by Janet Bullis

ALBEMARLE, N.C. - The 53rd annual Stanly County Saddle Club was held on May 9, 2009, in Albemarle, N.C. Show Manager Rosemary Clayton reported 121 entries in the 30-class show. Frankie Jo Bradley traveled from Kentucky to serve as the judge for the walking horse classes.

Recently one of North Carolina’s favorite owner/riders from Bonner Stables, Keith Champion, was injured in a serious riding accident. A collection was taken up by the North Carolina Walking Horse Youth Association to help with expenses in caring for Champion. Derek Bonner came to center ring to express his gratitude, and to give an update on Champion’s condition and ask for everyone’s continued prayers. Champion has already undergone one surgery and is scheduled to undergo another the week of May 11.

Once again topping the Walking Horse Stake competition was the popular team of Royal Luck and Chad Baucom. So far this season Royal luck had entered the ring five separate times and exited with the blue ribbon flying on five separate occasions. Owner Clay Mills has been in the irons two of those times and trainer Baucom has had the honors of the three other victory laps. Ronald Mosley directed Gen’s Orange Lady to the reserve tie in the Walking Horse Stake class.

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