by Sarah Smith | Photos by Shane Shiflet

A welcomed overcast morning in Shelbyville made for a perfect day to show horses at the Celebration. The 12-class schedule started promptly at 9 a.m. with the Model Pleasure Geldings class. Robert Nelms and Promise Keeper continued their undefeated season adding the world championship to their resume’ for Lisa Teel. Reserve in the class went to I’m Modelo and Leighanne Tibbs, while the yellow streamers in the class went to Loose In The Outfield and Bill Bobo.

Next up was the Owner-Amateur Novice Youth Riders 12-17 on Novice Country Pleasure Horses. Joe Lester Stables directed the top two in the class to their honors. Raigan Gardner and He Is Forrest Gump earned their trip out of the novice division with the win and the team of A Confession and Kylie Duvall were crowned the reserve world champions. Rounding out the top three was Caroline Stanley aboard Bombay Sapphire PVF.

A large class of Yearling Fillies made the next gate call and made their way around Calsonic Arena in hopes of a celebration blue ribbon. When the cards were tallied, it was My Hopes And Dreams with Amanda Wright at the lead making their way down victory lane. The team also topped the Futurity competition earlier in the week. Reserve in the class went to Joey Manos and She’s Pitch Perfect. Laughs And Giggles with Marty Warren closed out the top three in a talented class of young contenders.

Following their reserve world title on Thursday morning, 401K and Pam Betts returned to Calsonic Arena and topped the A division of the Owner-Amateur Novice All Day Pleasure competition. A Roan Ranger and Connie Everett earned the red streamer, while A Purple Reign and Jean Marie Degville carried home the third place honors.

Division B of the Owner-Amateur Novice All Day Pleasure saw Headliner At The Ritz and Debbie Simons in the winner’s circle. This win marked their 11th of the season. Kelli Harvey took her turn aboard Overknight Success to claim the reserve world title. Kaye McDaniel and Blurred Lines CDK were all smiles as they earned the third place award. 

The crowd went Wild as the next world champion was crowned. It was The Golden Ticket and Dickie Gardner who were called to the winner’s circle in the Yearling Colts class for Kevin and Kay Andrews. L.G.B and Robert Nelms walked their way to the reserve award for Kim Lewis. Closing out the top three was There’s A Tear In My Beer and Chris Richards.

Twelve top entries worked for top honors in the Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Western Country Pleasure class. Diamond At The Ritz carried Lexi Smith to the win for Kimberly Walden and Abi Smith. Scarlett O’Hara TS and Harper Grider picked up the red award for she and Terri Smith. Habanero Picante and Abi Smith earned the yellow streamer in the class.

Yearling Fillies & Geldings were next to the ring with their Youth 12-17 handlers. Peyton Nelms led Sheza Firehouse to the blue for Spencer and Carrie Benedict. It was Emery Sims and Dancin With My Darlin’ that picked up the second place in the good class. Lady Serena Williams and Isaac Witherspoon closed out the top three places.

Cohen Abernathy earned his second world championship of the show in the Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Lite-Shod class. Banks and Jack Kail earned the red award, while third in the class went to Two Gunns LLC and Jackson Cammack.

The Owner-Amateur Youth 12-17 Western Trail Pleasure contenders were next to vie for a world championship title. It was Labeled A Parolee and Eliza Dekleyn to the winner’s circle to claim the honors. Shane Smith aboard Jazz & Everything earned the red streamer in the class, with Checkpoint Charlie SF and Harper Grider closing out the top three in the class. 

The next class to work for the judges was the Owner-Amateur Yearling class. It was Joey Manos and She’s Pitch Perfect who topped the competition and claimed a world championship. Dancin With My Darlin’ returned to the ring to earn the reserve world title with Kelly Richards Ward at the lead. Lady Serena Williams and Jaron Dotson carried home the yellow award.

Closing out the session was the O/A Youth 12-17 All Day Pleasure. IB Smokin Joe carried Tanner Johnson to the winner’s circle with the approval of all five judges. This was the second world championship for IB Smokin Joe this week. Score Diamond In The Ruff and Dakoda Gardner picked up the reserve world championship for she and Cheyanne Gardner. A Purple Reign and Finley New closed out the top three.