by Jennifer Maack-Condren

BOLIVAR, Mo. - The Southwest Missouri Horse Show Association held its annual show June 20, 2008, at the Bolivar Saddle Club grounds. This Association has active members representing Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabians and Saddlebreds that show within 150-mile radius of Springfield, Mo. Brian Nichols, president of the association for the 2008 show year, was very appreciative of the hours of hard work association secretary Pat Denney had spent preparing for the show. Total entries for the show were down with many exhibitors having to choose which shows to attend, especially if significant travel was involved.

Tom Owen of Springfield, Mo., was called on to judge the 23 classes of walking horses and foxtrotters. Announcer Stephen Buus traveled from Miller, Mo., and is one of Missouri’s best show announcers. Angie Kirk, Susie Graham, Mae Maack and Ryan and Ron Denney were also very involved behind the scenes to make this show a success.

The rain that prevailed most of the week took a much-needed break and the cooler temperatures made for a very pleasant evening of horse showing. In the final class of the night, Spirit And Silver and Jerry Manes were called out for the victory pass for owners Andrew and Austin Rhoads. Reserve in the class was Brad Huffman aboard PJ’s Pusher for Dean Scott. 

Jim Huffman Stables earned a total of seven blues throughout the evening. Brad Huffman Stables took home three blues. Don Bills Stables claimed a pair of blues, as did Jerry Manes Stables. 

This show is used as a fundraiser for the year-end banquet and was considered a success as the different breeds come together in the name of sportsmanship and camaraderie for this multi-breed association. Walking horse class results follow and can be viewed by clicking here.