by Debbie Graham

SOMERVILLE, Tenn. - The 13th annual Fred T. Fowler Memorial Classic Walking and Racking Horse Show was held on June 28, 2003, at Fayette Academy. The event is sponsored by Fayette Academy, a K-12 educational facility. Proceeds from the show are used for improvements and equipment for both educational and extracurricular activities. Each year faculty members, board members, students, parents and staff of the academy work collectively to produce a successful show. The show was voted Mid-South Horse Show Association’s One Night Show of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Concessions are provided by Project Graduation and the proceeds help fund this annual event for graduating seniors.

Walking horse trainers, exhibitors and a large crowd of spectators packed the show grounds. Show chairman Hamblette Cocke was thrilled with the entry tally of 210. Tony Neill was master of ceremonies. Jimmy Cole handled the duties of ringmaster and Diane Beaver entertained the crowd on the keyboard. Mike Umberger was the farrier.

Ken Wulff judged the 28 walking and racking classes. Double Shot Of Gen and Eddie Barclay posted the colors. In the first class of the evening, the Stick Horse class, each entry received a blue ribbon. The Lead Line class followed with Midnight and Ella Anderson winning top honors. This duo captured the lead line division at the recent Ripley show making their record two in a row.

Winning back-to-back blues in Yearling competition was Botox and Joe Johnson. They were winners the previous night at Byhalia for Dr. and Mrs. Les McGowan.

Blazing a blue ribbon trail in Country Pleasure competition this season is Gem Sweep and Pam Schoenster claiming this division at the Fred T. Fowler Memorial. The Trail Pleasure Specialty class, a new division added to the show’s schedule this year, was won by Eagle’s Lady Sue and Stacey Avery for Karla Massey. Extra Cash Grey Eagle continues a successful season with owner Daniel Bishop taking the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class. Pusher Color Coded and Jenna Hamilton made the victory pass in the Amateur Plantation Pleasure Specialty class for Vance Walls.

Moonrider and Bill Hamilton were at the top of the judge’s card in the Amateur Spotted Saddle Horse class.

Doc’s Texas Touch and Chase Hawks were champions in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for Dr. J. B. Landress.

Leading Edge and Robert Stivers claimed their second blue of the season at Somerville in the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for Jimmy and Sheila Calvary.

Dr. Julie Alford made the trip from Missouri to participate in the show and earned blue ribbon recognition in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class with Dangerously Dazzling for John Alford.

Jimmy McConnell was granted three trips to the winner’s circle. He captured the Two-Year-Old Stallion class aboard Thumbs Up for Robert and Janelle Jones. The second win came in the Four-Year-Old Open class with Black Danger for Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Tanner followed by a Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding title riding Altima for Ed and Carol Sims.

Stemwinder and Josh Coble were in the spotlight in the Three-Year-Old Stallions class for Mike and Sherry Bert.

An excited Lizzie Umberger accepted the blue riding the Great Oaks Farm entry Impressive’s Rising Sun in the Youth 11 and Under class. I’m A Ritz and Stephanie Carter topped the Youth 12-17 class.

Touchtone and Jeff Sanderson topped a competitive field in the Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class to claim blue ribbon honors.

Following a Friday night win at Byhalia, A Black Market Pusher and Ronnie Stanfill once again excited the crowd with their performance in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class to earn back-to-back titles for Ruby Stanfill. She guided Skywalk to victory in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class for Billy Stanfill.

Another show ring star winning back-to-back blues for the weekend was Come To Papa in the Ladies Amateur Specialty class with Lillian Gaines riding for Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Gaines.

Major’s MS Myrtle and Gayla Kail made the winning ride in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class for Ben, Gayla and Maggie Kail.

Kody On The Mountain and Tammy Bunch are continuing to receive blue ribbon recognition this season with a Fred T. Fowler title in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for Michael and Tammy Bunch.

On the heels of their Ripley title, She’s A Pistol Pusher and Carol Shelton made it two in a row with a win in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class for Steve and Carol Shelton.

Ebony’s Lady Ace and Ronald Beltz were happy to receive the title of Amateur Open champions for Ronald and Donna Beltz.

Sue Stilwell enjoyed her blue ribbon ride aboard Gen’s Good As Gold for Angie Bridgers in the Amateur Specialty class.

A Natural Clutch and Kay Thompson walked away with the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty title in a class that is always loaded with talent for Tony and Kay Thompson.

In the final class of the evening, the Walking Horse Stake, Santini, the four-year-old stallion owned by the Bobby East family, carried Jackie McConnell to the Fred T. Fowler Memorial tricolor bringing the 13th annual show to a close.

On behalf of Fayette Academy, Hamblette Cocke, show chairman, expressed a sincere thank you to all patrons, supporters and participants for their contributions in making the show a success.

This concludes the highlights from the Fred T. Memorial Classic Walking and Racking Horse Show. Complete results follow and may also be found by visiting our web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.