TWHNC ASSOCIATION MEMBER HONORED

Rick Insell, TWHNC Association Member, and avid Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast, was recently honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when he was named the recipient of the 2010 Morgan Wootten Award for Lifetime Achievement in Coaching High School Basketball.  Below is a portion of the press release that was issued by the Basketball Hall of Fame:

"SPRINGFIELD, MASS. - FEBRUARY 1, 2010 – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today announced the 2010 winners of the Morgan Wootten Award for Lifetime Achievement in Coaching High School Basketball. The annual awards, one for boys basketball and one for girls basketball, is named after Morgan Wooten, the only coach enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame that exclusively coached high school basketball.

The 2010 winner of the Morgan Wootten Award for boys basketball is Robert Hughes. Coach Hughes coached I.M. Terrell and Fort Worth Dunbar High School in Texas for 47 years prior to his retirement in 2005. During his tenure, Coach Hughes collected five state championships and posted 1,333 victories which is the most wins in high school basketball history. He passed Morgan Wootten’s record for victories in 2003. For his efforts, Coach Hughes has been enshrined into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the National High School Hall of Fame.

The 2010 winner of the Morgan Wootten Award for girls basketball is Rick Insell. Coach Insell, currently coaching Middle Tennessee State University, coached Shelbyville Central High School

for 28 years. He guided Shelbyville Central High School to 10 TSSAA Class AAA state championships, two USA Today National Championships and compiled a 775-148 record over 28 years. One of the pioneers of women’s basketball in the state of Tennessee, he is one of four coaches enshrined into the National High School Hall of Fame.

“The selection of these two legendary high school coaches for this year’s Morgan Wootten Award continues the Hall of Fame’s goal of honoring excellence in the sport of basketball at all levels,” said John. L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “These coaches have touched the lives of hundreds of basketball players and we are proud to recognize their lifetime achievement at the high school level.”

“Robert Hughes and Rick Insell represent the very finest in high school basketball. As outstanding teachers, coaches and role models, they have touched the lives of thousands of young people. I am extremely pleased that I will able to present the Lifetime Achievement Awards to these fine coaches,” said Hall of Fame Class of 2000 member Morgan Wootten.  The Morgan Wootten Award winners were selected by a nationally based committee comprised of Hall of Famers, national high school media members, tournament directors and others that have significantly impacted the game. The awards will be presented by Morgan Wootten at the 2010 McDonald’s All-American Game events this March in Columbus, Ohio.

Previous award boys’ basketball award winners have included Jack Curran (Archbishop Molloy, NY), Joe Gallagher (St. John’s College, DC) and Ralph Tasker (Hobbs High School, NM).  Previous winners of the girls’ basketball award have included Leta Andrews (Granbury High School, TX), Jim Smiddy (Bradley Central, TN) and Dorothy Gaters (Chicago Marshall, IL).

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level –professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA

SNOW PICTURES FROM CELEBRATION GROUNDS

Mother nature decided it would be best for everyone in our area to stay in for the last weekend of January, 2010 and blanketed the area with several inches of snow and ice.  Friday January 29th the Celebration Grounds was hit with over four inches of snow.  Below are some pictures taken around the show grounds.

 

 

CELEBRATION FEES REMAIN THE SAME FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Celebration officials announced at the Annual Celebration Association Meeting held recently there will be no increase in fees of any items for the 2010 Celebration.  Things such as box and reserved seats, parking, entry fees and stall fees will remain the same for the fifth consecutive year.  “Although the Celebration is searching for alternative income sources, an increase in prices for our fans to attend the Celebration was not practical at this time”, according to Dr. Doyle Meadows, Celebration CEO.  Additionally, Dr. Meadows indicated the Celebration wanted to support the community and the Walking Horse Industry by foregoing any price increases.  Even though event pricing will remain the same the Celebration will continue to provide the same quality service to Walking Horse enthusiasts as they have received in the past. 

“The Celebration continues to be aware of the needs of this community and our industry.  Under these tough economic times our Board did not want to put any more burden on those that continue to support our World’s Greatest Horse Show”, says Mr. Charles McDonald, Board Chairman.

COLLEGIATE WRESTLING COMES TO SHELBYVILLE

Calsonic Arena will be the site for the 2010 National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) National Duals on Friday and Saturday (January 29th & 30th).  Two NCWA-D1 programs from Tennessee will vie for the title this weekend as Middle Tennessee State University led by 3rd year coach Bryan Knepper and Tennessee Temple University coached by Guy Harris take to the mats.

Wrestling begins at 2:30 pm on Friday with doors opening to the public at 12:30 pm.  Wrestling for Saturday’s rounds begins at 10:00 am with doors opening to the public at 8:00 am.  Tickets will be available at the Calsonic Arena Box Office on Friday and Saturday for $10 (adults—Tennessee residents) and $5 (students from Tennessee).   Tickets for non-residents are $20/$10 for the 2-day event pass.

Friday’s preliminary rounds include 14 colleges/universities/trade schools that will compete for 8 spots in Saturday’s final rounds.  The teams competing are Kennesaw State (GA), Oakland (MI), West Chester (PA), Southern Indiana, Georgia, U.S. Naval Prep Academy (RI), Mercer (GA), Tennessee Temple, Dayton (OH), Ohio, Auburn, Virginia Military Institute, and Longwood (VA).

Saturday’s finalists (seeds listed) will include the top 8 finishers from Friday and #1 Central Florida, #2 Apprentice School (VA-defending traditional champions), #3 Grand Valley State (MI-defending dual champions), #4 Marion Military Institute (AL), #5 Maryland-Baltimore Co., #6 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY), #7 MTSU, and #8 Connecticut.  Round-robin matches will be at 10 am / 12 noon / 2 pm with semi-finals at 5 pm and finals at 7 pm.

A Tennessee High School Girls qualifying tournament for the state tournament will be held in conjunction with the NCWA National Duals and will feature close to 100 girls from around Tennessee.  This event will start at 10 am and finals will be at 5 pm.

For more information on the NCWA, please visit www.ncwa.net .

Frequently Asked Questions On SHOW’s New Fee Structure

Q - Can I pay on an installment basis?
A – No.  An installment payment plan is not available at this time. 

Q - I am a show manager of a small show.  If we have to pay for the DQP, wouldn't my show lose money?
A – It is still possible for you to lose money.  Overall we are trying to reduce the costs for both our one-night and multiple night shows.  It is our intent to look at some of these shows that are in outlying areas and assist them with their show.  We are willing to work with any show and it is not our desire for every show to not be successful.  If the shows are successful then the industry and the availability to show our horses will be enhanced.

Q – Will there be a reduced fee to register multiple horses I own or an early registration discount?
A – We are looking into both early registration and multiple horse discounts on SHOW horse cards.

Q – Why do other HIOs not need the same funding SHOW does to survive?  Aren’t all HIOs required to follow the same guidelines from the USDA?
A – Every HIO has different financial responsibilities.  It is our intent to have the best personnel and oversight possible, including accredited veterinarians, while implementing the white paper.  This commitment is unmatched by any other HIO and comes with a financial price.  USDA does not address the finances of each HIO.  It is left up to the individual HIO to address and finance their program.

Q - What about other gaited breeds as far as the $100 annual fee?  Some of our shows have Spotted/Racking/Rocky Mtn horses.
A – This will be looked at and decisions made for the benefit of the owner and show management.

Q - There are shows around VA, etc. which offer Go As You Please/All Day Easy Gait classes which are for backyard non-registered horses.  Will these horses have to have a $100 SHOW Horse Card?
A – A non-registered horse that would have to go through our program to show in this type class at one of our events would be exempt from the fee.  We will release a list of exemptions for specialty classes as they are finalized.  For example, it would not be fair to charge a mule a $100 SHOW card to show at one of our premier Walking Horse shows.

Q – Will there be a cap on the expense of the DQP to the horse show?  Will more DQPs be recruited that live closer to areas such as the West Coast, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, etc.?
A – Our DQPs will be fair and reasonable with their expenses but there is not going to be a cap on their expenses.  However a very big priority is recruitment of qualified DQPs in those areas where expenses would be prohibitive to the horse show to send DQPs from long distances.  Obviously, the length and size of the show will impact expenses.

Q – Will lead line entries be required to purchase the $100 SHOW card?
A – No.

Q – If the USDA shows up at our horse show and reduces entries will any break on the costs of DQPs be given to the one-night show?
A – No.  The DQP has committed both the time and expenses to be there and has nothing to do with whether or not the USDA attends the show.  It is our hope and goal that USDA presence at our shows will not be disruptive but rather cooperative in enforcing the Horse Protection Act to the betterment of the show and the industry.

Q – Is the SHOW fee structure based on the one night show in Middle Tennessee?  Have you thought about the small regional shows that are in outlying areas that don’t have many entries?
A – Yes we have and we plan to address that concern as we move forward with this program.  Several show managers have asked this question and we fully intend to address this concern immediately.  One of the purposes of the SHOW fee structure is to ensure the growth and prosperity of all horse shows.  Show managers and SHOW will be working together for the benefit of the show, the trainers, the exhibitors, the owners and the industry.

Q – Is there an entry number level where this structure becomes more economical to the horse show than the per entry fee like previous years?
A – The variable here that prevents an answer to this question would be the expenses of the DQP(s) (meals, mileage, hotel).  If your horse show had 200 entries this year you paid the $50 affiliation fee plus the $2,000 in inspection fees.  Under the new plan you would pay for two DQPs which is $175 each plus their expenses, approximately $300 each.  Under the new fee structure, your horse show in 2010 would have reduced inspection expense of approximately $1,000.

Q – You say the $100 horse SHOW card is the only thing I will pay for the inspections all year long.  However I showed 10 times in 2009 but did not pay an inspection fee.
A – Yes you did pay an inspection fee.  Most shows built their inspection fee into their entry fee and it wasn’t broken out differently.  You were charged an inspection fee by the horse show.

Q – What is the cost of the DQP sent by SHOW?  Is this fee per session or per day?
A – $175 per session.

Q – Will divisions such as the halter division get a break on the $100 SHOW Card?
A – Not at this time, however we are in the process of determining the availability of all divisions at our horse shows across the country. 

Q - In regards to the DQPs and their session fee, will SHOW still decide which DQP goes to which show and will there be a fixed rate, or will shows hire and negotiate a rate with DQPs just like they do judges?
A – SHOW will decide which DQPs are assigned to each show and there will be a fixed rate.  DQPs will not be allowed to negotiate a rate.

Q - Will I have to seek out & hire my DQP's as opposed to SHOW having assigned them in the past?  Will the DQP session fees be uniform for ALL DQP's? How about the DQP's expenses - uniform charge per mile, etc?
A – The DQPs will be assigned by SHOW and will have a fixed session rate and fixed charges per mile, etc.

Horse Sales Exempt Under SHOW Restructure  

SHOW has announced that horse sales will be given a special exemption under its new fee restructure for 2010.  SHOW announced an annual one-time $100 fee for all horses that show in a SHOW affiliated horse shows in 2010.  However, because of the unique nature of horse sales, horses going through sales in 2010 will not be required to purchase the $100 SHOW Horse Card.

“It is very important for us to consider all parties with our new fee structure,” said SHOW CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.  “We felt that it was very important, given the unique nature of horse sales in our industry, to extend this exemption to horse sales across the industry.”

The SHOW fee restructure was aimed at helping horse shows across the industry as well as provide adequate funding for the implementation of veterinarian oversight, implementation of the white paper, a new rulebook and improvements in the judging program.

Horse shows that affiliate with SHOW in 2010 will only pay the fee and expense of the DQP.  They will not pay any affiliation fee or inspection fees.  Also as part of the plan there will be no licensing fees for DQPs or judges in the SHOW program.

Horse sales will be required to pay the fee and expense of the DQP just as horse shows will but the horses entered in the sale will not be required to purchase the $100 SHOW horse card.  “We are well aware of the recent struggles for horse sales across the industry.  We also know that many of the sales focus on the yearlings across the industry.  Given these unique circumstances our board felt strongly that horse sales should get this exemption,” said SHOW board chairman Charles McDonald.

“We continue to look at many aspects of our program and will be announcing more about its specifics over the coming weeks and months.  We won’t be able to address every special circumstance but we plan to be as thorough as possible,” concluded McDonald.

SHOW ANNOUNCES NEW FEE RESTRUCTURE FOR 2010

The Board of Directors of SHOW announces a totally new fee model for 2010.  The new concept will allow SHOW to move forward with superior personnel and continued improvements in the inspection process, judging program, rulebook and member benefits.  Highlights of the new fee structure are as follows:

  • There will be NO inspection fee charges to any show management regardless of how many times a horse shows in SHOW events
  • Horse Shows will pay NO affiliation fees
  • Judges and DQPs will pay no licensing fees
  • There will be an annual one-time fee of $100 per horse to show in SHOW affiliated shows 

The fee structure is simple, efficient and economical.  After a horse receives its SHOW HORSE CARD, an owner, trainer or exhibitor from any horse related group or other Horse Industry Organization (HIO) can show that horse at any SHOW affiliated event with NO additional affiliation, inspection or amateur status charges at a show.  SHOW is aware of horses that would only show at a SHOW affiliated event one or two times a year and is considering alternative fee structures to address these horses.

Additionally, under the SHOW umbrella, there will be no charge for judges to obtain their judges’ license.  Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) will not pay a licensing fee and the horse show will not pay an Affiliation Fee to affiliate with SHOW.  The most significant item is that SHOW affiliated shows will not pay an inspection fee to SHOW. The Show Manager will simply pay for the DQP’s session fee and expenses exactly the way they pay their judges.  This method is much more affordable for one night shows or pleasure horse shows who typically pay $10 per horse inspected or $4-$6 per horse inspected PLUS all DQP costs. 

Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of SHOW said, “The new fee structure is a win-win for everyone involved as there is something beneficial in the fee structure for all organizations.  The owner only has to pay a one-time yearly fee for their horse, and Show Management does not have to pay any inspection fees to SHOW.  The SHOW HORSE CARD program will enable Show Management to attract more horses without worrying about inspection costs.  Their inspection costs will now be a much lower fixed cost.  The health of our walking horse industry relies to a great measure on the health of our shows.  This new fee structure will allow them to generate larger profits and encourage new shows.   Those Show Managers we have been able to talk with have greeted this new fee structure with great enthusiasm. Charitable organizations and walking horse shows have long had a bond between them, and this new fee structure will allow charities across the country to benefit more.” 

“There has always been a concern about the number of times a pleasure horse shows, and they pay a significant amount of money during a one-year period. This new fee structure allows the pleasure horse and all other Tennessee Walking Horses that show at a SHOW affiliated event to show as many times as they want and not be required to pay multiple inspection fees.  Also, when a SHOW HORSE CARD is issued, the horse’s name, registration number and current owner are displayed on the card.  This card will be fully transferable to a new owner at any time during that year.

Mr. Charles McDonald, chairman of the SHOW Board of Directors said, “This new fee structure compared to those currently being used by both SHOW and other HIOs is far more economical to all owners.  In 2008 (NHSC) and 2009 (NHSC and SHOW), the owner paid a $60 fee for an amateur card and up to a $10 fee per inspection, depending on the affiliation type.  If a horse only showed five times throughout the year, the new fee would be less expensive for the owner and significantly more economical for shows affiliated with SHOW than it has been in the past.  The only potential issue under this new fee structure is the owner that only shows a few times during the year and we are looking at several alternatives there as well.  It is our feeling that this new fee structure will encourage people to show more often as there will be NO additional costs. Moreover, owners can show at any SHOW affiliated show no matter which show circuit they normally show in.”

“We have met several times with the Walking Horse Owners’ Association, who previously issued the amateur cards recognized and required by the NHSC and SHOW,” said Meadows.  “ WHOA informed us recently of their plans to additionally fund themselves through horse show development as they look to manage between 50-100 horse shows in future years.  We looked at ways to include the amateur card in the SHOW program but WHOA has plans to affiliate with other HIOs in addition to SHOW. We did not want to interfere or restrict WHOA’s expansion plans and therefore without all WHOA horse shows being affiliated with SHOW our board did not feel comfortable requiring our exhibitors and owners to purchase a WHOA Amateur Card.”

The WHOA amateur card was recognized by the NHSC during the time period that WHOA was a member organization of the NHSC.  “We are very sensitive to the challenges WHOA is facing and share in many of those same challenges.  We have listened to WHOA show management, as they affiliate more shows with SHOW currently than any other organization.  Our new program will allow WHOA, just like all other show managers, to profit more from their horse shows that they affiliate with SHOW, as they will owe SHOW nothing, no matter the number of shows, entries inspected or discipline of the show,” continued Meadows.

“Our owners and exhibitors are extremely important to our HIO and the walking horse industry,” said McDonald.   “This new fee structure, while maybe not perfect, does allow SHOW to answer the call our owners and the industry made to implement the white paper, continue the transformation of the image of the Tennessee Walking Horse, hire veterinarian oversight and professionalize the inspection process.  HIOs previously were not tasked with these initiatives.  We are very proud that this new fee structure has benefits to the owner, exhibitor, show management, walking horse trainer and member organizations across the industry.”

McDonald will appoint a committee to continue to discuss with WHOA the amateur card and its potential recognition by SHOW.  “We have asked WHOA on several occasions if they are willing to affiliate all of their horse shows with SHOW, but to this point they have not been able to answer that question.  It is our understanding this issue will be raised at their October 31, 2009 board meeting.  After that meeting and decision by WHOA, our committee will be happy to sit down and discuss possible solutions with WHOA,” concluded McDonald.

AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION’S PRESIDENT AND CEO WEBSITE BLOG

During the recently completed 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® a group of horse industry leaders met to discuss various areas within the walking horse industry.  One of those in attendance at these meetings was Ms. Marie Belew Wheatley, President and CEO of the American Humane Association.  After her return to her office in Colorado, she comprised and posted the following blog to the American Humane Association’s website.  We appreciate her allowing us to share this with walking horse enthusiasts in the area.

Marie Belew Wheatley’s Blog
Posting on American Humane’s Website - September 17, 2009

Business or Pleasure? Tennessee Walking Horse Show Qualifies for Both

I spent Labor Day weekend in my home state of Tennessee -- Shelbyville, to be exact, home of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, which is the most prestigious horse show of its kind. The amazing -- and controversial -- horses it celebrates were the reason for my attendance, both in my official capacity representing American Humane, and as an appreciative spectator.

For those of you unfamiliar with this unique and magnificent breed, Tennessee Walking Horses are born with a fluid, easy gait that is beautiful to behold. Over the years, they have been bred and trained to exaggerate that gait into the distinctive high-stepping performance that thrills Walking Horse aficionados, as evidenced by the more than 195,000 tickets sold during the 10-night event.

The controversy lies in the fact that some of the methods used to train these horses to lift their hooves high are indisputably inhumane. These methods -- collectively known as “soring” -- were outlawed by the Horse Protection Act in 1970 after a public outcry. The objectionable techniques include applying caustic chemicals to the horse’s feet, pressure shoeing (nailing the shoe so that it applies pressure to the sole of the foot) and inserting an object between the hoof and the shoe -- all of which make the horse lift its feet higher and faster because of the deliberate pain inflicted with each step.

Although soring is illegal, some trainers and owners unfortunately still employ these techniques in order to win at any cost. However, after the Shelbyville Celebration was not able to award a World Grand Champion in 2006 because eight of the 11 finalists failed inspection due to evidence of soring, something had to be done.

Since then, the Walking Horse industry has been making a concerted effort to improve training techniques and standards, and it has included American Humane in this ongoing process. I was invited to be part of a working committee comprised of equine veterinarians, veterinary academics and horse industry leaders to develop a plan to end soring, and I spent an entire day during my recent visit meeting with this committee to find solutions.

This year, a new inspection structure, more consistent inspections and more serious penalties were implemented at the Celebration -- and quite a few competitors were disqualified as a result. In addition, three people recently received lifetime suspensions from the sport as a result of violations at a July horse show -- the strongest penalties ever given in the Walking Horse industry and a bold move that demonstrates the industry’s commitment to ending the practice of soring.

I applaud the industry’s efforts to continually improve, and I hope that in the not-too-distant future, these inhumane techniques will be a thing of the past. As I attended the last three nights of the Celebration, that hope was reinforced by something very special that I witnessed. About 15 young horses were being led around the ring during the Weanlings Class competition. As I watched these adorable, frisky young horses displaying their natural, unspoiled gait, I thought, “If these little guys are trained with good, humane techniques and can grow up without pain or scars and compete with others just like them, that will be a great thing.” It occurred to me that, thanks to all of those interested in the welfare of these wonderful animals, I was seeing the bright, new future of Tennessee Walking Horses.

    

Watch It Now Captures Celebration World Grand Championship®


 Watch It Now on His Victory Pass as the 2009 Tennessee Walking Horse
World Grand Champion® with Trainer Jimmy McConnell up.

The combination of Watch It Now and Jimmy McConnell walked away with the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship on Saturday night at the 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, TN.

When the 11 eligible entries worked their way into the ring, the crowd rose and  cheered, knowing they would see some true talent in the ring.  The bold stallion vanquished the field following two workouts, much to the pleasure of those in the stands.  This is the third stakes win for McConnell.  The Shelbyville-based trainer won big tonight for Waterfall Farm of Atlanta, Ga. 

It was no secret that Victoria’s Secret and Gary Edwards caught the judges’ attention as she pulled in for reserve honors for Chester and Lynda Stokes of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl.  Third place went to The Coach and John Allan Callaway in this extremely deep class. 

The final results for the class were: 

TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE WORLD GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP (CANTER)

1.  WATCH IT NOW, Jimmy McConnell for Waterfall Farms
2.  A VICTORIA SECRET, Gary Edwards for Chester/Lynda Stokes
3.  THE COACH, John Allan Callaway for Barnes/Holland/Kilgore
4.  CADILLACS BUM, Edgar Abernathy for Pam Betts
5.  PUTTIN CASH ON THE LINE, Ray Gilmer for Tommy Jowers Family
6.  PRIVATE CHARTER, Knox Blackburn for Eva Eddleman
7.  THE GOLDEN SOVEREIGN, David Landrum for Evergreen Walking Horse Farm
8.  KING OF THE JUNGLE, Charlie Green for Nestor Stewart Family
9.  PUSHERS ASTRO, Joe Cotten for M/M Wendell Blankenship
10.  FLASH OF SILVER, Stephen Daniel for Willis Bowman  

2009 World Grand Champion® Watch It Now with Jimmy McConnell and Owners William and Sandra Johnson

 

On a pleasantly warm night in Shelbyville the action got underway in a field of strong contenders.   In the first class, Charlene Gibson and I’m Packing a Pistol captured the blue this year from a field of eight after taking reserve last year in the Owner-Amateur on Walking Ponies World Grand Championship.  Gibson is from Sykesville, MD.  Tony Montana and Lisa Baum of Shelbyville, Tn. pulled in for reserve honors and Olympic Power and Stephanie Gordon of Murfreesboro, Tn. took third place.

In the next class of fourteen entries, Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares and Geldings World Grand Championship, cheers greeted George Ann Pratt and My First Dollar when she had the winning ride again this year for Don Pratt of Shawnee Mission, KS.  Dalia Smith and Pushin’ That Jazz received the reserve honors for Molly & Annabelle Smith of Manchester, KY.   Bo’s Shania Rose and Brenda Carlon for Dr. Harv Carlon of Lowell, MI & Flat Creek, TN. received the reserve honors.

Next up in a class of four strong teams, Catastrophic and Laurie Toone for Carrier & Toone of Franklyn, KY and Bell Buckle, TN made the winning ride in the Western Plantation Pleasure Lite Shod World Grand Championship. Russell Keyser of Wemding, Germany and Our Ole Red received reserve honors. Not Dangerous Enough and Evan Morgan for Laurie Toone of Bell Buckle came in to capture third place.

Lee McGartland of Ft. Worth, Tx. guided He’s Slim Shady into the spotlight in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Horses World Grand Championship while The Dixie Lineman and Gail Walling of Tullahoma, TN received the reserve honors. Play Something Country and Jeff Smith of Greer, SC came in third.

In the Owner-Amateur Youth English or Western Trail Pleasure, Riders 6-17 Years, World Grand Championship, Suiza and Allison Thorson of Huron, OH worked to capture the blue ribbon in this deep class of youth riders.  Hallelujah In the Sky with Logan Hankins from Paris, KY captured the red streamers tonight. She’s Pretty Jazzy and Kaitlyn Rippy from Alvaton, KY came in third. 

Next up in class 165, the Walking Weanling World Grand Championship, Miss Cheyenne lead by Bobby Richards for Larry Messimer from Concord, NC captured the Championship. Out of the Park and Carlyle Johnson received the reserve honors for the Dr. Alan Bachert Family of Wartrace, Tn. before an appreciative crowd.  I Can’t Imagine and Robert Nelms for R.L. Neil of Murfreesboro, Tn. came in third.

The riders were back to work in The Two-Year-Old World Grand Championship.  The winning ride was made by Bingo Time with Tim Gray in the irons for Sandy Shumate of Atlanta, GA and Shelbyville, TN. I’m Copperfield with Knox Blackburn aboard were second to the center for R. Bud Moore of Catherine, Al.  They Call Me Samson with Mickey McCormick for Bill and Karen Bean of Tomball, TX took third place.

Elegance of Design and Nancy Lovato were in the spotlight tonight in the Plantation Pleasure, Lite Shod, Owner-Amateur Riders World Grand Championship for Kasidy Petty of Riverton, UT. Honor My Cash with Debbie Palmer of Elizabethton, PA captured the second place position. Gen’s Million Dollar Baby and Jimmy Laughlin for 4-J Land & Cattle Co of Waynesville, Mo came in third. 

9 Yard Blitz and Laura Cochran of Chatsworth, GA blitzed the Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Horses World Grand Championship. Arm’s Deal for Real M with Debbie Eichler for Rising Star Ranch of Shelbyville, Tn rode in for reserve honors.  Ozone’s Full Throttle and Lynda Brogdon of Tallahassee, Fl claimed third place.

In the Park Pleasure Walking Horse World Grand Championship, Sam Whiskey with Jamey Thompson for Stonegate Farms of Orange, CA drank up the honors tonight.  Santana’s Coin with David Landrum for McNeely and Landrum of Blowing Rock, NC and Franklin, Tn received the second place ribbon. Generator’s Masquerading with Webby Burch for the Carl Lewis Estate of Bossier City, LA took third place.

The Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Horses World Grand Championship (Canter) tri-color ribbon winner was Roll the Gold and Spud Warr of Phenix City, Al. Iron Works Tin Man and Grant Jones of Greenville, Ky captured the reserve honors. Erica Derickson of Wartrace, Tn. and Watch For Glory came in third.

Paid attendance for Saturday’s Championship was 21,576 to see 127 entries.  The Celebration posted a paid attendance of 195,299 for the ten-night event. 

For complete class results of the entire 2009 Celebration, log on to www.twhnc.com.