By Mary A. Palmer and Linda Scrivner

GREENVILLE, Fla. The second annual Midnight Sun Charity Horse Show and Festival was held at the beautiful Dixie Plantation. The Quitman/Brooks County Museum and Cultural Center sponsored the show. They are trying very hard to promote the Tennessee Walking Horses and racking horses and at the same time raise funds for their charity.

They chose the Dixie Plantation for their site since Dixie is quite famous for the Continental Bird Dog Field Trail Championship. Geraldine Livingston and the folks at Dixie sponsored the annual field trail supper for many years. Another reason for selecting Dixie was because Mrs. Gerald Livingston, owner of the Dixie Plantation, owned the famous Tennessee Walking Horse Midnight Sun. Since Midnight Sun was kept in Tennessee at Harlinsdale Farm, Geraldin Livingston commissioned a life size bronze statue of this famous horse for her mother. The statue stood in the garden, where she could see it from her bedroom window. That statue is now on display in Lewisburg, Tenn., at the TWHBEA. Dixie Plantation was a natural site for the show featuring the Tennessee Walking Horse.

The Dixie Plantation mansion was built in 1938 for the Livingston family as a hunting lodge. The Greek revival mansion was designed by John Russell Popek, architect of the Jefferson Memorial. The beautiful home has seven large bedrooms, each with a fireplace and bathroom, a living room, formal dining room, trophy room, gun room decorated with dog and bird carvings, tea room, library, sun rooms, and several porches. The “Big House” was decorated and used as a base for the extra activities during the festival. Everyone in attendance was treated with hospitality and events were scheduled throughout the week, which culminated with the horse show on Friday and Saturday.

There was an art and craft show and reception on Monday to begin the festivities. The art remained for the rest of the week with prices for anyone interested in purchasing it. Tours were available at the mansion all week. A fashion show and luncheon was the highlight on Tuesday and Wednesday featured a country music band, dancing and an excellent barbecue meal. Thursday evening there was a banquet, dance, and live auction with over 200 in attendance. The lavish banquet included true southern cuisine. Following the show on Friday night there was a country music party and barbecue for exhibitors and volunteers. Saturday night featured a breakfast following the horse show. In addition, there were trail rides and nature tours on the plantation. The trail rides were held on the 9,000 acre plantation on trails that are maintained and used for the Continental Field Trials.

Judging these fine entries were Howard Hamilton of Cedar Grove, Tenn., Ty Irby of Mobile, Ala. and Terry Stone of Scottsboro, Ala.

The event was culminated by the Bumpus Harley Davidson/Buell Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Championship. Five outstanding entries made the gate call. Wired And Walking and Link Webb carried the tricolored ribbon and roses home for the Jeff Bryant family following a second running walk. The Claude Koszuta owned Color Blind and Ray Gilmer were an exciting reserve champion and Bill Cantrell was third on UC I’m Ultra Gold for Cantrell and Warr.

The blue ribbon tally was led by Carl Edwards and Sons Stables with 11 Midnight Sun blues. Falcon Ridge Farm and Nelms Training Facility earned seven blues each. Bob Lawrence and Webb Stables each collected four blues. Three blues were collected by Barbara Agnish, Knox Blackburn Stables and Johnny McKeehan. Dual blues were won by Rollie Beard Stables, Larry Derryberry, Henry Johnson Stables, Rick Parrish and Colonel Walker of Sawtooth Stables. Those winning single blues were horses prepared by Koni Tidwell, Ray Baldwin Stables, Mike Elledge, Melissa Tittle, Debbie Bullard, Ginger Simpson, Robert Curry, Bill Cantrell Stables and Bee McAdams.

The American Flag was presented by Reeves Lane of Edison, Ga. and Sophia Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla., presented the Florida State Flag. On Friday evening Haley Lane of Bainbridge, Ga., presented the Georgia State Flag and on Saturday evening it was Lucy Morton of Dawson, Ga.. The invocation was given by Rev. Ned Simmons.

Spectators were also treated to a Fine Harness Demonstration on Friday evening presented by Dr. Linda Jones and the 2005 Amateur Ladies Fine Harness World Champion Mighty Brew. Friday Evening

The first class of the evening opened with the Trail Pleasure Racking class. The team of Me & My Shadow and Sophia Borg would make the victory ride for owner Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla. Me & My Shadow is trained by Henry Johnson. The Grave Digger and Heather McKeehan took reserve honors for Johnny and Heather McKeehan of Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm of Hudson, Fla.

Up next were the amateur riders in the Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class. The judges' unanimous choice for the blue was The Great Satchmo with owner LaRue McWaters of Ashford, Ala. in the irons. Loose With Her Money and owner Jack Crowe of Monroe, Ga. received the red streamer.

The first Rider’s Cup class of the evening was the Waterfall Farms Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings WHTA Riders’ Cup class. In the end The High Dollar and Larry Edwards were called to the winner's circle in a unanimous decision for the Lowell White family of Eatowa, Ga. The second place ribbon went to Brothers Black Magic and Knox Blackburn for Stacy Blackburn of Franklin, Tenn.

In the Spotted Horse Lite-Shod Specialty class the duo of Legally Lethal and Johnny McKeehan of Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm, Hudson, Fla., received the blue unanimously. Reserve honors went to the team of Pushing Off A Generator and Charlotte Conklin of Alva, Fla. This entry is also trained by Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm.

Up next to enter the ring were the 12 participants in the Western Trail Pleasure Specialty class. Capturing the unanimous blue ribbon was Delightfully Royal and Bob Lawrence for Lawrence and Howard, Thomasville, Ga. Second place went to Generators Final Chapter and Charlene Cook for Central Georgia Equine Services of Ft. Valley, Ga.

The amateurs were back in the ring in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class. The Twisted Dollar and owner LaRue McWaters of Ashford, Ala., walked their way to the winner’s circle. Twisted Dollar is trained by Ray Baldwin. Second place was awarded to the Falcon Ridge Farm trained entry Knucklebuster and Sophia Borg for Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla.

Up next to enter the ring was the Favorite Gait class. The colorful team of Go Boy’s Madonna and owner Mike Elledge of Brooksville, Fla., earned the judges’ unanimous approval to take the blue. Warriors Sweet Spirit and Craig Flowers for Mandy Flowers of Thomasville, Ga., received the red ribbon.

The ladies were in the ring next to compete in the Amateur Ladies Specialty class. Jill Cox aboard Falcons Backdraft ,made a lovely ride to claim the unanimous blue for Charles Cox of LaGrange, Tenn. This pair is trained by Falcon Ridge Farm. Slick and Silver with Judy Leek in the irons for Jim and Judy Leek of Bastrop, Texas. received the second award.

The western horses were back in the ring in the Lite-Shod Western Specialty class. Poison at Midnight with owner Melissa Tittle of Lanett, Ark., captured the coveted ride to the winner‘s circle. The Magnum GS and Rollie Beard were reserve for Mr. and Mrs. George Smith of Wiggins, Miss.

In the Amateur Owned and Trained Racking Horse class Foot Loose and Bee McAdams topped the field for Connie and Bee McAdams of Georgetown, Ga.

The juvenile riders were next up in the Walking Mares and Geldings Riders 17 and Under class. Another unanimous decision put Color Blind and Caitlin Koszuta in the winner's circle for Claude Koszuta. Falcon Ridge Farm prepares this team. Julius Kessler and Koni Tidwell received reserve honors for the Joey Tidwell Family of Dallas, Ga.

Always a crowd favorite, the Pro Am Specialty class with the Section A riders entered the ring next. The winning ride went to General’s Main Lady with the team of Connie McAdams and Rollie Beard for owner Mitch Taylor of Cordova, Tenn. Just Walk this Way and the team of Ginger Simpson and Link Webb accepted the red streamer for owner Pat Hackney of Nashville, Tenn.

The two-year-olds were in the ring next for the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Claiming the top honors was the pair of Flirtin at the Ritz and Lisa Bryan for the Paul Bryan family of Thomasville, Ga. Flirtin at the Ritz is trained by Carl Edwards and Sons. Second place went to the Davis and Cantrell trained entry of Falcon’s Marie Laveau with owner Dr. Linda Jones of Bainbridge, Ga., in the irons.

Next up was the Spotted Horse Trail Pleasure Specialty class. Legally Lethal and Johnny McKeehan took their second blue for Johnny and Heather McKeehan, Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm, Hudson, Fla. Go Boy’s Madonna and Mike Elledge of Brooksville, Fla., received the second award.

Thirteen entries made the gate call for the English Trail Pleasure Specialty class. Walking out of the ring victorious was Favorite Sweetheart and owner Debbie Bullard of McRae, Ga. Repeat’s Color Me In and Heather McKeehan were second for owner Kasey Kesselring of Montverde, Fla. Repeat’s Color Me In is trained by Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm.

This time the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions would take the ring. Sanatone and Shanna Bridges would claim the unanimous blue for the Ray Pittman Family of Sumrall, Al. Carl Edwards and Sons Stables prepare this excellent team for the show ring. The Rapture and Sophia Borg were reserve for Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla. This team was prepared by Falcon Ridge Farm.

The next class of the evening was the Park Pleasure Western Open Specialty class. The Falcon Ridge Farm trained team of Sophia Borg and Keep the Roses were directed to the winner’s circle for owner Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla. Bubba Boy and owner Mandie McFay of Bluffton, Ga. were reserve.

Nita’s Double Pride and owner Ginger Simpson of Mountain View Farm, Belvedere, Tenn., walked their way to blue ribbon honors in the Amateur Lite-Shod Specialty class. Reserve honors went to Poison at Midnight and owner Melissa Tittle of Lanett, Ark.

Seven entries made the gate call for the Park Performance Amateur Specialty class. Mr. Rody and owner Paul Bryan of Thomasville, Ga., were the judges’ choice under the direction of Lang and Dansby. Eddie in Black and Connie McAdams were second for June Hawkins of Lewisburg, Tenn., under the guidance of Rollie Beard.

Up next to enter the ring were the competitors in the Open Style Racking class. Making a “bullet” to the winner's circle was Silver Bullet B and Barbara Agnich for Dawn and Rosie Ward of Dallas, Ga. Info Reel and Todd Thompson received the red ribbon for the Danny Messick family of Carrollton, Ga.

The Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class was up next. Walking their way to victory was Gen’s Super Stroke and Ginger Simpson for James and Peggy Vernon of Shelbyville, Tenn., and Booneville, Miss. Gen’s Super Stroke is trained by Link Webb. Generator’s Pegasus and Paul Bryan were reserve for the Paul Bryan family of Thomasville, Ga., under the direction of Rollie Beard.

It was a “special” night in the Amateur Specialty Gentleman class as Special Ultra Copy and Bobby Mixon walked their way to the winner’s circle with a unanimous decision for Bobby and Linda Mixon of McIntyre, Ga. This team is prepared by Carl Edwards and Sons. Quattro and Paul Bryan accepted the red streamer for the Paul Bryan family of Thomasville, Ga.

The Country Pleasure class contenders competed next. Making the blue ribbon ride was Calvin’s Crown Royal and Josh Jones for Lee and Adriene Helt of Inverness, Fla. This was a unanimous decision by the judging panel. Calvin‘s Crown Royal is trained by Nelms Training Facility. Capturing reserve honors was the pair of Warrior’s Sweet Spirit and Craig Flowers for Mandy Flowers of Thomasville, Ga.

The Waterfall Farms Three-Year-Old Stallions WHTA Riders’ Cup class proved to be an exciting class with five outstanding entries making the gate call. America On Line and Larry Edwards emerged victorious for Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bryan of Thomasville, Ga. Raise a Ruckus and Ray Gilmer with Falcon Ridge Farm took the red streamer for Katherine Koszuta of Ocala, Fla.

The amateur riders were back in the ring in the Amateur Four-Year-Old class. Generator’s Maid of Honor and Charlene Cook made the winning ride for Central Georgia Equine Services of Ft. Valley, Ga., under Carl Edwards and Son Stables’ banner. Boss Man Dumas and owner LaRue McWaters of Ashford, Ala., received reserve honors.

Wrapping up Friday evening’s competition, the final class of the night was the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class. The familiar team of Gold Danger and owner Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla. made the ride to victory lane in a unanimous decision under the direction of Falcon Ridge Farm. The Perfect Olympic and Ginger Simpson were reserve for Mt. View Farms of Belvedere, Tenn. Saturday Morning

The morning session kicked off with the Model class. The Executive Decision and Ronald Morton for Leslie Callaway of Dawsonville, Ga. would be the judges’ unanimous choice for the blue. Nelms Training Facility prepares this team. The Grave Digger and Johnny McKeehan were runner up for Johnny and Heather McKeehan, Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm, Hudson, Fla.

The youth riders entered the ring for the Country Pleasure Youth class. Making another ride to victory lane in a unanimous decision was Calvin’s Crown Royal and Josh Jones for Lee and Adriene Helt of Inverness, Fla. Calvin’s Crown Royal is trained by Nelms Training Facility. Warrior’s Sweet Spirit and Craig Flowers made a good ride to finish second for Mandy Flowers of Thomasville, Ga.

The halter horses were back in the ring this time with the Weanlings class. The familiar team of Jolie Jolie and Ronald Morton received the blue for Teel/Butler of Andalusia, Al. Jolie Jolie is trained by Nelms Training Facility. The second place award went to JFK’s In Command and owner Mandie McFay of Bluffton, Ga.

The field trial horses entered the ring for the Field Trial Youth class. Coming out on top unanimously was Me and My Shadow and Sophia Borg. Second place was awarded to BTO’s Last Son and Anna Weisenbaker. Both of these fine entries are owned by Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla., and are trained by Henry Johnson.

The yearlings then entered the ring for the Yearlings class with I’m Armed by Ritz and Josh Jones receiving the blue award for Teel/Butler of Andalusia, Ala., under the guidance of Nelms Training Facility. The red ribbon went to Masterbilt and Rollie Beard for Wendy Boyd of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The youth converged next for the Youth Trail Pleasure class. Thundering to a unanimous victory was Just Walking Thunder and Caitlin Koszuta for Jantelle Clark of Belvedere, Tenn. Pride’s Ebony Eagle and Josh Jones were reserve for Cal and Margaret Turner of Brentwood, Tenn., under the direction of Nelms Training Facility.

Always enjoyable to watch, the Youth Water Glass class entered the ring. Calvin’s Crown Royal and Josh Jones added another victory for owners Lee and Adriene Helt of Inverness, Fla. This team is prepared by Nelms Training Facility. Another familiar face placing second was the Henry Johnson trained team of Me and My Shadow and Sophia Borg for Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla.

Wrapping up the Saturday morning session was the first Championship class of the show, the Weanlings and Yearlings Championship. Coming out on top with the unanimous decision was the Nelms Training Facility team of I’m Armed By Ritz and Josh Jones for Teel/Butler of Andalusia, Ala. She Pusher Command and Ella Kline for C.L. Kline Farms took reserve under the direction of Mike Janeway. Saturday Evening

Saturday evening’s performance began with the Youth Racking Class. Making a fine ride to take the blue was The Dark General and Paige Milligan for Danny Milligan of Rockmond, Ga. This fine team is trained by Rick Parrish.

Next up was the first Championship class of the evening, the Country Pleasure/Favorite Gait Championship. Making the best championship ride was Finest Hour and Bob Lawrence for Hutto/Lawrence of Thomasville, Ga. Receiving the reserve award was the Nelms Training Facility entry of Calvin’s Crown Royal and Josh Jones for Lee/Adriene Helt of Inverness, Fla.

It was the show pleasure horses’ turn to take the ring for the Open Show Pleasure class. Putting on a “super” ride and receiving the unanimous votes from the judges was Gen’s Super Stroke with Link Webb in the irons for James and Peggy Vernon of Shelbyville, Tenn., and Booneville, Miss. Owl’s Trick or Treat and Rollie Beard claimed the red ribbon for George and Carol Smith of Wiggins, Miss.

The colorful Spotted Horse Open class was next with She’s Wonderful and owner Lindy Rogers of Griften, Ga., winning the blue. Second Place went to All In Black And White To Copy and Sheila Mainwaring of Chiefland, Fla. Both of these fine entries are trained by Col. Walter.

The Tapes and Technical Solutions Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings WHTA Riders' Cup class brought two outstanding entries. Claiming the unanimous victory was Neon Bright and Larry Edwards for Dr. and Mrs. W.H. Hill of Powder Springs, Ga. The Crimson Lady and Bill Cantrell for Frank Shelton of Perry, Ga. took second.

The racking horses again entered the ring, this time in the Amateur Racking class. Coming out on top was Info Red and Todd Thompson for Danny Musick of Carrollton, Ga. Info Red is trained by Rick Parrish. Dumas’s Little Rebel was second with Sophia Borg in the irons for Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla. They were directed by Henry Johnson.

Next it was time for the Amateur 50 and Over Specialty class. Primed Time with owner Joy Geske of Riverdale, Ga. in the irons made the trip to the winner's circle. This fine entry is trained by Col. Walker.

The Amateur Three-Year-Old class concluded with another unanimous decision. The High Dollar and Stephanie White won for the Lowell White Family of Eatonville, Ga. This team is prepared by Carl Edwards and Sons. The Skyy and owner Dr. Linda Jones of Bainbridge, Ga., were reserve under the direction of Bill Cantrell.

The Open Pony Specialty class came though the gate next. Raise A Ruckus and owner Katherine Koszuta of Ocala, Fla. finished first under the Falcon Ridge Farm banner. General’s Main Lady and Rollie Beard were second for Mitch Taylor of Cordova, Tenn.

Silver Bullet B made a good ride to take the blue in the Open Racking class with Rosie Ward for Dawn and Rosie Ward of Dallas, Ga. This entry is trained by Barbara Agnich.

In the Park Pleasure Open Specialty class the judges agreed on the winner again with After All The Ice and Robert Curry for Reeves Lane of Edison, Ga., winning. Second place honors went to Keep a Copy and Mike Janeway for C L Kline Farms.

In the James Corlew Chevrolet Two-Year-Old Stallions WHTA Rider’s Cup class four good entries made the gate call. The familiar team of UPS and Knox Blackburn took the victory pass for the Paul Bryan family of Thomasville, Ga. Tony Montana and Link Webb for James and Peggy Vernon of Shelbyville, Tenn., and Booneville, Miss., received the red streamer.

Ten entries answered the gate call for the Trail Pleasure English and Western Specialty Championship. Making the winning ride was the team of Delightfully Royal and Bob Lawrence for Lawrence/Howard of Thomasville, Ga. Generator’s Final Chapter and Dr. Charlene Cook for Central Georgia Equine Services of Ft. Valley, Ga., placed second.

The $300 Budweiser – Winner Take All class was enjoyable to watch with 11 entries competing. Coming out victorious and having the must “Bud” in his glass was Knox Blackburn aboard Spirit’s Amusing Grace. Royce and Ann Marie Couch of Franklin, Tenn., own this entry.

Twelve entries made the gate call for the Field Trial class. The crowd really enjoyed this class and coming out with the blue was Woody and Bob Lawrence of Thomasville, Ga. Sundrop at Last and Carol Aldrich-George along with her dog “Sweetie” received reserve honors for Sabra Smith.

In the Pro Am Class Section B class The Mexican with Bill Cantrell and Haley Lane for Dr. Linda Jones and Haley Lane made the winning ride. Second place honors went to Bustin with Terror with Kim Baldwin and Ray Baldwin for Jim and Judy Leek of Bastrop, Texas.

Beale Street Blues and Koni Tidwell made a nice ride to win the Show Pleasure Racking class. The Joey Tidwell family of Dallas, Ga., owns this entry trained by Barbara Agnich.

Another unanimous decision was made in the Open Specialty Class with Miss Hosanna getting the blue with Larry Edwards in the irons for the Louis Hawkersmith family of Tullahoma, Tenn. Just Walk this Way and Link Webb received second place for Pat Hackney of Nashville, Tenn.

In the exciting Park Performance Open Specialty class Mr. Rody and Larry Derryberry made the winning ride for Paul Bryan of Thomasville, Ga. Eddie in Black and Rollie Beard captured the red ribbon for June Hawkins of Lewisburg, Tenn.

The James Corlew Chevrolet Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings WHAT Riders' Cup class brought seven fine entries to the gate. Flirtin’ At The Ritz and Larry Edwards received the judges' nod for the Paul Bryan family of Thomasville, Ga. Falcon’s Marie Laveau and Bill Cantrell placed second for Dr. Linda Jones of Bainbridge, Ga.

TheSpeed Racking class was exciting with The Grave Digger coming out victorious with Johnny McKeehan aboard for Johnny and Heather McKeehan of Spotted Haven Walking Horse Farm of Hudson, Fla. Jakes Flashdance and owner Gwendolyn Sears of Sarasota, Fla., received reserve honors.

In the Show Pleasure Open Championship Gen’s Super Stroke put in the winning ride with Link Webb up for James and Peggy Vernon of Shelbyville, Tenn. and Booneville, Miss. Gen’s Spirit of Magic and Ray Baldwin took second for Margaret Peacock of Brundidge, Ala

The Hyneman Companies 15.2 and Under Open WHTA Riders' Cup brought four great entries to the gate. Quattro and Knox Blackburn walked away to the winner’s circle for the Paul Bryan family of Thomasville, Ga. Second place went to Watchtower and Link Webb for the Robby Biggs family of Cottontown, Tenn.

Up next was the Park Pleasure Open Championship. Back to the winner’s circle once again was Gold Danger, in another unanimous decision, with Susannah Borg of Ponte Vedra, Fla., in the irons. Keeping it in the family, Keep the Roses and Sophia Borg made the second place ride for Suzannah Borg. Both of these fine entries are trained by Falcon Ridge Farm.

The Tape and Technical Solutions Four-Year-Old Stallions WHTA Riders' Cup brought two nice entries with the unanimous decision going to Strolling Thru The Ritz and Larry Edwards for the Don Bridges family of Dawson, Ga. Command on Q and Knox Blackburn took second for W.E. Broughton of Purdue Hill, Ala.

The amateurs returned to the ring for the Amateur Specialty Championship. Winning the blue was the Falcon Ridge Farm trained team of Falcon’s Backdraft and Jill Cox for Charles Cox of LaGrange, Tenn. Slick and Silver and Judy Leek for Jim and Judy Leek of Bastrop, Texas, were reserve. Slick and Silver is trained by Ray Baldwin.

The Lite-Shod Specialty Championship brought The Magnum GS and Rollie Beard to the winner’s circle for Mr. and Mrs. George Smith of Wiggins, Miss. Poison at Midnight and owner Melissa Tittle of Lanett, Ark., received reserve honors.

In the Racking Horse Stake class the team of MGS PHD and Barbara Agnich took the blue for Tommy and Sharon Vivian of Mt. Sterling, Ky. Coming in second place was Info Red and Todd Thompson for Danny Musick of Carrollton, Ga.

Complete results follow and may be viewed, searched or printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.