Wartrace...The Tradition Continues

By Elizabeth Miller

WARTRACE, Tenn. - Held in “The Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse”, the Wartrace Horse Show is one of the oldest traditions of the breed. This year marked the 97th annual event held at the historic Jernigan Field just a few yards from the final resting place of the first World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse Strolling Jim.

In addition to being the oldest one-night horse show in Middle Tennessee, Wartrace is typically one of the best. This year was no exception. A total of 297 entries competed for the coveted Wartrace honors. Many of the horses were past, present and soon-to-be future world champions. The evening could be considered a preview of the upcoming championship action at the Celebration.

The honorable Kenny Lawrence stood in center ring and served as the judge of the 30 class event. Buck Williams continued training for his judge’s license by serving as an apprentice judge.

Another long standing tradition is the presentation of our national colors before competition begins. This year that honor belonged to Stride’s Touch Of Pride and Wendell Kirkpatrick. Owners Ford and Jane Gates were on hand to watch their stallion’s exhibition.

Completing his campaign to become the next World Grand Champion, Pusher’s Force was crowned Wartrace’s Grand Champion. With trainer Jason Day in the irons, the powerful black stallion put on a virtual exhibition of his exciting form. This prestigious title is added to previous championship wins at the World Cup Spring Premier, the Money Tree Classic and the Warren County Horseman’s Association Show. The Burl Compton family proudly owns and supports the stallion in his quest for world championship honors.

Leading off the evening was the Weanling Fillies class. Stan Thomas led The Royal Courier into the winner’s circle for delighted owner Jennifer Wilhelm. The reserve award went to Sex In The City and Bobby Richards for Ty Irby.

Thirteen entries answered the gate call for the Country Pleasure class. Consistent winners Cody Coyote and Sue Dean earned the blue ribbon and trophy. New owner Fred Morris was proud of the championship performance turned in by his horse. Maggie Moore made a trip from California to earn the reserve ribbon with Armed With Charisma.

Continuing his undefeated season, Late Night Jazz collected another blue ribbon in Wartrace. Jacob Baum made the winning ride under the direction of Webb Stables. This duo has already captured top honors at the Children’s Classic, the Money Tree Classic and the Tony Rice Center Horse Show. The reserve award was collected by Dumas and Andy Adkins. Carlton and Adkins own the pony and Bud Dunn and Son Stables prepares him for competition.

Stonecrusher made a trip to the winner’s circle following the Weanling Colts class. Handler Chris Richards was at the lead for owner Dr. Roger Richards. Eisenhower and Robert Nelms earned the red ribbon for Greg Pate.

In an exciting class of 15 top horses, Gen’s Grinch and Katelyn Fuller were the winners in the Youth Riders 11 and Under division. The Neil Fuller family proudly owns the talented mount and Bill Cantrell Stables serves as the trainer. Total Control and Jordan Kidd earned the reserve award for Ron Kidd. The flashy mare is under the direction of Derickson Training and Breeding Facility.

Following an impressive reserve performance in Lynchburg, Silver Dollar Angel and Tim Gray were the Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings champions. Owner Shannon Snodgrass was absolutely elated following her win. The reserve award went to Lieutenant Commander and Chad Williams for owners Jimmy and Vivian Reddy.

Cotton’s Power Pusher and Dillon Potter walked into victory lane following the Yearling Fillies class. Potter owns and trains the young filly. Wicked Leggs and Bobby Richards were the reserve champions. Jana Anderson owns the entry.

Daniel Warner and Silver’s Boogie Woman continued their winning season in the 14-entry Youth Riders 12-17 class. This awesome mare has already claimed blue ribbon honors at the Mississippi State Charity, the Gulf Coast Charity and the Spring Fun Show. David and Kenneth Warner own the entry and Sammy Day Stables prepares her for competition. Another winning team at the Spring Fun Show, Pride’s Sharp Dressed Man and Gavin Kasser were reserve. Carol Ann Gavin proudly owns the gelding and Travis Adams of Belle Meadow Farm is the trainer.

In the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings class, Dee Dee Sale presented Blue’s Que to blue ribbon honors. This talented filly recently won top honors at the Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show. The Jim Cortner family owns the entry. The reserve honors went to General Judy and Patti Pollack under the direction of Dick Peebles Stables.

Next, 13 two-year-old stallions answered the gate call in the amateur division. Aimee Barker and Silver Dollar’s Intimidator were the recipients of the prestigious Wartrace blue ribbon. Jamie Lawrence trains the colt for Dr. H. E. Barker. Extra Vert and Jim Lackey were reserve under the direction of Kurt Kovalick Stables. Jim and Carol Lackey own the young stallion.

Seventeen exciting two-year-old stallions competed for top honors in the open division. Jose’s Intimidator and Jamie Bradshaw made a powerful performance to claim the top award. Randall and Martha Ferguson are the delighted owners. Expeditor and Knox Blackburn were the reserve champions for the J. Robert Taylor family.

Copy’s Turbo earned his third straight blue ribbon in the Yearling Colts class. Robert Nelms was at the halter or owners J. T. and Martha Nelms. Susan Shemwell and Liberty’s Pride were the reserve champions for Dr. Roger Richards.

In the Park Pleasure Two and Three-Year-Old class, Forever Spirit and Doug Barnes earned the right to make that special victory pass ride. Billy and Sue Dean are the proud owners. The Wartrace title is added to previous wins at the Money Tree Classic, Bethesda and Woodbury. Dollar’s Copy and Jeff Byrom were reserve for owner J. McLaughlin.

It’s What’s My Line and Chad Way were the Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings champions. The talented performer is owned by the Crowley Farms. The reserve honors were collected by Have A Little Faith and Jason Day. This outstanding young mare was recently purchased by John and Susie Harmon.

Dan Rowsick and JFK’s Ice Lady made a blue ribbon ride in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings class. The eye-catching white filly is owned by Dan and Janice Rowsick and trained by Finish Line Farms. Becky Coleman was proud of her reserve ride aboard Silver Dancer. Dr. Michael and Becky Coleman own the mare that is trained by Sammy Day Stables.

A Strong Dollar and Link Webb continued their winning streak in the exciting Three-Year-Old Stallions class. This outstanding competitor has already claimed victories at the Trainer’s Show, the Fun Show and Woodbury this season after being crowned a world champion last year in the Two-Year-Old Stallion division. Curtice McCloy is the delighted owner. Push Too’s Cowboy and Knox Blackburn were the reserve champions for owner Gene Ramsey.

Last year’s World Champion Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion, I’m Richie Rich, and Karen Marriott earned another blue ribbon in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. This outstanding champion was bred and raised by owners Rich and Karen Marriott. He is trained by Finish Line Farms. Prime Poison and Brenda Carlon earned the red ribbon. Dr. Harv and Brenda Carlon own the black stallion and Derickson Training and Breeding Facility prepares him for competition.

Another Derickson horse earned top honors in the large Amateur Specialty Mares and Geldings class. Pushin That Jazz claimed his fifth blue ribbon of the year with owner Sarah Dunn in the irons. Adrenaline and Patti Pollack were reserve for Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch. Ramsey Bullington Stables trains the gray gelding.

Reigning Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion World Champion John FK’s Delight has made a smooth transition into aged competition. The stallion earned another blue ribbon in the 16-entry Amateur 15.2 and Under class with rider Sandra Johnson. William B. and Sandra Johnson own the David Landrum Stables trained entry. Olympic Power and Stephanie Gordon were the reserve champions. This exciting team is under the direction of Dude Crowder Stables.

Sheryl Crawford was delighted with the winning performance of In Command Again in the Ladies Amateur Mares and Geldings class. A former world champion in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion division, the black gelding is owned by Crawford Colts, LLC and trained by Groover Stables. Silverado’s Spirit and Erin Graf were the reserve champions. The entry of David and Erin Graf is prepared by Knox Blackburn Stables.

Another talented gelding continued his winning streak in Wartrace. Sanman and Pam Russell earned their seventh victory pass of the year in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings class. The top contender is owned by Larry and Pam Russell and is trained by Webb Stables. Pushin For A Heartattack and Sue Ann Schott were reserve. The mare is owned by Jo Ann Dowell and trained by Finish Line Farms.

In the largest class of the evening, I’m Armed And Lethal and Lee Wall completed their pre-Celebration campaign in blue ribbon style. This team remains undefeated in Amateur Show Pleasure competition. Dr. and Mrs. Rosser Wall are the delighted owners. Five Way Farms prepares the outstanding competitor. Sabatier and Sister Milligan were reserve in the 19-horse class. Tommy and Sister Milligan own the entry and employ Chad Williams Stables as trainer.

After making a blue ribbon debut in Lynchburg, Gen’s Black Gin and Bill Johnson made another flawless performance to capture top honors in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. The reigning Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion is owned by William B. and Sandra Johnson. Blackburn Stables trains the powerful black stallion. Brandi Todd and Suspicious Mind were reserve under the direction of Brandye Mills.

Terry Mann was absolutely delighted following her Amateur Specialty Stallions victory aboard New York New York. This team has also claimed wins at Woodbury, the Columbia Spring Jubilee and the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Horse Show this season. The black stallion is owned by Mann Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Eagle and is prepared by David Landrum Stables. Dangerous TNT and Bud Thomas were reserve under the direction of Southern Comfort Training Facility.

Gold Picture and Bill Bobo were the Four-Year-Old Stallions, Mares and Geldings champions. This awesome team was also a winner at Wartrace last year in the Three-Year-Old Stallions class. Drs. Cliff and Linda Garrard are the proud owners. Chad Way presented Silver From The Ritz to the reserve honors for the Crowley Farms.

Pusher’s High Voltage and Dru McCormick continued their undefeated campaign for world championship honors in the WHT Ladies Auxiliary class. The bold stallion was bred and raised by his delighted owner Beckie Hicks. Mickey McCormick Stables trains the former Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion. Former World Champion Three-Year-Old Mare Lock And Load and Stacy Blackburn were reserve. The Longview Farms entry is trained by Formac Stables.

Another entry of the Crowley Farms made an appearance in the winner’s circle in Wartrace. Outlined In Silver and Steve Dunn were the 15.2 and Under champions. The reserve award went to Ali Ali and Brock Tillman for Pruett and Guthrie.

In the Open Park Pleasure Specialty division, Doug Barnes and The Beaming Skywatch earned blue ribbon honors for delighted owner Susie Lavender. Jeff Byrom and Threat’s Black Bum were reserve for Kenny Browning.

After making a blue ribbon debut at the Warren County Horseman’s Association Show, the brand new team of Mister Pushbutton and Candie Butler captured the Open Amateur title in Wartrace. The former two-time Amateur World Grand Champion was recently purchased by the Glen Crutchfield family. The stallion is trained by Ronnie Spears Stables. Maria Derickson and Solar Generated earned the reserve title. The sorrel stallion is owned by Dr. and Mrs. John Brundidge. Derickson Training and Breeding Facility trains the entry.

This highlights the 97th annual Wartrace Horse Show. Complete results follow and can be found on our website www.walkinghorsereport.com.