Spring Fun Show Selects Judging Panel
The 42nd Annual Spring Fun Show has selected Jamie Bradshaw, Ray Gilmer and Andy Simpson as judges for the three-day show to be held in Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tenn. May 24-26, 2012. Bradshaw is from Union Grove, AL and most recently judged last year’s Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration along with judging the world championship show in 2006 and 2009. Gilmer, who is from Toone, Tenn. has previously judged The Celebration in 1991 and 2002. Simpson, from Indian Mound, Tenn. will be making his debut performance at a Celebration sanctioned show.
“I am excited to work with both Ray Gilmer and Andy Simpson at the Fun Show. I have not worked with either of these men during my tenure at the Celebration. It is great to have the experience of Mr. Gilmer along with Mr. Simpson being a newcomer to our center ring. I personally welcome Jamie Bradshaw back to one of our showcase events. This judging panel will be an excellent combination of knowledge and experience,” said Dr. Doyle Meadows, Chief Executive Officer of the Celebration.
The 42nd Annual Spring Fun Show will kick off Memorial Day weekend as has been the tradition in the Walking Horse calendar historically. For reserved and box seats call The Celebration at 931-684-5915 and click here to see the tentative class sheet for this year’s show.
THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION in Shelbyville, TN is conducting a search for a Chief Executive Officer.
Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2012.
A full job description is available at
Or by calling
931-684-5915 ext. 107
GULF COAST CHARITY CELEBRATION SELECTS JUDGES
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has announced that Rollie Beard, Link Webb and Brent Grider will judge the 14th Annual Gulf Coast Charity Celebration in Panama City Beach, Fl. This marks the first year The Celebration will manage the Gulf Coast Charity Celebration. The Celebration and Gulf Coast Charity recently inked a partnership that will have the Gulf Coast Charity manage the local logistics and sponsorships and The Celebration manage and conduct the horse show.
The 2012 Gulf Coast Charity Celebration will be held April 26-28, 2012 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. The class schedule will feature a full complement of pleasure and performance Tennessee Walking Horse classes. “We are thrilled to be a part of one of the premier events in our industry and hope that we can help the Gulf Coast Charity return to its prominence in the show circuit ,” said Meadows. “We are excited to have a Celebration veteran in Rollie Beard on the judging panel along with accomplished judges Link Webb and Brent Grider,” concluded Meadows.
Connie (Nixon) Allen will head The Celebration’s sponsorship program and hospitality sales efforts. For more information on tickets, hospitality and sponsorship contact Allen at callen@twhnc.com or 931-684-5915 x.107.
THE CELEBRATION® PARTNERS WITH GULF COAST CHARITY HORSE SHOW AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® and Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show have partnered and will host the 2012 Gulf Coast Charity Celebration April 26-28 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show was started in 1998 and has run consecutively for 13 years on the last full weekend in April.
The Celebration will manage the horse show and make all the decisions regarding the show portion of the event. The Gulf Coast Charity Celebration will be the first of three Celebration events in 2012. The Spring Fun Show will be held in May and the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will be held in August. Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows will serve as show manager of the Gulf Coast Charity Celebration. Todd Fisher will assist Meadows. Fisher has been with the Gulf Coast Charity since its inception in 1998.
“We are excited to partner with the Gulf Coast Charity and look forward to helping revitalize one of the premier showcases for the Tennessee Walking Horse,” said Meadows. The Gulf Coast Charity will continue to participate, advertise, promote and market the event in Northwest Florida and Panama City.
“We look forward to the owners, trainers and exhibitors coming back to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches and joining us and supporting the efforts of The Celebration to experience a fresh new version of fun in the sun. We want to continue the World’s Greatest breed of horses at this premier event in northwest Florida. Mark your calenders. You do not want to miss this!,” said Fisher
“It was imperative that the Gulf Coast Charity remain involved in the horse show. They have always done a fantastic job getting the support of the local community and have put over $750,000 in the hands of charities as a result of the 13 previous years of the horse show. This partnership would not have been possible without the efforts of board members Todd Fisher, Ben Lee and local volunteers,” concluded Meadows.
The Celebration® and Gulf Coast Charity intend to continue giving to charities and will explore the option of picking a national charity with branches in both the Shelbyville and Panama City communities to support. The horse show will feature three nights of Walking Horse competition and will allow both exhibitors and fans the opportunity to enjoy the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” and entertainment of Panama City Beach and surrounding communities.
More information regarding the Gulf Coast Charity Celebration will be forthcoming including sponsorship opportunities, stall rentals, class schedule and hospitality options. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend the 14th Annual Gulf Coast Charity Celebration, now managed and operated as a Celebration horse show.
EDWARDS LEAVES SHOW; JOINS TWHNC
SHOW Designated Qualified Person (DQP) Coordinator Tony Edwards has resigned his position and will take a voluntary leave of absence until early March upon which time he will join the staff of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC). Edwards will assume the responsibilities of coordinating and booking events for TWHNC facilities, including Calsonic Arena as well as being involved in TWHNC security. Current TWHNC Head of Security David Nash will retire April 1, 2012.
“We are very appreciative of the time, effort and energy Tony gave to the SHOW HIO. He was instrumental in the training programs for DQPs and was applauded for those efforts by many including the USDA,” said TWHNC CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.
Edwards will not be replaced by SHOW and his duties will be assumed by SHOW President Dr. Steve Mullins. “I will always be grateful to Tony for all of his hard work and dedication to the SHOW HIO and its inspection process,” said Mullins.
Edwards became DQP Coordinator for SHOW immediately following the 2009 Celebration and has served in that role since that time.
IINSELL ELECTED TO CELEBRATION BOARD
Rick Insell was elected to the Board of
Directors of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration at their annual
Association meeting last night in Shelbyville, Tenn. Insell is currently the
Women's Head Basketball Coach at Middle Tennessee State University and has
been a member of the Celebration Association for 20 years.
Insell and his family are long-time supporters of The Celebration and have
been active in the Walking Horse industry for many years. Insell replaces
retiring Celebration Board Chairman Henry Hulan and will serve under the new
Chairman Buddy Nelson, who was elected to head the Board. Insell is married
to the former Deborah Spry of Woodbury, Tenn., who owns and
operates an insurance company in Shelbyville. They have three sons - Tom,
Kyle and Matt.
The Celebration Association voted to expand their membership from 40 to 50 and
elected ten new members to the Association: Todd Bobo, Scott Cocanougher, Ben
Craig, Randal Harvey, Jeffrey Howard, Cort Huffman, Claudia 'Doobie' Mallard,
Daryl O'Neal, Liza Palmer, Laura Parham, Sheila Roark and Chris White. They
also voted to change the date of the annual meeting to a date in January with
a 60 day notice requirement.
CELEBRATION NAMES SEARCH COMMITTEE
Celebration Board Chairman Henry Hulan has
appointed a six member search committee for retiring CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.
Meadows has informed the board of his intention to retire from his position
shortly after the 2012 Celebration.
Chairman Hulan appointed Charles McDonald, Jim Allison, Virgil Johnson,
Christy Parsons, Harold Segroves and Hulan will serve in an ex-officio
capacity as the retiring Celebration Chairman of the Board. The first meeting
will be held later this month.
CELEBRATION AMBASSADOR AWARD 2011
Harold Segroves, local realtor and member of the Celebration Association received one of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration’s highest honors this past week at their annual Appreciation Dinner. Mr. Segroves received the prestigious Celebration Ambassador Award for his contributions to the Celebration and community this past summer relating to the “We are the Celebration” banner program. Harold led an effort to welcome visitors to Shelbyville-Bedford County with banners on utility poles and ribbons on businesses throughout the city. “Harold worked tirelessly on this project as he led efforts to raise money, develop designs and oversee production of the banners, and we are extremely proud of his results,” says Dr. Doyle G. Meadows, Celebration CEO. Dr. Meadows praised Walt Wood and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for recognizing the importance of our visitors with signage throughout the city and county.
This award was initiated in 2006 and the first honorees were Ardis and the late Bob Rittenberry. The 2007 award winner was Bud Seaton, followed by Virgil Johnson in 2008, Mayor Eugene Ray in 2009 and Garrett Gordon in 2010.
2012 To Mark Final Season For Celebration CEO
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – The 2012 Celebration will mark the final horse show for current Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. Meadows informed the board of the TWHNC at their annual planning meeting earlier this week and recently informed the members of the TWHNC Association.
A portion of the correspondence Meadows sent to the Association included the following:
“As most of you were aware when I became CEO of the Celebration, being the “old-timer” that I am, my years of service would be limited. Therefore, in an effort for the Board of Directors to adequately plan an exit strategy, I will leave as CEO of The Celebration at the end of the working day, October 31, 2012. As you can tell by the date of this I will be here through the 2012 Celebration. I look forward to an outstanding year and Celebration. I am most grateful of the lasting friendships that will not end when I leave the Celebration.”
Meadows was hired in February 2008 and has overseen a very difficult time in the Celebration’s history; a time marked by a downturn in the economy, the removal of the largest Horse Industry Organization (HIO), the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC) and the formation and funding of the S.H.O.W. HIO which took the place of the NHSC.
“It has been a great honor for me to be the CEO of The Celebration. I truly appreciate all those people that have helped me as we continue to have the world’s greatest horse show in Bedford County. I have a tremendous amount of pride for The Celebration and what it means to the Walking Horse industry and our community,” said Meadows.
The 74th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, held in August 2012 will mark the fifth Celebration that Meadows will serve as CEO and show manager.
SHOW Announces Major Changes for 2012
The SHOW HIO has approved its 2012 budget and will reduce its annual horse card from $150 to $75, a 50% reduction. The day card in 2012 will be $25, also down 50% from the $50 charged in 2011. A change in 2012 will be a fee of $5 per inspection at SHOW events. Judges’ license renewals and horse show affiliation fees will remain the same as last year.
“We are pleased to announce that the Celebration board has approved the budget for 2012 and will move forward and continue the enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and ensure only compliant horses in our industry’s show rings,” said Celebration and SHOW Chairman Henry Hulan.
The Celebration board has conducted a number of meetings in finalizing plans for the 2012 season, including one on October 20 with Dr. Chester Gipson of the USDA. “After our meeting with Dr. Gipson and others, the importance of continuing the SHOW HIO was readily apparent,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. “We remain committed to the showing of compliant horses in keeping with the Horse Protection Act.”
Celebration Board Chairman Henry Hulan appointed a finance committee to submit budget proposals for 2012. Appointed to the committee were Charles McDonald, Meadows, Dr. Steve Mullins, Deborah Williams, Link Webb and Jeffrey Howard. The finance committee held their final meeting on Monday, November 7 and prepared four different budget proposals for consideration by the Celebration. The committee also voted to recommend one budget in particular.
“The Celebration and SHOW board felt strongly that we needed to have input from owners and trainers with regards to the future of the SHOW HIO and Deborah and Link provided great ideas in our meeting,” said committee chairman McDonald.
The following morning, the Celebration Executive Committee met and approved the budget recommended by the Finance Committee, which included a $75 annual card, $25 day card and $5 inspection fee. The committee also recommended and the Celebration approved that any horse show that has a class schedule comprised of 80% or more pleasure classes be exempt from requiring either the SHOW Day or Annual Horse Card.
“Our number one goal is to enforce the HPA and assure show managers of compliant horses in their events regardless of the cost. I am pleased that in 2012 we will be able to do this at a fraction of the cost in 2011 and hope that more horse shows and horses will join our program as a result,” said SHOW President Dr. Steve Mullins.
The SHOW HIO was activated in 2009 at the request of the National Horse Show Commission, the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and the Walking Horse Owners’ Association. The goal was to form an HIO that would begin to institute the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) White Paper suggestions. With that in mind, Dr. Mullins, an AAEP veterinarian, was selected to head the SHOW HIO and implement the White Paper.
“Those decisions placed a tremendous financial burden on SHOW relative to other HIOs. However the serious threat to the industry’s future required the implementation of the White Paper suggestions,”concluded Chairman Hulan.
The 2012 fee structure leaves a significant financial shortfall and will require that all expenses be looked at and addressed in the coming months. “Just as we were forced to do at the Celebration, we will work to cut our expenses at SHOW in order to provide the industry with a viable solution moving forward,” said Meadows.
Affiliation packets will be sent out soon detailing the changes in fees for 2012 and any questions can be directed to the SHOW office at 931-684-9506.
Celebration Names Shiflet Official Photographer
Shane Shiflet Photography has been named the Official Photographer of the 2012 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Shiflet will provide all of the photographic needs of the Celebration and its customers.
"Mr. Shiflet did an outstanding job photographing the events and activities during the 2011 Celebration,” said Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows. “Shane provided quality workmanship and service to our customers last year and we look forward to working with him again in 2012.”
Dr. Meadows pointed out that multiple photography companies had been utilized in the past but that it was much more workable and organized using one company to handle photography at the show. The Celebration Advisory Committee expressed the concern of owners and trainers being overwhelmed by multiple photographers and sales representatives at the Winners Circle in the Celebration Plaza.
In 2012, Shiflet will provide commercial photography in the Winners Circle and will have photographs available for purchase. “This is an attempt to honor the wishes of our customers and sponsors and allow them time to enjoy their success without the hassle currently experienced in the Winners Circle,” said Meadows.
Following the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, Charles McDonald, Assistant to the Show Manager and Celebration Board member, discussed this problem last year with the managers of the companies involved and asked for their cooperation. Unfortunately, this was not successful and changes have and will be made to bring this situation under control.
FOUR YEAR OLDS CAPTIVATE THE SUNDAY NIGHT CROWD
Shelbyville, TN - The Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions commanded the crowd’s attention on this Sunday night in Shelbyville! The weather stayed perfect and it became a pleasantly cooler evening for performances at the 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®.
The Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions class did not disappoint this year, and as usual the competition was strong. Copperfield and Knox Blackburn captured the blue ribbon for the Mike Walden Family from Chattanooga, TN. Walk Time Charlie received the reserve honors as ridden by Chad Baucom for owners Holland/Kilgore/Callicutt of Decateur & Tuscaloosa, AL and Seagrove, NC.
Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 12-14 Years on Walking Mares or Geldings was the first class in the ring for the night and Blue Ribbon Honors went to Robert Cortner of Winchester, TN aboard A Fire In Dixie. The second place ribbon went to Kelsi York aboard I’m Superbad.
Next up was the Owner Amateur Classic Park Pleasure Walking Horses, She’s Up For Parole and Ashley Shelton of Shelbyville got to take the victory lap, while Simple Lee Dangerous and Katie West from Morristown followed with the reserve tie out of 14 showing.
Terror On The Border and Nancy Groover took the win in the Elite Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Mares or Geldings class. Jose Miss Dolly rode in to receive the reserve honors under the guidance of Jean O’Brien.
Our youth riders were showcased next in the Owner-Amateur Novice Youth Riders 6-11 on Novice Walking Mares or Geldings Division. Bailey McCormick,, on Really, left the Novice Division with the unanimous blue this year and Ms Poteet took a close reserve with Keely Morrow in the saddle.
The evening continued on with two division of extremely talented Owner Amateur Novice Riders on Novice Show Pleasure Horses. Turnbow with Marguerite Sims went to the winner’s circle in Division-A with A Rendezvous At The Ritz in second. In an equally tough B-Division the crowd got to see Limestone Lucy and Steve Heitmiller leave with the blue while Pearl Gunn and Sally Fleck took reserve honors.
In the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 15-17 Years on Walking Ponies Roll The Gold and Allison Thorson made the outstanding winning ride. Prime Poison and Lilly Waites next received the well-earned reserve honors.
Dr. W.H. Hill had an amazing ride at the age of 94 years old on Kudos For Cash and claimed the big blue ribbon in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Horses, Riders 70 Years and Over. Bill Williams of Ripley, TN received an impressive reserve with his ride on Jose’s Centerfold.
Jose’s Baby Doll and Lindsey Landrum rode away with the blue In the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 12-17 Years on Park Pleasure Walking Mares or Geldings, and Fog At The Ritz with Abbey Fleming came in second place.
The mares proved to be quite impressive in the Walking Mares, Five Years and Over, Over 15.2 (Canter) class. Jazzy Sally with Jimmy McConnell were the winning combination for this mare class, while Ms Jose Walks and Charlie Green rode to reserve honors.
The Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings was a big division and had to be split. Division-A honors went to She’s Sugarland and Nancy Groover, with She’s Caliente and Courtney Luttrell in second. In Division-B it was One Bad Hombre and Sue Ann Dowell up first to claim the coveted blue, followed by A Bit Of Change and Diana Cruse in reserve.
Elegant ladies on their fine stallions were next in the Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Novice Walking Stallions. The spectators witnessed Boure and Tam Brogdon receiving the blue ribbon, and the reserve was claimed by Ritz On The Corner with Ginger Hartlein in the irons.
The Celebration® continues through September 3rd at the historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, TN. For more information on the show, log on to www.twhnc.com.
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THREE YEAR OLD STALLIONS LIVEN UP THE HOUSE FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE CELEBRATION!
The Three-Year-Old Stallion division was spectacular as usual at the 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®. There were two divisions full of great horses, The Division-A blue went to Honors and Larry Edwards, while I’m Innocent and Justin Harris were given the honor of the first place awards in Division B.
The Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 6-11 Years on Walking Geldings started the evening performances and was won by Nathan Oliver on A Cloudy Sky. Jaclyn Compton aboard Be Cool came in reserve.
Our second class of the evening was the Two-Year-Old Walking Geldings. Generating The Command and Brent Grider rode away with the win and the blue ribbon. Reserve honors went to He’s A Superstar General and Chad Baucom.
The Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions class was full of outstanding competition. After an impressive running walk on the reverse Sky Miles and Beth Sims got to take the victory lap again this year, while Play Something Country and Jeff Smith rode away with reserve.
The next in the ring was the Lite Shod Walking Horses with Honor My Cash and Jamey Thompson earning the blue ribbon while Major Randolph and Patrick Thomas claimed the reserve tie.
It’s Chavez and Greg Bryant made their way to the Blue Ribbon Circle during the Park Performance Walking Horses, Four Years and Under. Polo Ritz and Tim Smith made their way to receive the reserve honors in this class of fourteen horses.
Next it was an impressive Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 6-14 Years on Walking Ponies, ACC and Jaclyn Compton topped this class in front of a cheering and standing crowd, while Eagle’s Finess and Cole Sims captured the reserve honors.
Owner-Amateur riders on Classic Horses 15 Years and Over paid tribute to the outstanding care the Tennessee Walking Horse receives. I’m Packin’ A Pistol and Kenny Compton strolled to the winner’s circle to claim the blue ribbon. The reserve honors went to Heart Attack’s Fast Beat and Danielle Ricker.
The Elite Owner-Amateur Gentleman Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings class was topped by High Jacked and Dr. Jim Baum and I’m Stan The Man with Ben Brogdon received the red ribbon.
King of Voltage and Justin Harris took top honors in the Four-Year-Old Walking Geldings (Canter) class for Kevin McNatt of Nashville, TN, while Brad Davis aboard Country and Famous received reserve honors.
The Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Pleasure Walking Horses class saw the blue ribbon go to BB King’s Jazz and Jeannae Patterson, and Jeff Duke rode 2X The Magic into the reserve honors position.
My First Dollar and George Ann Pratt won the blue ribbon again this year for the Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Walking Mares class, while A High Dollar Charge and Beverly Sherman were once again an impressive reserve tie.
The evening ended with Show Pleasure Walking Mares or Geldings. The blue in this class was taken by A Linedancer with Bill Callaway up while the Reserve honor was given to Turnbow as ridden by Brad Davis for Lynn Womack of Murfreesboro, TN.
A nice gentle breeze and the cooler evening weather made it a most enjoyable first Friday evening for spectators, horses and exhibitors alike.
The Celebration® continues through September 3rd at the historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, TN. For more information on the show, log on to www.twhnc.com.
Opening Night at THE 73rd Celebration!
Shelbyville, TN- It was a very pleasant and enjoyable evening for opening night performances at the 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®. Large classes of really exciting horses and riders greeted an enthusiastic opening night crowd for the 14-class session.
Landon Callicutt from Seagrove, NC claimed the blue ribbon this year taking Jose’s Delightful Pusher to the Blue Ribbon Circle in the Owner-Amateur Riders 6-11 Years on Walking Mares. Elijah Leverette of Shelbyville, TN rode in to take the second place ribbon on Bo’s Shenia Rose, with a total of ten riders exhibiting.
In the Elite Owner-Amateur Gentleman Riders on Walking Stallions Class, Ed Breedlove of Buford, GA took the blue aboard Kid Callahan. (This was the fourth win for Mr. Breedlove in the past five years.) The Thug and Luckey Easterling of Mize, MS took home the Reserve Honors.
It was Knox Blackburn and Ritz Diamond In The Ruff in the Three-Year-Old Walking Geldings class that walked away with the blue ribbon for owners James & Betty Corlew of Adams, TN with 18 entries showing. Neon Brights Legacy had a lot of support during his ride to Reserve Honors with Phillip Trimble.
The Owner-Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions Class was split into A & B Divisions. Sheryl Crawford and Command On Parole took the A-Division blue while Defending The Title and Jason Myatt were winners in the B-Division.
With fourteen in the ring for the Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 15-17 on Walking Mares or Geldings, the unanimous blue ribbon went to the very impressive team of Cadillacs Bum and Lilly Waites of Hattiesburg, MS. Maisie McSwain was next on A Victoria Secret.
All American Ritz and Marian Wright dominated the judging panel for first and Eric Lackey aboard San Juan took home the red ribbon in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Performance Walking Mares or Geldings class.
Im NRA and David Sisk took the blue ribbon this year in Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under. Riding for Pollak’s Silver Spur Ranch of Saratoga, CA & Shelbyville, TN, Sherri Pollack and I’m P Diddy were right there with reserve honors.
In the Owner-Amateur Novice Lady Riders on Novice Walking Geldings Class, the entries were split into two divisions. Division A’s blue ribbon winner was Paroled From San Quenton ridden by Ann Rea of Mississippi. Division B’s blue ribbon recipient was Shea Sproles on Liar Liar.
A Bruce Pearl and Lee McGartland from Ft. Worth, TX rode their way into the Blue Ribbon Circle in the Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions in the A-Division. In the B-Division, He’s Vida Blue and Kay Green, the reigning Three-Year-Old Amateur WGC, walked on into the winner’s circle.
The Royal Dollar and Jimmy McConnell rode away with the blue in a unanimous decision in the Walking Geldings, 15.2 and Under (Canter) for Mike & Lee MGartland. Derek Bonner and I’m Redeemed rode to reserve honors for the Compton Family from Tazwell, VA.
In the final class of the evening, eighteen Owner-Amateur Lady Riders competed on Show Pleasure Walking Horses. Godfather By Ultra Copy took the blue with Courtney Luttrell, and Lucky Collins on Simply Thrilling captured the reserve honors.
Entries were strong and the crowds were eager for more World Champion horses to enter the ring right up until the end of the evening.
“It was a wonderful opening night,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. “I’m really proud of what we saw in the ring on Thursday night.”
The Celebration® continues through September 3rd at the historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, TN. For more information log onto www.twhnc.com
CELEBRATION OFFERS THREE-NIGHT BOX SEAT COMBINATION FOR 2011
Celebration begins its 2011 Walking Horse pageantry on Wednesday, August 24, with a Celebration day performance and the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association National Futurity beginning at 5:30 pm. The Celebration® is making a special effort to encourage the community to purchase tickets. The Celebration® is offering a three-night box seat combination to include the three championship nights of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 1, 2, and 3. “Many people want box seats but are unable to purchase a box for the entire Celebration. “This three-night combination will allow our fans an opportunity to purchase box seats for The Celebration®,” says Carolyn Reed, Ticket Office Manager for The Celebration®.
Three-night box seat combination prices are as follows:
Rows E-H - $350.00
Rows I-N - $250.00
Rows LL-OO - $200.00
Rows M-P - $250.00 (East Side)
Rows Q-T - $200.00 (East Side)
In addition, The Celebration® is offering a three-night reserved seat combination for $60.00 per seat. A book of tickets for ALL nights is $105.00 per seat. For more information call 931-684-5915.
The 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® will be held August 24 through September 3 located on the historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and is the longest continually running annual event in the State of Tennessee.
MONDAY EVENING CLASS SCHEDULE MODIFIED
In an effort to allow the trainers with multiple entries more preparation time between splits of the Two-Year-Old Stallion class, The Celebration® will conduct Classes 108 and 109 between the splits. Traditionally the three splits, A, B, and C have been shown back to back to back. On Monday evening, August 29 the class schedule will be as follows:
105 Owner-Amateur Gentleman Drivers, Fine Harness
106 Classic Park Pleasure Walking Horses
107A *Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions
108 Owner-Amateur Riders 50 Years and Over on Park Pleasure Walking Horses
107B *Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions
109 Owner-Amateur Western Trail Pleasure Walking Horses (Canter)
107C *Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions
110 Owner-Amateur Gentleman Riders on Show Pleasure Walking Horses
111 Elite Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Walking Stallions
112 *Walking Mares, 15.2 and Under (Canter)
113 Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Performance Walking Horses
114 Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings
115 *Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under (Canter)
Class 108, Owner-Amateur Riders 50 Years and Over on Park Pleasure Walking Horses, and Class 109, Owner-Amateur Western Trail Pleasure Walking Horses (Canter), will show earlier in the evening performance. “Hopefully this will allow the trainers more time and opportunity to show multiple entries in the Two-Year-Old Stallion class while allowing Class 108 and 109 the show earlier in the evening,” said Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of The Celebration®.
The following is a list of the classes that will be split at the year’s Celebration. All will be spilt two-ways, with the exception of class 107 Two-Year-Old Stallions, which will be split three-ways.
6. Owner-Amateur English Country Pleasure Walking Horses
17. Owner-Amateur Novice Western Trail Pleasure, Novice Riders
25. Owner-Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions
29. Owner-Amateur Novice Lady Riders on Novice Walking Mares or Geldings
30. Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions
37. Owner-Amateur Western Country Pleasure Walking Horses
50. *Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions
72. *Three-Year-Old Mares
75. Owner-Amateur Novice Youth Riders 12-17 Years on Novice Walking Mares or
Geldings
76. *Two-Year-Old Mares
80. *Walking Stallions, Five Years and Over, Over 15.2 (Canter)
85. Owner-Amateur Novice Riders on Novice Show Pleasure Walking Horses
90. Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings
100. Owner-Amateur Novice English Trail Pleasure, Novice Riders
107. *Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions
118. Owner-Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings
121. Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions
128. Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings
*Denotes Riders’ Cup
TWHNC RELEASES ENTRIES AND CLASS SPLITS
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration released the entry totals for preliminary classes for the 73rd Annual Celebration today. The Celebration will be held August 24-September 3 culminating in the crowning of the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion.
Preliminary class entries total 2,874 with 1,525 unique horses making up those entries. These compare to 3,216 entries in 2010 and 1,720 unique horses, an approximate 10% decline. “Although we are never happy with a decline in our entries, we feel that these entry numbers signal a positive direction given where we stand with our industry and economy,” said Celebration Chief Executive Officer Dr. Doyle Meadows.
The total number of horses could increase as entries in the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association National Futurity qualify to show in championship classes at The Celebration. “We feel strongly that we will make up some of our decline in preliminary entries with higher participation in our championship classes versus previous years,” added Meadows. He continued, “We are also confident that our fans will be treated to the industry’s best horses and very exciting classes with a higher percentage of our entries in the show ring.”
The 73rd Annual Celebration will feature 18 split classes with the Two-Year-Old Stallion class being the only class split three ways. In 2010, 20 classes were split with the Two-Year-Old Stallions being split three ways.
On the first Saturday night of The Celebration the Aged Stallions will take to the ring in two splits as is tradition. “We are looking forward to two very competitive classes the first Saturday night that will treat our fans to the industry’s best aged horses,” concluded Meadows.
Aged stallions in the A division will be Golden Gait Ritz, Puttin’ Cash On The Line, Made Over All Over, Magic’s Pure Ritz, Ted Williams, Folsom Prison Blues, Johnny Ritz, Dumas Dandy, Rowdy Rev and Up For Parole.
Competing in the B division will be My Kinda Luck, Jose’s All Pro, More Of The Major, Absolute Proof, Lethal Nightshade, Moody Star, Game World, He’s Top Priority, Dark & Shady, Swing Batter Batter Swing, and The Golden Sovereign.
CELEBRATION TO GUARANTEE PREMIUM PAYBACKS IN CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES
In action today by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®, the Board of Directors approved reinstating guaranteed premiums for all World Grand Championship classes. This represents $175,000.00 ($5,000.00 per class) in guaranteed funds plus an additional $50,000.00 for the TWHNC® World Grand Champion® for a total of $225,000.00 in championship class guaranteed premiums by The Celebration®. This represents the same premiums that were awarded in 2010 World Grand Championship classes.
“I think this is a bold move on the part of the Directors given our current economic climate as well as recent industry activities. This action is as a result of a strong plea made by trainers at a recent meeting with members of the board,” said Celebration Chief Executive Officer Dr. Doyle Meadows.
Meadows continued, “This is a one-year commitment and provides an opportunity for the industry to step up and support our championship classes. If The Celebration® continues to lose money we will have to make appropriate changes next year.”
The Celebration recently announced that premiums would be paid out based upon entry revenues with 90% of the total entry revenue being allocated to premiums. This payout method will continue to be used for all preliminary classes.
“Our industry, in addition to championship entries, needs to support its World Championship show and allow it to move forward on a sound financial basis. Participation in the championship classes will provide more fan excitement and involvement for the Celebration,” concluded Meadows.
A STATEMENT FROM THE CELEBRATION
The Celebration has received several inquiries regarding the meeting with a group of trainers on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Apparently, there are a number of inaccurate statements now circulating and for that reason The Celebration is releasing the following statement.
1.) The meeting was put together in less than 32 hours at the request of a number of trainers who wanted to discuss some matters with The Celebration. It was not a Celebration-driven meeting and there was no intention to exclude anyone. The trainers who contacted Dr. Meadows were invited as well as several others that were recommended.
2.) There was no intention to exclude anyone and shortly before the meeting Dr. Meadows was told that several trainers were upset about not being invited and were coming anyway.
3.) The Celebration, just like any other business, reserves the right to meet with whoever they want whenever they want without being forced or pressured to include or exclude anyone. The decision was made to go ahead with the meeting and steps were taken to deal with anyone who tried to force their way into or disrupt the meeting.
4.) A trainer came to the meeting even though he was not invited. Prior to the meetings’ start, Dr. Meadows told the trainer he was not invited and excused him. Dr. Meadows also told that trainer he would be more than happy to meet with him the next day if he would call him. There was no disruption to the meeting and the trainer left willingly. No other trainers attempted to attend the meeting.
5.) This was not an “official” meeting in any form or fashion but was merely an opportunity for some trainers to talk to The Celebration in an unofficial capacity. There were no decisions made and everyone left the meeting with a commitment to enhance and improve the communication and cooperation between their organizations.
6.) Trainers in attendance included Brad Davis, Knox Blackburn, Allan Callaway, Jimmy McConnell, David Landrum, Joe Fleming, Mickey McCormick, Link Webb, Rodney Dick, Laurie Toone, Bill Callaway, John Allan Callaway, Bill and Chris Bobo. Trainers invited but unable to attend were Larry and Gary Edwards and Chad Williams.
7.) Due to the short notice, only President Henry Hulan and Director David Howard attended
from The Celebration.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS 2011 CELEBRATION JUDGING PANEL
The 2011 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will feature 12 years of Celebration judging experience within the five members of the judging panel. Jennifer Bingham, Shelbyville, Tenn., Jamie Hankins, Paris, Ky., Ronnie Spears, Tullahoma, Tenn., Jamie Bradshaw, Union Grove, Ala., and Jeff Willis, Shelbyville, Tenn. will adjudicate the 73rd Annual Celebration.
Hankins will be making his sixth appearance (1994, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2008) and Spears his fourth (1999, 2006, 2007). Bingham will be making her third consecutive appearance and Bradshaw will be making his third appearance as well (2006, 2009). Making his debut performance will be Willis. While being the rookie on the panel, Willis is not a stranger to the Celebration Arena as he judged the 2010 Spring Fun Show in the same arena.
“I’m excited to have this experienced panel as we welcome a newcomer to center ring. I have every confidence that they will be great Celebration judges and a credit to the industry. I look forward to working with each and every judge at the 2011 Celebration,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.
The 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will begin August 24, 2011 and run through September 3, 2011 when it crowns the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion. The entry deadline is August 2, 2011. For more information visit The Celebration online at www.twhnc.com.
ADDITION TO 73rd ANNUAL CLASS SCHEDULE
Due to an oversight, the Owner-Amateur Riders on Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses class was inadvertently left off the 2011 Celebration Class Schedule. The class will be inserted on Monday morning, August 29 as Class 97A, Owner-Amateur Riders on Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses. It will be a Preliminary to the Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Pleasure Walking Horses World Grand Championship®, Class 153.
Celebration Sets Fee Structure for 73rd Annual Show
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC) has decided to increase its entry fees for the first time in 10 years. In 2011, the preliminary entry fee will be $135 and the championship entry fee $250. These were $110 and $210 respectively in 2010. The World Grand Championship class entry fee will be $2,500 with 100% of the entry fee refundable if the entry does not show for any reason.
The Celebration will also increase its grounds fee from $50 to $75 in 2011. “The Celebration is forced to make these tough decisions as we face increasing costs and declining revenues,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows.
Stall rentals at The Celebration are broken down by the type of stall on the show grounds. There are 3 tiers of stalls. Tier One stalls will be $295 as compared to $275 in 2010. Tier Two stalls will be $255 as compared to $235 in 2010. Tier Three stalls will be $190 which is the same as in 2010. Although stall rentals increased in 2011, it will not be a requirement that all horses entered have a stall.
“Although another alternative we looked at was requiring a stall rental for all horses entered, we did not feel we should implement this at this time. When we looked at other breed’s world championship fees we found that we were behind and even with these increases we still remain one of the least expensive world championship shows,” said Meadows.
He continued, “The Celebration has tried hard over the last 10 years not to increase entry fees and have been able to do so until this year. With the new premium distribution model, the increase in entry fees will add to the total purse at this year’s show.”
Celebration Announces Premium Distribution
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration will introduce an unlimited total premium distribution at the 73rd Annual Celebration. This is a change from the guaranteed purse used in previous years and will allocate 90% of the entry revenue to the premium payout.
“This allows an unlimited premium distribution based on entries in the class. The more entries in a class, the larger the purse will be,” said Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. He continued, “There were classes held last year that would have had a higher purse distribution with this new structure than they did with our previous guaranteed purse.”
The Celebration will not require horses to show back in championship classes in order to collect their premiums earned in the preliminary classes. In 2010, approximately $500,000 was paid out in premiums on entry revenue of $400,000.
“We have looked at unlimited premium distribution the past several years and were anxious to see the response to it at this year’s Trainers’ Show. The trainers’ had one of their most successful shows in many years employing this system in 2011 and that encouraged us to try it at The Celebration,” Meadows said.
The 2011 World Grand Championship class will be an exception and will keep the $50,000 guaranteed purse as it has been in previous years. In 2011, not one championship class had entry fees that covered the guaranteed premiums in that championship class.
“It is important for anyone that collects premiums to realize that this decision is not a guaranteed reduction in total premiums but rather an opportunity to allow entry revenue to drive premiums with an unlimited potential for those payouts,” concluded Meadows.
The following chart outlines the % of premium payouts for the 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show Celebrates 20 Years
Getting Ready to Show…Jim Mahoney of West Jefferson, Ohio, prepares his hitch to participate in the 20th Annual Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show. The event starts Thursday in Calsonic Arena.
The Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show enters into its 20th year July 8-10 at Calsonic Arena. “The event has evolved into one of the largest and finest mule and donkey shows held in the United States,” says Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. Dr. Meadows indicates that Bedford County benefits from over one-half of a million dollars in direct spending from the 3-day mule and donkey extravaganza. The show features over 200 classes and provides approximately $30,000 in prizes and premium money. The mule and donkey show has classes for large and small, gaited and non-gaited mules and donkeys.
The event starts Thursday in Calsonic arena. For ticket information call (931) 684-5915 or visit twhnc.com.
Celebration Conveys Museum to Wartrace
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration® selected Wartrace to receive artifacts of the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum previously located in Lynchburg. A group of individuals from the Wartrace area, known as the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum Committee, plan to take possession of the new museum building located on the square in Wartrace in mid-September and open to the public as quickly as possible. Doyle Meadows, Celebration CEO said “We are happy that Wartrace wanted to preserve the history and heritage of the breed and industry and open the museum in Bedford County. These Wartrace individuals have worked extremely hard to promote the museum’s move to Wartrace and we wish them tremendous success.”
Phillip Gentry, local business leader and President of the newly formed organization made the following statement:
“First I would like to say thanks to The Celebration® for placing their confidence in this group of individuals. Everyone knows that Wartrace has always been known as the “Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse,” and this decision by The Celebration® is truly a monumental occasion for the community of Wartrace. We are honored that The Celebration® has made this decision and look forward to making the museum a showcase for the Tennessee Walking Horse, the Walking Horse Industry and the families and individuals that deserve their rightful place in the history of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
It has taken several months and a hard working group of individuals from a very diverse background to get us here today, and we are very thankful for their perseverance and willingness to make this day come true.
We are very anxious to get things moving forward and open the doors to the public as soon as we can. We have a lot of hard work in front of us to make that happen. Right now we are going to concentrate on having a presence at the Wartrace horse show and the National Celebration in August.
Again, thank you to The Celebration® and the hard working team that made this a reality for everyone involved.”
Other officers of the group include Tamara Gavin Kasser, Vice President; Bonnie Delk, Secretary; Lynn Hulan, Treasurer and Paul Cross, Member at Large.
Celebration and Wartrace Officials Sign Agreement for the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum to be Headquartered in Wartrace. Pictured Standing from Left to Right are Wartrace Mayor Ron Stacy, Paul Cross (Museum Committee Member at Large), Nancy Edwards (Museum Committee), Tamara Gavin Kasser (Museum Committee Vice-President), Bonnie Delk (Museum Committee Secretary), Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle Meadows. Seated from Left are Philip Gentry, President of the Wartrace Museum Committee, and Henry Hulan, TWHNC® Chairman of Board of Directors (Lynn Hulan, Treasurer of the Museum Committee is not pictured)
State 4-H and Celebration Impact Local Economy
4-H Members Relax at State 4-H Horse Show
Since 1984, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration has been the home of the Tennessee State 4-H Horse Championships. The annual event ended this past Saturday with youth participating in over 2,000 entries, 409 4-H members and 577 horses representing 60 Tennessee counties. One of the most significant things about the 4-H Championships is that the Celebration® has provided the entire event since its inception at no charge to the 4-H Horse Program, a division of the University of Tennessee College of Agriculture Extension Service. The Celebration’s contribution allows the Tennessee 4-H families to travel to Shelbyville and participate at their Championship show at much reduced costs.
Although the Celebration® provided their facility at no charge, the Shelbyville-Bedford County area are large benefactors of the championship show. Approximately $750,000 in direct spending was infused into the local economy. The “Big Three” – food, fuel and lodging, account for the significant expenditures of the 4-H members and their families during the 7 days and 6 nights of the state 4-H home show.
This family oriented event provides opportunity for the 4-H youth to exhibit virtually every breed of horse and pony as well as participate in educational activities such as clinics and horse judging contests. Dr. Bridget McIntosh, University of Tennessee Extension Horse Specialist and director of the event said, “We salute the Celebration® for allowing us the opportunity to provide a quality event at a fantastic facility at extremely low entry fees and family costs. The number of stalls and overall size of the grounds makes having multiple divisions competing at the same time much easier.” Dr. Doyle Meadows, Celebration CEO and former University of Tennessee Horse Specialist has been on both sides of the Celebration® community contributions for 4-H. “It is a great event and a tremendous economic boost for our community. The Celebration® is proud to support these 4-H activities,” says Meadows. The event has been held the fourth week of June for several years, and Shelbyville has always been the home of the Tennessee State 4-H Horse Championships.
2011 Spring Fun Show Hosts Top Industry Talent
By Jeffrey Howard
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – “As a whole, how could you not be pleased with a show like this when you’ve been where we’ve been,” summed up Celebration CEO and Show Manager Dr. Doyle Meadows. Meadows captured the feelings of the majority at the conclusion of the Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Walking Horse Industry.
2011 marked the 41st Annual Spring Fun Show and for the first time in 3 years the event moved back inside the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tenn. on the show grounds of the historic Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. “It was good to be back in Calsonic Arena where it was kept cool and we were able to escape the weather on Thursday evening,” said Meadows.
Nathan Clark, Brock Tillman and Joel Weaver adjudicated the three-night show held May 26-28, 2011. Multi-day shows in the industry are judged by the entries you have and the depth of those entries. This year’s Fun Show succeeded in both areas hosting 457 entries in 2011. Whereas that was seven less entries than in 2010, 404 of those entries made the gate call which was an increase from the 395 that answered the gate call in 2010.
With an average of nine entries per class and eight per class answering the gate call, Meadows took the opportunity to thank the trainers that brought those entries. “We would like to commend the trainers for bringing their best and supporting our show. I would also like to thank the trainers for bringing compliant horses. The USDA was here for all three days and worked cooperatively with the DQPs from SHOW and inspections were smooth,” said Meadows.
He continued, “With all of the positives from our show I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I was disappointed in our flat shod entries and our halter entries. We have worked extremely hard with our schedule to appease the flat shod and halter divisions and it will continue to do so in the future,” commented Meadows.
The crowd didn’t get to see a full stake class finale but they did get the opportunity to see an exciting one with portions of the crowd pulling hard and loud for their favorite. At the end the three judges marked their cards exactly the same placing all five of the entries in the same positions. Folsom Prison Blues and Rodney Dick won their second major title of the year and have clearly established themselves as a team to be reckoned with come Labor Day weekend.
The big talented stallion followed up his Mississippi Charity title with a wonderful performance at the Spring Fun Show for owners, the Jimmy Smith family. 2011 National Trainers’ Show champion and 2010 Reserve World Grand Champion Star and Chad Baucom finished in reserve. Star and Baucom have become a formidable team and will be factors wherever they show up for the remainder of the season. Justin Harris directed Puttin’ Cash On The Line to third place honors and 2011 Gulf Coast Charity champion Jail Time and Edgar Abernathy were fourth. Ultimate Power Stroke and Michael Daniel rounded out the top five.
On Thursday night, the show didn’t make people wait long for the debut of much-talked about Walk Tie Charlie and Chad Baucom. John Callicutt directed Walk Time Charlie to top honors at the Trainers’ Show and then sold interest in the horse to Neal Holland and Bob Kilgore. The trio watched their talented team finish with a unanimous blue ribbon tie in the Four-Year-Old Stallions division, as Baucom made his first ride aboard Walk Time Charlie. Finishing in reserve was the popular team of Michael Wright and A Strong Need For Cash. In third making a very solid show were Samsung and Bill Callaway.
Many walking horse enthusiasts would argue that each year the three-year-old division hosts many of those industry’s finest horses. This year would not be an exception and one of those debuted with a blue ribbon ride on Saturday night. Low On Gin made his first performance of 2011 a memorable one as he claimed top honors for Mike and Lee McGartland. Sox Appeal and Jeff Laughlin gave them a run for their money finishing a strong second. He’s Busting The Gin and Link Webb finished third in the extremely talented and deep class.
Friday night hosted the two-year-old class and many of the most-talked about colts made their way to the show ring. Casey Wright and I Am Jose took home top honors in their first performance of the year for owners Max and Woods. Finishing reserve were Blue’s Master and Jimmy McConnell also making their first show of the year. Fresh off their championship at the Mississippi Charity, Jose It Ain’t So and Jonathan Watts finished in third.
In other highlights from the professional division, Busted At Pebble Beach and Justin Harris claimed top on honors in the Two-Year-Old Mares & Geldings and Harris directed Jose’s High Society to the Open Specialty blue ribbon to wrap up Thursday night’s performance. Jimmy McConnell directed She’s A Shady Sister to the blue in the Three-Year-Old Mares & Geldings and Miss Mojito in the Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings,
More Of The Major and John Allan Callaway topped the 15.2 & Under and Callaway took Goodbye Joe to the blue in the Aged Mares & Geldings. Callaway wasn’t done as he took Above The Line to the Young Trainers title. Link Webb directed Chillin’ The Most to the blue in the Open Show Pleasure. Tim Smith took the popular San Juan to the Park Performance blue.
Lilly Waites had a good Memorial Day weekend. The talented juvenile from Mississippi took home three blue ribbons. Waites directed Prime Poison, Lined Walkin’, and A Private Benjamin to top honors across the three nights of the show. Other juvenile winners included Nathan Oliver and A Cloudy Sky, Kaitlyn Rippy and She’s Pretty Jazzy, and Mackenzie Morgan and Bustline.
Amateur competition is always stiff at the Spring Fun Show and 2011 was no exception. Clay Mills took advantage of his trip from North Carolina winning two blues aboard I’m Wall Street in the Amateur Specialty and I’m Poker Face in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions. Gail Walling took her new mount, Memphis Mafia to top honors in the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions and The Dixie Lineman to the Adult Pony title.
Also taking home to Texas multiple blue ribbons was Nancy Groover aboard She’s Sugarland in the Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings and I’m Tex Anna in the Two-Year-Old Mares & Geldings.
In the 15.2 & Under division, Sherri Pollack took I’m P Diddy to the blue in the stallion class and Deborah Williams took Miss Hosanna to the winner’s circle in the Mares & Geldings. Pollack sister, Patti didn’t disappoint and directed The Concealed Weapon to the championship in the Park Performance class.
Pushin’ That Jazz and Dalia Smith claimed top honors in the Over 15.2 Geldings division and I’m Rosetta Stone and Patty Marek claimed blue in the Mares division. Brian Reece debuted his 2010 World Grand Champion Strolling Thru The Ritz in 2011 claiming the title in the Amateur Canter class.
Reece wasn’t the only one showing their 2010 World Grand Champion. Kay Green brought He’s Vida Blue to the winners’ circle and Courtney Luttrell directed Godfather By Ultra Copy to the Amateur Show Pleasure blue. Lee McGartland took She’s A Shady Sister to the blue in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares & Geldings class.
Jeff Smith was eager to get in on the act and continued his impressive 2011 show season claiming the blue with Play Something Country in the riders 50 years of age and over. Proving how tough the Fun Show was, three-time World Grand Champion My First Dollar and George Ann Pratt took a unanimous blue ribbon home in the Ladies Mares & Geldings class.
Also tough was the pleasure division. Although Meadows was disappointed in the numbers the quality was as good as ever. Jose Quervo Gold and Joanne Davis took blue in the Amateur Lite-Shod, Vindicated and Carrie Martin were tops in the Western Lite-Shod, and A Red Ruby and Laurie Toone placed first in the Country Pleasure.
She’s Up For Parole and Robert Nelms claimed the English Classic Park Pleasure blue, Big N Rich and Bruce Hankins were tops in the Park Pleasure, and Victoria’s Got A Secret and Sandra Dennis brought home the blue in the Amateur English Trail Pleasure. Petal Pushin’ Jazz and Lauren Hamilton claimed the Western Trail Pleasure crown.
Nicole Coffey took her World Champion Yao Ming to the Park Pleasure blue ribbon. A Mountain Jazz and Jeff Laughlin were tops in the Open Lite-Shod. Mr. Paparazzi and Bo Teague were the champs in the Country Pleasure Gentleman Riders.
No stranger to the winner’s circle, Trigger Treat and Jeff Givens took the top honor in the Model. Making an impressive first drive were West Side Willie and Gavin Kasser in the Fine Harness.
The Supreme Titleist, Yearling Colts, Generator’s Secret Touch, Yearling Mares & Geldings, and Walkin’ Down The Line, Amateur Yearlings were the halter division winners.
Fans, exhibitors and enthusiasts will depart from Shelbyville to enjoy the remainder of their Memorial Day weekend holiday with a good taste in their mouths from the 41st Annual Spring Fun Show. “We were extremely pleased with our crowds, not only in number but in their enthusiasm and liveliness,” concluded Meadows.
The industry continued its march forward with showing competitive, compliant Tennessee Walking Horses in large numbers. The remainder of the show season appears bright and will continue with large shows across the country in the coming summer months.
SPRING FUN SHOW SPOTLIGHTS BEST OF THE BREED
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. The 41st Annual Celebration Spring Fun Show will open a three-night run on Thursday, May 26 at Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville. One of the most important spring shows in the Walking Horse industry, the Fun Show has been a springboard toward the World Grand Championship® for many of the top horses of the breed. The Fun Show also features ten Rider’s Cup classes for the professional trainer.
Performances for the Fun Show begin at 6:00 p.m. each night with box and reserved seats still available.
“The Fun Show is a wonderful showcase for many great horses,” said Celebration Board Chairman Henry Hulan. “For some it’s the beginning of a championship campaign, and for others it could be considered a ‘coming out party’ for many of the talented, young horses.”
Thursday night’s schedule will feature 16 classes including Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions and the very popular Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings. In addition, there will be classes in Trail Pleasure and Country Pleasure, as well as performance classes for amateur and professional riders.
The docket on Friday night has seventeen classes ranging from youth riders all the way to the elite riders, 50 and over. Highlighted classes that night include Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions and Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Stallions.
Eighteen classes make-up the exciting Saturday night schedule. Classes for the top yearlings in the industry are slated, as well as Park Performance and Show Pleasure classes, a showcase for young trainers, and eight classes for Owner-Amateur riders.
Class 51, Walking Stallions, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over has long been a showcase for horses that hope to compete for the World Grand Championship at the Celebration in August.
Camping spots in the Celebration RV Park, adjacent to Calsonic Arena, remain available on a first-come basis. That, along with information on box and reserved seat tickets, can be obtained by going to The Celebration® website at www.twhnc.com or by calling (931) 684-5915.
Chad Williams of Chad Williams Stables studies the 41st Annual Spring Fun Show program with Celebration CEO Dr. Doyle G. Meadows. The Fun Show begins at 6:00 p.m. on May 26 in Calsonic Arena on the historic Celebration Show Grounds. Overlooking the program as well are Aaron Self and Bob Lawrence.
Celebration Association and Chamber of Commerce to Promote Celebration Activities
The Celebration Association and the Chamber of Commerce have joined efforts to promote Celebration 2011. Officials of both groups indicate a concentrated effort will be made to promote two primary initiatives. First, businesses will be encouraged to promote the Celebration-2011 with signage of all types. Secondly, decorations such as bunting, flags and ribbons will mark the start of the 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in businesses and homes throughout the area.
Harold Segroves, long-time business leader and Celebration Association member will chair a committee with other Association members that provide leadership in the area of decorative appointments for businesses. Walt Wood, CEO of the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, along with a group of Chamber Ambassadors will promote signage at all available businesses. Mr. Segroves said, “It is important for us to welcome our visitors to the Celebration as well as re-introduce to our community the Celebration and encourage them to join the excitement.” Mr. Wood indicated “the financial contribution of local horse farms, horse owners and horse show fans is overwhelming. The 2010 Celebration was great and 2011 promises to be even better, but we need the community not only to welcome our visitors but participate in the Celebration.” Local businesses will be made aware of the promotion opportunities as they are developed and introduced to Shelbyville and Bedford County.
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 $750,000 in prizes and awards are given. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. The 73rd Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is scheduled August 24 – September 3. For more information, visit www.twhnc.com.