by Jennifer Maack-Condren


HALFWAY, Mo. – The city of Halfway, Mo., was the host for the annual Saddle Club Horse Show on May 31, 2008. This normally quiet, wide spot in the road came to life for this event. The Saddle Club did not have a show in 2007 and those in attendance were welcomed back by Morris Westfall who was instrumental in the reorganization of both the club and the gaited horse show. Westfall also served as the announcer while keeping things running smoothly as show chairman. Ken Legan assisted with announcing duties while Westfall attended to show chairman duties. Susie Graham of Bolivar, Mo., was also a great assistant to Westfall in planning and executing details of show management.

Paul Patterson of Osborn, Mo., served as the walking horse judge after a last minute cancellation of the published judge.

Brad Huffman directed PJ’s Pusher to the winner’s circle in the Open Walking Horse class for his fifth blue ribbon this season. Dean Scott is the proud owner of this fine stallion. Major Gold Rush and Tom Burton were reserve for Hershel Young.

Jim Huffman Stables earned a total of seven blues for their efforts. Their blue ribbons included Magic Impression and Hayley Miller, African Diamond and Jim Huffman, Armed And Proud and Jennifer Condren, Hot Carmel and Jim Huffman, Generating Cash and Donna Huffman, Legend’s Spun Gold and Huffman and Pride’s Man In Black and Dr. Glenn DeGraffenreid.

4-J Land and Cattle Co. took four blues home to Waynesville, Mo. Their wins were earned by Geni Million Dollar Baby and Jimmy Laughlin, Encore’s Shakin’ Lady and Jimmy Laughlin, JFK’s Fancy Lady Leslie and Jesse Laughlin and Ultra Ritzy with Jesse Laughlin.

Individual blues were earned by Our Glory Girl and Debbie Murray, Shock Hazard and Alan Fleming and Delightful Romeo and Glenda Nichols.

Someone was surely watching out for the participants and spectators as the weather was extremely threatening all evening but no rain fell at the show grounds until after the show concluded. The lighting in the distance, at times, was reminiscent of fireworks in July. It was certainly nice to see a local community pull together again and have a successful one-night show in a time when so many shows are falling by the wayside. The members of the Halfway Saddle Club were very appreciative of all those who came to support their show and plan to make it an annual event once again.

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