride to the winner’s circle in the Three-Year-Old and Under Park Pleasure Specialty.
Walking their way to the blue in the Yearling Colts class was the team of Nine Mile High and Chris Richards. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brantley own the winning entry. Rudy Rudiger and Alexandria Holland added another blue ribbon performance to their impressive resume. The duo claimed the Walking Pony Specialty, 17 and Under class. Connie Waldo and Grandee Ann made the victory pass in the Amateur Owned and Trained Lite-Shod Specialty.
Absolutely Flawless and John Allan Callaway won the Open Show Pleasure class for C and C Stables. A Fire In Dixie and Robert Cortner claimed their second blue in a row in the Youth 11 and Under class. Jose Martin Stables prepared the team for competition. Champ’s First Round and Joel Weaver claimed their third blue of the year in the WHTA Riders’ Cup Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Brett and Lisa Jones.
The next pair to be called to the winner’s circle was Santana’s Coin with Lindsey Landrum. This duo claimed the Park Pleasure Amateur Specialty for John McNeely and Lindsey Landrum. Dalia Smith and Pushin’ That Jazz continued their winning ways in the Youth 12 to 17 class. Molly and Annabelle Smith are the proud owners. After making an impressive blue ribbon ride at the National Trainers’ Show, Arm’s Deal For Real and Joel Weaver claimed another blue in the WHTA Riders’ Cup Two-Year-Old Stallion class for Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch.
Prodigy and Dalia Smith made a blue ribbon performance in the Two-Year-Old Amateur class for Brack and Rosemary Slate. Earning the points and the blue in the WHOA Youth Challenge were I’ll Be Good and Rachel Burch. Susan Swaner and She’s Perfect In Black made an impressive ride to earn the judge’s approval in the Open Park Performance class. Ronnie Campbell Stables prepared the team.
I’m PT 109 and Tommy Lloid were called to the winner’s circle in the 15.2 and Under Open class for Lee Thomas. Earning the blue in the Amateur Novice Horse Specialty were Mr. Fitzgerald and Glynn Young. This team rose to the top of an impressive 11-horse field. Tex’s Dinero and Steve Aymett claimed yet another blue ribbon honor for Floyd Sherman in the Open Specialty class. Palm Beach Ritz and Sandra Johnson made their debut ride a successful one by winning the Three-Year-Old Amateur class.
Fifteen top entries were called to the ring to compete for the blue in the WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class. Gold Label Lady and Herbert Derickson were the judge’s top choice. Dr. Harv and Brenda Carlon own this talented horse. Brenda Carlon also carried home blue ribbon honors with Bo’s Shania Rose in the Amateur Lady Riders on Mares and Geldings Specialty. The Coach and Joe Cotten claimed another blue for the Holland and Kilgore Partnership in the WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Stallion class.
The Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class was won by Cashin’ In At Sundown and Betty Corlew. This winning duo is prepared by Dick Peebles Stables. The reining Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion Gen On The Run and trainer Justin Harris earned the judge’s approval once again in the WHTA Riders’ Cup Four-Year-Old Open class for proud owners Michael and Ty Hart. Kathy Zeis and Texas Joe Black made the victory ride in the Open Amateur Specialty class. JFK’s Irish Dream and Joe Cotten claimed the Aged Mare and Gelding class for Joe Harrington. Pusher’s Little Miss and Amanda Maxwell walked away with the top awards in the Open Amateur class.
The final class of the evening brought eight top entries to the show ring to compete for the title of the 50th annual Gallatin Lions Club WHTA Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Stake Champion. After all three gaits were performed and the class was tied, it was General’s Show Stopper and Dick Peebles who were called from the line up and named grand champions. General’s Show Stopper is owned by Brad Murrath.
Complete results follow and can be viewed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.