LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. - The show ground was swarming with trucks, trailers, horses and exhibitors just minutes before the 7 p.m. start time of the Crossroads of Dixie Horse Show. Then, the government vehicles rolled in. Intimidated exhibitors packed up and shipped out. Commenting on the attendance of government officials National Horse Show Commission Director of Animal Welfare Lonnie Messick stated, “The the show atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.” Dr. Cathy Horancsak, Dr. Lynn Bourgeois and Dr. Gloria McFadden were the USDA VMOs in attendance. Messick also reported that most of the horses that were entered in classes did enter the show ring. There were only two pre-show violations and one post-show scar rule violation. “Communication between VMOs and DQPs was very at ease, and there were no problems regarding inspection procedures,”added Messick. After the appearance of the government officials 85 brave entries remained to make their appearance in the show ring.

Joel Weaver and Rising Star Ranch endured the horse show until the very end. Accumulating a total of five blue ribbon wins. Rain At Midnight captured the stake class win and entertained the remaining crowd during the final class of the evening. Kevin Parton owns the talented entry. Weaver began his winning streak on Top Dollar Maid in the Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. I’m All Colored Up was the reserve champion in the class with Nevada Turner of Campbell Stables in the irons for owner J. Michael Brown. My Grand Illusion and Joel Weaver rode out with the blue from the 15.2 and Under Open class. The entry is owned by William A. Scarborough. Debbie Eichler rode to victory in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class aboard Rumble At The Ritz. Gen’s Master Pusher and Joe Christmas wrapped up the winning streak in the 15.2 and Under Amateur class for Rising Star Ranch.

I wish you could have seen her face! Carson Cain was thrilled with her win on Gen’s Attaboy in the Junior Riders 12-17 Walking Ponies class and captured the first of four blue ribbons of the evening for grandparents George and Carol Smith and Dick Peebles Stables. I’m Cruella Deville and Joel Johnson were the reserve champions in the class. Mickey McCormick Stables primed the entry.

Dick Peebles’ saucy entry Silver’s Sassy Sally lured in the blue ribbon win from the Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. The entry is also owned by George and Carol Smith. Man On The Move was the reserve champion in the class for Mickey McCormick and owner Ann Bailey.

Dick Peebles and General George S Patton commanded the attention of the judge in the Open Amateur class for the Smiths. Gen’s All Colors and Carol Smith topped the exciting Amateur Walking Mares and Geldings class with Dick Peebles Stables in charge of preparation. Finding the reserve ribbon in the class were She’s Big On Colors and Pat Hackney, a Mickey McCormick trained the entry.

High Caliber Bullet and Susan Shemwell were right on target in the Country Pleasure class for Dr. Donny Headrick and trainer Bobby Richards. Finding the reserve ribbon in the six-entry class was Delight’s Dynamic Darling and Jeanette Houle for Carter and Rodriguez and trainer Bill Carter.

Reba’s Black Angel topped two very competitive halter classes. Robert Nelms led the black filly to the winner’s circle in the Open Yearling Fillies class for J.T. and Martha Nelms. Bob Nelms won the Amateur Yearling Fillies and Colts class later in the evening. Masked Kentucky Girl was the reserve champion in the Yearling Fillies class with Bobby Richards at the lead for Chris and Tammy Proctor. Liberty’s Pride and Stacey Richards were reserve in the Yearling Fillies and Colts Amateur class for trainer Bobby Richards. Liberty’s Pride later came back to top the Yearling Colts Open class with B.J. Richards at the lead for owner Don Collins.

Major Alibi and Wesley Williams defended their performance with a blue ribbon win. The entry was prepared by Russ Keyser. Friday Night Mercedes and B.J. Richards carried out the reserve ribbon in the class for owner/trainer Connie Waldo.

Steve Dunn prepared You’re In Command and Andy Adkins for the Juvenile Riders 17 and under victory ride. The winning entry is owned by Mike Young. Reserve honors in the class went to Pride’s Hard Cash and Kari Tisma riding for Mickey McCormick Stables and owner Jim Gullett.

Touch Me On Command and Dru McCormick bested the Two-Year-Old Amateur class under the guidance of husband/trainer Mickey McCormick. The Masked Magician was the reserve champion in the class with Seth Joseph in the irons. Dick Peebles Stables prepared the entry.

Armed and Nevada Turner took over the Two-Year-Old Stallions class and claimed top honors in the class for the Armed Group and Campbell Stables. Dick Peebles rode the reserve entry in the class. Owl’s Biloxi Blues wore out the reserve ribbon in the class for George and Carol Smith.

Ronnie Campbell guided Pushin’ Back Atcha to the winner’s circle in the Show Pleasure Walking Specialty class for owner Frances Bivins. A Pretty Pusher made an alluring performance in the class for Steve Beam and owner Morris and Mattie Anderson to take home the reserve honors in the class.

Chris Coffey and Rebel’s Regal Dream topped the Amateur Owned and Trained class. Perfect Cut Rose and Susan Swaner claimed the reserve win in the class.

Kennedy In Color was the big winner in the Three-Year-Old Stallions class with Brian Kiddy in the irons for Linda and Alan Houpt. Wired For Pride and Steve Beam rode out with the red ribbon in hand for Morris and Mattie Anderson.

Go Mr. Saturday Nite Sam and Russ Keyser bested the Lite-Shod Pleasure class for owner Alan Taunton. Connie Waldo and Drop The Hammer found themselves the reserve winners in the class.

Gen’s My Magic and Jeff Johnston made a winning ride in the Novice Amateur Specialty class for owner Angie Adkins. Jared Johnston prepared the blue ribbon winner.

The American Idol and Jeanine Gullet showed their talent in the Three-Year-Old Amateur class. Mickey McCormick prepared the winning entry that topped one of the biggest classes of the evening. The entry is owned by Jim Gullett. Aytone’s Grand Finale and Melinda Cook rode the reserve champion in the class for owners Victoria and Sue Cook.

Ashlea Wheelon and Pusher’s Midnight Delight made a pretty picture in the Walking Horse Trainer’s Ladies Auxiliary class. The horse was readied by husband Tim Wheelon and is owned by John Thompson. Reserve winners in the class were Designed 2 B A Playboy and Dru McCormick. Mickey McCormick prepared the entry backed by Sherry King.

Copper’s Pride and Theresa Davis made the winning ride in the Park Pleasure Lite-Shod class. Gen’s Widowmaker and Martha Butler made the reserve ride in the class. William and Martha Butler own the entry.

The event ended with a calm mood and exhibitors felt a sense of pride after presenting horses to government veterinarians and to the crowd that remained for the final classes of the evening. Although numbers were down the quality of horses exhibited was excellent. This concludes the highlights of the 2nd annual Crossroads of Dixie Horse Show in Lawrenceberg, Tenn. Complete results follow and may also be found at our website at www.walkinghorsereport.com.