MG Above The Rest Soar To The Top For Second Consecutive Year

WHITE PINE, Tenn. - The annual East Tennessee Walking Horse Association Fall Classic was held Oct. 21-23. Judges for the 52 classes were Mack Motes, Sam Sorrell and Newton Parks. This year’s rendition was enlarged to three days instead of two and affiliated with the National Horse Show Commission. These moves proved wise since the entries rose to 710.

Show manager Judy McConnell was elated since this year overcame last year’s record entries. In 2003 there were 555 entries compared to 445 in 2002. This year’s show once again benefited East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

“East Tennessee Walking Horse Association is very proud to benefit the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. We appreciate all the support of the exhibitors, trainers, spectators and all of our very generous sponsors! Without you and your generosity we could not make a difference in a child’s life. May God bless each of you!”

The quality of the horses was once again awesome. Anticipation mounted on Saturday as the Grand Championship drew near. Ten talented teams entered the ring one at a time and the audience was treated to a thrill that continued through the second running walked called for by the judges just before they lined up. The $1,000 check and the floral wreath accompanying the stake blue made the trainers ride hard. Previous to the line-up two of the 10 contestants excused themselves, leaving eight for the final tie.

MG Above The Rest and Shawn Abee carried the roses from the showring following an exciting show to win two consecutive years. The big flashy flax maned and tailed stallion was chosen unanimously and once again owners Tom and Sissy Weese were justifiably proud of this team’s great performance. Charles Clark’s talented London Rain, directed by Chad Baucom, took the reserve position following his preliminary 15.2 and Under class victory. Pusher’s Force and John Puckett carried out the third place ribbon for owner Ashley Compton.

Three special exhibitions were held on Saturday night. Brandon Stout and 2004 World Champion Stewart Little opened the ceremonies by carrying Old Glory. This white stallion was magnificent with the red white and blue colors and the crowd standing at attention. Later in the evening the world championship and world grand championship team of Amy McCormick performed to the cheers of all. The final exhibition of the year was the 2004 world grand championship team of John FK’s Pusher and Robin MacDonald. Their performance also brought forth many cheers.

The 2004 ETWHA Fall Classic Dog Show was held on Saturday morning. Only in its second year, the dog show doubled its entries. Great fun and competition was enjoyed by those who watched and those who participated.

Trainer Scott Beaty was awarded the $500 for the trainer that showed the most horses. Beaty Stables had 37 entries in the three nights of showing.

Jeff Givens Stables and John Puckett Stables led the blue ribbon tally with five blue ribbons apiece. Chad Baucom Stables, Steve Hankins Stables, Justin Jenne’ Stables and Chad Williams Stables earned four blues apiece. Clay Mills and Larry Wheelon Stables carried home three blues while Scott Beaty Stables, Clark Farms and Dick Peebles Stables earned two. Receiving the single blues were horses trained by Don Robinson, Bonner Stables, Jeff Cox, Jerri Anne Williams, Paul Livingston Stables, Amanda Dickerson, Ronald Mosley Stables, Freemon & Son, Justin Harney, Tim Wheelon Stables, Jennifer Brinkley, Chris Pickel Stables, Mitchell Gassaway, Tudor Stables, John Toney, Brandye Mills Stables, Rick Abee and Justin LeGate.

This show seems destined to be one of the best fall shows each year, especially with the hard working members of the ETWHA behind it.

Thursday Night

The 12-entry Weanling class began the show and Don Robinson accepted the first blue unanimously leading Papa’s Hey Joe for the Don Robinson family. Nathan Mills exited with the red streamer leading He’s John Henry for Hoyte Eakes.

Everyone crowded to the rail when the gate opened for the Two-Year-Old Stallion class. Twenty top entries made the class very interesting. The judges’ choice was the team of The High Spade and Brandon Stout for Joe Barnes. John Bull and Chad Williams received the reserve placing for Terry & Warr.

Magic Illusionist and Amanda Campbell claimed the blue in the Plantation Lite-Shod Amateur Specialty under Jeff Givens’ guidance for Cheryl Reidy. Sky Babe and Doug Brown earned the reserve position.

Winning the blue in the 14-entry Amateur Fifty and Over Specialty was the team of Special Alert and Jean O’Brien under Justin Jenne’ Stables’ banner. Claiming reserve was the team of Star Of Sundance and Jack Morgan for Jack and Betty Morgan. Paul Livingston prepares this team for the showring.

In a class of 11, the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding title was won by John Puckett on Groovy Chic for owner Tom Potter. Kathy Potter directed her to last year’s win in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class. Dick Peeble directed It’s Taboo to the reserve position for owners Bruce and Robin MacDonald.

Nathan Mills claimed an East Tennessee Classic blue leading Generator’s Maria for owner Ed Anderson in the Yearling Fillies class. Paul Livingston led A Dollar A Dance to the reserve position for owners Bill and Patty Tarver.

Clay Mills claimed the first of three East Tennessee Fall Classic blues aboard Extra Ebony. Eleven entries answered the gate call for the NCWHA Members Only Specialty class. This team was selected unanimously. Fantazmic Cash and Vickie Hughes Grindstaff made an excellent show to win the reserve spot for the Farrell Hughes Family under Larry Wheelon Stables’ banner.

Irrational and Hayley Wisehart were selected to wear the blue from the ring in the Juvenile 15-17 Specialty class unanimously for the Bob York family. Also from Beaty Stables, Janie Stokes directed her Big Al to the reserve position

Pusher’s Curtain Call and Jeff Givens topped the Park Pleasure Four-Year-Old and Under class for owners Clanton and Sondra DuBose. She Caught You Looking and Bruce Hankins claimed the reserve award for Dan and Don DeMedio.

Jeff Cox and his A Self-Made Man topped the 15-entry Men’s Amateur Specialty class next. Second was awarded to the team of Rain’s Renegade and Sam Kite under the guidance of Mike Carter.

Jerri Anne Williams and A Forgotten Promise topped the Yearling Stallions and Gelding class for Ginger Williams. Carla Hurley and D.A. McGovern’s No Fear At All claimed the reserve.

The ETWHA Fall Classic always divides the youth classes as much as possible to encourage the young riders by being able to win ribbons. They also provide most of the youth classes with garlands. The judges chose Extra’s Diplomat and Lindsey Henry to wear the blue from the ring in the Division A of the Juvenile 12-14 Specialty class. Paul Livingston trains this talented mount. Second was awarded to the team of Splash Of Santana and Courtney Hicks. This team, trained by John Puckett Stables, is a frequent winner.

Barclay Woodward and Major Cigar claimed the blue in the B division for owners and parents Ronnie and Jennifer Woodward. He made the victory pass for Clark Farms. Reagan Thompson rode hard on her Popcorn Pusher to claim the red streamer for Justin Jenne’ Stables.

Next, 13 hard-riding teams entered the ring for the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class. Chad Williams directed Jazz On The Rocks down victory lane for owner Bob Lawrence with a unanimous tie. John Puckett rode An RFK Mistress to reserve for owners Thomas and Gayle Brandon.

The Final Score and Vickie Hughes Grindstaff were next on the list to win the blue in the 13-entry Ladies Amateur Specialty, Division A class for the Farrell Hughes Family, hailing from Larry Wheelon Stables. Rhonda Hull and My Bright Star, from Baucom Stables, claimed the reserve spot for owners John Weihl and Yvonna Mathis.

The team of The Prime Suspect and Candra Shular captured the blue in the 12-entry Ladies Amateur Specialty, Division B class. Chad Williams prepared this team for the show ring and their unanimous tie. Tracie Fuller and The Games We Play claimed the reserve position for the Luther Fuller family and trainer Brandye Mills.

Jeff Givens claimed his third blue of the evening on the palomino Trip Of A Lifetime in the strong Park Pleasure Open Specialty class for Evan and Janice Plyler. ET’s Pushin A Score and Ronnie Tabor claimed the red ribbon for owners Kenneth Jenkins and Ronnie Tabor.

Finally, the last class of the evening arrived, and it was worth the wait.Twelve hard riding teams hit the show ring next for the Open Stallions, Mares and Geldings class and didn’t let up until the lineup. Generator’s Old Gold and Steve Hankins were the number one choice for the Doug Rouse family. Generator’s Old Gold recently won two North Carolina Championships at Asheville. Pusher’s Force carried John Puckett to reserve for owner Ashley Compton.

Friday Night

Eighteen was the number for the first class Friday evening, the Trail Pleasure English Specialty class. Amanda Dickerson claimed the blue unanimously aboard Acapulco. This striking current International champion is owned by Sunset Farms. Sharon Yarbrough and her Generator’s Double Mint proudly carried the red streamer from the ring.

Classy Image and Gail Justice added another Park Pleasure Amateur Specialty title unanimously to their lengthy list under the direction of Ronald Mosley. In the reserve spot was the talented Perfect In Black with Susan Swaner in the irons for Mr. and Mrs. Albert Swanner under the guidance of Ronnie Campbell.

Martha Neff and John Thompson’s Pusher’s Midnight Delight claimed the White Pine blue in the 17-entry Novice Amateur Specialty class for Justin Jenne’ Stables with an unanimous tie. Bronwyn Julian and Second Copy took reserve for trainer Chris Pickel.

Thirteen teams entered the ring for the Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class. I’m General Electric and Justin Harney unanimously claimed the blue for Breedlove and Harney. Jacqulyn Elliot and her Crown Royal claimed reserve representing Tim Wheelon Stables.

Miss Dumas Ebony, repeating her blues from the Celebration and from Asheville, won the Youth 11 and Under, Division A unanimously with Lindsey Hess up under Baucom Stables’ banner. Claiming reserve was the team of Frontier Eagle and Hunter Hensley for owners Hal and Mary Anne Hensley and trainer David Dupes.

Threat’s Living Legend and Chase Freeman made their usual great show to win the B Division for owner Bill Cox and trainers Freeman and Son. Mr. George Jones and Erica Evans claimed reserve for owner Erica Evans and trainer Chris Pickel.

Titan Up took up where he left off at White Pine last year. This blue roan stallion carried Kathy Potter to another blue topping a class of 14 in the Walking Pony, Adult Specialty class for owner Tom Potter under Puckett Stables guidance. Sure Threat’s Masterpiece and Rhonda Hull were also flawless as they claimed the reserve position for the Sym Gaddy family. Baucom Stables handle the training duties for this powerhouse.

After winning two White Pine blues last year, Coin’s Black Stroke and John Puckett won the 22-entry Show Pleasure blue for Ashley Compton. Elegance Pride and Scott Beaty claimed reserve for Double Spring Farm.

Another winner from White Pine last season was Skyline, last year’s Park Pleasure Grand Champion. The team of Skyline and Lacey Campbell added another Youth Park Pleasure Specialty unanimous title to their list for owner Nat Campbell and trainer Tim Wheelon. The reserve champions were Classy Image and Brandon Derrick for Dr. Gary Pope and trainer Ronald Mosley.

Scott Potter was thrilled after the 14-entry Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. He and Kathy Potter’s Jose’s Hot Pepper claimed the victory under John Puckett Stables’ banner. The team of Midnight Dollar and Abby Fox claimed reserve for Beaty Stables and owners, the Quentin Fox family.

Fantazmic Cash and Vicki Hughes Grindstaff defended their titles and won the ETWHA Ladies Auxiliary again this year. Larry Wheelon proudly trained this black horse for the Farrell Hughes family. My Bright Star and Yvonna Mathis won reserve for John Weihl under the guidance of Baucom Stables.

Extra Ebony earned his second blue of the show when he claimed the 11-entry Amateur Owned and Trained Specialty class with an unanimous win for Clay Mills. Jim Woodburn and Freedom’s Threat won reserve for Mackenzie Woodburn.

Kathy Graves added another blue to her list when she exited the ring in the 24-entry Amateur Specialty class aboard Pride’s Pickle. Pride’s Pickle is trained by Dick Peebles Stables and is owned by Abby Graves. Reserve went to Kim Butler and Storming Through Dixie for Kermit Tyree and trainer Scott Beaty.

London Rain and Chad Baucom claimed the blue unanimously in the10-entry 15.2 and Under class for owner Charles Clark. Scott Beaty directed Ritz Jr. to reserve for the Lewis Kenny family.

Jennifer Brown and Fame’s royal rascal claimed the blue in the 13-entry Four-Year-Old Stallion Amateur Specialty class. Steve Hankins Stable proudly trained this team. I’m An Evil Rebel and Madison Holloway won the reserve position for Carolina Equine Inv. under Baucom Stables’ banner.

Acapulco won his second blue of the show with Jennifer Brinkley in the 16-entry Trail Pleasure Youth Specialty class. Janie Stokes claimed the red ribbon with I’m Just Jesse for owners Larry and Ruth Tudor.

The crowd roared their approval of the winners in the 13-entry Open Specialty, Division A class. Debbie Bonner and Tarheel Cash were better than ever. This team put on a show for owners Bob and Mary Rollins. Steve Woody and Cash Is My Choice claimed reserve for Christian Lessard.

Claiming the final blue of the night unanimously were last year’s Three-Year-Old Stallion winner at White Pine, Pop A Top Papa. Scott Beaty directed this talented blue roan for Franklin Beaty. They walked to the top of the Division B class which hosted 14 top entries. Wayne Jones laid claim to the reserve with Bayou Bay for Consolidated Farms under Chad Williams Stables’ banner.

Saturday Night

Twenty-one three-year-old stallions opened up Saturday night’s performance and the show went up from there. Santana’s Chief Sundance added the Three-Year-Old Stallion title unanimously to his lengthy resume with Dick Peebles in the irons for Donald and Diane Judge. Scott Beaty and Midnight Dollar claimed reserve for the Quentin Fox family.

The team of Popcorn Pusher and Reagan Thompson earned East Tennessee Fall Classic blues in both 2003 and 2002. This season they added another division to their resume as they cantered together in the ring for the first time in the TWHBEA Medallion Canter class. Jon Thompson owns this grey powerhouse that is trained by Justin Jenne’ Stables. Claiming reserve was the team of All Color’s My Papa and Dalia Smith for owners Calvin Hacker.

Brian Jeffers will never forget his blue ribbon debut aboard his It’s All About Cash. Always smiling Brian Jeffers exited the 14-entry Two-Year-Old Stallion Amateur class following a victory pass under the guidance of Chris Pickel. The reserve went to the team of Pushover On Que and Erica Hartlein for owner Gerald Hernley under the guidance of Justin Jenne’ Stables.

One Knight Stand claimed the blue unanimously with Liz Gassaway in the 11-entry Country Pleasure class for Mitchell Gassaway. Claiming reserve were Simone Klemmez and his A Fantastic Choice.

Extra Ebony won his third blue of the show when Tyler Baucom burst through the gates aboard him in the 11-entry Pro-Am Specialty Division A class. Clay Mills rode him the second way, then Baucom exited the ring after making the victory pass. Jaclyn Harney and Bayou Bay were reserve for Consolidated Farms and trainer Chad Williams.

The color was blue once again for Titan Up and Kathy Potter in the 13-entry division B. John Puckett proudly claimed training duties for owner Tom Potter. The reserve team was Stormin Through Dixie, Kim Butler and Scott Beaty for owner Kermit Tyree.

Kenny Compton directed his Gen’s Triple Pride to the blue in the 13-entry ETWHA Members Only, Division A class for trainer Steve Hankins. Reserve went to Flashy Loose Cannon and Gail Justice for Symm Jones and trainer Ronald Mosley.

It was another blue for Fantazmic Cash and Vickie Hughes Grindstaff. They won the 14-entry Division B title for the Farrell Hughes family and trainer Larry Wheelon. Reserve went to Martha Neff and Bust Me Loose for owners Steve and Martha Neff under the guidance of Justin Jenne’ Stables.

Last year’s Walking Pony Youth Specialty winners, Sure Threat’s Masterpiece and Kayla Baucom returned and won the Division A of this class for owners SymGaddy. They also claimed the same class at the recent North Carolina Championships. Reserve went to Pusher’s Midnight Delight and Reagan Thompson for Jon Thompson and under the direction of Justin Jenne’ Stables.

Morgan LeGate proudly displayed the blue ribbon in a victory pass aboard her Final Keeper in the Youth Walking Pony, Division B class. Claiming the red ribbon was the team of Pusher’s Loose Cash and Brandon Derrick for owner Bobby Silver and trainer Larry Wheelon.

The Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class had 15 strong entries. Winning this class was the team of It’s Taboo and Robin MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald under the guidance of Dick Peebles Stables. Current world champion Groovy Chick and Kathy Potter cashed in on the reserve for trainer John Puckett.

Twenty outstanding 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty entries came next. Candra Shular guided her The Prime Suspect to their second blue of the show to the top of their class. Pride’s Pickle and Kathy Graves nabbed reserve. Abby Graves owned the entry trained by Dick Peebles Stables.

Ruth Tudor once again directed Larry and Ruth Tudor’s I’m Just Jesse to the blue in the 16-entry Trail Pleasure Western Specialty class. Acapulco and Amanda Dickerson claimed reserve for Sunset Farms.

It was victory for Jaclyn Harney aboard Bob Lawrence’s Jazz On The Rocks in the 10-entry Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class under Chad Williams’ tutelage. An RFK Mistress and Gayle Brandon walked their way through the large class for the red stream. Thomas and Gayle Brandon owns the reserve winner trained by Puckett Stables.

I’m An Evil Rebel and Chad Baucom wore the blue in the Four-Year-Old class for Madison Holloway. Master Pusher and Terry Given were reserve for Mike and Ann Piet.

Guaranteed Delight repeated his 2003 victory in the Amateur Show Pleasure class. He was in the Division A which consisted of 14 excellent horses. Bob Adcock directed him down victory lane for trainer Steve Hankins. Dynamic Ritz and Bill Jones claimed reserve. Bill and Barbara Jones own the entry trained by John Toney.

Liz Gassaway enjoyed the winning ride in the 13-entry Amateur Show Pleasure, Division B for owner Ashley Compton and trainer John Puckett. Elegance Pride and Kaitlyn Beaty were reserve for Double Spring Farms.

Nineteen performance plantation teams made the call in the Performance Plantation Specialty class. Blast and Jeff Givens won the blue unanimously for Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rowsick. Bruce Hankins enjoyed a reserve on Kody’s Charmer for Jimmy and Beth Taylor.

Dirty Little Games and Brandi Todd topped the 11-entry Amateur Walking Canter class. Brandye Mills Stables proudly train this stallion. Abby Fox directed Command’s Wild Card for the reserve for the Quentin Fox family and trainer Scott Beaty.

Next on the agenda was the 19-entry unbelievable Juvenile Championship class. The team of Major Cigar and Barclay Woodward once again emerged victorious followed by the team of Miss Dumas Ebony and Lindsey Hess under Baucom Stables banner.

Ten Park Pleasure Championship teams were next to enter the ring. Trip Of A Lifetime and Jeff Givens proudly wore the floral horseshoe from the ring to the delight of owners Evan and Janice Plyler. Picking up the reserve tricolor were The Cash Collector and Amanda Dickerson for Sunset Farms.