Weaver And Generator’s Champion Were Crowned In The Big House!
by Linda Scrivner
JACKSON, Miss. – The 2007 Mississippi Charity Horse Show lived up to its long-standing reputation for excellence and hospitality at its 77th annual show. The show, held April 12-14, has been in existence since 1930 and has been the venue for many world champions of the past. This event is a grand celebration of the breed, held in the Mississippi Coliseum, as well as a premier society event for the state of Mississippi and the city of Jackson. The show proceeds always benefit a worthy charity. This year the proceeds will benefit the Blair E. Batson
Hospital for Children.
Show Chairman Dude Prestwood and Assistant Show Manager Melissa Fortenberry expressed appreciation for the trainers that came when they welcomed exhibitors to the show and invited them back for another year. This show is known for its exciting atmosphere and great southern hospitality. Each morning a beautifully catered breakfast buffet was located in center ring. Those present enjoyed watching the great horses as they ate and socialized with other horse show enthusiasts.
The association exemplified comforting hospitality in their traditional ways with a Margarita Party on Thursday evening, a Catfish lunch on Friday and an Ice Cream Social following the Friday evening performance.
Six USDA officials were present at the show on Thursday and Friday evenings to observe and inspect horses both pre and post show alongside the NHSC DQPs. On Thursday there were four violations, a heavy chain, a unilateral sore and two scar rules post show. There were five violations on Friday: one unilateral sore, four scar rules, one pre show and three post show. On Saturday most of the horses had already shown and been checked previously since they had to qualify for the championship classes and there was only one violation. It was a pre show scar rule.
David Finger, NHSC DQP Director, commented, “Under the circumstances we had a great show. The USDA was most cooperative. We as an industry can continue to show successfully under the guidelines that were being enforced at the Jackson show and the other shows that were being monitored by the USDA over the weekend.”
Governor and Mrs. Haley Barbour attended the show and also visited the inspection area.
NHSC Chairman and President of the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Wink Groover commended the trainers and exhibitors. “Thank you so much for the support of the trainers who presented their horses so well. We’re extremely proud of their professionalism.”
The crowd was large to observe the world-class horses and expressed their support of their favorites throughout the show. Jamie Bradshaw, Nathan Clark and Justin Jenne’ served as judges for the 2007 event. Thirty-seven, or 61 percent, of the 61 classes were judged unanimously.
The crowd was treated to an excellent array of championships with Saturday night culminating with the Young Motors WHTA Riders’ Cup Grand Championship Stake. The crowd voiced their approval for their favorites throughout the performance. Former World Grand Champion Generator’s Champion won the Stallion class Thursday evening unanimously and returned Saturday night to carry out the tricolor with trainer Joel Weaver in the irons. The crowd gave the team a standing ovation as they made the victory pass. Brett and Lisa Jones of Tylertown, Miss., own this talented sorrel stallion. I’m Splashed and Joe Cotten claimed the reserve position in the Championship Stake. They also won the 15.2 and Under Stallion class Friday evening unanimously. They executed two flawless Jackson performances for Hillview Promotions of Tupelo, Miss., and Lindsey Landrum of Franklin, Tenn. Third place was awarded to Steal Justice and Jack Way for S.J. Partners, LLC of Troy, Ala. They were also reserve in the Stallion class Thursday evening.
David Landrum Stables topped the blue ribbon count at this year’s shows with 13 blues; three of which were stake wins. Marty Irby won both the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallion class Friday and the Amateur Two-Year-Old Championship Stake unanimously with Gin & Juice for Rick and Marla Lovett. It’s Electric and Kelly Sherman were reserve in the Stake class and Irish Mardi Gras and Margaret Thomas were reserve in the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallion class for Bill Randall.
Joe Cotten directed 2006 Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion The Coach to the top of both the Three-Year-Old Stallion class on Friday and the Waterfall Farm WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Championship Stake with unanimous ties for Holland and Kilgore. This colt created quite a stir at Jackson with his ability and talent. The team of Link Webb and Dollar’s Code Orange accepted reserve in the Stake for Curtice McCloy. In the Three-Year-Old Stallion class Jack Way and Pushing Danger picked up the reserve for S.J. Partners, LLC.
In 2006, the team of Kay Green and More Of The Major made their cantering debut at Jackson and they claimed victory in both the Amateur Canter class and the Amateur Championship Stake. This year they returned to earn the second leg on the stake trophy with a unanimous tie after they also won the Open Amateur class once again. Reserve on both occasions were Laurel, Miss., Amateur Champions Casper Snow White and Benton Pitts for Benton and Gay Pitts under the guidance of Pioneer Stables.
Santana’s Coin and John McNeely won two Jackson blues unanimously. McNeely directed 2006 Amateur Park Pleasure World Grand Champion Santana’s Coin to both the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty and the Park Pleasure Open Specialty titles for owners John McNeely and Lindsey Landrum.
Susan Coleman made a great catch ride aboard Oops I’m Splashed to win the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions class for Frank and Rita Hudgens under the Landrum Stables banner. He’s Out A Sight and Kelly Sherman claimed the red streamer under the Whitter Stables banner.
Another new team topped the exciting Open Specialty class on Saturday evening. Joe Cotten directed It’s Only A Game down victory lane unanimously for Charles Clark. Prime Jump Jivin and Steve Aymett picked up the reserve position for Carroll Benedict.
There was some friendly in-house rivalry in the Pro-Amateur Specialty class Saturday night. David Landrum donned his riding suit to team with Virginia Stewart and World Champion Brother Splash to compete against stable mate World Champion Ritz’s Diamond Joe who was shown by Alexandria Holland and Joe Cotten. After a hard fought battle with nine horses and 18 riders, the judges selected Brother Splash, David Landrum and Virginia Stewart as the team to earn the blue. As Landrum made the victory pass for Evergreen Walking Horse Farm, there was a standing ovation from the crowd. The trio of Dinero Tex’s, Kelly Sherman and Steve Aymett picked up the red streamer for Floyd Sherman while Ritz’s Diamond Joe and his riders claimed the yellow ribbon.
A short three years ago, Alexandria Holland made her debut performance at Jackson aboard a borrowed New York New York and won the Walking Pony class in her first show ever. Last year Holland earned dual blues at Jackson with her two 2005 World Champions Ritz’s Diamond Joe and Rudy Rudiger. In 2007, Rudy Rudiger and Holland were crowned World Grand Champions in the walking pony division. They returned to Jackson to unanimously win the Youth Pony title again for the children of Neal and Sherry Holland.
Mickey McCormick Stables won six Jackson blues, two of these were championship tricolors. Keith and Suzie Johnson and their sons have supported the industry for many years and they continue to do so today. They each claimed a stake victory at Jackson this year. Mickey McCormick directed Generator’s Top Dollar to a unanimous blue in the Show Pleasure Open Specialty for Keith Johnson Thursday evening. Saturday evening Johnson returned and won the Amateur Show Pleasure Championship Stake. In the Open Show Pleasure Josh Watts and Lost Cause claimed the reserve streamer for Dr. John and Judith Dial. In the Stake class, it was Thad Way and I’m Armed And Lethal who exited the ring with the reserve honors for Carolyn Rutner.
Suzie Johnson’s new mount is the Sweepstakes sired Kamakazi. They were victorious in the Amateur Novice Ladies Specialty Rider. The team unanimously claimed the blue in the Amateur Novice Championship Stake class Saturday. I’m Silver Too and Beverly Sherman were reserve in the stake under Whitter Stables’s guidance. It was the stunning team of Lorraine Rosbury and Don Diego that wore the red streamer from the ring in the Amateur Novice Ladies class.
The 2005 and 2006 World Grand Champions Shock Jock and Becky Coleman captured the 15.2 and Under Amateur Stallions title unanimously. Senator’s Silver and Kelly Sherman were reserve for Holly Claborn.
In the Amateur Novice Men’s class Thursday night there was a very interesting development. There was a three-way tie for first with each judge tying a different horse first. These three were put back to the rail to ride for the blue and the crowd went wild cheering for their favorite. Bill Russell aboard the roan Santana’s Supernatural was selected by the judges to win the title for Dr. Bill and Alice Russell and trainer McCormick. JFK’s Bravado and Jimmy Lackey picked up the reserve title under the guidance of Landrum Stables for Jimmy and Carol Lackey.
Falcon Ridge Farm, Wink Groover Stables and Rising Star Ranch won five Jackson blues apiece. Of these, Gilmer and Groover earned a championship and Joel Weaver earned two championships.
The 2006 World Grand Champions Watch And Bedazzled and Mary Morrison won two Jackson blues. They won the Youth 12-17 class on Friday and returned Saturday to claim the Youth Championship Stake, both unanimously, for Andrew Morrison and trainer Ray Gilmer. In the Stake class, The Willhamina and Lily Waites were reserve for the Andrew Waites family from Swingin Gate Stables. The Youth 12-17 reserve champion was Moments Of Jazz and Alex Way for Carolyn Rutner under the 5-Way Farm banner.
The 2006 World Champion The Armed Cashier and Bart Gilmer unanimously won the Plantation Lite-Shod Specialty title for Susannah Borg. Carla Massey and A Fairly Tale were reserve for James Nichols. Bart Gilmer also claimed the Young Trainers, 35 and Under class aboard My JFK’s Tiny Dancer for Andrew Morrison. Reserve went to the team of All In and James Abernathy for Mike and Karen Inman.
Ray Gilmer won the fifth blue aboard Loose Spirit in the Mare and Gelding class for David and Patty Rose. James Abernathy directed Ultra Copy’s Dark Shadow to reserve for Chuck and Paulette Cheek.
Texas Independence and Nancy Groover won first the Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares and Gelding on Friday and returned to win the Amateur Four-Year-Old Championship Stake unanimously Saturday night. Jose Powder Keg and Gay Pitts were reserve in the stake for Benton and Gay Pitts and trainer Dale Watts. Beverly Sherman and her Worth A Buck claimed the red streamer in the Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class.
Hondo Texas also claimed dual Jackson blues for the Groovers. Thursday Justin Taylor directed Hondo Texas to win the 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings while reserve was awarded to Joel Weaver and Summer Passion for Brett and Lisa Jones. Friday Nancy Groover picked up the reins to capture the 15.2 and Under Amateur Mares or Geldings title. Brett Jones and Summer Passion again were selected for reserve.
The Texan also carried Nancy Groover to victory in the Amateur Adult Pony Specialty class for Wink and Nancy Groover unanimously. The reserve team were Mama’s Almighty Dollar and Michael Coleman for Dr.
Michael and Becky Coleman under Mickey McCormick’s guidance.
In addition to the Grand Championship and the Stallion class, Joel Weaver won the James Corlew Chevrolet WHTA Rider’s Cup Two-Year-Old Championship with Irish Mardi Gras for Billy Randell. The Thug and Dale Watts picked up the reserve placing for Lucky and Kay Easterling.
Weaver also rode Stone Age to the blue in the Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Rising Star Ranch. Worth A Buck ridden by Todd Claborn picked up reserve for Beverly Sherman in this popular class.
The horses owned by Brett and Lisa Jones enjoyed great success at Jackson, Miss., and their Champ’s First Round won the Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings with Weaver directing on Thursday. Jackie McConnell and A Lady Santana won reserve for Beverly Sherman.
Beverly and Kelly Sherman always ride great horses and this year was no exception. Kelly Sherman directed one of their champions to championship stake wins Saturday night. The competition was extremely strong in the three-year-old divisions at Jackson. The judges selected He’s Out A Sight and Kelly Sherman to make the victory pass in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Championship Stake. Oops I’m Splashed and Susan Coleman were reserve under the direction of Landrum Stables.
The team of Cash In Motown and Jackie McConnell claimed the Two-Year-Old Stallions on Thursday for Beverly Sherman. Irish Mardi Gras and Joel Weaver were reserve for Bill Randell.
World Grand Champion I’m Silver Too unanimously won the Amateur Novice Horse blue with Beverly Sherman in the irons under Whitter Stables banner. Mr. Pushlite and Viki Jones picked up the reserve honor under Edgar Abernathy Stables.
The team of Santana Lady and Kelly Sherman unanimously claimed the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Beverly Sherman under Whitter Stables’s guidance. Reserve went to Champs First Round and Brett Jones for Brett and Lisa Jones and trainer Joel Weaver.
Steve Aymett Stables, Dale Watts of Pioneer Stables and Jack Way of 5-Way Farm all returned home with three Jackson blues. One of them was the Amateur Specialty Championship Stake title won by Beverly Sherman aboard World Grand Champion A High Dollar Charge in a unanimous decision. They also earned the Amateur 50 and Over title on Thursday night unanimously. Brett Jones and his World Champion Irrational Exuberance won reserve in both classes for Brett and Lisa Jones under the guidance of Dale Watts.
Aymett Stables’s third blue was unanimously won by Sherry McDaniels and The Prodigal in the Heart Of Dixie Members Amateur Specialty class for Davis Haygood.
Two of Dale Watts’s three blues was won by the great Out On Parole mare, Dark Escape. Following her blues at Laurel, Miss., and the National Trainers’ Show, Dark Escape claimed first in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class in her debut performance with Brett Jones unanimously for Brett and Lisa Jones. Cody’s Love and Kay Easterling was reserve for Lucky and Kay Easterling. This team is also trained by Pioneer Stables. Friday Dark Escape and Dale Watts won the Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings also unanimously. I’m Staying At The Ritz and Joe Cotten claimed the reserve honors for Evergreen Walking Horse Farm.
Laurel Champion Casper Snow White carried Kayla Pitts to the blue unanimously in the Youth 11 and Under for Benton and Gay Pitts and trainer Jonathan Watts. Dusty Hall and An Ideal Evening proudly wore the red streamer from the ring for Tammy Carter.
Command’s Rainbow Star won two of the three 5-Way Farm blues at Jackson. First Nancy Emerson directed this talented mount to blue ribbon honors in the Amateur Park Performance Specialty class unanimously for E & W Enterprises followed by Thad Way’s win in the Park Performance Open Specialty Friday evening. Threat and Nick Plafcan claimed reserve in the Amateur Park Performance Specialty class for Sean Robertson. The Open Park Performance reserve was awarded to A Hard Night At The Ritz and Bart Gilmer for Tommy and Annie Jowers.
I’m Armed And Lethal had the crowd on the edges of their chairs in an outstanding performance in the Amateur Show Pleasure Gentlemen Specialty class with Thad Way in the irons for Carolyn Rutner. Making another stunning performance was Keith Johnson with Generator’s Top Dollar to earn the reserve under Mickey McCormick’s tutelage.
Lilly Waites won two of the three blues earned by Jerry Field of Swingin’ Gate Stables. The Hotline and Lilly Waites claimed the Youth Show Pleasure class unanimously for the Andrew Waites family. I’m Bold & Beautiful earned reserve for Claudia Gribble under the direction of Edgar Abernathy Stables.
The Willhamina and Lilly Waites walked away with the Novice Youth Specialty title unanimously Friday. Laurel, Miss., champions Arm’s Dealer and Ben Moss were crowned victorious unanimously in the Amateur Mississippi Class Specialty (members who reside in Mississippi) Friday night. Moss and Harney are the proud owners of World Champion Arm’s Dealer. Michael Coleman was reserve on Mama’s Almighty Dollar for Dr. Michael and Becky Coleman under the guidance of Mickey McCormick.
Laurie Toone’s two Jackson blues were won with horses ridden by Marty Irby. Current World Champion Lion King and Irby claimed the Trail Pleasure Specialty class unanimously Friday evening. Last year this team also won a Jackson blue. Make It Snappy and Madeline Coleman claimed reserve under Mickey McCormick Stables. Marty Irby returned Saturday evening to unanimously win the Country Pleasure also. Doug Toone owns Royal Sparkling Gem.
Many top barns won single blues at Jackson. Thursday, James Nichols won the Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class aboard his Jazz’s Steppen Wulff. Reserve went to Landon Head aboard Judge Judy for Wardell Head.
The Night Pusher and Dick Peebles won the Four-Year-Old Stallions class. Tony Montana carried Link Webb to the reserve for Jim and Linda Newby.
An Air About Her and Susan Coleman won the Amateur Ladies Show Pleasure Specialty class for Donna and Darrell Thompson. Lost Cause directed by Judith Dial picked up the reserve streamer for Dr. John and Judith Dial.
Especially For U and Jeremy Bridges made the blue ribbon ride unanimously in the Amateur Specialty class. Landon Phillips claimed the Amateur Four-Year-Old Specialty class on the Jerry Phillips family owned The Sky Marshall. Edgar Abernathy Stables does the training duties for The Sky Marshall. Jose Powder Keg and Gay Pitts were reserve for Benton and Gay Pitts under Pioneer Stables’ banner.
Saturday evening Paul Hall won the blue in the Amateur Stallions Specialty class aboard Gold Tone Chrome for Tammy Carter.
Dr. Jim Green made his debut performance in the show ring leading Pat Head Summitt in the Weanling and Yearling class for Dr. Roger Richards. Roger Richards owns and trains both the first and the second place halter horses. Maybe I’m Maybelline continued her show ring success under Keith Reed to tie reserve.
Kelly Sherman and Senator’s Silver were awesome in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Championship Stake for Holly Claborn. Triple C Stables trains this talented gray horse. Look Of Masquerading and Margaret Thomas were reserve for Robert and Margaret Thomas and trainer Joel Weaver.
Tony Montana and Link Webb were awesome in the Hartland Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Four-Year-Old Championship Stake for Jim and Linda Newby. They won the class unanimously. Stone Age and Joel Weaver were reserve for Rising Star Ranch.
This highlights the winners from the Mississippi Charity Show. Complete results and judges’ cards follow and may be viewed or printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.
Joel Weaver and Generator's Champion were met by Brad Davis, Melissa, Jonathan and Brett Jones, Irelyn and Kristy Weaver and Lisa Jones following the Walking Stake victory.
Marty Irby and Gin and Juice celebrate their win their friends and family after then Amateur Two-Year-Old victory.
Wink Groover and Justin Taylor joined Texas Independence and Nancy Groover after the Amateur Four-Year-Old win.
Landon Phillips and The Sky Marshall were joined by their fan club following the Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallion class.