Slowing the pace a bit were the plantation horses. Class 49, Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod, Specialty, Riders 18 Years and Over, welcomed 21 exhibitors through the gate. There were 40 eligible to
compete. Tuck called the class. Lite shod plantation horses are more animated than trail or country pleasure but retain a comfortable glide ride. The smooth, head-shaking gait of the lite shod horse gives
the rider a smooth journey while covering ground. In addition to the forward motion, a pleasure mount must always be responsive to the riders’ wishes. Therefore, the judges ask each entry to back up, a requirement of
all plantation classes.
Larry Bright entertained the crowd on the organ as the class was tied. He was acknowledged for his contribution to the show.
Russ Keyser and Beam’s Best Bette took the victory ride for owner, Michelle Hodne. This was the second blue on Friday for Beam’s Best Bette. She also has a yellow ribbon to her credit. Reason To Glitter and Erma Kelly carried the reserve award back to Missouri.
A Beam Come True returned to add a third place tie to her previous winnings this year.
The Owner-Amateur Novice Youth Riders on Novice Walking Mares or Geldings, Specialty, Riders 17 Years and Under class was called. Thirty-five entries made their entrance into the arena of the 51 possible. Many of the older youth riders gave been competing for
years and they have honed their skills in preparation for future adult competition. As the class lined up, a time out was called for a groom. The judges took this opportunity to review notes and selected four riders to park in. The class rounded the oval as additional
selections were designated. One entry asked for and received permission to leave. Fourteen entries returned to the rail, making for another entertaining round of competition. The class reversed after giving their horses a well-deserved breather. Both horse and rider would exit the novice category when the judges cards were marked.
The stands were nearly full at this point and the riders appeared to be in deep thought as they anticipated the outcome. And coming out of the novice division with trophies and the blue ribbon was I’m Cruella DeVill and Adam Johnson for Joel Johnson of Shelbyville, Tenn. This team has been successful all
season. They were victorious at Columbia, Gulf Coast Charity, White Pines, and the Children’s Classic. Hot on their trail was Treatability and Zack Zeis to capture the reserve title. Crystal Letterman and Final’s Pusher proved they had what it took by bringing home the yellow ribbon.
Young riders and their ponies entered the class for Owner-Amateur Youth Riders on Walking Ponies, 60” and Under, Specialty, Riders 14 Years and Under. Twenty-two of 34 entries presented themselves to call judge Hand. Small in stature only, the ponies proved that good things come in little packages. They flashed their hooves and shook their heads as the riders urged
them on. The fierce competition brought the crowd into the class. The cheering rivaled that of the hollering contest held each night between the north, south, east and west ends.
In an across the board unanimous decision, The Skywalk and Seth Stanfill walked away with top honors. Billy Stanfill of Lexington, Tenn., owns the winner. Joel Johnson took Buford Pusher to the reserve champion title, followed by A Bonus From Ritz and Maisie McSwain with the yellow ribbon in hand.
Tuck called the junior horses to the ring for the Four-Year-Old Geldings, class 52. Less than half the entries listed answered the gate call. Those 10 exhibitors took advantage of the smaller class and spaced themselves appropriately. The judges also had a better opportunity to review the three-gaited class.
Making the victory pass and accepting the honors was Unforgettable Pusher and Brett Boyd for Charles Gleghorn. The unanimous decision was an added feather in their hat. Link Webb and Gen’s Super Stroke were
second for James & Peggy Vernon, followed by I’m General Lee and Knox Blackburn for Liz Hestle-Gassaway of Wartrace.
It was the ladies time to shine. Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Walking Mares, Specialty highlights the ladies way of walking. Following Martins call, sixteen
ladies turned it on as they searched for the road to the winner’s circle.