by Debbie Graham

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. - The Billy M. Carey Memorial Walking Horse Show was held September 27, 2003, on the beautiful show grounds located at the Carroll County Civic Center and Fairgrounds. The horse show was a tribute to the memory of Billy M. Carey whose ideals, traits and abilities have been missed since his death on September 1, 2002. Carey was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Carroll Bank and Trust. He was a leader in the community and was known throughout the state of Tennessee. He served his community church and was particularly known for his untiring efforts to assist others with their own visions and dreams.

The event was sponsored by Carey Counseling Center, Inc. Proceeds from the show went to further the counseling center’s mission of providing quality mental health services to individuals in the area.

The show committee and Carey Counseling Center staff produced an excellent show. Several exciting events were held in conjunction with the horse show. A prime rib dinner was held prior to the show. The Cow Patty Plop, held at previous Huntingdon shows, was also on the agenda. Clarenita Hamilton was the winner of the $1,500 prize in that event. Justin Jenee’ judged the 26 walking and racking classes.

Prior to the horse show the Henry County High School Madrigals, under the direction of Kenneth Humphreys, presented a vocal prelude. The talented group also performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. The Al Chymia Shriners Carroll County Mounted Patrol presented the nation’s colors.

Young exhibitors participated in the Stick Horse class and Lead Line class at the beginning of the show. A large class of 11 stick horse entries entertained the crowd of spectators attending the Huntingdon show. In the Lead Line class, Midnight and Ella Anderson claimed another blue ribbon with Jennifer Anderson at the lead for Earnest Burke.

Moon Rider and Bill Hamilton were in the winner’s circle at the conclusion of the spotted saddle class. His granddaughter Jenna Hamilton earned top honors in the next class, the Juvenile Park Pleasure class, riding Twenty-Four Kt. Gold, a talented two-year-old contender owned by Randall and Gloria Dixon. Southern Serenity Ranch prepared these entries for competition.

Continuing a winning season in the juvenile 11 and under ranks was Man of Mine and Marina Barclay for Bobby Barclay. She claimed this blue while her dad, Eddie Barclay, was attending the Springfield, Mo., show with assistance from family members Holly Johnson and Amber Waggoner.

Rebel’s Black Star and Joel Stewart gained blue ribbon recognition in the Amateur Open class for Joel and Linda Stewart. Leading Edge and Robert Stivers were crowned Two-Year-Old MASCUP Walking Stake champions for Jimmy and Sheila Calvary. Both of the entries are trained at Shea Woods Stables in Hickory Valley, Tenn.

Entries from Whitter Stables claimed three Huntingdon blues. She’s A Pistol Pusher and Carol Shelton were at the top of the judge’s card in a talented Two-Year-Old Amateur class for Steve and Carol Shelton. Slick Willie and Brad East were in top form to win the Juvenile 12-17 Specialty class for John East. In their first show together, Santini and Rhonda East made the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class for the East family.

The Ladies Amateur Specialty class was led by Come To Papa and Lillian Gaines for Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Gaines. On the heels of a recent stake title at Hernando, Stormy’s Black Rain gave another blue ribbon performance in the Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class with Summer Sullivan in the irons for the Jim Sullivan family.

Following their world champion title at the 2003 Celebration, 1-800 Collect and Joe Clift added another blue to their collection in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class for Saundra Pippin.

E-Male and Judy Stanfill were winners in the Three-Year-Old Amateur class for Vickie Stanfill. Skywalk and Seth Stanfill were in the spotlight in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class for Billy Stanfill.

Calvin Klein’s Obsession and Rick Paschall scored an impressive victory in the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Specialty class for Mr. and Mrs. Rick Paschall.

Mystery Woman and Leon Forrester were the park pleasure champions for Mary Medina. Jackie McKnight was thrilled to accept top honors in the Amateur Country Pleasure class riding C K ‘s Mystery.

Extra’s Bad Boy and Katie Moore were the recipients of the Amateur Specialty blue for Lana Andrews.

Winning the Open Saddle Horse Grand Championship was Midnight and owner/exhibitor Darrell Douglas.

Entries owned by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Tanner were awarded two Huntingdon blues. Black Danger and Dan Waddell emerged victorious in the Open Specialty class. Jimmy McConnell directed Doc Ty to the Three-Year-Old Open title.

In the final class of the evening, the MASCUP Walking Horse Stake, Pushover’s Infiniti and Jimmy McConnell were awarded the Billy M. Carey Memorial tricolor for owner Bob Medina.

The Huntingdon show was a success and a fitting tribute to a man whose presence in the community is still felt even after his passing.