Posted August 24, 2001

by Carole Hargett

Young riders and handlers graced the ring for the morning’s classes. Young in age only, they displayed a level of concentration many of us had forgotten. Seasoned riders will tell you that performing in any show requires ability and focus. So those who viewed the classes today could only be inspired and marvel at the talent displayed by the youth at this level of competition.

The first class of the day was Novice Plantation Pleasure Walking Mares or Geldings, Lite Shod, Specialty, Amateur Novice Youth Riders 17 Years and Under. Riders were called by Hand to the gate promptly at 9:00 am. Nineteen of 20 entries walked in. A crowd of anxious parents, proud grandparents, and friends urged on their favorite entry. It was apparent to all that the future of the walking horse would be in good hands.

“Climb Every Mountain” played while the judges made their decision. Climbing out of the novice division was Beam’s Best Bette and a beaming Michelle Hodne, who also owns her entry. She was all smiles as she rode to the applause of the crowd. Jimmy Civils and JFK’s My Genuine Pappy earned the second tie. Mama’s Hands carried his rider Francisco Vela to the yellow ribbon.

Ten entries comprised the Park Pleasure Walking Horses, Amateur Riders in class 35. Eighteen entries had been listed. Hankins called the action. The class performed three gaits, flat walk, running walk, and the canter. Generator’s Evil Lady received her second Celebration blue, this time with Lauren Hamilton in command for Charles Lowe. The classic horse, Royal’s Good Times and owner/rider Kathy Jamison had a good time taking the reserve. Wicked Gold and Hannah Pulvers earned third place for Jana Anderson of Jefferson, Or.

Martin called youth riders to the gate for the Youth English Trail Pleasure, Specialty, Riders 17 Years and Under. Answering the call were 23 of 32 possible entries. How many trophies can you fit in your house? That was the the question owner Janis Brown asked herself as To Die For! collected a third blue ribbon. Shayna Shaw directed the entry. Royal’s High Society and Jennifer Earhart collected the reserve tie. Royal’s High Society was international grand champion trail pleasure this year. Third tie was picked up by Olympic Angel and Lauren Hamilton. Olympic Angel captured a blue yesterday.

Show Pleasure Walking Mares or Geldings, Specialty, Riders 17 Years and Under entered the ring at Hankins’ call. Nineteen of 28 entries warmed up the fans. The volume of the crowd response resonated through the Calsonic as the young riders diligently went through their paces. What a blue ribbon ride for Nikki Owens. She rode Slippin Around And Scored who was reserve in this class last year and also collected a blue ribbon on Thursday night. Rich and Sheron Richmond own the entry. Guaranteed Delight was reserve with Ashley Adcock as they picked up their second ribbon of the show. Twist About’s Hero and Brad East were hot on the trail, picking up the third award.

Youth Western Trail Pleasure, Specialty, Riders 17 Years and Under welcomed 20 of 29 entries into the ring. Carpenter called the class. With cowboy hats on and reins in one hand the young riders looked very professional in their demeanor. The winner’s name said it all, To Die For! and Shayna Shaw just kept collecting blue ribbon honors. Olympic Angel garnered another ribbon, this time it was for reserve. Jenna Hamilton showed this champion. Close behind for third was Dixie Spirit and Jeren Guthrie riding for Double Spring Farms.

The babies were next; young handlers with their young charges. TWHBEA Youth Weanling, Handlers 17 Years and Under was underway with 23 entries answering hand’s call. Twenty-five entries were possible. Presented with style by owner Jesse Dotson, III, It’s Law and Justice walked away with the blue. Reserve honors were earned by Dillon Potter and Laugh Out Loud for Danlon Farms of Shelbyville, Tenn. The Ultra Edge and Sam Jamison claimed the third tie.

Seven of 11 entries presented themselves for Plantation Walking Mares or Geldings, Lite Shod, Riders 17 Years and Under. The youth in this class exhibited their skills as the judge called for the canter and the entries “rocked” in their saddles to the smooth gait. Many world champions were presented in a hard-fought class. When the cards were marked, the judges gave their approval to world champion Hit & Run and Lauren Shaw for California owner, Bill Marzinzak. A Beam Come True was reserve. Jen Schaeffer was up for Sanni Mathews. Gen’s All Night and Amber Waggoner rounded out the top three entries.

It was time for the two-year-olds to perform. Twenty-one of 36 entries entered the Park Pleasure Walking Horses, Two-Years-Old, Amateur Riders class. The call judge was Martin. The energetic young horses went through their paces in near flawless form. It was a difficult task for the judges but they awarded the blue to Elegance of Design with Bruce Lavato for Nancy Lavato of Utah. Joltin Joe Dimaggio, hot off a win yesterday, was guided by Carleen Redmon to the red ribbon. Third place was awarded to Movie Extra and Keith Johnson.

Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod, Specialty, Amateur Riders 50 Years and Over was directed by call judge Tuck. Nineteen entries of 33 competed in Class 42. No stranger to winners acclaim, Genius Dixie Chick and owner Sheila Mack-Kyle carried the blue to California. This was her first win however, in an english class. Jose Quervo Gold, just off a win on Thursday, captured reserve honors with Bob Lawrence. Armed With Beauty and Terry Vaught had a good day when they carried the yellow ribbon home to Watertown, Tenn.

The youngest riders took center stage as class 43, Park Pleasure Walking Mares and Geldings, Specialty, Riders 11 Years and Under began. Twenty-five entries rode hard for the chance to be included in a workout. Concentration and determination marked every young face. One handler per entry was allowed in the ring as the riders awaited the judges selection. Eight numbers were called to park in the center ring as the remainder of the class hit the rail walking. After selecting additional numbers, thirteen entries vied for the title of world champion. Entries not called were awarded a participation ribbon for their good ride. There is no doubt that these future champions will be seen for many years in shows across the country.

The judging panel selected Visa Gold Card and Benjimen Gray for blue ribbon acclaim. Benjimen made his victory pass like a veteran. Florida resident, Pam Greene, owns this winning entry. A Gen Rummy picked up another ribbon for owner Larry Stewart. A delighted Anna Hamilton made the good ride. Kacey Schneider and her horse, Pushin Your Luck, pushed past the competition for the yellow ribbon.

It was back to youth handlers as eighteen entered the arena with their yearlings. That was the class for TWHBEA Youth Yearling, Handlers 17 Years and Under. Two entries did not show. Hand was given the task of calling the class. Although the class was split last year, the quality of the yearlings presented for the judges approval was admirable. Your Wish My Command and B J Richards carried home the blue for Roger Richards. B J continued the Richards family winning ways. A Major Win earned the reserve for handler, A J Jamison, who also took home a ribbon in the weanling division. Tina Berringer brought her family’s Ga. entry, Hooked On Jazz, to the third place tie.

Class 45 began as eight entries came through the gate at Hankins call. Fifteen exhibitors were listed to compete. The Western Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod, Amateur Riders class would be tied. The canter was again included in the gaits to be performed. “Halt” said the announcer and each rider immediately stopped their horse. The final winner of the day was Jasmin Magic with Elizabeth Ottman of Ky. Genius Dixie Chick, who just completed a win this morning, took reserve with rider Dawn Bransfield. Pride’s Smart Alex and Lindy Holt carried home their first ribbon of the show.

The final class, Trail, was wonin record time by Traveling Time and Dan Starnes, Linda Starnes captured reserve, followed by Genius Dixie Chick and Ada Keen claiming the third place ribbon.

Everyone quickly left the arena to get ready for the evening’s festivities.