by Linda Schrivner

BATON ROUGE, La. - If you’ve never been to the Dixie Jubilee Show in Baton Rouge, you’ve missed the experience of a lifetime. They have the best of everything there. From the moment one views the beautiful lakes and campus of LSU, they know they’re in for an experience. The setting for this tremendous show is the John M. Parker Coliseum at the LSU AgCenter.

Baton Rouge is truly an example of how a show should be run, right down to the evening class sheet which states the numbers of entries, the approximate time you’ll be showing, when drags are, etc. Mrs. Faye Mary is a tradition as well as the show and she sees that all goes well with the help of the other Dixie Jubilee members. At the 2001 show, held November 7-10, the quality of entries was exceptional, although entries were down.

In 2000 the show was held a week earlier in November. Mrs. Mary states, “ I hope the show will be better next year with more entries. Tentatively the show will be the first weekend in November. The exact dates will be announced in January. This would move the show away from the Southern Championships in Georgia and the American Royal in Missouri and should make it better for everyone.”

In addition to classes laden with world champions, the Dixie Jubilee treats one in the best possible way. On Thursday between sessions, there was the Dixie Jubilee Lagnaippe Aisle Party with food and drink in the aisle. Lagniappe means extra in Cajun and this was extra in every way. On Friday evening after the show there is the Dixie Jubilee Mardi Gras Ball in which a king and queen were elected by vote. Representing the walking horse world were King Joe Cotten and Duke Wayne Dean. This ball provided a band, more food, and of course a parade in which Madigras beads were thrown out. These prize possessions showed up as table decorations, stall decorations, around necks, and were even seen in a stake class worn by a perfectly attired rider.

If you didn’t get enough to eat, you could hit many of the cajun and seafood restaurants or visit the various barns with their own treats. White Oak had an entire cajun dinner catered until all were full Saturday. This was in addition to a barbecue held on the ground since it was recommended not to leave the show because history has told us that you’ll lose your parking place between shows because of the LSU vs. Tenn. game being held on campus.

The mood carried over to this laid back show as competitors hugged each other and congratulations were flowing throughout the four day show. The Dixie Jubilee Show was organized in 1946 by horse owners from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. The Dixie Jubilees draws from 400 to 700 Tennessee Walking Horses, American Saddlebreds and other breeds from throughout the United State. This reporter also forgot to mention the fabulous weather. Everyone was ready to truly enjoy this last show of the season.

The crowd was also treated to a special exhibition on Saturday night. King Joe Cotten exhibited current Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion, The Super Bowl to the Dixie Jubilee audience. After creating a rousing ovation from the audience, they were treated with one of the Dixie Jubilee traditional Purple and Gold coolers for their exhibition.

Judges for the show were Judy Martin of Shelbyville, TN, Spencer Benedict of Shelbyville, TN and Mike Carpenter of Franklin, TN. Horses were inspected by DQPs Charles Thomas and Earl Melton and VMOs Dr. Lynn P. Bourjeois and Dr. Steve Bellin. Lonnie Messick and Bobby L. Greenwood, USDA, IES were also part of the inspection area personnel.

The North American Walking Grand Championship concluded the 2001 show. Each horse had their dedicated fans which felt that their favorite had won. In both the Stallion and the championship the judges selected the talented black stallion, Pushover’s Power Stroke. Ronnie Spears directed this head shaking sensation for Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Crutchfield. The leg-waving Pusher’s High Voltage and Mickey McCormick made two fabulous shows to win reserve for Beckie Hicks. The judges had difficult decisions to make throughout the show because of the very competitive entries in each class.

Many top barns were at Baton Rouge and they brought their top horses which kept the audience on the edge of their seats. When the blues were distributed, Formac Stables had eight blues. Blue Ribbon Stables were awarded seven blues. David Landrum Stables was close behind with six, while Backward S Ranch returned to Texas with five blues.

Four blues were won by Steve Aymett Stables. Three Dixie Jubilee blues went home with Theresa Carpinito, Irby Stables, Mickey McCormick Stables, Dick Peebles Stables, Ronnie Spears Stables and Whitter Stables. Dual blues were won by Billy Thomas, White Oak Stables and Jerry Woodlee. The remaining blues were won by John Harney, Wayne Westbrook and Aleyne Zumwalt. Formac Stables’s eight blues included the Three-Year-Old Grand Championship won by Jimmy McConnell and Current World Champion The Black Nightshade. They also wore the blue from the Three-Year-Old Stallion class at Baton Rouge.

Bob and Mary Medina had a great show with their champions under Formac Stables banner. Zorba and Bob Medina were crowned Two-Year-Old Amateur Grand Champions after winning the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class earlier in the week. Current World Champion Walking All Over and Bob Medina won the 15.2 and Under Amateur Stallion Specialty. Mary Medina and her Current World Champion Barracuda topped a tough Ladies Amateur Specialty Stake. The first four in the class were world champions.

Cut The Smoke won two Dixie Jubilee blues. The first was with Jimmy McConnell in the 15.2 and Under. Barbara Ann Pate also won the Ladies Auxiliary Specialty class.

Blue Ribbon Stables did extremely well with their flat shod horses at the Dixie Jubilee. Current World Champion Senor Generator won three blues for owners Stuart and Pam Gibbs. He won the North American Park Pleasure Championship and the Open Park with Doug Barnes directing. Stuart Gibbs and Senor Generators also claimed the blue in the Gentlemen’s Amateur Park Specialty division. Current World Champion Jose Quervo Gold, only a two-year-old captured the Lite Shod Specialty Championship with Doug Barnes up and the Lite Shod Amateur Specialty will Bob Lawrence in the irons.

Beaming Skywatch won both the Plantation Park Amateur Specialty Championships with Stuart Gibbs and the Three-Year-Old Plantation with Doug Barnes to bring their total blues to seven. Formac Stables’s eight blues included the Three-Year-Old Grand Championship won by Jimmy McConnell and Current World Champion The Black Nightshade. They also wore the blue from the Three-Year-Old Stallion class at Baton Rouge.

Bob and Mary Medina had a great show with their champions under Formac Stables banner. Zorba and Bob Medina were crowned Two-Year-Old Amateur Grand Champions after winning the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class earlier in the week. Current World Champion Walking All Over and Bob Medina won the 15.2 and Under Amateur Stallion Specialty. Mary Medina and her Current World Champion Barracuda topped a tough Ladies Amateur Specialty Stake. The first four were world champions.

David Landrum Stables were thrilled when Generator’s Champion and Lisa Bowman Anderson won both the North American Amateur Grand Championship and the Open Amateur. Current World Grand Champion Gen’s Burning Rage won two Jubilee blues. The first was with David Landrum in the Mare Class, then with Jeff Mitchell aboard they captured the 13 entry Amateur Specialty Mare and Gelding. Several in this class were world champions so intensity was high throughout the class. Many felt that this was the most exciting class of the show.

Current World Champions Don Rafa and Joe Cotten added the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding title to their resume for owners Dr. and Mrs. R. Rigual. Ten entries answered the gate call in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallions. Karla Landrum directed the talented I’m Splashed down victory lane to make six blues for Landrum Stables.

Backward S Stables made their presence known with their fine string of show horses. Beverly Sherman was especially proud of her new mount, Papa’s Smokin Pusher. They were really smoking in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty Stake and won one of their five blues for Backward S. Steve and Sandy Hankins, who formerly trained this blaze faced stallion, traveled to the show on vacation and were on hand to see him show.

World Champion Irrational Exuberance and Billy Young captured both the Four-Year-Old Grand Championship and the Four-Year-Old Stallion. Silverado Spirit also won two blues. The first was with Billy Young in the Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding Specialty. Then Beverly Sherman directed him to another in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding Specialty.

Steve Aymett Stables earned four blues during the show. Current World Champion Summer Passion showed the guys how it’s done. This talented mare carried Pam Ingraham to the blue in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Grand Championship following their win in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare or Gelding. Each of these classes was loaded with ten entries in each. It looked like a combination of Celebration and Mardi Gras which it truly was.

Kevin Parton and Cash’s Stormin Norman took the Gentlemen’s Amateur Stake by storm under Aymett’s banner and Blue’s Player showed off in the Two-Year-Old Stallions under the direction of Joel Weaver. He was at his best in Baton Rouge.

Theresa Carpinito made her trip worthwhile by winning three blues including the Equitation Championship for the second year in a row on One Brassy Dude. They earlier won the Adult Equitation. She also won the Model Class with Fashion’s Cover Girl who was displaying her wares to the best of her ability.

Irby Stables won three blues with horses ridden by Miles Irby. First he and Sun’s Glory Bound won the Plantation Western Specialty. Next he and Coin’s Black Spice were selected to be the Park Juvenile Specialty champions. Miles Irby’s third victory came in the Lite Shod Juvenile Specialty when he won with I’m Wired. Dad Tye said this one meant a lot to Miles since he trains Wired all by himself.

Mickey McCormick Stables three blues included the Juvenile Specialty Stake won by I’m Cruella DeVil and Joel Johnson. This current world champion mare also won the Senior Juvenile Specialty title. Mickey McCormick won his third blue himself with Fudpucker in the Gelding division. Dick Peebles Stables also won three blues. Dick Peebles and Beamin’ Dollar won the Two-Year-Old Championship after a thrilling show. He also trains the Show Pleasure Amateur Specialty Grand Champion, Major Player. Freda Dean skillfully catch rode this stunning bay to this title as well as the Show Pleasure Amateur Specialty class.

In addition to the Championship and the stallion division won by Pushover’s Powerstroke, Ronnie Spears also directed Judging Amy to a win in the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class of ten. Whitter Stables’ trio of blues included Gen’s Impressive Lady and Carol Shelton winning the 15.2 and Under Amateur Mares and Gelding Specialty with a big walking black mare. Next came The Summit and Lee Wall Richard at the top of the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion Specialty. Flashy Cash and Lindsay Wall were awesome as they made their victory pass in the Junior Juvenile Walking Specialty.

Billy Thomas traveled from Lynchburg, Tenn. to make a clean sweep of the halter divisions. He won the Weanling class with The Presidential Suite and returned to win the Yearling with Savannah Cash.

Silver Express won dual blues for rider Lisa Marbry and White Oak. He made a spectacular show under the guidance of new trainers Mike and Gloria Hilley. Lisa directed this powerful gray stallion with much whooping and hollering from the sidelines to two victories. First the world champion team won the Amateur Specialty Stallion division and then won the 11 horse Amateur Specialty Grand Championship.

Jerry Woodlee trained entries won dual blues. Papa’s Precious Cargo and Lloyd Smith put on an excellent show to win the Heart O’ Dixie Members Specialty. The Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class has everyone hair standing on end. It was totally awesome. Etched At The Ritz and Carol Canerday topped the class with another Woodlee entry, Santini’s Rave Review and Lloyd earned the second placing also.

The remaining blues were won by Aleyne Zumwalk and Money Maker’s Son in the Lite Shod class, Wayne Westbrook and Cash Storm in the Ladies Park Specialty and Justin Harney and Royal’s Dark Bum in the Walking Pony Specialty.

If you’ve never been to this show, it’s a must for 2002. That is if you want to eat, enjoy horse friends, show and see top, top horses. And if you’ve been, no one needs to tell you to return as these trainers have for years and years. This highlights the 2001 Dixie Jubilee.

For the complete show story, see the printed edition of Walking Horse Report Dated November 19th, 2001.