The Pushover
1979 - 2012
A once in a lifetime horse, a victor in every sense of the word and a renowned and gifted sire, 1990 World Grand Champion The Pushover has passed away. He was one of our industry’s greats and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Foaled May 5, 1979, he was bred to be a champion by Everal Sherburne of Cedarburg, Wis. He was sired by 1981 World Grand Champion The Pusher C.G. and his dam was Pride’s Super Dawn S. His pedigree combined the best our breed has to offer.
Owned for the first seven years of his life by Larry Pickhardt and Everal Sherburne, The Pushover began his career under the direction of Bryant Fly who directed him to several top ties. As an aged stallion, he was moved to Steve Aymett who showed him to the 1986 Reserve International Grand Championship. Having observed his show ring prowess throughout the 1986 season, in December of that year, the talented stallion was purchased by Bill and Alliene Varner of Looking Glass Farm in Gallatin, Tenn. The Varners put him under the tutelage of Bruce Hankins who campaigned him toward the ultimate title at the 1987 Celebration. Unfortunately, illness prevented him from vying for the title that year. The next year saw The Pushover teamed with Kevin Gower who showed him to a third place finish at that year’s Celebration and an undefeated 1989 season capped off by a reserve tie at that year’s Celebration. With his talent in full bloom, The Pushover entered the 1990 season as a serious contender. In July of that year he was placed under the direction of Ronnie Spears and Billy Boyd. A month later, after placing second in his preliminary, he was crowned World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse.
A proven champion, The Pushover was quick to prove himself as a sire as well. Standing for the majority of his career at Joe Martin Stables, Sand Creek Stables and Womack Stables, he was in the capable and caring hands of breeding managers Joe Martin, Patti Gray and Ricky Womack. Their knowledgeable guidance, combined with his stellar bloodlines and natural ability, resulted in offspring that have excelled in the show ring in virtually every division our industry has to offer. They have also become sought-after breeding stock, producing world and world grand champions. The list of successful Pushover offspring is vast and includes World Grand Champions: It’s All Over, Pushover’s Powerstroke and Pushover’s My Papa; Reserve World Grand Champions Pushover’s Cashflow and Magic’s Sweet Victory; World Champions: Pushover The Top, Pushover And Lookout, Pushover’s Magic Lady, Walkin All Over, A Pushy Witch, Ali Ali, Pushover In Dixie, Pushover Blues and A Black Market Pusher; and two-time National Futurity Champion Poison, who also happens to be the sire of 2004 World Grand Champion, The Black Night Shade. While this is by no means a complete list of great Pushover offspring, it is enough to illustrate his tremendous impact on our breed.
A champion in the ring and a champion in the breeding barn, The Pushover will live on in our memories and in the production of his offspring. He has secured his place in Tennessee Walking Horse history as one of the greats and he has given us many great moments on which to reflect. May he rest in peace.