Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, to men of goodwill. The Official Breed Journal Volume 62 No. 6 December 2023
Clarksville, TN OWNED BY: Show Pleasure Five & Under Amateur Show Pleasure Amateur Five & Under Show Pleasure North Carolina Championship with Brandon Ailshie ETWHA Fall Championship United Fall Finale Champion Champion Champion Grand Champion & Laci Mathews and Unanimously! Unanimously!
Clarksville, TN OWNED BY: Youth 12 - 17 and ETWHA Fall Classic Champion Grand Champion & Laci Mathews RWC Unanimously! 1 The Voice • December 2023
16 22 28 32 36 42 48 54 62 68 74 82 84 85 86 88 89 90 93 102 106 110 111 112 TWHBEA INFO & RESOURCES FEATURES, SHOW, & EVENT COVERAGE Sire: Honors Dam: Think Pink TRAINED BY: On The Cover: Volume 62 No. 5 • December 2023 The Official Breed Journal George and Kim Lewis Newville, AL OWNED BY: European Championship A Walking Horse Tradition: Eliza DeKleyn & Labled A Parolee at the UT Knoxville Homecoming North Carolina Championship The Changing of the Guard: Jack Heffington Ends his Three-Year Tenure as TWHBEA President East Tennessee Fall Classic No Apology, No Regrets: Perspective from a First Time World Grand Champion Owner/Breeder Celebration Fall Classic Competencia TWH Mexico TWH Meets Western Dressage: Tennessee Walking Horses Compete at the 2023 WDAA World Championship Show United Walking Horse Fall Finale Dominican Republic Show & Clinic Legacy Circle & List of Donors Motivated Mares Standings Go! Gelding Standings TWHBEA Balance Sheet TWHBEA News Fond Farewell TWHBEA News - Awards TWHBEA News - Corporate Rule Change Stallion Directory Horsemen’s Directory Foto Finale TWHBEA Executive Commitee & Staff Advertiser’s Index Dan Waddell Stables Shelbyville,TN 706-816-4821 The Voice • December 2023 2
Clarksville, TN OWNED BY: Trail Pleasure Youth Celebration Fall Classic Champion & Lakelyn Mathews 3 The Voice • December 2023
& Sam Martin Mike Floyd Columbia, TN OWNED BY: Three-Year-Old Stallion United Fall Finale Reserve Champion Thornridge South Shelbyville, TN TRAINED BY: The Voice • December 2023 4
& Sam Martin Mike Floyd Columbia, TN OWNED BY: 15.2 & Under Stallion United Fall Finale Champion Thornridge South Shelbyville, TN TRAINED BY: 5 The Voice • December 2023
& TANNER BURKS Shane & Veronica Porterfield Murfreesboro, TN OWNED BY: The Voice • December 2023 6
Wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone from the Porterfield Family & Walkabout Farms. & TANNER BURKS 7 The Voice • December 2023
Trained by with Jake Jacobs North Carolina Championship Amateur Four-Year-Old Mare and Gelding CHAMPION Unanimously! with Jake Jacobs East Tennessee Fall Classic Amateur Cantar GRAND CHAMPION Owned BY WGC & 4xWC The Voice • December 2023 8
EAST TENNESSEE FALL CLASSIC Amateur Five-Year-Old CHAMPION Owned by Jake and Ally Jo Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN & Jake Jacobs 9 The Voice • December 2023
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11 The Voice • December 2023
Four-Year-Old Stallion Alabama Jubilee Charity Champion Chavigny Beasley Shelbyville, TN OWNED BY: & Dan Waddell 706-816-4821 The Voice • December 2023 12
Dean & Renee Rouse Surgoinsville, TN OWNED BY: & Renee Rouse We wish you a and a Merry Christmas Happy New Year! Thank you to everyone for all of your support this year! We have had a blast! & Dean Rouse Amateur Owned & Trained Amateur Owned & Trained Amateur Owned & Trained Waynesville Charity Show East Tennessee Classic ETWHA Ladies Auxiliary Show Champion Champion Champion WITH RENARDO GREEN WITH RENARDO GREEN WITH RENARDO GREEN Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Columbia Spring Jubilee KWHA Juvenile Auxiliary Show Owingsville Lions Club Champion Champion Champion Amateur Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Amateur Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Amateur Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding North Carolina Championship ETWHA Fall Classic Marshall County Horseman’s Association Champion Champion Champion 13 The Voice • December 2023
& Scott Beaty Barron Witherspoon Cocoa Beach, FL OWNED BY: United Fall Finale Reserve GRAND CHAMPION Fentress County Fair GRAND CHAMPION Putnam County Fair Reserve GRAND CHAMPION WHTA National Trainers’ Show Amateur Novice CHAMPION Walking In the Smokies Amateur Stallion CHAMPION Bluegrass Classic Amateur GRAND CHAMPION with Barron Witherspoon Thanks to Scott Beaty & Crew for having my horses at their best! The Voice • December 2023 14
CELEBRATION FALL CLASSIC 15.2 and Under RESERVE CHAMPION Owned by Charles Gleghorn & John Allan Callaway 15 The Voice • December 2023
European Championship For the second year in a row, the European Championship, hosted by TWHBEA and the Tennessee Walking Horse Club of Europe, returned to the beautiful Wickrath Castle in Monchengladbach Germany. The show is possible through TWHBEA’s annual market assessment funding from U.S. Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE). A clinic was offered by judge/ clinician Keegan Meadows prior to the beginning of the show. The weekend also included a meeting of the European Club members and exhibitors’ party. TWHBEA CEO Mark Farrar served as show manager and spoke to the European membership during their meeting. The show featured a total of 71 classes that showcased the versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse. A large number of spectators enjoyed the show, especially on Saturday, where they were treated to rail and halter classes, as well as dressage, barrels, poles, costume, water glass, and more. The show is one way that TWHBEA educates the European market on techniques that emphasize the importance of proper training, riding, and breeding. TWHBEA has been working with the European market for around thirty years and has seen steady improvement on selective breeding and training techniques that have moved the market forward and helped ensure that all of Europe continues its growth of quality and productive Tennessee Walking Horses. Plans are already being made for the 2024 European Championship, which will once again be held at Wickrath Castle from September 13-15. Mark Farrar (left) and Keegan Meadows (right) present Katrin Marg with her high point awards. KUDDELDADDELDU and Miriam Kanicke won the “Most Beautiful” award in a very competitive costume class. The Voice • December 2023 16
CLASS 1 - Barefoot Pleasure - 2 Gait - English CLASS 2 - Novice Rider - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 3 - Trail Pleasure - 2 Gait - English CLASS 4 - Country Pleasure - 2 Gait - English CLASS 5 - Ladies - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 6 - All Day Pleasure - 2 Gait - English 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 GOLDEN BLACK AND TAN (20700604) - O/R Dr. Martina Wassmann YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler PUSHERS SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers GOLDEN BLACK AND TAN (20700604) - O/R Dr. Martina Wassmann JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY(21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers OUPS’ I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers GOLDEN BLACK AND TAN (20700604) - O/R Dr. Martina Wassmann LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - O/R Annette Wolter DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - Emily Bertus for Katharina Lehra KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers KUDDELDADDELDU and Mariam Kanicke are led out of the ring by Renate Eggers after claiming their high point award. (left to right) TWHBEA CEO & Show Manager Mark Farrar, Announcer/ Ringmaster Sasa Wännee, and Judge Keegan Meadows. Mark Farrar presents a high point award to Maleika Tiedke and OUP’S I’M RED. Trainer Katrin Marg, right, joins the presentation. This rider is all business during the 10-entry Water Glass Show Down. 17 The Voice • December 2023
CLASS 7 - Young Horse 5 & Under - 2 Gait - English or CLASS 8 - Equitation - 2 Gait - English CLASS 9 - Amateur Owned and Trained - Country Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 11 - Novice Horse - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 12 - Trail Pleasure - 3 Gait - English CLASS 14 - Amateur Owned and Trained - All Day Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 16 - Amateur Owned and Trained - Barefoot Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 17 - All Day Pleasure - 3 Gait - English CLASS 18 - Youth Rider - 2 Gait - Western CLASS 19 - Amateur Owned and Trained - Trail Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 20 - Dressage - 2 Gait - Intro Level, Test B CLASS 21 - Dressage - 3 Gait - First Level, Test 3 CLASS 22 - Obstacle Trail Under Saddle CLASS 23 - Obstacle Trail In-Hand CLASS 24 - Western Dressage - 2 Gait - Basic Level, Test 1 CLASS 24 - Western Dressage - 2 Gait - Basic Level, Test 1 (cont.) CLASS 26 - Reining CLASS 27 - Barrel Race CLASS 29 - Youth Rider - 2 Gait - English CLASS 30 - Barefoot Pleasure - 2 Gait - Western CLASS 31 - Gentlemen - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 32 - Trail Pleasure - 2 Gait - Western CLASS 33 - Country Pleasure - 2 Gait - Western CLASS 35 - Water Glass Show Down CLASS 36 - All Day Pleasure - 2 Gait - Western CLASS 38 - Trail Pleasure - 3 Gait - Western CLASS 39 - Stockseat Equitation - 2 Gait - Western CLASS 40 - Country Pleasure - 3 Gait - Western CLASS 41 - All Day Pleasure - 3 Gait - Western CLASS 42 - Egg & Spoon Show Down 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos DANTE V. CASSENSHOF - Petra Laufer OUPS’ I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - O/R Annette Wolter GOLDEN BLACK AND TAN (20700604) - O/R Dr. Martina Wassmann RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Maleika Tiedke for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers OUPS’ I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra DANTE V. CASSENSHOF - Petra Laufer DANTE V. CASSENSHOF - Petra Laufer YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler KUDDELDADDELDU - Miriam Kanicke LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos DANTE V. CASSENSHOF - Petra Laufer OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers KUDDELDADDELDU - Miriam Kanicke GOLDEN BLACK AND TAN (20700604) - O/R Dr. Martina Wassmann PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - Micha Derks for Mariska Hoogesteger YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - Stefan Semmier for Sandra Semmler LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - Micha Derks for Mariska Hoogesteger DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Rowena Brands for Gerrit Band DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - Emily Bertus for Katharina Lehra GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - O/R Annette Wolter KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - Katrin Marg KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - Yolanda van Hees for Mariska Hoogesteger JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers The Voice • December 2023 18
CLASS 43 - Ride a Buck CLASS 46 - Toilet Paper Show Down CLASS 47 - Costume Class CLASS 48 - Showmanship Adult CLASS 49 - Showmanship Youth CLASS 50 - Halter Stallions & Geldings CLASS 51 - Halter Mares CLASS 53 - Halter Championship CLASS 54 - Model Stallions & Geldings CLASS 55 - Model Mares CLASS 57 - Model Championship CLASS 59 - Elite Rider 45+ - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 60 - Barefoot Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 61 - Trail Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 62 - Country Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 63 - All Day Pleasure - 2 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 64 - European Youth Rail Championship - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 66 - Trail Pleasure - 3 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 67 - Country Pleasure - 3 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 68 - All Day Pleasure - 3 Gait - English or Western - Championship CLASS 69 - European Rail Championship - 2 Gait - English or Western CLASS 70 - European Rail Championship - 3 Gait - English or Western 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - Emily Bertus for Katharina Lehra LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - Emily Bertus for Katharina Lehra ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - Micha Derks for Mariska Hoogesteger RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman Most Beautiful - KUDDELDADDELDU - Miriam Kanicke Most Original - GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter Most Talented - DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers KUDDELDADDELDU - Miriam Kanicke OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Maleika Tiedke for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - Kristin Vahrenbrink for Annette Wolter LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - O/R Annette Wolter FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees Marcel Geevers ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger YAHOO’S LIMITED EDITION (21001789) - O/R Sandra Semmler JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg GOLDEN BLACK AND TAN (20700604) - O/R Dr. Martina Wassmann RITZ FINAL AFFAIR (21402421) - O/R Sara Garcia Argos LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer ROYALTY ROCKS MY LABEL (21800473) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger JAGO’S BLACK PEARL BGW (21600263) - Hanneke Verbeek for Gerrit Band SPIRIT’S SWEET THREAT (20600158) - Katharina Lehra for Susanne Bertus Lehra GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - O/R Annette Wolter DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - Emily Bertus for Katharina Lehra KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Maleika Tiedke for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg KUDDELDADDELDU - Miriam Kanicke FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger OUP’S I’M RED (21600115) - Katrin Marg for Caroline & Diana Gerdes & Katrin Marg JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer PUSHER’S SHORT ROMANCE (20501053) - O/R Katrin Marg DELIGHT OF MAY (20401806) - O/R Katharina Lehra KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers LABELED & DEFINED (21901623) - O/R Felicitas Band JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer LABELED RED ZOEY (21302490) - O/R Fokje Huisman FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Mayke van der Kruijssen for Marcel Geevers GOLDEN DAWN’S SUNSPIRIT (21502435) - O/R Annette Wolter THEY CALL ME CHASEY (20902012) - O/R Mariska Hoogesteger FLOYD’S BLUE GO BOY (21500109) - Yolanda van Hees for Marcel Geevers JACKIE BROWN (21302492) - O/R Diana Menzer KUDDELDADDELDU - Renate Eggers 19 The Voice • December 2023
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21 The Voice • December 2023
A Walking Horse Tradition Eliza DeKleyn & Labled A Parolee at the UT Knoxville Homecoming On November 4, 2023, the tradition of a Tennessee Walking Horse at the University of Tennessee Homecoming football game continued at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Labeled A Parolee (Dillon) and 16-year-old Eliza DeKleyn traveled to Knoxville to appear in front of the sellout crowd on a beautiful fall day. Trainer Jessica Mast was on hand to help prepare the team and members of Eliza’s family were there to cheer them on. Eliza and Dillon were the 2022 Youth Western Trail Pleasure World Champions and the 2023 International Youth Trail Pleasure Champions. They were also the 2023 Reserve High Point Champions at the Tennessee State 4-H Horse Show, an accomplishment that made Eliza particularly proud. The custom of a Tennessee Walking Horse taking the field during homecoming has become a longstanding one. Beginning in 2012, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department partnered with Tennessee 4-H to showcase a 4-H member and offer them the ride of their life. The 4-H member is chosen based on a lengthy application process, looking for a youth who is well-rounded in all aspects of the Tennessee 4-H Horse Project. By: Mary Beth Pruett All photos by Jennifer Barr The Voice • December 2023 22
Eliza submitted the following essay to earn the opportunity to represent 4-H and the Tennessee Walking Horse at the University of Tennessee football homecoming: “The 4-H project has had a positive influence on several aspects of my life. Not only has it expanded my level of knowledge, but it has also furthered my passion and drive for everything equine based and taught me to push myself and my horse out of our normal comfort zone both in and out of the ring. Through the 4-H project I have competed in Horse Judging, Hippology, Horse Bowl, and on my Tennessee Walking Horse, Labeled A Parolee, who I call “Dillon” at 4-H Horse shows. All of these have taught me individual things that make me not only the equestrian I am, but a person as a whole. Because of 4-H, I have not only become confident in my judging skills, but have also learned to master public speaking which has helped me tremendously in school. In the beginning of the year, I started off ranging in the mid-twenties as my reason score. I wasn’t confident in myself that I could ever memorize a whole set of reasons. By the end of the year, I earned a perfect score at our final contest. When it came to Hippology, I expected myself to not be interested in this part of the 4-H Horse project, as I saw myself not wanting to sit and learn but be hands on with horses, but this was entirely false. After my first study session I soon realized that Hippology was more than a test, it was the center of a person’s passion for horses. By taking my time to study topics such as equine nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and various disciplines, I realized my true passion for everything about the horse, and because of that, I was able to receive eleventh place in the Central Region for my first ever competition! When it came to stepping outside my comfort zone, 4-H Horse shows forced me to try new things and achieve my goals. One ended up being my main goal for the year, to learn how to perform the canter. This goal hasn’t come easy to Dillon or I, but in the end we stepped outside our comfort zone and ended up going two for two in both our canter classes! Another class we tried for the very first time together was the Trail Obstacle class in which we came out with a reserve! In all we ended the State 4-H Horse show being the Tennessee Walking Horse Senior-High Reserve High Point Champion this year because of those countless hours of hard work and dedication. None of this would have been possible without my 4-H family all around me. A huge thank you to my 4-H leader Sarah Keenan who knew this was what I needed and brought me into the wonderful world of 4-H. Another huge thank you to my trainer Jessica Mast who spent hours with me practicing to get me to this point. My final thank you is to my wonderful parents who would go out of their way to make sure I would get to my 4-H events on time and wait however long until I was done.” 23 The Voice • December 2023
After submitting her application, in midOctober, Eliza learned that she was selected to represent Tennessee 4-H and ride Labeled a Parolee prior to the kick-off of the University of Tennessee’s Homecoming football game. Eliza said, “A few weeks after I applied, I had come to the conclusion that I didn’t get it. Then, there it was. An email sent by Dr. Meggan Graves congratulating me for being chosen to represent 4-H and the Tennessee Walking Horse at the UTK Homecoming football game! I was in shock. I never believed Dillon and I would have actually been selected and it never really hit me up until I was swinging my leg over and riding in front of a sold-out stadium.” Eliza began riding lessons at age seven, but she was riding with her family before she could even walk. She is the daughter of Eric and Rachel DeKleyn and lives in Brentwood, Tennessee. Eliza and Dillon, a 13-year-old sorrel gelding, began their journey together in 2019 and have become quite a team. This was on display at Neyland Stadium as they demonstrated the unflappable nature of the breed, performing all three gaits around the sidelines while greeting a sea of orange under a blue sky. Eliza described her ride as, “The experience is like none other. The crowd cheering for you, hearing the announcer talk about you to everyone, the atmosphere itself was electric. What felt like only seconds in front of that crowd really lasted a couple of minutes and before I knew it, I was back on the ground asking to go again!” “Everyone at the University of Tennessee made this such a special weekend for me. This is one that I definitely will never forget! I want to thank everyone at the University of Tennessee Athletic Department along with the UTCVM team for allowing me to be a part of this amazing tradition. I also want to thank everyone with Tennessee 4-H Animal Science for making a moment like this possible for youth like me. I would like to thank Jennifer Barr, Jessica Mast, and Sarah Keenan for experiencing this with me and making this an unforgettable experience. Finally, I want to thank my entire family for supporting me in everything I do.” As Eliza can attest, setting goals, committing to those goals, and working hard truly does pay off, sometimes in ways we can never initially imagine. The huge smile on Eliza’s face and Dillon’s extra “look at me” attitude said it all – it was the thrill of a lifetime! All Photos by Jennifer Barr The Voice • December 2023 24
UNITED FALL FINALE Youth All Day Pleasure CHAMPION Unanimously! Owned by Ally Jo Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN Riley Gregory Franklin, TN 25 The Voice • December 2023
ALABAMA JUBILEE CHARITY SHOW Youth Pony CHAMPION Owned by The Jacobs Family Murfreesboro, TN The Voice • December 2023 26
with Ally Jo Jacobs North Carolina Championship Youth Park Pleasure CHAMPION Unanimously! Owned by with Jake Jacobs North Carolina Championship Amateur Park Pleasure GRAND CHAMPION Trained By 27 The Voice • December 2023
North Carolina Championship Fletcher, North Carolina was the setting for the 53rd annual North Carolina Championship Walking Horse Show October 5-7, 2023. Held at the Western North Carolina Ag Center, the three-day show was judged by Brent Grider, John Puckett, and Amy Trimble and showcased 450 entries. There were several memorable rides throughout the show and the crowd was delighted with the quality of performances. The Grand Championship class was no different and had the crowd on their feet. Mr. True Blue and R.M. Kellett took the championship title for the Jake Jacobs family. Mr. True Blue and R.M. Kellett claimed the Grand Championship title and are greeted by Spencer Benedict, owners Amanda, Jake, and Ally Jo Jacobs, and friends Amber Zahnd is congratulated by Emily Cortner Jannie Chapman and Glory JC Eli Cunningham is joined by family after his big win The Voice • December 2023 28
Glenda Nichols and A Neon Cowboy with the Abernathy crew and friends Rae Abernathey, Sandy Shumate, Reese and Tate Abernathy had a great time together at the show Spotlight On Jose 4G and Bill Callaway are met by Karen Callaway, owners Deborah and Bob Adcock, Kasey Callaway, and Kim and Scott Lenord Beth Collins and Harley Quinn with the Cottonwood crew Wayne and Debbie Simons Walker Manis and Slaydon King Lilly Riddley and Ole Rocky Top celebrate with family and friends He’s A Lucky Strike and Aubrey Derrickson are met by family and friends 29 The Voice • December 2023
NORTH CAROLINA CHAMPIONSHIP Youth Pony CHAMPION Owned by Larue, Ann, & Bart McWaters Shelbyville, TN And Ally Jo Jacobs, Murfreesboro, TN Trained By Thornridge South Shelbyville, TN The Voice • December 2023 30
ALABAMA JUBILEE CHARITY SHOW Youth 11 and Under CHAMPION Owned by Ally Jo Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN Trained by Thornridge South Shelbyville, TN 31 The Voice • December 2023
The Changing of the Guard Jack Heffington ends his three-year tenure as TWHBEA President During the December 2, 2023, meeting of the TWHBEA International Board of Directors, President Jack Heffington turned the gavel over to incoming president, Amanda Winters Wright. Heffington served three years as president of TWHBEA, years that included the hiring of a new CEO and strengthening the financial position of the organization. Before the new president took over, he took a moment to express his gratitude for being able to serve and his pride in the progress of TWHBEA. “I wanted to make TWHBEA better,” he said. “We accomplished more than has been accomplished in many years, and I feel like TWHBEA is now postured where it can go forward and be relevant for this breed.” He continued, “We can achieve things we never thought we could achieve in the past.” A written Strategic Plan and steady progress on those goals has been a hallmark of the past year. At the top of the list is maintaining and elevating the integrity and status of the registry. Enhancing technology to make the registration and transfer process easier for members and for staff is one of the goals and promotion of the programs available to members is another. Promotion and improvement of the Voice magazine has been a key goal in the promotion element of the Strategic Plan, with an emphasis on increasing feature stories and advertising. Sponsorships and attendance at all events where the Tennessee Walking Horse competes has been an accomplishment in the past year, and TWHBEA has assisted with TWH events in Canada, Europe, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. TWHBEA’s goal of being a strong advocate for welfare of the breed, including input on rules and legal issues that affect the horse and the owners is another area of emphasis, and TWHBEA has been active in its response to proposed USDA rulemaking and in keeping members informed of the progress of that rulemaking process. None of these goals are achievable without strong leadership, which is the fourth part of the Strategic Plan. Great strides in making finances more stable, hiring needed staff, and advancing the use of technology has positioned TWHBEA, as the outgoing president stressed, to be able to be relevant to the breed now and in the future. TWHBEA CEO Mark Farrar presenting former TWHBEA President Jack Heffington with a signed photo of the 2023 Executive Committee. By: Mary Beth Pruett “W e accomplished more t han has been accomplished in many years . . .” The Voice • December 2023 32
Paul & Tiffany Simmons Orangeburg, SC OWNED BY: Thornridge South Shelbyville, TN TRAINED BY: Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallion Celebration Fall Classic Champion & Paul Simmons 33 The Voice • December 2023
Owned by Karen Gaither Liberty Township, OH MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SUNNYSIDE FARM Trained by Brent Grider Stables WC The Voice • December 2023 34
Youth 12 - 17 and North Carolina Championship Reserve Champion Grand Champion The Derrickson Family Morehead, KY OWNED BY: & Aubrey Derrickson 35 The Voice • December 2023
East Tennessee Fall Classic The Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center in White Pine, Tennessee was the setting for the East Tennessee Walking Horse Association’s annual Fall Classic Horse Show October 19- 21, 2023. Cards were marked by the team of Brent Coburn, Chris Pickel, and Roger Varney. Bill Daugherty, show chairman, stated that the show was one of the best they’ve had in years with its 81 classes and 516 entries spread across the three-day show. Mr. Magnifico and Drew Graves brought home the Walking Horse Grand Championship ribbon to owner Judy Case. Twisted With Honors and Tyler Baucom were the class Reserve winner. Congratulations to all of the Fall Classic winners and to the ETWHA for hosting such an amazing show. Plans are already underway for the 2024 and they hope to have everyone back again. Mr. Magnifico and Drew Graves celebrate winning the Grand Championship class and are greeted by friends and crew I Am Robert Nelms with Robert and Amanda Nelms Snapwood Farm family and crew The Voice • December 2023 36
Sara Coffee Burks and Jose’s Power Broker celebrate with Nick and Alan Price Lakelyn Mathews, Laci and Grey Mathews, Joyce, and Tess Suiter Shane and Veronica Porterfield and granddaughters Jacqueline and Wylder Way, Jack Heffington, and Jayden Jackson Chrystal Abernathy, Claudia Girbble, and Edgar Abernathy Chris, Lexie, and Charlie Helton Renardo Green and Asking For A Friend are greeted by the Cottonwood crew, Renaldo, Ryan Blackburn, Martin Cox, and Jennifer Bingham 37 The Voice • December 2023
Amateur Park Performance United Fall Finale Champion Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: & Jannie Chapman The Voice • December 2023 38
Amateur Amateur Five-Year-Old Stallion Amateur Five-Year-Old Stallion North Carolina Championship United Fall Finale Grand Champion Champion Champion Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: & Jannie Chapman 39 The Voice • December 2023
Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallion North Carolina Championship Champion Unanimously! Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: & Jannie Chapman The Voice • December 2023 40
Amateur Park Performance and North Carolina Championship Reserve Grand Champion Champion Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Blue Ribbons in 2024! Jannie Chapman Windermere Farm Fayetteville, TN OWNED BY: & Jannie Chapman 41 The Voice • December 2023
No Apology, No Regrets Perspective from a first time World Grand Champion owner/breeder I did not grow up in a horse family and cut my teeth on a breeding farm when I was 18 years old. Dusty Trail Farms was about a mile down the road from where I grew up. I had always been intrigued with any kind of animal. They needed some part time help, and I went to work for Sandy and Lynn Knight for the next 5 years. This was the “breeding ground” for my addiction. I bought my first mare at 18, and I continued to own a stallion and several mares until 2010. One of those stallions was Gen’s River Walk, a classic red roan, direct son of Pride’s Generator and out of a Generator’s Sundrop mare. Fast forward to September 2016, I purchased some land, and Tri-Star Farms was born. I started purchasing mares that fall and winter to assemble our herd. In the process of building my broodmare herd, Holly Schroeder told me about a mare she had available that was a classic blue roan directly by Gen’s Black Gin. I asked where the classic roan gene came from, she said from a mare by Gen’s River Walk. She wasn’t cheap for an open broodmare, but I knew I wanted her. That day I bought Gen’s Blue Gin. Her first foal was born in the spring of 2019. She was a beautiful Classic Blue Roan filly by M-One Jazz that was later named Lovesick Blues. On the 2nd breeding, I decided to take Gen’s Blue Gin to Jose’ Jose’ because I knew the GBG/Jose’ cross was a hot ticket. On the 1st cross with Jose’, Gen’s Blue Gin produced a stunning black filly with a star. This filly was purchased by Mark and Sharon Thomas when she was around 10 days old. She was named Blue Jose’. With the beauty of the first Jose’ foal, I knew I wanted to go back to Jose’ again. Gen’s Blue Gin came back in foal a second time to Jose’. On May 3, 2021, Gen’s Blue Gin delivered a Jose’ stud colt. My good friend, Randall Bryden, followed my foals closely, and she was intrigued with this Blue Jose’ colt. She asked me to price him, but I wasn’t interested in selling him outright. Ultimately, she purchased half of him, and we became partners. After a few weeks of discussion, the colt was finally named No Apology and was taken to Bobby Hugh’s farm to begin riding him in August of 2022. The decision was made in late January of 2023 to move the colt to Jimmy McConnell’s barn, 4Mac Stables. We knew Submitted by: Brad Tuttle The Voice • December 2023 42
that we had a contender for the 2-Year-Old classes, so I dropped off No Apology the first week of February. The next time I saw him, I was excited. Jimmy knew what he was doing, and he brought No Apology along and made him the 2-Year-Old he is today. No Apology’s show season began at the Walking For Cancer Show on Saturday, June 10 as he entered the ring for the first time of his career making a great show earning a red ribbon and 2 excited owners. We could not have been more pleased with his performance and the many kind comments. We pushed forward from his first show knowing a little more about what No Apology was capable of doing. His second show fell during the big week of shows centered around the 4th of July. Jimmy opted for the Woodbury Show and No Apology made another great show but came out with a red ribbon again. After the Woodbury show, another attempt was made to get No Apology in the ring, but a storm moved through and stopped him from making that appearance. Jimmy said, “let’s just wait for the Celebration.” Before we knew it, it was Celebration time. We began to pass out a few “No Apology” hats that first Saturday in anticipation of Class 126, A-split, 2-year old stallions, on Monday evening, August 28. When I saw No Apology before his class began on Monday night I whispered to him, “tonight is your night”. I wrapped my arms around his neck and the emotions of the day began to release in the form of tears. I made my way up to my seats and began to watch the show. I received a text message from the other lender at the bank where I work, with a picture attached that would not load. It said, we are cheering for No Apology. When the picture finally loaded, it was 6 of my co-workers sitting in the west grandstands. They will never know how much their support meant to me that night. We were joined by Randall’s mother who came from Clarksville, and my son Colton and his girlfriend Traley. The time rolled around, and the announcer called for class 126A to enter the ring. Jimmy and No Apology were the second entry to make the gate call. As he entered the ring and came around the first curve, I breathed a “From that day forward, he became known to us as No Apology.” 43 The Voice • December 2023
sigh of relief. He looked incredible! I was hopeful for our first blue ribbon and a World Championship. Instead, another number was called for first, and we received our 3rd red ribbon. The difference with this ribbon was what came after. The applause, yells, and cheers for No Apology ran cold chills over me. I knew he had won the support of the people. The crowd support was more important than a blue ribbon. I left the arena looking for our boy with a smile on my face. I met Randall after the show ended, and we replayed the night. It felt good to know that we had crossed the first hurdle. Our colt had added RWC (Reserve World Champion) initials in front of his name, and most importantly, No Apology had gained some new fans. The week passed by quickly. There were many inquiries wanting a price on our colt after Monday night. Our response was always, “he isn’t for sale.” I said to Jimmy, “I have worked 7 years to get here, we are either going to have some fun with him, or someone will have to pay us enough to go have fun elsewhere.” Since 2017, I have foaled out 126 of my own personal foals. This is the first to compete as a 2-Year-Old contender on this level and I wanted to see it through. On Saturday I stopped by Jimmy’s barn before heading to the show. I saw our boy when I arrived. Similar to Monday night, I again wrapped my arms around his neck, and I told him it was his night to shine. Randall’s dad drove in from Wisconsin and we were surrounded all week by the best horse friends and support that anyone could ask for. Little did I know, what was about to happen would far surpass any goals and dreams that both Randall and I had for No Apology. He entered the ring like a champion. When the lights went down and the spotlight was searching for the winner, I took a deep breath and listened intently for a number to be called. When Mark Farrar started calling out 1277 I was shocked and more excited than I have been in years. Our first blue ribbon was the World Grand Championship! “I knew he had won the support of the people.” To Randall Bryden, every friend, customer, fan, and acquaintance that has cheered, commented, or supported us in any way, we humbly thank you! I was asked why we named him No Apology? To that I will reply, because we have no regrets, and we are not sorry that we are your 2023 2-Year-Old World Grand Champion! We have ‘No Apology.’ The Voice • December 2023 44
George & Kim Lewis Newville, AL 706-816-4821 OWNED BY: Park Performace Park Performace Park Performace Amateur Park Performace Alabama Jubilee Charity Show Celebration Fall Classic North Carolina Championship North Carolina Championship Champion Champion Reserve Champion Reserve Champion With Kim Lewis Merry C hristmas and Happy New Year! 45 The Voice • December 2023
& BiBi Beasley Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Charity Show YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Owned by BETH BEASLEY North Carolina Championship Youth 12 – 17 CHAMPION Unanimously! & Maxine Beasley Owned by BETH BEASLEY Trained by THORNRIDGE SOUTH Shelbyville, TN RWC RWGC & WC The Voice • December 2023 46
CELEBRATION FALL CLASSIC Three-Year-Old Mare & Gelding CHAMPION Owned by The Beth Beasley Family Athens, AL Trained By Thornridge South Shelbyville, TN 47 The Voice • December 2023
Celebration Fall Classic As cooler weather arrived, so did the Celebration Fall Classic show held November 2-4, 2023, in Shelbyville, Tennessee at Cooper Steel Arena. The three-day show had an impressive 485 entries in 61 classes. Judges were Scotty Brooks, Jamie Lawrence, and Chad Williams. Unlike a typical show, the stake class was the second to last class of the night. Making the unanimous Walking Grand Championship ride was Honor and Remember and Dan Waddell for owners Kim and George Lewis. The grand finale of the show was just that . . . grand! As has become tradition at the Celebration Fall Classic, the last class of the show was the Andy Adkins Memorial Youth Championship and was definitely a crowd favorite. The 15 entries were introduced into the ring and then split into two groups for workouts. Counti Green and Ole Rocky Top came away with the win and the floral horseshoe. The Reserve title was awarded to The Dixie Label and Khloe McSwain. The top three was rounded out by A Superbowl MVP and BiBi Beasley. The Walking Grand Championship title was awarded to Honor And Remember and Dan Waddell for owners Kim and George Lewis. They are joined in the celebration by family and friends. Winning the Andy Adkins Memorial Youth Grand Championship was Ole Rocky Top and Counti Green for the Alan Riddley family. The Voice • December 2023 48