CELEBRATION MOURNS LOSS OF ASSOCIATION MEMBER
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®, is mourning the loss of TWHNC® Association member Scott McDonald. McDonald, 63, and a resident of Shelbyville, died Thursday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center following a brief illness. Services for Mr. McDonald will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel in Shelbyville. Visitation with the family will be 4-9 p.m. Saturday.
Mr. McDonald was a leader within the Shelbyville financial community and was a longtime employee of FirstBank, which previously flew the banners of First American and AmSouth. McDonald was also a former board member of First National Bank of Shelbyville (now Regions). Prior to his banking career, McDonald served as president of Fly Manufacturing Company in Shelbyville for several years and a short term as president of Fly’s parent company, Bayley Corporation of Denver, CO.
McDonald was born on September 6, 1944 in Fort Knox, KY before moving back to Middle Tennessee with his family. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management. He became a member of the TWHNC® Association in 1991 and has remained very active with the Association and its activities. Scott was the brother of TWHNC® Vice Chairman, Charles McDonald.
“The Celebration® meant a great deal to Scott and he meant a great deal to us,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. “He could always be counted on to do whatever was asked of him throughout this community. He was professional in everything he did, but most of all he was a devoted husband and loving father. Our thoughts are with Charles and the entire McDonald family. With Scott’s passing, we have lost a terrific person in our town.”
Equitation classes at the 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® will have their own judging panel, according to officials of the world championship horse show.
The five Equitation classes at The Celebration® will be judged by a three-person panel using the Majority Opinion System (MOS) to tie the classes. The three judges selected will be independent of the judging panel that will judge the remainder of the Celebration classes, will be licensed by the National Horse Show Commission and will have a background in judging Walking Seat Equitation. MOS is the most widely used system for shows with three judge panels. All other Celebration classes will be judged using the five-judge, Olympic system.
Under the MOS system, all three judges carry equal weight in the final class decision, and winners are placed by the best two out of three votes. Each horse is judged as if it were working individually and then compared with the performance of all other horses in the class who are judged on the same basis. All judges place the same number of entries in each class, depending on the class size. Ties are resolved by averaging the opinions of the three judges.
“Equitation classes are completely different from any other set of classes in our show,” said Celebration CEO and Show Manager Dr. Doyle Meadows. “In Equitation classes, the exhibitor is the competitor and wins the award whereas in other classes, the horse is the competitor. These classes are very technical when it comes to evaluating the equitation rider and requires a specific skill set from the judges.”
Meadows feels this is a big step forward for developing the equitation division further.
“It’s obvious that youth exhibitors are the future of our industry. Exhibitors with Equitation experience make for better riders later in their careers. Having a separate judging panel for these classes is an example of how strongly we feel about these exhibitors showcasing their skills.”
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® takes place each year during the 11-days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed’s World Grand Champion® and some 33 other World Grand Champions® are named. It is a festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than $700,000 in prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. For more information, visit www.twhnc.com.
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Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration have joined together in a partnership for the 70th annual world championship horse show. Principles in putting the agreement together include (l-r) Co-op Equine Specialist Kim Smith, Animal Nutrition Division Marketing Manager Keith Harrison, and Celebration Chief Executive Officer Doyle Meadows. The agreement designates Tennessee Farmers Co-op as the “Official Feed Supplier of The Celebration.” (TWHNC Photo)
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The Tennessee
Walking Horse National Celebration® is proud to announce the addition of
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) to its family of corporate partners and the
designation of Co-op as the “Official Horse Feed of The Celebration®”.
“We’re honored to add Tennessee Farmers Co-op to our list of great corporate
partners,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. “Both organizations have
been around for over 60 years and have meant a great deal to people from all
across the state. To have them come on board during our 70th anniversary is
something special.”
Co-op in
Tennessee, recognized as one of the strongest federated farm supply cooperatives
in the nation, includes TFC and its 59 member Co-ops that are locally owned by
the farmers in their communities. Co-op horse feeds are manufactured in
Tennessee at TFC’s three state-of-the-art feed mills located in LaVergne,
Jackson, and Tenco, near Knoxville.
“Tennessee Farmers Cooperative is very excited to enter into this relationship
with The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®,” said Bart Krisle, TFC
chief executive officer. “The Celebration® is one of the most attended
agricultural events in Tennessee each year, and for Co-op to be named the
‘official feed’ is a real honor.”
The agreement makes TFC a Premier Sponsor at The Celebration®, which will
include a large presence at The Celebration® and Trade Fair with Co-op feed
experts on hand throughout the week to answer questions regarding equine
nutrition and Co-op’s line of feeds.
“As a horseman and educator, I’ve really been impressed with the research that
has gone into this line of high-quality horse feed,” said Meadows. “Tennessee
Farmers Co-op is making a statement that the walking horse industry is important
to them. I encourage those in our industry to give their feed a try, if they
haven’t already. I think they’ll be highly impressed.”
Kim Smith,
TFC equine specialist, agrees that the sponsorship shows Co-op’s commitment to
the walking horse industry.
“The Celebration® and Co-op are both longstanding Tennessee traditions, so it’s
only natural for our organizations to work together,” said Smith. “We make a
great team.”
Smith says TFC and its members will work together to promote The Celebration® to
equine enthusiasts and other customers who shop at the Co-op system’s 120 retail
outlets located in 83 of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
“All of our corporate sponsors are important to the success of our event and
this company,” added Meadows. “Without them, we would not be able to offer the
prize money our trainers enjoy and the prices of tickets and other services we
provide would be difficult to keep in check.”
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® takes place each year during
the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premier event for the
Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed’s World Grand Champion Tennessee
Walking Horse® and some 33 other World Grand Champions® are crowned. It is a
festival event, encompassing exciting classes in competition where more than
$700,000 in prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn
decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. For more information, visit
www.twhnc.com.
WALKING TOUR VISITS CELEBRATION GROUNDS
The annual Shelbyville Walking Tour made its annual stop at the Historic Celebration Grounds recently. The group of youngsters were given a tour of the facility and also had an opportunity to watch some of the dressage competition going on Champions Arena. The Shelbyville Walking Tour is a summer enrichment program through Bedford County Schools. (TWHNC Photo).
POST-SHOW BREAKFAST ADDS MORE FUN TO FUN SHOW
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When the final class was over on Friday night at the Fun Show, the fun was just beginning. The Celebration® hosted a post-show breakfast in the Hall of Fame Club that was enjoyed by a very large, and happy, crowd.
TWHNC® Director Henry Hulan put together a committee to plan the event.
“We’ve been needing something to add a little more fun to an already great event,” said Hulan. “The committee put in a lot of time to make this a fun event and to show our appreciation to the trainers, owners, exhibitors, and corporate sponsors for their continued support.”
The buffet included traditional breakfast fare of eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, biscuits, and a great deal of fellowship.
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ROWDY REV MAKES BELIEVERS AT THE 38TH ANNUAL FUN SHOW
The last class of the night was one of the most spectacular and had the most enthusiastic crowd. Only five entered the gate but they were five very strong competitors. Winning the blue ribbon for their second year in a row, by a unanimous decision, was Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo for Bill Harlin of Franklin, TN. Gen on the Run and Justin Harris received the reserve award. The yellow ribbon and a big favorite of the crowd was P.G.A. and Joel Weaver for Robbie Lanier from Manfield, GA.
(TWHNC Photo)
The young riders in the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 6-11 Years on Walking Mares or Geldings class is always the most adorable class and it proved to be the same again this year. Each of young ladies and gentlemen in the class, brought their own "fan club" and they were heard throughout the stadium. The blue ribbon was awarded to Rae Shumate-Tyson and Joe’s Vengance. The reserve award went to Major Limits and Stratton Weaver. The third award went to Bold Stroke’s Attraction and Hailey Puckett.
The future performance and pleasure horses also competed Saturday night. In the Yearling Fillies and Geldings class Out’a My Way was led by Amanda Winters as they made their way to the blue ribbon circle. The reserve honors went to My Miss Melanie and Chris Richards. The yellow ribbon went to GiGi’s Milk Money and Jennifer Hankins.
The Owner-Amateur Lady Riders On Walking Horses class was a very talented class. Making the blue ribbon ride was A High Dollar Change and Beverly Sherman. The second place tie went to Royal Fortune and Erica Derickson. The third place ribbon was given to Foolish Dollar and Wilsene Moody.
Brock Tillman guided The Great Escape into the winner's circle in the Show Pleasure Walking Horses division. I’m Armed and Lethal was given the red ribbon after receiving the yellow tie last year with Jason Day aboard. The third place tie in the class went to I’m An Evil Rebel and Chad Baucom.
Out’a My Way and Amanda Winters won their second blue ribbon of the night in the Owner-Amateur Yearlings Class. The reserve honors went to The Extra Point and Hunter Fikes. The third award went to Miss Baby Night Shade and Jesse Dotson from Thompson Station.
This was the third year the fun Show has offered the Young Trainers' 35 Years and Under on Walking Horses class. Jazzed Up and John Alan Callaway was unanimously awarded the blue ribbon. The reserve honors went to Jose Sure Thing and Sam Martin. The third tie in the class went to New York, New York and Brad Davis.
Bruce Hankins rode Marquita By Design into the winner’s circle for the Western Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod class. The reserved award was given to Jose Quervo Gold and Joanne Davis. The yellow ribbon went to Red Sunday’s Best and Laurie Toone.
The Pro-Am Riders on Walking Horses is a favorite class for all exhibitors. In this class the amateur rides the horse the first way of the ring while the professional trainer rides the horse the second way of the ring. Only three horse and riders competed for the blue ribbon honors in the Pro-Am class this year. The winner was a unanimous decision of The Hotline and riders Joel Weaver and Lilly Waites. The reserve award was handed to He’s A Powerhouse and Norma Bledsoe-Beal and Josh Walls. The yellow ribbon was awarded to Fixin’ To Storm and riders Rae Martin and Sara Sheffield.
The Yearling Colts class was another young class of horses that showed tonight. Devious Don and Chris Richards were given the blue ribbon this year. The reserve honors went to birthday girl, Beverly Lamp who led Jesse Frank James. The third place ribbon was given to Sweeping With Cash and Robert Nelms for Lisa Washburn of Fayettville.
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NYPD and Kenny Compton won a unanimous decision and took top honors in the Owners-Amateur Riders on Walking Horses, over 15.2, Five Years and Over (canter) class. The second place honor and red ribbon went to Dr. Perfect and Sandra Hodgson. Royal Luck and Clay Mills received the yellow ribbon.
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The Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions class was a very competitive class. The crowd really enjoyed it and you could hear the cheers to prove it. The owners of the blue ribbon was Lined Walkin’ and Justin Harris. Reserve was Ozone’s Full Throttle and Charlie Green. The third place tie went to Outta Line and Chris Zahnd.
Miss Lilly Waites made the blue ribbon ride for the second time with the crowd’s support in the Owner Amateur Youth Riders 17 and Under on Walking Ponies, 60" and Under and this time with Prime Poison owned by Andrew Waites from Hattiesburg, MS. The red ribbon was given to Steve Nash and Ashley Diamond Pollack. The third award was handed to He’s Hot As Fire and Caleb Kilburn.
Pzazz Marks and Tim Smith won the Park Performance division. The red ribbon in this class went JFK’s Positive Star and Jeff Greer for Sister Milligan from Panama City, FL. The yellow ribbon was given to San Juan and Joe Cotten.
Taking the top honors and blue ribbon in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod was Marquita By Design and Bruce Hankins. This duo is taking a blue ribbon back to Texas. The reserve award in the class went to Elegance By Design and Nancy Lavoto. The third award and yellow ribbon went to Jose Quervo Gold for it’s second year in a row and rider Joanne Davis.
Scott Beaty directed George Clooney to the blue ribbon circle in the Riders Cup Four-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings (canter). The second place tie in the class went to Dark Escape and Dale Watts. Ms. Jose Walks and Charlie Green were given the yellow ribbon.
A large class of Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions entered the ring. Taking top honors in this talented group of horse and riders was Roll The Gold and Spudd Warr. The reserve honors and ribbon went to Dimaggio and Alexandria Holland. The third place tie in the class went to ACC and Kenny Compton.
A total of 148 entries were in competition on Saturday night for a total of 531 for the three performances.
The next big event on the schedule at The Celebration Grounds will be The Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show in July followed by the 70th Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in August.
SPRING FUN SHOW MAKES STRONG SHOWING
A total of 531 horses entered the show ring over the three nights of competition. The nightly totals were 208 on Thursday, 175 on Friday, and 148 on Saturday.
“The success of any horse show rests on the shoulders of the professional trainers in our industry,” said Celebration CEO and Show Manager Dr. Doyle Meadows. “I’m extremely proud of the job they are doing and the horses they brought to the Fun Show this year. Their efforts have given our industry a wonderful shot in the arm.”
Most notable among those in attendance were the level of competition and the look of the horses. Training, inspections, and judging are equally important factors in putting the best horses in the ring.
“Presenting healthy, sound horses for competition is the absolute highest priority for this industry,” related Meadows. “From what we saw over the weekend, it’s obvious that everyone in the process is pulling in the same direction to achieve that goal.”
“I’m very proud of the NHSC team of DQP’s (designated qualified persons), their leadership, and the USDA VMO’s (veterinary medical officers),” Meadows continued. “The working relationship and professionalism they showed toward each other and to the trainers is an example of how our system can and should work at each and every show. They are to be commended.”
Similar comments came from the National Horse Show Commision.
“From my point of view, the trainers have simply done an outstanding job and that’s where it all starts,” said NHSC Director of DQP’s, David Finger. “Early shows that the NHSC monitored indicated that our trainers presented sound, healthy horses for inspection, which was evidenced by a high compliance rate. At the Fun Show, under USDA supervision, those numbers were confirmed.”
The Celebration Spring Fun Show also serves as a gateway to dozens of events throughout the summer and helps set the tone for the excitement level of walking horse enthusiasts throughout the country.
The 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse show season will continue throughout the summer with the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration slated for August 20-30 at the Historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville.
MOMENTUM CONTINUES AT FUN SHOW ON FRIDAY NIGHT
Riding the crest of a strong opening night, the 38th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show picked up where it left off on Thursday night. A total of 175 entries answered the call on Friday night for a two-day total of an even 383 entries.
Eighteen young riders answered the gate call in the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 12-17 Years on Walking Mares or Geldings. Receiving the first blue ribbon was FDR and Amy Nesius. The reserve honors in the class went to The American General and Maisie McSwain of Alpharetta, GA. The third award went to Hurricane Rain and Lindsay Hess from Harrisonburg, VA.
The team of Ironwork’s Tin Man and Steve Jones unanimously stole the second blue ribbon of the night in the Owner-Amateur Show Pleasure Walking Horses. The reserve honors in the talented class went to Legend of JFK and Gail Walling. The third tie in the class went to Coin’s Black Stroke and Jean O’Brian from Bell Buckle, TN.
I’m P. Diddy and Sherri Pollack from Saratoga, CA unanimously won the blue in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions, Over 15.2. Reserve in the top class of horses and riders went to the Golden Sovereign and Virginia Stewart. The third place honor was awarded to Abel and George Ann Pratt from Shawnee Mission, KS.
Topping the Owner-Amateur Park Performance division was, The Concealed Weapon and Patti Pollack for the third year in a row. The reserve award went to Jazz Cruiser and Lance Ridley from Bear Creek, AL. The third award was given to JFK’s Positive Starr and Sister Blackman-Milligan from Panama City, FL. All of the winners were unanimous.
Following the Amateur Park Pleasure Division was the Owner-Amateur Youth Country Pleasure. Receiving the blue ribbon in this class was Vigor’s Dixie Chick and Allison Thorson. The reserve ribbon went to Mr. Jessie James and Mackenzie Morgan. The third tie in the class went to Threat’s Hooker and Kaitlyn Rippy from Greenbrier and Bowling Green, KY.
Twenty of the industry's top Three-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings answered the gate call for class number-22. Riding out of this class and into the blue ribbon circle was Spin My Money and Dale Watts from Tylertown, MS. Reserve to only the champion was Madamoiselle Pusher and Michele Mercier. The third tie in this talented group of young horses was The Back Nine and Link Webb from Brentwood, TN.
The amateurs returned to the ring for the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares, Over 15.2. Taking the top honors in this talented group of mares was Doctor Liz and Shelia Groover from Shelbyville, TN. The red ribbon and reserve honors went to Foolish Dollar and Wilcox Moody for the second year in a row. The third place tie went to Hey Hey Ole’ and Bob Medina from Skillman, NJ.
A large class of Owner-Amateur English Trail Pleasure took the ring next. Riding into the winner's circle was, Playin’ Hooky and Liz Gassaway. The reserve honors and ribbon went to Hitch and Miles Irby. The third tie in the class went to A Sure Fire and Lynn Marchetti from Cottontown.
Formula One and Joel Weaver made the blue ribbon ride in the Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under, Five Years and Over, (Canter) division. The reserve honors and red ribbon went to the crowd favorite, Texas Joe Black and Justin Harris. The third award went to Greyline and Chad Baucom from Rockmart, GA.
In the last pleasure class of the evening, the Western Park Pleasure class had eight entries. Making the ride down victory lane in this class was, a crowd favorite and also a unanimous judge choice, Armed Red Baron and Howard Hamilton for the second year in a row. Second in the good class went to Yao Ming and Bruce Hankins. The third tie in the class went to Go Boy’s Dark Spirit and Jennifer Pendleton from Columbia and Shelbyville, TN.
Fifteen entries answered the gate call in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions. Receiving the blue ribbon tonight was I’m Wall Street and Clay Mills. The reserve award was claimed by Getting Out on Parole with Gail Walling from Tullahoma and Wartrace, TN in the irons. The third tie in the class went to A Major Talent and Patti Pollack from Saratoga, CA.
Class 28, the Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions class, was a fairly large class, pulling in a total of fourteen horses. Riding into the winner's circle in this class of young horses was the competitive team of The Starting Line Up and Herbert Derickson of Buford, GA.. The blue ribbon was not won without a fight. This class was full of competition. The reserve honors went to Beverly Hills Ritz and Jimmy McConnell. The third place award was given to Call Me Jed and Sam Martin from Florence, SC.
Pride’s Rattle N’ Snap and Charlie Green grabbed the victory in the Walking Mares or Geldings, 15.2 and Under, Five Years and Over (Canter) class. The second place award went to Grand Sweapstakes and Herbert Derickson from Cherryville, NC. The third tie and yellow ribbon went to Santa Monica and Brock Tillman from Crockett, TX.
Class number 30 was the Owner-Amateur Riders 50 Years and Over on Walking Horses. This class added two more entries this year, giving it a total of ten. Receiving the blue ribbon was the unanimous and crowd favorite, John FK’s Pusher and Robin Macdonald. The reserve honor and the red ribbon went to Oh Manhattan and Jackie Whatley. The third tie in the class went to Senator’s Silver and Jan Anderson from Lewisburg and Shelbyville, TN.
The final class of the night was The Owner Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Mares or Geldings. Ten young mares and geldings lined the rail. Riding out of the line up and into the winners' circle was Co Co Chanel and Lucky Collins from Ft. Myers, FL and Bell Buckle, TN. The reserve honors went to She’s John FK’s Pusher and Robin Macdonald. The third place ribbon and honor went to Rosetta Stone and Patty Marek of Shelbyville, TN.
The 38th Annual Spring Fun Show will come to a close on Saturday night with a 17-class schedule. Classes in the halter, pleasure, and performance divisions are on the docket. Tickets are available at The Celebration ticket office. Live streaming video is available on The Celebration® website.
Members of the TWHNC Advisory Council met with Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows on Friday. In addition to Meadows, several other Celebration staff members and directors were on hand. Meadows talked to the group about topics ranging from selection of judges to new ways to market the facility and the event itself. Council members asked questions and posed constructive suggestions during the two-hour session. The Celebration Advisory Council is made up of owners and exhibitors from across the country and meets a couple of times per year. (TWHNC Photo)
LARGE CLASSES SET TONE FOR 38th FUN SHOW
The crew from Formac Stables was all smiles
after trainer Jimmy McConnell (immediately to right of horse) guided Cadillac's
Bum to the
Four Year Old Stallion class victory. Just to the right of McConnell is happy
owner, Pam Betts, of Union City, TN. (TWHNC/PjWamble Photo)
The 38th Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show opened on Thursday night at Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville with Counterfeit Dollar and Bud Seaton for the Curtice McCloy family from Norman, Oklahoma. Rising Star Ranch prepared Counterfeit Dollar for tonight’s presentation. The evening ended with a terrific number of entries over the 16-class slate.
The night started with a class of nineteen top Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings, 15.2 and under. Winning the blue ribbon for their second year in a row was My First Dollar and George Ann Pratt. The Gambler and Judy Mills were given second place. The yellow ribbon went to Bright Sky and Shelbyville resident Lucky Collins.
Paroled in Texas and John Allan Callaway were handed the blue ribbon for the Two-Year-Old Walking Mares and Geldings. Reserved to the winner was Jose’s Centerfold and Shea Woods. The third place ribbon was given to Rebel in Command and Scott Beaty.
For the Owner-Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions Class, The Dixie Lineman and Gail Walling were given the blue ribbon. The reserve honors went to Tommy Lee Jones and Clay Mills. Fear Or No Fear and Becky Kidd-Day from Bell Buckle received the third ribbon.
The Owner-Amateur County Pleasure, Gentlemen entered the ring as the fourth class. Jungle Lily and Charlie Wood made their way to the Winner’s Circle for this class. Second place went to Nothing But Blue Sky and Kevin Riecke from Christiana. The yellow ribbon was given to Fearless and Joe Davis out of Lebanon, TN.
He’s Extra Ordinary and Patti Pollack topped the Owner Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under class. The reserve award went to All In and Mike Inman. The yellow ribbon in this top class of horses went to Dragonfly and Mary Medina.
The sixth class of the night was for the Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod. Honor My Cash and Patrick Thomas were given the honors for this class. The red ribbon was given to Glory’s Gotta Star and Bruce Hankins. Receiving the yellow ribbon was Samurai Sky and Jack Byrom of Shelbyville.
Tim Smith rode Rainbow of Colors and received the blue ribbon in the Walking Mares or Geldings, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over (Canter) class. Reserve honors went to Hey Hey Ole’ and Jimmy McConnell. The third place ribbon went to Preakness and Joe Cotten.
For the Owner-Amateur Country Pleasure, Lady Riders, Pitcher of Gold and Judy Moore took the winner’s circle. Reserve honors went to Lacy Cash and Kathy Owen. The yellow ribbon went to Nothing But Blue Sky and Ann Frank of Christiana.
Taking home the blue ribbon was Really and Dru McCormick in the Walking Horse Trainer’s Auxiliary Members on Walking Horses class. Reserved to the champion were Gen’s Burning Rage and Kelly Weaver. The third place tie went to War Commander and Shiela Groover.
The Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings is always a crowd favorite. This year carrying a blue ribbon was Jazz After Hours and Debbie Eichler owned by Rising Star Ranch of Shelbyville. The reserved honors went to Major G’s Hard Cash Girl and Heather Roberts. The third place tie and the yellow ribbon went to Jose’s Dulce and Kathryn Ramsbottom.
Riding into the winner’s circle for the Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions (Canter) was Cadillac’s Bum and Jimmy McConnell. The reserved honors in this talented class went to Ozone’s Cut Above All and John Allan Callaway. The third tie was awarded to Jose’s Whole Shabang and Charlie Green.
The top of the class for Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Ponies, 60” and Under was I Am Packin a Pistol and Charlene Gibson. Reserved honors went to Olympic Power and Stephanie Gordon. The third tie in this class went to Main Power and Debbie Eichler.
The Owner-Amateur Western Trail Pleasure class is always a treat. Taking the blue ribbon circle was Playin’ Hooky and Rachel Jernigan of Shelbyville. The second place ribbon went to A Sure Fire and Paige Bennett. The third place ribbon was awarded to Princess Power and Jared Carrier of Franklin, KY.
Kody’s High Roller and Joe Dixon made the winning ride for the Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Pleasure Walking Horses. The red ribbon was awarded to Gen’s Major Coin and Sherri Pollack for Gen’s Major Coin’s second year in a row. The third place tie went to Santana’s Coin and John McNeely.
New York, New York and Terry Lowman won the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Geldings, over 15.2 division out of 16 top competitors for Larry and Terry Lowman of Shelbyville. The Second place tie went to Bold Vengence and Heather Beard. The yellow ribbon in the class went to Card Trick and Mary Medina of New Jersey.
The first day of the show ended with another large class. Twenty-four enteries were written down in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings. Taking the final blue ribbon of the evening was Tarheel’s Angelique and Kenny Compton of Tazewell, VA. The reserved honors went to Dark Escape and Brett Jones. The third place tie went to General Kennedy and Amy Nesius.
In all, 208 entries competed on Thursday night. Last year, the entry total for the first night was 212 in 16 classes. This year, the total was reached in only 16 classes as well. The Celebration Spring Fun Show will continue through Saturday night with performances scheduled for 7:00 p.m. each evening. Complete results, live video stream, and a schedule of classes can be found at www.twhnc.com.
ICONIC TREE RETURNS TO WARM-UP RING
Over the past 26 years, there’s probably been as much reminiscing about an old willow tree that was a warm-up ring icon as there were stories told under it during the 30 years it graced The Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville. Those days of yesteryear are now a reality again with the re-planting of what some call “The Whittlin’ Tree” in the middle of the outdoor warmup ring.
Never a show season and seldom a day or week has gone by during that quarter-century without a comment about bringing a tree back to the warm-up ring as sort of a throw-back to a simpler time for everyone.
What-A-Horse founder and host, Jerry Harris, took on the tree project as a personal mission to bring back a great symbol of the “good old days.”
“That tree is just something the old-timers remember and cherish,” said Harris. “Bringing it back is simply a sign that we all remember the good times and can embrace the history of this event while we continue to move forward.”
Harris took the idea to new Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows and things started moving.
“I’d gotten comments since I first arrived about the tree,” said Meadows. “Jerry came in with a plan and folks who were willing to help make it happen. From there, it was an easy decision to move forward and bring something back that has remained in the memory of Celebration fans for so many years.”
Hawkersmith & Sons Nursery of Tullahoma provided the new willow tree while Richard and Gail Greer took care of getting it planted. The tree that was planted is eight inches in diameter and approximately 30-feet tall.
There is a monument underneath the new tree with the following inscription:
THE WHITTLIN’ TREE
Re-planted May 22, 2008
Special thanks
to:
Hawkersmith & Sons Nursery
Richard & Gail Greer
We look to the
future
By bringing back the past.
The Celebration® and all those that had a part in bringing the tree back to the Historic Grounds hopes it brings back wonderful memories for many years to come. There’s also hope that some of the stories told under that tree might even be true!
CELEBRATION RECEIVES GOOD CITIZEN AWARD
The Celebration
recieved the "Good Citizen Award" from the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber's
Beautification Committee.
Taking part in the presentation were (l-r) committee member Geneva Smith,
Celebration Administrative Assistant Connie Nixon,
committee member Helen Garner, Patsy Mallard of the chamber staff, and
Celebration intern Ashley Smith. (TWHNC Photo)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® has been selected for the “Good Citizen Award” by the Beautification Committee of the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.
The award is given for significant ongoing contributions to the community. The text on the plaque goes on to say, “By sponsoring the world’s greatest horse show and hosting numerous other horse shows and events each year, the economic benefit to our area is immeasurable. Its beautiful grounds are always immaculate and a model to emulate. The organization permits the use of its facilities for charitable and cultural purposes, promotes beautification projects such as Flowers on the Square, and annually presents ‘A Celebration Christmas’ for all to enjoy.”
“The Celebration is truly a Bedford County treasure,” said committee member Helen Garner. “They are number one!”
The Good Citizen Award bestowed upon The Celebration® is one of three given out by the Beautification Committee.
“We perceive one of our roles in this community is that of a good citizen,” said Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows. “To be honored for what we feel is our duty is humbling and very much appreciated.”
The Celebration® will be hosting it’s annual 38th Annual Spring Fun Show next weekend while the Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show is slated for July and the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® will be held August 20-30 at the Historic Celebration Grounds.
For more information about The Celebration® or any event held on The Grounds, go to their official website, www.twhnc.com.
CELEBRATION HOLDS PRICES AT PREVIOUS LEVELS
Prices for the 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® will remain the same for the third consecutive year, following recent action by the Celebration board of directors.
“We feel like there were some great strides made in our industry during 2007,” said board chairman David L. Howard. “After the events of 2006, The Celebration® and our entire industry had to work hard to regain the public trust. That work is ongoing.”
Typically there have been small increases to keep pace with escalating costs and inflation, but the Celebration board felt it was important to maintain the current pricing structure.
This pricing structure includes all box seats, reserved and general admission tickets, RV park fees, stall rentals, exhibitor and general parking, Blue Ribbon Circle memberships, and entry fees.
“We are well aware that The Celebration® means so much to so many people and having a good Celebration in 2007 was a shot in the arm for our entire industry,” added Howard. “We felt strongly that we needed to do all we could to go without an increase for another year. Like everyone else, our costs have continued to rise, but our staff has done a great job in managing expenses.”
At their 2006 annual planning meeting, the board committed to play a more constructive role in the industry. Those efforts included measures geared toward the health and safety of the horses and maintaining the integrity of the event.
“The Celebration® is the world championship event of our breed and is always held to the highest standard,” related the chairman. “The measures we put in place provided a level playing field for all exhibitors and challenged everyone to go the extra mile to keep the health and safety of the animal as priority number-one.”
Howard says leadership changes within the major organizations of the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry are a great sign that the industry is moving in a positive direction.
“Time will tell how everything plays out, but the early signs of all the groups within the industry willing to work together for the common goal are there. That is something we can all be very excited about as we move closer to the beginning of the 2008 show season.”
The Celebration® is the longest continually- running event in the state of Tennessee, dating back to 1939. The 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® is scheduled for August 20-30 at the historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
