Edgar Abernathy, Shannon, Mississippi requested and received permission to show his horses in McMinnville, Tennessee on Friday night in front of judge, Joe Cotten, last-minute replacement for Mr. Ronal Young who had become ill.  Mr. Abernathy, a Walking Horse Trainer and judge, traveled to Middle Tennessee to show horses on the 4th of July circuit. 

He stalled his horses in a barn occupied by Mr. Cotten.  Both Mr. Cotten and Mr. Abernathy reported the situation to SHOW officials.  The horses were never under the care or custody of Mr. Cotten. SHOW CEO, Dr. Doyle Meadows, approved the request in this unusual circumstance.