by Jennifer Maack-Condren
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - For the third year in a row walking horses were invited to participate in the annual Junior League of Springfield Society Horse Show. Several years ago this Society Horse Show in Springfield, Mo., was “the place” to show for American Saddlebreds, Arabians and Morgans. This annual show, like many others, had been dropped from the circuit. Three years ago a group of enthusiasts rekindled the interest in a charity show for gaited horses, and walking horses were invited to join this show. Many thanks go out to the efforts of Floyd and Lynn Posenke for their persistence in getting the walking horses integrated into this show after many years of absence.
Each year the entry numbers have grown and the crowd’s response to the 10 walking horse classes was well received. Phillip Curlee of Elkins, Ark., was called on to serve as the walking horse judge.
The weather was certainly uncooperative as thunderstorms prevailed during the Friday night performance. The Amateur Lite-Shod Two-Gait class served as the opener for the walking horses with Shaker’s Mr. Threat and Mollie Turner-Wells taking home the blue for Marcia Turner. This team is prepared by Mike Maack Stables of Warrensburg, Mo. Liza Cash Lining and Sherry Hill received the reserve tie for Jim, Sherry and Shelby Hill under the watchful eye of Wade and Margaret Hickman.
The Ladies Amateur Specialty class greeted top contenders and when all was said and done it was Glenda Nichols aboard Delightful Romeo making the victory pass for Mrs. Glen Campbell. Delightful Romeo is trained by Ted and Glenda Nichols, along with sons Brian and Brad. Receiving the reserve ribbon in the class were Playing Favorites and Mollie Turner-Wells for Marcia Turner, also trained by Maack.
In the always-popular Juvenile Specialty 17 and Under class, Austin Rhoads showed his determination as he directed Spirit And Silver to the blue ribbon for Andrew and Austin Rhoads for the second year in a row. Wade and Margaret Hickman of Stoutland, Mo., keep this pair show ready. Don Bills prepared the team of Lindsay Mott and Dangerous Dancer to make the good ride to the reserve spot in the class for Ann McCall.
The Three-Year-Old Amateur class was the next class on the agenda for the walking horses. Donna Huffman and Three Phase Voltage took charge of the class, walking away with the blue for Donna Huffman and Beckie Hicks. Jim Huffman of Ozark, Mo., trains this fine three-year-old. Cutter’s White Knight and Steve Skopec were second in the class under the direction of Wade and Margaret Hickman.
Harold Roberts didn’t waste any time making his victory pass following his flawless performance in the Men’s Amateur Specialty class with City General. City General is trained by Anne Hardin Stables of DeSoto, Mo., and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Roberts. Magic Impression and Dr. Glenn DeGraffenreid received the reserve tie in the class for Dr. and Mrs. Glenn DeGraffenreid under the Jim Huffman Stables banner.
Improvement in the weather prevailed on Saturday night as the sky had cleared and temperatures remained in the low 80s. The first class of the night found Don Bills Stables presenting the winning team in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class as Jon Trimble and She’s Filthy Rich were called out to make a victory pass following their exciting performance. CG’s Pushy General and Adam Carlyon earned the reserve placing in the class for Mr. and Mrs. Harold Roberts.
Four entries made the gate call for the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class. Bold’s Kiss N Tell and Terry Manier received the judge’s mark for the first blue ribbon of Manier’s career. This gray mare is trained by Don Bills and is owned by Red Etheridge. Jennifer Condren directed Armed And Proud to the reserve tie in the class for the Bill Maack family. This duo is trained by Jim Huffman.
In the Park Pleasure Two-Gait class, multi-titled Winning Design and Julia VanZyverden earned the judge’s mark for the Manes Stables and trainer Jerry Manes.
Three top entries made the gate call in the Two-Year-Old Open class. Macho’s Golden Coin earned his second blue of the season with Brad Huffman in the irons for Dave Barton. Brad Huffman Stables is located in Billings, Mo. Just Walk Away and Wade Hickman received the reserve placing in the class for Coby Coffman.
The Open Specialty class was the final class of the show for the walking horses and six top contenders entered the ring. Don Bills and Simply Grand made a grand victory pass after receiving the top mark from Judge Curlee for Jon and Nick Trimble. The reserve tie in the class went to Pusher’s Lady On The Loose and Margaret Hickman for owner Carol Middleton.
Show Manager Leonard Davenport was pleased with the support participants exhibited with this recharged event and plans to expand the walking horse classes each year. Complete results follow and can be found on our Web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.