By Linda Scrivner and Sara Engel
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The 26th Annual International Grand Championship Performance Walking Horse Show was action packed from beginning to end. The 2004 rendition had 520 entries in its 48 classes held at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN., on Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, 2004. The entries were up from 440 in 2003. Show Manager Tommy Hall was not only extremely pleased with the excellent horses showing, he was extremely delighted with the outstanding exhibitions held at this year’s show. The crowd was treated not only to stunning entries in every class, but also received added enjoyment with the number of world grand champions that exhibited.
On Thursday evening, Dick Peebles carried the flag on Pride’s Winning Edge; on Friday evening it was the 2003 and 2004 World Grand Championship Equitation team Alex Bumpus and Settle The Score that displayed old glory; and on Saturday evening the current World Grand Champion Walking Pony team of Silver Design and Barclay Woodward exhibited their winning ways while displaying the flag. On Friday evening the crowd was treated to an exhibition of Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion The Lottery with Joe Cotten in the irons. On Saturday evening the crowd viewed exhibitions by Two-Year-Old World Grand Champions PGA and John Allan Callaway, Four-Year-Old World Grand Champions NYPD and Tim Gray, Youth World Grand Champions Pusher’s Special Design and Kathryn Ramsbottom, and World Grand Champions The Black Night Shade and Jimmy McConnell. What a line-up!
The judges for the three-day event were Spencer Benedict of Glasgow, Ky., Bill Cantrell of Phenix City, Ala., and Robin Strain of Athens, Ala.
Lets not forget about the horses vying for a coveted International Grand Championship blue! This year’s entries were unbelievable. Show Manager Tommy Hall said, “In my 26 years with the International, this is by far the best stake class I’ve ever seen other than the Celebration. From top to bottom, it was truly the best stake class ever.”
The stake class was remarkable. All of the top horses were all there with the exception of this year’s world grand champion. The crowd will long remember this outstanding stake with 10 top entries including I’m Mr. Threat and John Allan Callaway, I’m Unarmed and Hal Newman, Crackerjack Edge and Knox Blackburn, Shout and Sammy Day, Santini and Jackie McConnell, Gold Picture and Bill Bobo, Pusher’s High Voltage and Mickey McCormick, He’s Outlaw Josey Wales and Billy Gray, Dragonfly and Jimmy McConnell and Main Power and Joe Cotten.
Claiming top honors were the current reserve world grand champions, 2002 International Three-Year-Old Stallion and Gelding Champion and Three-Year-Old Grand Champion Main Power and Joe Cotten for Holland, King and Kilgore. This team had previous 2004 stake wins at Lewisburg and Woodbury, Tenn., and Jackson, Miss., as well as the Mississippi State Charity Aged Stallion title. This exciting stallion has also claimed the 2002 Three-Year-Old Stallion World Championship, the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallion World Championship, the Amateur Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship and the 2003 Four-Year-Old Stallion World Championship and the Four-Year -Old World Grand Championship.
Reserve in this extremely competitive class with one first place vote was 2002 Two-Year-Old Stallion World Champion Dragonfly with Jimmy McConnell riding for Bob and Mary Medina. McConnell chose to by-pass the four-year-old division at the International and proved that this young stallion can compete with the best. Dragonfly entered the ring with previous 2004 blues from the National Trainers’ Show, Mississippi State Charity, the Gulf Coast Charity, the Spring Fun Show and Woodbury, Tenn.
2003 Four-Year-Old World Champion and 2004 Stallion Reserve World Champion He’s Outlaw Josey Wales with Billy Gray in the irons won the third position for Carol Ann McLaughlin. They carried 2004 stake class victories from the Derby Day Classic, the Columbia Spring Jubilee, Bethesda, Lynchburg, and Wartrace, as well as the 2003 International Junior Stallion and Gelding and the Four-Year-Old Grand Champion titles into the ring with them. Such was the calibur of horses that competed at the 2004 International.
The blue ribbon tally was won by David Landrum Stables with eight victories, followed closely behind by Knox Blackburn Stables with seven blues. Bobo Farm, Inc., Jimmy McConnell of Four-Mac Stables and Mickey McCormick earned a trio of blues apiece. Derickson Training Facility, Ramsey Bullington Stables, Dickie Scrivner of Tan View Farm, Link Webb Stables, Jackie McConnell of Whitter Stables, and Winky Groover Stables each returned home with dual blues. The remaining single blues were won by Five Way Farm, Bobby Richards, Joel Weaver of Rising Star Ranch, Jeff Givens Stables, Sammy Day Stables, Kurt Kovalick Stables, Hal Newman Stables, Allan Callaway Stables, Finish Line Farm, Justin Jenne’ Stables, Ronnie Spears Stables and Susan Paul.
Thursday Evening
On Thursday and Friday the events began at 7:00 p.m. The first class to enter the ring was the MASCUP Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Emerging from the line up to take the first prize was A High Dollar Charge and Winky Groover. A High Dollar Charge has enjoyed a successful season with blues from the Spring Fun Show, Walking For Education, Tony Rice, Pulaski and Wartrace with both Winky Groover and Fancee Spence directing. Reserve in the class were Dollar’s Electroglide and Knox Blackburn.
Lindsey Landrum and Olympic Generator made an excellent ride in the Youth Equitation 11 and Under class that was deserving of a blue. This 2002 Youth Equitation 11 and Under World Championship team enjoyed success and blues earlier this season at both the Mississippi State Charity Show and the Money Tree Classic. Reserve were Hailey Puckett and Bold Stroke’s Attraction, last year’s International 11 and Under Champion with Hello Generator.
The popular 19-entry Adult Walking Pony class was won by the team of Late Night Jazz and Lisa Baum under Bobo Farm’s banner. Reserve in this impressive class was Dumas and Renee Carlton from Bud Dunn and Son Stables.
Defending her title from last year, Lee Wall once again directed I’m Armed And Lethal down victory lane in the Amateur Ladies Show Pleasure Specialty class under 5-Way Farm banner. They were also the 2003 International Show Pleasure Specialty Grand Champions and the 2003 Amateur Ladies Show Pleasure Reserve World Champion. Earlier blues this season were from the Mississippi State Charity, both Ladies’ and the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty Grand Championship, and the WHAA Charity Horse Show. Five Way Farms prepared this team for the show ring. Reserve in the class were Rebel’s Glitter Of Gold and Mandy Dawn under the guidance of Rising Star Ranch.
The next class of the evening was the Adult Equitation, Canter class. The winner who walked away with the International blue was the well-known equestrian, Susan Shemwell. In 2002 she won the International Adult Equitation Championship and the Stock Seat Equitation Adult title. This season she won the Money Tree Classic Adult Equitation and the International Plantation Adult Equitation titles. Faye Lynn Coffey instructs Shemwell and Bobby Richards trains them. Reserve in the class went to Kacey Conley.
In the 17-entry MASCUP Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class, Glamorous and Joel Weaver were crowned the champions. Allan Callaway and Magenta were reserve.
The 2003 and 2004 Owner/Amateur Riders On Mares or Geldings World Championship team of Erin Graff and Silverado Spirit emerged with the blue in the Amateur Ladies on Mares and Geldings. Following their International win in the Pro/Am class in 2003, this team walked away with 2004 blues at the National Trainers Show, the Spring Fun Show and Tony Rice prior to their Celebration victory. Knox Blackburn proudly trains this team. Barracuda and Mary Medina were reserve in the class. This entry is trained by Four-Mac Stables.
Following a Columbia Spring Jubilee victory with Carolyn Joseph, Ritzey Zone with Knox Blackburn aboard won the exciting MASCUP Junior Walking Mares and Geldings class. Reserve in the class were He’s Dr. Cash and Jimmy McConnell.
Proving to be a crowd favorite, the Limited Performance classes continue to grow. Blast and Jeff Givens were victorious in the Junior Limited Performance Four and Under Specialty class. Blast’s earlier 2004 wins were at the Kentucky Ladies Auxiliary Spring Show, Woodbury and Carthage, Tenn. Wendell Kirkpatrick directed Ready To Command to claim the red streamer.
Vandy Starnes and The General MacArthur were the winners of the Amateur Novice Riders Specialty class from Whitter Stables. Brock Tillman directed The General MacArthur down victory lane earlier this season in the Four-Year-Old Open class at the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Show. Reserve went to You’re In Command and Bruce MacDonald.
Probably the crowd’s favorite class next to the stake was the 15-entry MASCUP Two-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings class. The Landrum team emerged victorious. This time current World Champion Two-Year-Old Stallion Gold Poison and Joe Cotten were the winners. They also enjoyed 2004 success at the Great Strides Show in Shelbyville, Tenn. The reserve champions were Royal Masque and Bill Bobo.
2002 World Champion Four-Year-Old Stallion and 2004 15.2 and Under Reserve World Grand Champion Gen’s Johnny Walker Red repeated their 2003 International victory in the competitive 15.2 and Under class with Sammy Day. Their earlier 2004 15.2 victories were at the National Trainers Show and the Gulf Coast Charity Show. They also claimed the Grand Championship at the Owingsville, Ky., show this year. Reserve was won by I’m Splashed and Joe Cotten.
A talented group of horses thrilled the audience in the Men’s Amateur Specialty class. They Call Me Sir and Bob Medina emerged from the lineup to accept the award under Formac Stables banner. This 2003 Four-Year-Old Gelding Reserve World Champion enjoyed previous 2004 wins with Mary Medina at the National Trainers Show, the Gulf Coast Charity, the Germantown Charity preliminary and Amateur Specialty Grand Championship. Bob Medina and Jimmy McConnell both earned 2004 reserve world championships aboard this talented gelding. Current world champions Bound And Determined and Ed Breedlove earned the reserve award under Callaway Stables’ banner.
In the MASCUP Junior Stallions and Geldings a familiar horse emerged from the line up to claim victory. It was none other than The Pusher’s Renaissance and Ramsey Bullington. This team also won the same class at the National Trainers’ Show this year. Reserve in the class was Quattro with Knox Blackburn in the irons.
In the Amateur Specialty Stallions and Geldings class the 2002 Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions World Championship team of Janice Fostek and I’m Willie Wonka were victorious under the direction of Kurt Kovalick. They also claimed the Open Amateur Specialty at Lewisburg this season. Reserve was awarded to Papa’s Smoking Pusher and Kelly Garrett representing Backward S Ranch.
Taking the next, and final, MASCUP class on Thursday evening by storm were Escalade and Brock Tillman, in the Three-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings. Wilsene Moody recently garnered prestigious wins at the White Oak Classic, Germantown Charity and Ripley Classic with this well-known entry. The reserve winners were Willie Mays and Joe Cotten.
Friday Evening
Friday night kicked off with the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Callie Stuckey brought Carla’s Power to her first International blue ribbon for Stuckey & Dekle of Shelbyville, TN. Callie Stuckey also led Carla’s Power to victory earlier this year at the Great Strides Show in Shelbyville, TN. Hal Newman Stables proudly trains this team. The second place honors went to She’s Toxic and Maria Derickson for Mike and Connie May of Deland, FL and Shelbyville, TN.
Genius Gold Spirit, the reigning 2004 Owner-Amateur Gentlemen Driver, Fine Harness World Champion, received the first unanimous decision of the evening with Ramsey Bullington at the whip. This is the second consecutive year for the duo to win this class. Reserve in this class went to He Keeps On Giving and Rob Brainard for James L. Corlew of Adams,TN.
The blue ribbon in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings went to Jazzed Up and Brenda Bramlett. With Callaway Stables this pair has also taken the top honors at the Money Tree Classic in Columbia, TN, Bedford County FFA Walking Horse Show in Shelbyville, TN, Bethesda, and also the Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Stalions-Section C World Championship. Jazzed Up is owned by Brenda Bramlett and Kelly Wilson of Shelbyville, TN. Second in this class went to Mama’s Almighty Dollar and Michael Coleman for Michael and Becky Coleman of Money, MS.
The 2004 Amateur Gentlemen Riders, Show Pleasure World Champion, Insomnia, took the top honors with Keith Johnson in the Mens Amateur Show Pleasure class. Insomnia is owned by Johnson & Cartwright of Shelbyville, TN, and trained at Mickey McCormick Stables. Coming in reserve was Twister’s Generator and Rusty Hyneman for Mr. and Mrs. Mike Erickson of Modjeska, CA.
Alex Bumpus of Murfreesboro, TN, on Settle The Score, cantered her way to the victory pass in the Youth Equitation 17 & Under class. Alex also took home the Auxiliary Equitation Youth Medal Championship title from this year’s Celebration.
The blue ribbon in the Walking Horse Specialty class was won by Millenium Masquerade and Knox Blackburn. This team also won the Walking Horse Championship at the Gallatin Lions Club Horse Show this year. Millenium Masquerade is owned by The Gilbert Miller Family of Richmond, KY. Second place went to Star Commander and Dude Crowder for Crawford Colts of Carrollton, GA and Shelbyville, TN.
Taking home their first International blue ribbon was the pair of Shock Jock and Becky Coleman in the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings class. Shock Jock is owned by Michael and Becky Coleman of Money, MS, and he is trained by Mickey McCormick Stables. Shock Jock and Becky are also this years reigning Owner-Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallion-Section B World Champions. The red ribbon went to Armed With An Alibi and Judy Young. Armed With An Alibi is owned by Hoskins & Young of Bell Buckle, TN.
Cantering to the blue ribbon in the Aged Mares and Geldings class was the duo of Sanman and Link Webb. Sanman also won the same class at the Columbia Spring Jubilee this year for owner, Larry Russell of Pontotoc, MS. Reserve went to Gen’s Thundermaker and Knox Blackburn for The Bob Parks Family of Murfreesboro, TN.
They Call Me Sir took the blue ribbon for the second time this weekend in the Amateur 50 and Over class with Mary Medina up. They Call Me Sir is owned by Bob and Mary Medina of Skillman, NJ, and is trained at Formac Stables. Second place was taken by The Sky Patrol, ridden by owner Linda Brown of Bell Buckle, TN.
Following a Kentucky Ladies Spring Auxiliary victory with Rodney Dick, You Better Be Good, with owner Roger Willis aboard, won the Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. You Better Be Good is trained at Finish Line Farm. Reserve in the class went to He’s Dr. Cash and Farrash McAlexander. He’s Dr. Cash is owned by Larry and Farrah McAlexander of Oxford, MS.
The third unanimous tie of the night came in the Limited Performance Amateur Specialty class. The Concealed Weapon and Newton Parks received the top honor for S&P, LLC of Saratoga, CA and Shelbyville, TN. The Concealed Weapon is trained at Landrum Stables. Blast and Dan Rowsick came in second for Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rowsick of Eighty-Four, PA.
Sisters Maria and Erica Derickson took the Youth Medallion class first and second. All Time Genius, who is trained at Derickson Stables, and Maria Derickson cantered their way to the final unanimous tie of the night for Harkins & Derickson of Baxter and Wartrace, TN. Watch For Glory and Erica Derickson received reserve for The Derickson Family of Wartrace, TN.
After claiming blues at the Spring Fun Show and Pulaski, TN, earlier this year, the pair of The Phantom Menace and Thom Meek received the privileged of a victory pass in the Amateur 15.2 & Under Stallions and Geldings class for Deerwood Manor of Brentwood, TN. The Phantom Menace is trained at Knox Blackburn Stables. The red ribbon went to Pure Tribute and owner Pam Ingraham of Cross Creek Farm in Brentwood, TN.
Real Bad Score and Erin Graf received the top honor in the Amateur Four-Year-Old Specialty class. This pair also won blues in the same classes at the Manchester Lions Club Horse Show and Moore County Horse Show earlier in the year. Real Bad Score is owned by David and Erin Graf of South Portsmouth, KY and is trained by Knox Blackburn Stables. I’m Silver Too and owner Rusty Hyneman of Memphis, TN took reserve.
In the Pro-Am class, Night Twister took the first way with Dru McCormick and then the second way and blue ribbon with Mickey McCormick. Night Twister is owned by Ann Bailey of Metarie, LA. Pushover’s Infiniti with Bob Medina and Knox Blackburn rode to reserve for The Bob Parks Family of Murfreesboro, TN.
The team of Miss Dumas Ebony and Sheila Groover made the final victory pass of the evening, in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class, for Sheila and Winky Groover of Shelbyville, TN. This pair also won blue at the Liberty Lions Show and Belfast Lions Club Horse Show this year. Sweepstake’s Wine & Roses took the red ribbon with Iris Shumann up for Lovato & Schumann of West Jordan, UT.
Saturday Evening
The Championship night began with two fun classes, the Stick Horse class and the Lead Line class. Both of these classes rewarded all participants with blue ribbons. The team of Miles Irby and Delight Of Motown debuted to the blue in the Amateur Fine Harness class. Owner Stevie Liddell and Delight Of Motown enjoyed earlier success this season with blues at the Liberty Lions Club Show and the Murfreesboro Exchange Club Show from Bobo Stables. Reserve in this class was awarded to The Future Generation and Dorothy Davenport under Rising Star Ranch’s guidance.
The first grand championship class of the show was the MASCUP Two-Year-Old International Grand Championship. Claiming top honors in the class were On The Line and Knox Blackburn. Their earlier 2004 victories included the Mississippi State Charity, Liberty Lions Club and the McMinnville, Tenn. Show. Reserve were A High Dollar Charge and Winky Groover.
Ending a very successful show season were a petite rider and a deep-striding sorrel mare. Current Youth 11 and Under World Grand Champions Christina Butler and Sunrise Que Sera Sera claimed the International Youth 11 and Under Grand Championship under Four Mac Stables’ banner. Both Christina and her mother, Candie Butler have won World Grand Championships on this great mare. Sunrise Que Sera Sera was last year’s International Mare and Gelding Champion with Jimmy McConnell aboard. McConnell also directed her to 2004 victories in the Mare and Gelding class at Gallatin and the Stake class at the Ripley Classic. Butler’s highly successful season included blues at the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Show, the Spring Fun Show, Woodbury, Jackson, Tenn., Fulton, Ky., and Belfast. In their debut performance, Lindsey Landrum directed Major Splash to the reserve position.
In the Ladies Auxiliary class Jill Derickson rode to the winner’s circle aboard 2003 dual world champion An American Outlaw. Owner Brenda Carlon enjoyed success in 2004 at Carthage and Hohenwald, Tenn., on her stylish blue roan gelding. Winning reserve was the team of She’s Barb Wire & Roses and Beth Lawell.
In the MASCUP Three-Year-Old Grand Championship Bold Vengeance and Bill Bobo graciously accepted the floral horseshoe and all its glory. This current dual reserve world champion also earned the blue at the Walking For Education Show in Shelbyville this season. Reserve grand champions were Ronnie Spears and Empire Maker.
In the Grand Championship Equitation class the lovely Alex Bumpus aboard Settle The Score returned to the winner’s circle once again for instructor Faye Lynn Coffey and trainer Dickie Scrivner. This team won both the 2003 and 2004 Equitation World Grand Championships. In 2003 Alex Bumpus won the International Plantation Grand Championship Stock Seat Equitation, 12-17 title and the 2004 International Grand Championship Equitation 12-17 title. She also earned earlier blues this season at the Bedford FFA Show and Lynchburg, Tenn. Susan Shemwell claimed the reserve grand championship.
Current Ladies Amateur Show Pleasure Reserve World Champion The Concealed Weapon made his debut into a new division. Following the Limited Performance Amateur Specialty title on Friday evening with Newton Parks, Aaron Self claimed the blue in the Limited Performance Specialty class on Saturday evening. In addition to the reserve world championship, this flashy stallion claimed dual blues at Marshall, Texas and the Spring Fun Show in the show pleasure division. Reserve in the class was the team of Ronnie Campbell and Perfect Cut Rose.
Another class sure to please is the Walking Pony Specialty 17 and Under class. The prestige of being crowned champion was placed upon I’m Bond James Bond and Erika Mann. This was Mann’s final show in the juvenile division and she went out with a big bang when she won two International blues. I’m Bond James Bond enjoyed 2004 success with two blues at Marshall, Texas and another blue at the Mississippi State Charity Horse Show under Landrum Stables guidance. Lindsey Wall directed Move Over to the reserve position.
In the Amateur Owned and Trained class Royal Imprint and Susan Paul rose to the occasion and were crowned the champions. They also claimed blues earlier this season at Edison, Ga., East Hall Dugout Club Show and McMinnville, Tenn. Reserve in the class were the team of Private Terms and Dana Kyte.
Erika Mann earned her second blue of the evening in the International Youth Grand Championship aboard 2003 Owner Amateur Novice Lady riders On Novice Stallions World Champion New York New York under the guidance of Landrum Stables. Rare Cash and Lindsey Wall claimed the reserve honors.
When the winner’s circle called another grand champion, Stewart Little and Brandon Stout answered the call taking the blue in the International Show Pleasure Grand Championship. Stewart Little is trained by Justin Jenne’ Stables. This team won the 2004 Show Pleasure World Championship as well as a blue at the National Trainers’ Show. Reserve in the class was Insomnia and Keith Johnson, winners from Friday evening. Mickey McCormick proudly trains this team.
Three time reserve world champion Pushin That Jazz and Laura Brandon claimed the roses in the Amateur Specialty Grand Championship under the David Landrum Stables banner. They also enjoyed 2004 blues at the Mississippi State Charity, the Greater St. Louis Charity Show, the Money Tree Classic, Eagleville and Pulaski. The reserve team were Bound And Determined and Ed Breedlove.
World Champion Two-Year-Old Stallion and World Champion Three-Year-Old Stallion A Strong Dollar earned the roses in the MASCUP Four-Year-Old Grand Championship. Link Webb proudly directs this talented stallion. Their earlier blues this season include Tony Rice and Lewisburg, Tenn. The Pusher’s Renaissance and Ramsey Bullington claimed reserve in this good class.
Last year’s International Reserve Amateur Grand Champion moved upward to claim a very competitive group of horses this year. The team of Mister Pushbutton and Candie Butler made an outstanding show to claim the roses. It was quite an exciting evening for the Glen Crutchfield family after Christina won her youth championship earlier. They had previous 2004 blues at Grinder’s Switch Classic, the Spring fun Show and Lynchburg, Tenn. The reserve champions were Live And Learn and Marty Mitchell.
Complete results follow and can be viewed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.