DECATUR, Al.- The 34th annual Alabama Jubilee Charity Horse Show was held on Thursday, October 25, 2001 and stretched through the chilly fall weekend. The proceeds from the Jubilee were donated to Camp Smile-A-Mile, a camp for cancer stricken children that helps to bring these children together for fellowship, fun, and the camp also brings a sense of normality to their lives. Leigh Bennett, Mt. Lebanon, Kentucky, Wayne Dean, Lewisburg, Tennessee, and Ray Gilmer, Toone, Tennessee were on hand to judge the 66 class event. Joe Dan Carter marked the cards for the Racking classes. Nancy Hawkins served as show chairman. Thurman Walden kept the show rolling with announcing duties, while John McDonald entertained on the organ. Sandra Hall captured the event on film.
The number of entries, which was 523, was down just a little from last year. DQPs on hand to inspect the horses were: Lonnie Messick, Andy Messick, Ricky Statham and Ronnie Campbell. USDA VMOs also checking the entries were: Dr. Lynn Bouyeois and Dr. Clem Dussault. Lonnie Messick stated that for the number inspected that there were few problems, mostly a variety of minor technical violations.
As with every show, the most anticipated class of the Jubilee was the Stake class. Stride’s Touch Of Pride wore the Alabama Jubilee roses with rider Bill Bobo for proud owner Ford Gates. Making an outstanding ride to reserve was Cash’s All Star and Larry Edwards for Herb Murrath. Bill Cantrell and Pusher’s Blizzard rode to the yellow ribbon for Frank Shelton.
THURSDAY NIGHT
The crisp fall night began with the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. It was time to call the blue ribbon winner in the twelve entry class. Immortal Time and Barbara Moerch, owner/rider, were called to the blue ribbon circle. Generator Dry Gin and Andrea Zahnd rode to reserve for Haynes and Zahnd. In the 15.2 and Under Open class, Mr. M.D. and Steve Aymett had the right prescription for the blue for Floyd Sherman. Reserve in the class went to Spellbound Generator and Dick Peebles for Ginger Houchins. The Men’s Amateur Specialty found Walkin’ All Over and Bob Medina walking to the blue. Sundrops Make History and Eddie Hale were reserve.
Fifteen entries answered the call for the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class. Leading the way in competition were Main Majorette and owner/rider, Carolyn Thomas. Pusher’s Lady Delight and Laura Brandon were reserve. The Amateur Walking Open held an interesting outcome. A father-son, or as it should be said son-father were first and second. Live-N-Learn and Jay Mitchell made the ride to the winner’s circle, as Jay’s father Jack Mitchell rode A Formal Affair to the reserve. Both entries are owned by Sunny Side Farm.
The Walking Horse Association of Alabama hosted several classes. The first being the WHAA Amateur 50 and Over Specialty. Eleven entries answered the call. Magic By Motown and Larue McWaters made it a magical night for Koston McWaters. Generator’s Blaze Of Gold and Dr. Tom Morgan were reserve. Almost Indecent and Hugh Taylor were quite decent for the Aged Mare blue for Charles Mims. Lady’s Ebony Ace and Jimmy McConnell rode to reserve for Ronald and Donna Beltz. Nine entries answered the call for the Four-Year-Old Mares, Stallions, and Geldings class. Charting their course to the blue was Private Charter and Larry Edwards for Bud Moore. Dr. Perfect and Bill Bobo were reserve for Sandra Hodgson. Silver Swing and Vickie Penick made the winning ride in the Aged Stallion Amateur Specialty.
Twelve entries answered the call in the Aged Mare Amateur Specialty class. Debbie Flack and Pusher’s Clementine rode to the blue for Jim Flack. Reserve was Grandy’s Rhythm Lady and Mary Medina. Of the eight entries in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class, A Major Masterpiece and Robbie Warley-Person made a picture perfect performance for the blue. Paycheck By M.G. and Nathan Clark rode to the red ribbon for Shelia Clark. Another large class of the night was the Aged Gelding Amateur Specialty. With 14 entries vying for the Alabama Jubilee title, Threatability and Kathy Zeis made the winning ride. My Midnight Caller and Woody Woodruff were reserve for the Cecil Fielder family.
Always good competition, the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class held twelve entries. Driving Miss Dumas and Karen Inman drove straight to the blue for Mike and Karen Inman. The Antidote and Gail McConnell were reserve. But, Karen Inman didn’t stop there. The Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Open Specialty found Karen Inman and Generator’s Cashin’ In cashing in on another blue!
Stroker’s Vanilla Ice and Alison Weeks were reserve for Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cornelius.
The Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class harvested fourteen entries. Dumas and Rene Carlton were declared the winners for the Keith Carlton Family. Gen’s Master Push and Joe Christmas, owner/rider, were reserve. In the last class of the evening, Solar Generated and Herbert Derickson took home blue ribbon honors for Mr. and Mrs. John Brundige in the Aged Stallion class. Extra High Dollar and Hugh Taylor rode to reserve for Bobby and Sandra Ellison.
The Thursday night session of the Alabama Jubilee ended with smiles and congratulations and the spirit ready for another two nights of competition.
FRIDAY NIGHT
How else would you start out your Friday night? With Figgy Puddin’ and Suzanne Littell riding to the blue in the Ladies Amateur Specialty Open for Moore and Littell. Reserve in the class went to Beam’s Rapid Express and Gennifer Houchins for Ginger Houchins. Fourteen entries answered the call for the Aged Specialty Open. Taking home top honors in the class was Doc’s High Honor and Joel Weaver for Robert Ingraham Homes. Delight’s Man Of Pride and Winky Groover rode to red ribbon honors for Melissa Wilson.
The third class of the night, the W.H.A.A. Three-Year-Old Amateur class, held nine entries. Walking to the blue was Generator’s Double Coin and Toby Scarbrough for Ferguson and Scarbrough. Doing Time With A Pusher and Debbie Soleman rode to reserve. The Country Pleasure Specialty Open had nine entries. Red Santana and Bo Marsalis made the winning ride. Reserve in the class went to Governor Stride and Melissa Tittle for Kathy Mixon. Eighteen entries answered the call for the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding division. Tenderoni and Jimmy McConnell made the winning ride for Gail McConnell. Beamin’ Dollar and Dick Peebles were reserve for Susie Lavender.