by Linda Fox

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - The sixth annual Ocoee Classic Walking Horse Show was held on July 4 and 5 at the Tri-State Exhibition Center in Cleveland, Tenn. Judges Mack Dekle and Eddie Ray Davis took turns evaluating the 43 classes that were presented to them over the two evenings.

The show was NHSC affiliated, with proceeds from the show going to the Tri-State Therapeutic Riding program, whose goal is to provide their services to everyone who would benefit from Therapeutic Riding and who qualifies by a physician’s referral. Individuals may also sponsor a rider for six weeks with a $90 donation, four riders for six weeks for $360, a horse for a month at $100. Or, one may sponsor one rider for a year at $300. Donations also may be made to the general fund.

Although clouds, at times, loomed, only a few drops of rain fell on Saturday afternoon. In all, the weather turned out to be great, along with the facility with a covered arena and seating. The people manning the grill stayed very busy and the ice cream vendor had plenty of business during the show, serving those cones and banana splits.

The show was brought to a close when the Walking Horse Stake contenders finished their third running walk and the team of Hal Newman and the Melton and Latithia Oran owned property, Sensational Premier, were directed to the winner’s circle. Reserve in the good class went to Jazz Country and Tim Smith for G.L. and Beverly McNeill of Andalusia, Ala., and rounding out the third slot was Jorgé and Kevin Gower for Field of Dreams Stables of Lewisburg, Tenn.

Complete show results may be viewed, searched and printed by clicking here.