by Linda Scrivner

            SWEETWATER, Tenn. – Warm daytime temperatures mixed with cool evening temperatures in the East Tennessee mountains didn’t hamper enthusiasm for those eager to attend the 2007 Sweetwater Lions Club Horse Show. The Carroll and Ruby Brown Memorial Lions Club Park in Sweetwater, Tenn., was the site for this show that had huge crowds in attendance and many trailers with horses filling the park.

            The Sweetwater Lions Club and Diane Wright were quite pleased with the 199 entries and the number of trainers that participated in the show. Roger Varney of Flat Gap, Ky., judged the show that had 21 walking classes.

            The show did have one slight hitch that made the event one that will be remembered for a while. The town of Sweetwater had some electrical problems that had to be repaired and were scheduled for a blackout at midnight which could last from 15 to 30 minutes while repairs were being done. Even though everyone worked diligently to complete the show before midnight, it was not possible. The crowd and spectators were well advised about the situation by the announcer and at midnight the lights went out. The next to the last class, the URHOEA Stake, was working the reverse way and there was suddenly complete darkness. Car lights were turned on and exhibitors and spectators waited patiently for the return of the electricity, many warming up in their cars. When the lights came back on 20 minutes later, the ring was empty and the ribbons had been passed out without lights and announcement of the winners.

            The crowd hurried to return to the rail for the “Sunday Morning Special”, the Walking Horse Specialty Championship Stake. The announcer called for 10 entries to enter the ring, and nine top horses entered to the spectator’s glee. The class was held up for a few moments to check to see if the 10th horse was coming and then the performances began with nine in the ring. Rio De Janeiro and David Dupes earned the blue ribbon in the Walking Stake class. Chris Arden owns this flashy chestnut stallion. Sweepover and Chris Pickel put on a good show for the reserve placing for Rodney Koger. The yellow streamer was awarded to the team of Elmer’s Pzazz and Stephen Hankins for Henry Young.

            Delightful Thief and Wheeler Owens earned the first blue ribbon of the evening for the Gary Alverson family in the Juvenile 11 and under class. Nasdaq and Mayce Ellis were reserve for Kim Davis and Mayce Ellis.

            Commandate and David Dupes claimed the first place tie in the Three-Year-Old class for the Ray Carr family. Luck Of The Dollar and Jerry Highsmith were reserve for Lonnie Stricnk.

            Sheri Combs proudly claimed the next blue in the 12-entry Lite-Shod Plantation Specialty class with Yuma Outlaws for Roy and Sheri Combs. Zapata and Tracie Barron were reserve for Danielle Ricker.

            Certainly making a good impression were Wire Transfer and Dickie Scrivner as they were called for the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Specialty class for Curtis Williamson. Haze’s Cash and Larry Wheelon received the reserve tie for the Farrell Hughes family.

            Rob Claxton won his first of two Sweetwater blue ribbons in the 10-entry Show Pleasure Specialty class. Claxton directed Who’s Keeping Score to the win for Desiree Farms. Magic’s Class Act and Jason Walker rode to the reserve tie for Jerry Walker.

            The Ladies Specialty class was next on the docket. Vickie Ricker directed Heart Attack’s Fastbeat to the win in this good class for daughter Danielle Ricker. Chevis and Martha Payne rode to the reserve ribbon for Marte and Martha Payne.

            Jim Swofford and his Out Of Gen earned the Two-Year-Old blue.

            The always-popular Amateur Specialty class brought the crowd to the rail to cheer on their favorites. Gen’s Solid Gold and Donetta Sinard were victorious for Ed Smith. Gabe Garren and his Belle Street Blues rode to the reserve tie in the class.

            Pusher’s Redemption and Rob Claxton received the blue in the 15.2 and Under Specialty class for Desiree Farms. Another Smooth Operator and Drew Graves were reserve for Maria Holland.

            In the Plantation Pleasure Specialty class, Tex Dillingham rode away with the blue on Irish American Armed. Mr. Billy and David Dupes were reserve in the class.

            In the Two-Year-Old Amateur class, Michael Johnson directed Jazz Parade to the winner’s circle for Stewart Farms. Popcorn Pusher and Becky Bull were victorious in the ETWHA Members Only Specialty class for Tony and Becky Bull. Fantazmic Cash and Vicki Hughes were reserve in this tough class.

            The Three-Year-Old Amateur class found Gabe Garren in the winner’s circle aboard Loose Lips for Tom Garren. Silver Ritz and Amy Owens were reserve for the Gary Alverson family.

            Lane Thomas earned the blue with his Ritz Factor in the Juvenile 12-17 Specialty class. Pushover’s Showboat and Emily Arden were reserve for the Ray Carr family.

            Lexie Stinnett directed Patches Merry Masterpiece to the win in the Youth Pleasure class for Vickie Hughes. Perfect Class and Emily Arden were reserve for Mary Bennett.

            Oz Who and Ken Estes earned the blue in the ever-growing Amateur Owned and Trained class. Warden Of Oz and John Swafford were reserve. Drew Graves rode Bummin A Little Cash to the winner’s circle in the Park Performance Specialty class for Maria Holland. Bossman’s Willy Walker and Bill Rouse were reserve for Debbie Rouse.

            Hugh Griffin was all smiles as he left the ring following his victory pass in the 50 and Over Specialty class with his Self Made Man. Number One Commander and Linda Scrivner were reserve under the direction of Dickie Scrivner.

            Tracie Barron and her Southern Command were called for the blue in the 10-entry Trail Pleasure Specialty class. I’m Just Jesse and Ruth Tudor were reserve.

            Sweeping In Style and Rodney Koger won the Men’s Amateur Specialty class. He’s Sundrop’s MVP and Tim Smith garnered the reserve for Tyler and Tim Smith.

            Participants were pleased to have this opportunity to get geared up for the major showcases ahead. Complete results can be searched, viewed and printed at our newly designed Web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.

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