by Linda Scrivner
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The beautiful Illinois State Fairgrounds, in full bloom with fall plants and colors, was the site of the Illinois Walking Horse Associations 42nd anniversary Fall Classic Horse Show, which benefited the Shriner’s Children Hospital. When visitors drove through the lighted arched gates, they entered one of the most modern and up-to-date show grounds in the country. Horses traveled from several states to exhibit at this show Oct. 15-17. Margo Urad judged the 90-class event and the Bi-State Regional Futurity that was held Saturday, Oct. 17.
The show is known for its hospitality and this year was no exception. Everyone enjoyed soups, sandwiches, drinks, desserts and chili each day of the show. The hospitality barn was a place that made everyone feel welcomed. On Friday night, IWHA provided a post-show exhibitors’ barn party with barbecue and chili. Old friends had a chance to visit again and many new friends were made.
One of the highlights of the show was the Larry Sours Memorial Grand Championship Stake on Saturday night. First Watch, ridden by Dickie Scrivner for owner Laurie LaFontaine, captured the roses, championship cooler and tricolor after an exciting class with the audience cheering on their favorites. This team first captured the Aged Canter class on Thursday evening. First Watch had previous season blues at Lynchburg and Wartrace. Cargo’s Royal Impression made the reserve victory pass, ridden by Adam Carlyon for Mr. and Mrs.Jim Carlyon, following a previous Dixon blue ribbon. Third was awarded to the 2008 Stake Champion Incredible and Jeff Givens for Jo Ann Dowell of Powell, Ohio, fresh from his victory at the Hanging Limb Fall Show. Fourth was awarded to Jose’s Strider and Margaret Hickman for 4-J Land & Cattle Co., with recent victories from the Dixon Stake, the Missouri State Fair and the Midwest Trainer’s Fall Finale.
Dickie Scrivner of Scrivner Stables led the blue ribbon tally once again with 14 blues, including four stake classes. Ann Hardin Stables and Hickman Stables won five blues each, including a stake for Hardin and three stakes for Hickmans. Jeff Givens Stables returned home with six blues, including one stake win, as did Deanna Hasler, Emily McElreath had two stake blues, Vickie Self of White Oak Farms brought home two stake tricolors and Thomas White had a stake victory as well. Jim Huffman Stables and John Knight each won five blues. One of Jim Huffman’s victories was a stake class, while Daniel Cullers, Molly Fosdick and Don Hancock won four blues. One of Cullers’s wins was a stake class. Three blues were won by Eddie Barclay Stables and Dennis and Susan Hills. Dual blues were won by Helen Clemens and Ramona Desotel.
For a complete list of results, click here.