Great horses in large numbers always make this one of the finest shows on the fall circle. This year’s event was dedicated by the Georgia Walking Horse Exhibitors’ Association to their announcer, Thurman Walden. Thurman has served as the announcer of the Southern Championship for over thirty years, which in itself, is a tremendous accomplishment. Lisa McMahan, President stated, “Thurman has been an active member of this organization since 1977. The GWHEA thanks you for all your hard work, dedication and support. We are looking forward to the next thirty years as the Southern Championship continues to grow thanks to your help.” He was presented a special award during the show.

Upon arrival at the Southern Championship, the first person to be seen was GWHEA president and show chairman, Lisa McMahan. With her radio in hand and a gate in the other assisting someone as they moved it, it was evident that McMahan and the other hard working members of the association did what was needed to make this show so memorable. McMahan welcomed those present. “On behalf of the GWHEA I would like to welcome you to the 47th annual Southern Championship Charity Horse Show. We are nearing our 50th anniversary of the GWHEA and we are very pleased to be an organization that continues to grow and thrive as we near our golden anniversary. The Southern Championship Charity Horse Show has grown substantially over the last few years. As President I would like to thank all the trainers, grooms, exhibitors and spectators who have made this show what it is today. We have been fortunate to have some of the finest Tennessee Walking Horses in the industry to join us every fall in Perry. We hope that we have started a tradition that will carry us into the next 50 years.”

“I wish the best of luck to all the owners, trainers and exhibitors here at the Southern Championship. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to all the sponsors who made this show possible.”

The GWHEA always takes great pride in their show and each year they have a breathtaking center ring which this year looked good enough to eat. They had gingerbread men, trees and walking horses decorating center ring and around the rail. Huge lollipops, some with walking horses on them, were posted in center ring. Ray Caughman and his friends spent many hours making sure the decorations were unique and perfect.

Dee Cantrell always takes a few minutes from her office duties which are always handled efficiently, to cut a rug at the party on Friday evening following the show. Sammy Day also added to the festivities with his harmonica and singing. The exhibitors’ party was complimentary and featured plenty of food, drink and a lively band.

On Friday morning, Sister and Tommy Milligan and Gulf Coast Charity show manager Ben Lee were busy serving shrimp, corn on the cob, gumbo and drinks, compliments of the show, which will be held April 21-23, 2005 in Panama City, Fla. Judges for this year’s edition of the show were Nathan Clark of Arab, Ala., Dude Crowder of Shelbyville, Tenn., and Buck Williams of Belfast, Tenn. Twenty-nine, or 43 percent, of the 67 classes were tied with a unanimous decision.

On Friday evening, USDA officials arrived to check horses alongside NHSC DQP’s. Numbers declined for the remainder of the show but the quality was extremely outstanding and the show was still fantastic with approximately 500 head showing.

The three-day show concluded on Saturday night with the Walking Horse Stake. Talented horse flesh worked hard for the great honor of being a Southern Championship Grand Champion. When the cards were marked, Knox Blackburn and current World Grand Champion 15.2 and Under Private Charter were called to make the trip to the winner’s circle for the tricolor ribbon and floral horseshoe for owner Bud Moore with an unanimous tie, just as they did in 2003. This is the third consecutive year for Private Charter to claim this honor.

U C I’m Ultra Gold and Bill Cantrell finished with second for Cantrell and Warr. The team of Cold Hard Truth and Paul Livingston carried the yellow streamer from the ring for owner Charles McSpadden.

The crowd was also treated to several exhibitions of this year’s world grand champions. On Thursday evening trainer Blake Sims exhibited Jose Dot Com, Two-Year-Old Amateur World Grand Champion. On Friday, World Grand Champion Two-Year-Old PGA and John Allan Callaway were the featured exhibition. On Saturday night the crowd viewed World Grand Champion Show Pleasure Coin Maker and Suzanne Littell and finally what the crowd has been waiting for. Jimmy McConnell and World Grand Champion The Black Night Shade always delight the crowd as well as the many who are allowed to ride him wherever he appears. The last to ride him after his exhibition was trainer Buddy Dick, who took a round in the warm up ring with the huge smile he always brings to his riders.

The blue ribbon tally was led by Barnes Training Stables with six blues. Two outstanding barns earned five Southern Championship blues each. They were Carl Edwards and Sons Stables and Jeff Givens Stables. Knox Blackburn Stables was close behind with four blues. Allan Callaway Stables, Kurt Kovalick Stables, Jackie McConnell of Whitter Stables, Dick Peebles Stables, Connie Waldo and Webb Stables won three blues apiece. Dual blues were won by Finish Line Farms, Charlie Green Stables, Jamie Hankins Stables, Justin LeGate, and Tim Smith Stables.

THURSDAY EVENING

The first blue for the 2004 47th Annual Southern Championship Charity Horse Show was won by Generator’s Icy Hot. Jeff Givens led the beautiful stallion to claim the Model Class unanimously. Generator’s Icy Hot is the full brother multi-world grand champion, Gen’s Fire And Ice. Reserve was awarded to Step Up For Easy Cash and Dr. Charlene Cook.

In their first competitive ride since winning the 2004 World Grand Champion Elite title, the team of John FK’s Pusher and Robin MacDonald proudly walked away with a unanimous decision in the 12-entry Amateur 50 and Over class. Dick Peebles Stables’ prepared this outstanding team once again. Lucky Collins also made an outstanding show on her world champion mare, Liz Claborne to garner the red streamer. They hail from Finish Line Farms.

Just Walkin Thunder and Ginger Simpson proudly claimed the Trail Pleasure Specialty class. Dr. Charlene Cook directed Generator’s Miss Blaze to earn the second position in this competitive class.

Seventeen talented two-year-old mares and geldings entered the ring next with all eyes upon the showring. It was an unanimous win for the team of A High Dollar Charge and Winky Groover once again. They proudly made the victory pass amidst loud cheering to claim this MASCUP class. A High Dollar Charge was leading in the WHR high points prior to her show ring performance at Perry. John Allan Callaway and Lone Commander were hot on their heels to earn the reserve position in this tremendous line-up of two-year-olds.

Jaclyn Harney directed I’m General Electric flawlessly to earn the blue in the Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class. The reserve champions were Royal Imprint and Susan Paul.

In the Fine Harness class, a new team emerged. Julio Julio and Dick Peebles debuted to the blue in this division with a superb show. Bill Cantrell and Pushing Silver Dollar rolled to the reserve spot.

The Aged Specialty class had 13 great entries. The Super Bowl and Kurt Kovalick made the blue ribbon victory pass following a thrilling performance. Knox Blackburn and Crackerjack Edge made another of their great performances to earn the reserve position.

With another memorable presentation, the team of Boomer In Command and Andy Adkins wore the blue from the ring in the 11-entry Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallions class. Steve Dunn proudly trains this blaze faced talent. Suzanne Little and Sky Jam made a great performance to win reserve from Callaway Stables.

It was an unanimous victory for Ginger Young and Capone in the Amateur 15.2 and Under Stallion Specialty class. They campaign from Allan Callaway Stables. Latitha Oran and Sensational Premier claimed reserve from Steve Woody Stables.

Current world champion Chill and Doug Barnes made an unanimous blue ribbon ride in the Park Pleasure Specialty division. Trip Of A Lifetime and Jeff Givens were the reserve winners in another colorful show.

The gate opened for the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions class and 11 top entries strolled into the ring. The judges’ choice was the exciting team of Jose’s Rare Gold and Susan Coleman. Finish Line Farm prepares this striking stroke for the show ring. Eb’s Black Knight and Ed Breedlove won the reserve spot under Charlie Green’s guidance.

Current world champions Night Twister and Dru McCormick were victorious unanimously in the WHTA Auxiliary Specialty class, following Night Twister’s recent Dixie Jubilee victory with mom Ann Bailey in the irons. Ample Cash and Karen Callaway, another awesome team, claimed reserve.

Jeff Givens and Trip Of A Lifetime proved how versatile they were by winning the Park Pleasure Western Specialty class in their debut in this division. Generator’s Power Pusher and Doug Barnes walked their way to reserve with another excellent show.

MASCUP classes always bring out lots of entries and the 10 entry Three-Year-O(ld Mare and Gelding class proved that once again. The roan mare, Foolish Dollar, carried trainer Jackie McConnell to another outstanding victory. They were followed by the team of Blue’s Que and Bill Cantrell.

Robert Nelms and Aerial Assault claimed the blue in the Weanling class unanimously. Anita Dickerson led Carbon Collection to win reserve.

Charlie Green and Music In The Sky claimed another Show Pleasure Specialty victory at Perry. Reserve in a truly talented class were Twister’s Generator and Tim Gray.

Bob Adcock always has top horses and a new name has been added to his list of champions. Making their debut performance in the 14-entry Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions class were Adcock and Shockin Y’all. This young gray stallion has talent flowing in his blood. Sammy Day Stables presented this excellent team. Current world champions Abel and Brenda Bramlett were once again awesome to earn reserve from Callaway Stables.

Drop The Hammer continues to rack up the blues for Connie Waldo. They started another blue ribbon roll on Thursday when the won the Lite-Shod Western Pleasure blue. Melissa Tittle and her Poison At Midnight walked their way to the reserve position.

Knox Blackburn and Ritzy Zone claimed the MASCUP Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class with the crowd’s approval. Ritz Woman and Brock Tillman also had their share of cheers as they were called out reserve.

Ginger Simpson claimed her second blue of the evening as she catch-rode Magic Illusionist to the blue in the 10-entry Amateur Lite-Shod Specialty class from Jeff Givens Stables. Jeff Ray rode the renowned Jose’ Quervo Gold to win the red ribbon from Barnes Training Stables.

The final class of the evening was the biggest and best so far. Twenty top entries answered the gate call in the Amateur 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings Specialty class. Candra Shular and Prime Suspected earned their third consecutive blue ribbon. They recently claimed dual blues at the East Tennessee Fall Classic under Chad Williams Stables’ banner. There were 189 entries on Thursday evening.

FRIDAY EVENING

The first class Friday evening was the Lead Line class. Two entries were each given a blue ribbon after the judges declared the class a tie.

Kathryn Ramsbottom once again made the trip to the winner’s circle with Pusher’s Special Design in an entirely different division, the Amateur Mare Specialty class. This team were the 2003 and 2004 World Grand Champion Youth Riders 12-17 victors and Ramsbottom was extremely nervous about entering the amateur ranks but her fears were dispelled as she wore the blue from the ring in an extremely talented class of horses. This team also won the Youth Specialty Championship and preliminary at Perry last season. Another current world championship team were reserve. Silverado Spirit was directed to the reserve by Erin Graf.

The 15.2 and Under Open class honors went to Kurt Kovalick riding The Lottery. The red ribbon went to Pusher’s Pzazz and Tim Smith.

Connie Waldo made the trip from Shelbyville, Tenn., to bring back the Lite-Shod Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty title on Drop the Hammer which was a repeat win from 2003. Poison At Midnight and Melissa Tittle were reserve.

Morgan LeGate directed Final Keeper down victory lane in the Amateur Ponies class for riders 17 and under unanimously. Justin LeGate claimed the training duties of this exciting team. Andy Adkins rode Key West to the red ribbon for trainer Sam Perkins from Bud Dunn and Son Stables.

Jose’ Quervo Gold and Doug Barnes were victorious in the Plantation Lite-Shod Specialty class. Jose’ Quervo Gold won several 2003 blues at Perry also. Magic Illusionist and Jeff Givens landed the reserve tie.

For the second year in a row, Maisie McSwain directed Armed To Show to another Perry blue in the WHTA Youth Council 11 and Specialty class for Carl Edwards and Sons Stables with a unanimous tie. A Major High and Holley Avrett placed second in the class for trainer Thomas Seymore and Allen Forman Stables.

In the 11-entry Three-Year-Old Classic class, Larry Edwards made a flawless performance to ride out with the blue unanimously aboard The Image Of Ritz, 2004 World Champion Three-Year-Old Stallion and 2003 Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion. Escalade, with Brock Tillman up, was reserve.

Pusher’s Dangerous Shadow and Jeff Givens received the blue unanimously in the Limited Performance class. The second place tie went to Judy Leek and Forever Crystal under Ray Baldwin’s guidance.

Claiming a Perry blue in the 14-entry Amateur Gelding Specialty class was the new team of Polly Ware and Kat Man Dude for trainer Ray Gilmer. The Cold Hard Truth and Bob Adcock were reserve. This team is trained by Sammy Day and Son Stables.

Claiming an unanimous Perry blue in the Park Pleasure Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class was Darden Gladney aboard It’s Up In Arms. This team also won the same class in 2002 and 2003. The second place tie went to Gen’s E.T. Prospector and Herman Cunningham.

In the WHTA Youth Council 12-17 Specialty class, current world champion Prism Sky and Mary Beth Blessing were called to receive the blue unanimously under the Knox Blackburn Stables banner. Swoosh and Megan Mozeley took home the red ribbon for trainer Link Webb.

Drop The Hammer claimed his third blue of the show unanimously in the Lite-Shod Amateur Western Specialty with Connie Waldo directing. Laura Mauney and A Sure Fire finished second.

Dollar In Charge and Brock Tillman rode to victory in the Two-Year-Old Classic class. Pride’s Pusher Star and Link Webb were reserve.

The Amateur Stallion Specialty was next on the agenda. Current world grand champion Jazz King walked to the winner’s circle with Ed Breedlove directing for a unanimous win. Charlie Green prepared this black stallion. The reserve tie went to Crackerjack Edge and Ashley Joseph under the Knox Blackburn Stables banner.

Doug Barnes took home another Georgia unanimous blue; this time it was aboard Jazz All Night in the Two-and Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure class. Chris Kelly and Think I’ll Keep made a good show to claim the reserve spot.

Mark Taylor of Murfreesboro, Tenn., rode away with the Novice Specialty (no blue in 2004-horse and rider) title on Locked & Loaded for trainer Carlos Martinez of Justin Jenne’ Stables. Riding out with the red award was the team of Dang Dumas and Brett Mitchell from Groover Stables.

The GWHEA Ladies Auxiliary Specialty class entries were next to take to the rail. Diamond’s Touchdown and Martha Branson were the victors in this class for the second consecutive year for trainer Allen Forman. Reserve honors went to Lone Star Judge and Sandra Austin for trainer Larry Harrell of Bill Cantrell Stables.

Put Me In Couch and Susan Coleman received the top spot in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class for Finish Line Farms. Masquerading’s Big Easy and Mary Palmer were reserve for Barnes Training Stables.

Making a fine performance in the Amateur Ponies class for riders 18 and over to win the title was the team of Ample Cash and Christy Cain under the Allan Callaway Stables banner. Spudd Warr and Bayou Bay were reserve for Chad Williams Stables.

A Strong Dollar topped the Four-Year-Old Stallions MASCUP class unanimously under the direction of Link Webb. Knox Blackburn rode Quatro to the second place tie.

Unthinkable and Matthew McMurtrey topped the TWHBEA Youth Medallion class. Southern Comfort Training Facility prepared this team.

The 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings class was the final class of the evening. The General MacArthur and Jackie McConnell took the blue. High Tide At The Ritz and Robby Black carried out the red ribbon.

With 45 classes behind them, it was time to enjoy the fine food, friends and music at the exhibitors’ party.

SATURDAY EVENING

Each night the beautiful sunny days were followed by cool nights which brought out the jackets. Everyone was anticipating the third and final night of the show. The show began with the Stick Horse class. The crowd enjoyed watching the little children riding their favorite horse and the children like receiving their awards.

The nation’s finest answered the gate call for the Two-Year-Old Stallion MASCUP class. Claiming the top position were America On Line and Larry Edwards. Reserve went to A Sensational Dumas and Rodney Dick.

Chris Kelly rode Edge Of Time to the blue in the WHTA Park Pleasure Juvenile 17 and Under class. Choice Cut and Porshea Smith were reserve for trainer Lorenzo Smith of Lakeview Farm.

The 10-entry Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class was next. I’m Clark Kent claimed the blue with Kathy Fisher aboard for trainer Jamie Hankins. It’s Taboo and Robin MacDonald claimed the reserve ribbon for trainer Gerald Funches of Dick Peebles Stables.

Winning the first set of roses unanimously from the Southern Championship in both 2003 and 2004 were the team of Armed To Show and Maisie McSwain in the WHTA Youth Council 11 and Under Specialty Championship. McSwain won this class in 2001 and 2002 with Gen’s Sundance Lady for Carl Edwards and Sons Stables. Reserve went to The Mexican and Haley Lane under the guidance of Larry Harrell of Bill Cantrell Stables.

Jerome Cole catch rode Bold Scream to win the blue in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class for Jeff Givens Stables. Sabatier and Sister Milligan were the recipients of the red ribbon in the class for Ceaser Rodriquez of Chad Williams Stables.

The Yearling class was next with Lisa Teel leading Poisonous Lady to the blue. Martha Eubands tied a respectable reserve in the fine class leading Survivor’s Pure Poison.

The new team of Shall We Dance and Kathy Zeis claimed the GWHEA Members Specialty Only class unanimously under the guidance of trainer Larry Harrell of Bill Cantrell Stables. Zeis was very proud of this ribbon. She said that she had shown at the Southern Championship for 16 years and this was her first blue. She felt that perhaps it was because she was carrying a good luck token sent by Mike Sale in her pocket. Bobby Mixon directed A Special Ultra Copy to the reserve tie for Carl Edwards and Sons Stables.

Another new team put on quite a show in the Aged Mare and Gelding class. Tim Smith won unanimously aboard world champion The Key To My Heart. Brock Tillman made a fine show riding Armed Lady to the reserve tie.

Megan Mozeley was back to vie for the WHTA Youth Council 12-17 Specialty Championship. Mozeley rode hard and directed Swoosh to the tricolor and floral horseshoe under the Webb Stables banner. Finish a strong second was the team of Prism Sky and Mary Beth Blessing under the Knox Blackburn Stables banner.

In the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class, Bruce Vaughn rode Rhythmic Jazz to an impressive win under the guidance of Jamie Hankins. Kathryn Ramsbottom made a top notch ride aboard Stolen Gem to win the red ribbon for Webb Stables.

Amateur 15.2 and Under Specialty Championship honors went to Sensational Premier and a very excited Latithia Oran. Doug Woody Stables proudly trains this team. Oran said that this year was a dream come true and they were so fortunate to have raised such a winning horse. Her three dreams have been to win an Asheville blue, which she did this year; to get a good ribbon at the Celebration, fifth this year; and to win a class at the Southern Championship. Capone made a powerful performance to receive the reserve award in the class with Ginger Young in the irons for Callaway Stables.

Ten entries took to the rail in the Three-Year-Old Stallion MASCUP class. John Allan Callaway added a blue to their barn’s lengthy list of winners aboard Blue Blooded Bandit. Jazz On Bourbon was reserve with Brock Tillman in the irons.

Jose Quervo Gold and Doug Barnes won the Lite-Shod Specialty Championship unanimously. Magic Illusionist and Jeff Givens made a great ride to finish with second.

Fifteen teams vied for top honors in the Pro/Am Specialty class. Silverado Spirit carried Erin Graf and Knox Blackburn to the winner’s circle unanimously. Fancee Spence and Winky Groover took their turns on A High Dollar Charge, only a two-year-old, to claim the reserve position.

Morgan LeGate and Final Keeper repeated their 2002 and 2003 wins in the Pony Specialty Youth Championship finding their way down victory lane once again. Samantha Green and Score Card made a powerful performance with much applause for the reserve spot for trainer/dad Jeff Green.

The Amateur Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding Specialty class featured 13 entries. Beth Lawwell rode She’s Barb Wire & Roses to the blue unanimously. Kurt Kovalick Stables trained this duo. Tricia Timmons and Skywatch’s Dark N Stormy took home second in the class for trainer Jose Rodriquez of Mickey McCormick Stables.

Jazz All Night and Bob Lawrence won the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty Championship from Barnes Training Stables. Generator’s C Note and Robert Findley took home the red ribbon for trainer Chris Kelly.

Top entries made the gate call for the Amateur Specialty Championship. When the cards were marked, the unanimous choice of the judges for the second year in a row was the team of John FK’s Pusher and Robin MacDonald. This was their second 2004 Perry blue.

Barnes Training Stables wound up their Perry wins with Chill and Doug Barnes claiming the Park Pleasure Specialty Championship and their third set of championship roses for the evening. Jeff Givens had a good ride on Trip Of A Lifetime to receive the red ribbon.

A year ago, Keith McSwain made his first showring appearance and won dual blues at Perry, Ga. One of those was aboard The Golden Sovereign. They returned this year to top the Amateur Open with a flawless show unanimously. Carl Edwards and Sons Stables prepared this great team. Joyce Myers and He’s A Rebel claimed the red ribbon with another fabulous show.

The Groom’s class is always and exciting one. Push Me Bold tied first with Jeff Brown showing under the direction of Tim Smith Stables. Bruce Tipton and A Touch Of Fantasia were a popular choice to receive the second place award for trainer Charlie Vaden and Stewart Farm Nursery.

Don’t miss Perry, Ga., in 2005, if you love good horses, fun and want to enjoy true southern hospitality.