MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Once again, many Rutherford County children will have a joyous holiday season as a result of the Walking For The Children Horse Show. The ninth annual event benefiting the Rutherford County Childrens’ Christmas Fund was once again co-sponsored by Calvary Banking and Bob Parks Realty. The event drew 265 entries to make up the 28-classes.
Ramsey Bullington and Genius Gold Spirit walked away with the Grand Championship title, topping a class of four entries. This win came on the heels of Genius Gold Spirit’s two world championships, both in the Fine Harness division. Bullington claimed the open division, while Bob Keenan drove to the Amateur Gentlemen Drivers title.
Bullington Stables claimed two additional blues, one open, one amateur. Bullington rode Spirit’s Midnight Rider to the Three-Year-Old Stallion and Geldings title, while Stephanie Rose and Spirit’s Bright Beam (a.k.a. “Lightening”) claimed the Walking Pony blue, bringing the barn’s total wins to three.
Silverstone Training Center also netted three blues. First up were Larry Lowman and Skywarning, who claimed their seventh blue of the season in the Two-Year-Old Amateur division. Next, Silverstone’s head man, Ernest Upton, directed I’m A Girl Watcher to the winner’s circle in the Novice Horse class. Their performance could hardly be deemed novice though, as the team topped a class of 12 strong entries. Rounding out Silverstone’s wins were the two doctors-- Dr. Jim Baum and Dr. Dangerous. The team claimed their third blue in a row in the Four-Year-Old Amateur division.
One more barn taking home three wins was Twin Hills Training Facility. Buddy Dick was in the irons for two of the winning performances. First, Buddy and Sunrise’s Heartbeat walked away with the 15.2 and Under title. Buddy’s next trip to the winner’s circle was aboard Cheatin’ Danger, who wowed the crowd with a thrilling performance in the Two-Year-Old division. This win came on the heels of the pair’s recent Reserve World Grand Championship. Finally, it was Rodney Dick’s turn to make a victory pass under the Twin Hills banner. Rodney and Cut Above All claimed top honors in the Junior Walking class in their debut performance.
Knox Blackburn Stables took home two blues for their efforts with Knox in the irons on both occasions. Knox and seven-time Show Pleasure World Champion Coinmaker gave a crowd-pleasing performance in one of the most exciting classes of the evening and took home top honors. Blackburn also directed Plain Jane Delight to the Aged Mare and Gelding title in a strong class.
Jeff Givens Stables was also a dual winner, both titles claimed by the same horse. Ann Darmody rode All Colors Dazzle to the title in the Amateur Plantation class while Jeff Givens and Dazzle claimed Open Plantation honors.
Groover Stables also took home two blues, both amateur wins. James Wilson took top honors in the Novice Amateur Riders class aboard three-time World Champion, Delight’s Man of Pride, who can usually be seen with James’ daughter Brittney in the irons. Next, Lucky Collins and Pushover & Lookout claimed the Amateur 15.2 and Under win on the heels of their recent International win.
Another two-time winner was Mickey McCormick Stables. Dru McCormick and Extra Ebony claimed their second win in a row in the Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary class. Next up, the “devilish duo” of Joel Johnson and Cruella De Vil topped the Youth 12-17 class. The pair enjoyed a successful season, with this win being their 10th win to date, including the Reserve World Grand Championship.
Judy Moore also rode to two blues for Moore & Foust Farm. Judy and Your Wish Is My Command were named Country Pleasure champions, and Judy and Gen’s Knight Threat captured the Lite-Shod Plantation title.
Chad Way Stables also walked away with two wins. Ginger Hartlein and Taking Command were the judge’s choice in the Three-Year-Old Amateur division, while Chad Way and Jubilee’s Knight Threat topped the Open Specialty class. These wins were among the evenings crowd-pleasing performances.
Their were three single ribbon winners. Lou Ann Oberschlake and Eb’s Final Notice took home the Ladies Amateur title under the Herbert Derickson Training Facility banner. Andy Adkins showed fans once again that “Bubba Can Walk” and walk they did, to the Youth 11 and Under title under the direction of Bud Dunn & Son Stables. Allyson Sims and Incognito were named Plantation Two- and Three-Year-Old champions, following their recent world championship.