Janice Fostek & Country As Cornbread with friends and family Laura Brandon & Janice Fostek Darren Gray, Jane Pirilo, & Carrie Martin on behalf of the Jake Jacobs Family, who claimed the coveted top position and the accompanying honor. Taking the well-earned position of reserve champion was the talented duo of Mach 1, skillfully handled by Jimmy McConnell, representing the Molly Walters Family. Completing the triumphant trio was the impressive team of He’s Pushin the Dollar, skillfully guided by Steve Beam, for owners Bob and Roxy Cole. Bill & Karen Bean 91 The Voice • August 2023
Jannie Chapman Nora Alexander Bruce MacDonald Elise Lewis The Voice • August 2023 92
& Casey Wright Three-Year-Old Stallion Three-Year-Old Stallion MONEY TREE CLASSIC & FUN SHOW Champion Champion Reserve Terry Lowman Shelbyville, TN Ruskov, Slovakia BRED, RAISED, AND LOVED BY: “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” - Psalms 115:1 This talented team is striving to ride under the spotlight in the Three-Year-Old World Grand Championship! Only shown twice this season and tied in the top both times! 93 The Voice • August 2023
JFK’s Pushing Girl Salutes her winning offspring and wishes them the best of luck at the 85th Annual Celebration! Georgia Hazelwood • Chapel Hill, TN JFK’S PUSHING GIRL IS OWNED BY: Grind Time Charlie WC Koufax 8 Mile Hotty Toddy Gosh A’Mighty The Voice • August 2023 94
This pair won the first blue ribbons awarded on this hallowed ground since Merry Go Boy was crowned World Grand Champion here in 1947! Jacoby Farm Chapel Hill, TN OWNED BY: Star of the Ritz Star of the Ritz salutes his winning offspring Mare & Foal and Rider’s Cup Weanling Colts Amateur Weanlings Youth Weanling TWHBEA SUMMER SIZZLER TWHBEA SUMMER SIZZLER Champion Champion Champion Champion Criminal the & Georgia Hazelwood Criminal the &Marshall Mills It In Command Whoopin’ & Georgia Hazelwood 95 The Voice • August 2023
& Dan Waddell Money Tree Classic and Spring Extravaganza Four-Year-Old Canter Reserve Champion Wartrace Four-Year-Old Canter Champion & Chavigny Beasley Christmas In July Amateur Four-Year-Old Reserve Champion & Chavigny Beasley Walking For The Angels and Cornersville Lions Club Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallions Champion Owned by Chavigny Beasley Shelbyville, Tennessee The Voice • August 2023 96
& Robert Nelms Belfast Lions Club Yearling Champion 3 Shows. . .3 Blues. Owned by Chavigny Beasley Shelbyville, Tennessee 97 The Voice • August 2023
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Owned by • BJ Campbell-Franck • Montpelier, VA Watch for this team as they vie for Amateur Western Country Pleasure WORLD CHAMPION HONORS! 99 The Voice • August 2023
Woodbury Lions Club Horse Show Dan Waddell and Honor and Remember take the final class of the night The holiday week of horse shows ended at the Woodbury Lions Club Show put on by the Woodbury Lions Club, on July 1. An hour and half rain delay still did not stop people from showing. 139 entries competed in the show and roughly $12,000 was raised to go to the Woodbury Lions Club that way they can help people in the community pay for glasses, eye exams, and other medical needs. Mr. Jamie Lawrence marked the cards for the evening. With only two in the championship canter class, Dan Waddell and Honor and Remember take first place and a floral back to the owner, Kim Lewis. The reserve champion, The Mason Dixie Line and Edgar Abernathy in the irons for Beth Pippin. Ending out the week of fun, food, family, friends, heat, rain, and horses, your grand total of entries at all four horse shows adds up to 1,075. Many people give their thanks for such a good week and for such good shows. Counti Green and mom, Candy Green after winning Youth Ponies on He’s Hot The Voice • August 2023 100
Landon Coffey with his mom and grandmother Landon Coffey and photobomber Shane Shiflet and other fans Jack Heffington with Jayden Jackson and Bravo! Senorita Mary Beech Alias with I’m On Good Behavior Emmery Sims with Me and Mrs. Honors 101 The Voice • August 2023
LIMITED COLLECTION OF WEANLINGS, 2-YR-OLD, 3-YR-OLD, BROODMARES • COLTS & FILLIES CURATED BY TOMMY MILLS COME AND SEE JOSÉ JOSÉ I AM JOSÉ HONORS BRAVO LESTER BURNS Horses for sale by: Link Webb up Jose’s Showoff The Voice • August 2023 102
CELEBRATION HOURS: OPEN 8am-4pm EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE CALL OR TEXT TOMMY MILLS 901-489-8000 are competing in the 2023 Celebration CARESSE HYNEMAN Jose’s Showoff Amateur Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding & 4-time Champion
Owned by The Spinelli Family Hannah Myatt & Krysta Allen Country Pleasure Amateur Two & Three-Year-Old CONTENDER & Amy Spinelli The Voice • August 2023 104
Shake Up A Good Time & Beverly Carter 2023 WGC Weanling Contender Owned by Kathy Gilliam Cole & Heather Lynn Keller Bred By
Owned by Karen Gaither, Liberty Township, OH & Nathan Rymer & Braelyn Corcoran & Karen Gaither OPEN MARES & GELDINGS CONTENDER AMATEUR MARES & GELDINGS FOUR-YEAR-OLD CONTENDER OWNER AMATEUR WALKING PONY CLASS 6 - 14 CONTENDER ALSO IN THE ELITE MARES & GELDINGS WITH KAREN GAITHER I Am Milania Trained by Pixie Dixie Trained by BRENT GRIDER STABLES Milagro’s Command Trained by BRENT GRIDER STABLES The Voice • August 2023 106
& Cassi Slagle FAST Spring Showcase & Red Carpet Show Of The South Amateur Three-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Champion 2023 Celebration Amateur Three-Year-Old Contender 107 The Voice • August 2023
Khloe McSwain: A Walking Horse Enthusiast and Rising Star in the Show Ring By Emilia Peery & Paige Liggett Some might say that Tennessee Walking Horses are “in their blood”. This seems to hold true in the case of Khloe Aymett McSwain. As a little girl, Khloe would visit her grandfather, well known retired horse trainer Steve Aymett, at his barn and this is where her love for the breed was born. Khloe spent many hours as a young child at Steve Aymett Stables in Lewisburg, TN, and at Tennessee Walking Horse shows across the south. To this day, Steve is still taking her to riding lessons and is one of her biggest fans. As the daughter of Kelley Aymett Weaver and Keith McSwain (owner of the 2016 World Grand Champion, Honors) Khloe has had the opportunity to witness Walking Horse greatness firsthand more than the average horse lover. She attended her first Celebration in 2010 before she was even one year old. Her first memory of being at the Celebration was when Honors won the 2016 World Grand Championship. “I remember what it felt like to jump the rail with my dad when they called Honors’ number as the new Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion”, she explained. “It was so exciting!” I remember what it felt like to jump the rail with my dad when they called Honors’ number as the new TN Walking Horse World Grand Champion The Voice • August 2023 108
Compton family. Another memory that Khloe holds dear in her heart would be when she and Annie were unanimously named the 2022 World Grand Champions in the Owner Amateur Youth 6-17 Show Pleasure World Grand Champion class at The Celebration. Khloe’s love for horses doesn’t stop with the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry. She is also a part of the USEF, United States Equestrian Federation. She and one of her sisters, Maisie McSwain, share the same love and passion for Jumping Horses. Khloe enjoys showing her horse, As Ever, at all jumping events in several states. One of her favorite memories would be when she won two classes at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show last year (shown above). She beat thirtyfive other incredibly talented equestrians from across the United States. When Khloe was eight years old, she received her first walking horse, Annie’s Lined With Cash. Annie is a beautiful grey mare who was six when she was purchased by her father from the Khloe & Annie’s Lined With Cash after their WGC win at the 2022 Celebration 109 The Voice • August 2023
Following her ride and new title, she has always remembered to be grateful for what she has. Her advice to younger riders, or people just starting to ride would be, “Always have fun! Make the ride you want to make and just try your best! It is not about the ribbon you receive, it is about the experience you created.” Her last piece of advice is, “Make friends, do not be scared to talk to people. By making friends you can learn from each other, support each other, and make memories together.” Khloe’s next goal is to show at the Celebration in her preliminary class, Youth 12-17, on A Dixie Label. Then hopefully win the Youth 12-17 World Grand Championship. She is one of the contenders this year in that class. Khloe wants everyone to remember, to be grateful for the beautiful animals we are fortunate to love and show. “Good luck to everyone at the Celebration!” Khloe as a toddler with her family at the 2012 National Celebration Khloe with grandparents Steve & Yvonne Aymett “It is not about the ribbon you receive, it is about the experience you created.” The Voice • August 2023 110
Owned & Loved by •The George Wright Family • Mt. Juliet, TN & Amanda Wright & Amanda Wright INTERNATIONAL YEARLING STALLION CHAMPION CORNERSVILLE YEARLING STALLION CHAMPION WHOA SHOW SERIES BROWNSVILLE CHAMPION WEANLING COLTS WORLD CHAMPION CONTENDER The Voice • August 2023
Owned by Jane Pirolo Franklin, Tennessee Trained by Carrie Martin DeJarnatte Lewisburg, Tennessee 352-242-7683 Carrie Martin DeJarnatte Training and Blacklist wish all Celebration exhibitors the best of luck. 2xWGC & 8xWC & Carrie Martin DeJarnatte
Goosebumps Every Time & Deborah Dill Owned by Deborah Dill Ad sponsored by JD Plumb Inc. Photo by Patricia Drach Photography Trail Pleasure Five & Under Contenders 113 The Voice • August 2023
IB Smokin Joe & Joel Johnson at the 2022 Celebration The year 2021 introduced a new World Grand Championship at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and when the spotlight found the winner of the Owner-Amateur All-Day Pleasure Championship, it fell on a horse and rider representing a long line of Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiasts. Joel Johnson was the rider, Tanner and Tucker Johnson were the owners and IB Smokin Joe was the horse, the first ever World Grand Champion in the AllDay Pleasure division. A trail of blue ribbons led the grey gelding to that moment under the spotlight, shared by Tucker, Tanner, and Joel from the fall of 2019 until that Thursday night the following August. Smokin Joe came into the Johnson family when the boys were in middle school. “Keith called me while I was Christmas shopping,” remembers Suzy Johnson, “and confessed that he had just bought the twins a horse.” IB Smokin Joe: A Tennessee Walking Horse Legacy Continues By Mary Beth Pruett The twins are Tucker and Tanner, Keith and Suzy’s grandsons and the sons of Joel and Kecia Johnson. Unknown to Suzy or the rest of the family, Keith had been horse shopping with assistance from Jessica Mast. The reasoning was that he was just going IB Smokin Joe & the Johnson Family at the 2022 Celebration The Voice • August 2023 114
to be a 4-H horse that they could keep at home. But it soon became apparent that this was much more than a 4-H project horse to keep at home. The boys started taking lessons with Jessica and pretty soon they were collecting blue ribbons in the show ring. “He’s such a sweet horse,” says Suzy, “and so much fun to ride.” Tucker and Tanner are the sixth generation in a family whose love of the Tennessee Walking Horse predates both the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Association and the Celebration. Suzy Johnson’s great grandfather, George Moody Arnold, loved horses, especially the smooth gaited plantation horses, as they were called in the 1920’s and 1930’s. He passed that love to his son George, who in turn passed it along to his children. Suzy’s father, Bobby Cartwright, Sr., shared his memories of attending the Celebration when it was held on the high school football field in Shelbyville. His children in turn grew up attending horse shows and trail rides, enjoying not only the horses, but the friendships, food and fellowship shared around those events. Suzy remembers Tucker and Tanner Johnson at the 2022 Celebration “...pretty soon they were collecting blue ribbons in the show ring” IB Smokin Joe & Tanner Johnson at the 2022 Celebration 115 The Voice • August 2023
her grandmother Cartwright’s shoebox filled with homemade fried peach pies and her mom’s silver stackable canister filled with her famous chicken salad sandwiches, country ham biscuits and chocolate cake at the Celebration. Everyone in the south turn knew when those containers showed up there would be plenty of hospitality at the Cartwright boxes. Suzy began showing in the 1980’s, when she rode under the tutelage of Joe and Preach Fleming. When Suzy married Keith Johnson, a horse lover himself, they found themselves immersed in the world of horses and horse shows. “In our forty-two years together,” says Suzy, “we’ve never not had a horse in training.” Keith made his presence known riding horses like Doc Hollywood, who carried him to the roses in the Show Pleasure World Grand Championship in 1994. It was only natural for the next generation to join in the horse community, so sons Joel and Adam Johnson continued to ride and show and find success in the winner’s circle. Their first horses were Lightfoot’s Candy and Royal Enchanter. Allan Callaway paired the boys with these mounts and they were a perfect fit for them. Later they owned and showed I’m Cruella DeVil, and Buford Pusher. Asked about favorite moments at the Celebration, Suzy found it hard to come up with a single moment but said that watching Joel and Adam win world championships was special. Her own world championship came in 2007 on The Johnson Family celebrating their 2022 Celebration win with IB Smokin Joe “In our forty-two years together,” says Suzy, “we’ve never not had a horse in training.” Keith Johnson & Doc Hollywood winning the Show Pleasure World Grand Championship in 1994 The Voice • August 2023 116
“It’s the friendships, the community, and the relationships with all the people” Mr. Kamikaze. Of course, Keith’s victory ride on Doc Hollywood was amazing. But her best memories also include lying in bed hearing organ music from the nearby show grounds, the smells of cotton candy and country ham, the sight of the white flag horse and seeing old friends during the ten days of the show. The 2022 Celebration found Tanner and Joel once again sharing the reins in the preliminary classes, winning blues in the youth and amateur classes. Smokin Joe was a little more seasoned, and quite a bit lighter in color. “He’s just about totally white now,” says Suzy. Joel was in the saddle for the World Grand Championship class and once again carried the floral horseshoe on a victory pass. The Johnson family looks forward to the rest of the 2023 horse show season. “It’s the friendships, the community, and the relationships with all the people,” says Suzy. “I just love all of it.” Members of the family will be found in their box seat in the south turn. “I can’t imagine sitting anywhere else,” she says. This year, the Johnson family will present, for the first time, the IB Smokin Joe Challenge Trophy for the All-Day Pleasure World Grand Championship, memorializing the horse that was the first to bear that title. 117 The Voice • August 2023
She’s Armed & Loaded & Shannon Clark Owned by Jarrett & Shannon Clark • Creswell, OR Trained by Wilamette Valley Training • Heather Keller, Trainer • Sherwood, OR International Grand Championship Amateur English All Day Pleasure Novice Horse & Rider CHAMPION Amateur Western All Day Pleasure Novice Horse & Rider CHAMPION Amateur All Day Pleasure/Classic All Day Pleasure Novice Horse & Rider RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION The Voice • August 2023 118
I’m On Good BEHAVIOR & Mary Beech Alias Woodbury Lions Club Youth 11 & Under Champion & Margaret Anne Alias Walking For The Angels Amateur Novice Mares & Geldings Champion Owned by Alias Family Investments Oxford, Mississippi 119 The Voice • August 2023
Kentucky Walking Horse Assoc. Ladies Auxiliary Show Above: Riders Cup 2 Year-Old Mares & Geldings Champion Ned Pillersdorf and Robbie Bradley Below: Walking Stake Champion A Big Honor and rider Ryan Blackburn On June 24, 2023, the number one “One Night Show in KY” which was voted on by readers of the Walking Horse Report, held their annual horse show in Stanford, KY. What a show it was again this year!! The Ladies Auxiliary works hard as a team every year to make sure this show is a success and a fun night for the entire family. The ring was beautiful, the weather was great, the games were fun and the food was delicious! Jamie Lawrence from Alabama marked the cards for the 126 entries. Trainers and exhibitors had their horses in tip-top shape which kept the spectators cheering for their favorite all night. A Big Honor ridden and trained by Ryan Blackburn for Hopper/Cox walked away with the roses in the Championship Stake Class. The Ladies Auxiliary class was the last class of the night. Crowd favorites Tina Moss and An Apocalypse are no strangers to the winner’s circle and they did it again winning the first Debbie Civils Memorial Challenge Trophy. When it comes to horse shows in the bluegrass state, the Ladies Auxiliary knows how to get it done. The Voice • August 2023 120
Illinois Racking & Walking Horse State Championship Lance Meisenheimer, TWHBEA Show Horse Vice President, claimed the championship title with Especial Jose’ The 2nd Annual Illinois Racking & Walking Horse State Championship was held on July 8, 2023 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois. Jason Hughes marked the cards for the show. Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, the 600-acre fairgrounds features a covered arena, permanent stalls and camper hookups with electricity and water. The show is hosted through the combined efforts of TWHBEA and the Illinois Racking Horse Association in an effort to showcase performance and pleasure show horses in an outlying area. Locals are familiar with the state-of-theart fairgrounds as a layover stop for the Budweiser Clydesdales and were excited to have the opportunity to see show horses in their hometown. When not at the show, visitors can enjoy roaming the beautiful hillsides, open picnic areas and even the eleven sparkling lakes and ponds on the property, all of which feature year-round fishing and leisure time activities. Lance Meisenheimer rode his home-bred horse, Especial Jose’, to claim the roses in the Walking Horse Championship. Especial Jose’ is sired by Jose’ Jose’ and out of Justa Special Lady. Taking home the reserve championship ribbon was The Texas Shade, ridden by Fount Darnell and owned by Shane Porterfield. If you’re looking for a way to help promote the Tennessee Walking Show Horse and enjoy a nice weekend getaway, then you’ll want to make sure this show is added to your 2024 calendar. 121 The Voice • August 2023
Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show Grand Championship Walking Horse Stake winner, I’m Nashville and Robby Bradley, and his wife Sydney are joined by owner Brian Perkins , the Terry Lunsford family, and Jacob West The Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show is a time-honored tradition in the Bluegrass state and was held this year on July 7th and 8th. Many industry greats have made the gait call through the years, and this year was no different with a total of 58 classes over the two nights. Show Management has worked very hard to keep the show a thriving success. One of the ways they do that is offering an inventive to the Pleasure and Performance trainer entering the most horses. Claire Hankins ran away with the pleasure incentive, and Robby Bradley pulled ahead in the performance division beating Ryan Blackburn by one horse. The judging panel for the show was comprised of top industry judges. Layne Leverette, Allen Mcquerry, and Rod Slagle. Fans lined the rail as the championship classes were called to the ring. One by one they hit the ring and worked hard for their place. Robby Bradley came out on top with a unanimous win aboard I’m Nashville for owner Brian Perkins of Gallatin, TN. The years have come and gone, but the Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show is here to stay. Plans are already underway for next year’s event and show management plans to make it bigger and better than ever. The Voice • August 2023 122
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Tejano & Daniel Schmidt Youth Show Pleasure Contenders Watch for these two as they vie for championship honors! Owned by Larry and Elsie West Fayetteville, Tennessee Ad Sponosred by Primeland Construction Co. The Voice • August 2023 124
Owned by Nipper & Stone AMATEUR STALLION CONTENDERS 125 The Voice • August 2023
Jennifer Pendleton: The Tireless Midwife of Sugar Creek Farm’s Foaling Success By Mary Beth Pruett When Jennifer Pendleton was growing up in Florida, she probably did not see herself in a career as midwife to a barn full of mares in Middle Tennessee. But that is just what Jennifer does at Sugar Creek Farm. And delivering over 100 foals during a foaling season does not leave a lot of time for anything else – including sleep. “I usually just sleep in my car at the barn,” she says, “if I know that I have a mare close to foaling. I just live a few minutes away, but it’s not worth going home just to have to come right back.” Sometimes more than one mare decides to foal on the same night, occasionally as many as four or five in a twenty-four hour period. Most mares foal on their own with no difficulty, but if something goes wrong, minutes can mean the difference in a good outcome and a tragedy. And all foals receive certain basics, such as a bottle of colostrum and plasma if needed. Jennifer recalls one particular night when two mares foaled almost at the same time and both had issues that she was able to resolve. “We use foal alerts on the mares,” she explains, “and it makes it so much easier. I like that better than cameras in the stalls. The Voice • August 2023 126
“Her management of the foaling mares goes far beyond delivery” has taken care of several Paints and Gypsy Vanners, but Walking Horses make up the majority of her charges. Manager David Williams says, “Jennifer is a vital part to the day-to-day operations of Sugar Creek. From customer relations, assisting our attending veterinarians, managing the foaling mares and the delivery of the foals, Jennifer, in my opinion, is the top in our breed. Her management of the foaling mares goes far beyond delivery. The weeks prior to foaling she is very focused on each mare having the proper nutrition and vaccinations to give the mare and her foal the best advantage for a safe and successful delivery. What’s most important, which many don’t realize, is the aftercare of the mare and foal post foaling. This aftercare gives the foals the best opportunity of development and in many instances of an at-risk foal, the difference between life or death. The aftercare on some at-risk foals can extend for weeks. There are frequent times we have a bad presentation of foals, whereas the foal isn’t in the proper position. She has delivered many healthy foals which could have, without their expertise, led to the loss of the foal as well as the mare. In addition to all her expertise in every area that deals with an operation such as Sugar Creek, Jennifer is one of the nicest, most pleasant people you would ever meet. We are very proud she is a part of Sugar Creek.” Not every foaling has a happy ending, and those losses are heartbreaking. But sometimes what looks like a bad outcome turns out to be a celebration. Recently, a Jennifer gained experience with mares and colts when she worked with Dr. Randall Baker. “I really started foaling out mares because of Frank and Debbie Eichler,” she says. “They wanted me to foal out their mares and then by word of mouth, more and more people wanted me to take care of their mares.” She has been at this job since 2011, also helping Dr. Richard Wilhelm and Dr. Krista Gilliam with the mares on breeding days and doing paperwork that goes with a major breeding operation like Sugar Creek Farm. Not all the mares who come to Sugar Creek for foaling are Tennessee Walking Horses. Jennifer 127 The Voice • August 2023
maiden mare belonging to Lynn Cannon went into labor at mid-morning. Since most foals are born at night, the timing was enough to get everyone’s attention. It was almost immediately obvious that this was not a normal birth. The foal was upside down and his head was doubled back. Dr. Wilhelm happened to be on hand when the foal alert went off and he tried several times to correct the position of the foal. “We were pretty sure the foal was dead,” said Jennifer, “and we were really concerned about the mare. There weren’t a lot of options left and this owner really loves this mare.” One more attempt proved successful at turning the foal and bringing the head around. Lying on the stall floor, the foal appeared lifeless at first, but then he took one breath. “I started rubbing and stimulating him and he took a few more breaths. They were taking care of the mare, who was beginning to come around and finally, after a bottle, the colt was on his feet and the mare was too. That phone call, telling the owner that she had a beautiful stud colt, was one I was overjoyed to make,” she said emphatically. “My favorite part of the job is probably getting to watch the foals grow up,” Jennifer says. “I wish I could keep up with all of them.” With over one hundred foals born under her care each year, that would be a monumental task. So, as graduates from the Jennifer Pendleton maternity ward and nursery take their places in the show ring, on the trail, or wherever they may end up, she will be busy ensuring a great beginning for the next generation of foals. Lynn Cannon’s mare and colt, happy and healthy despite a difficult delivery The Voice • August 2023 128
& John Allan Callaway Three-Year-Old Stallion Owned by The Alan Riddley Family King’s Mountain, NC Contender
Cornersville 76th Annual Horse Show Below: Dixie Road and Link Webb celebrate their win with family and friends at the conclusion of the show Above: Kimberly Walden is all smiles after her win Christmas came early for Tennessee Walking Horse fans this year. Really early. The Christmas in July Horse Show was actually held in June this year and gave fans what they were looking for – lots of horses, food, and friends. Held June 27-29, 2023 at the Bedford County Agricultural Center in Shelbyville, Tennessee, the show boasted 500 entries and benefits Bedford County school children during the holiday season. Chris Bob, Chris Zahnd, and Brent Grider served as judges for the event. As is usually the case for the trio of shows held during this week, you can expect to see multiple contenders for the World Grand Championship. That was definitely the case for the Walking Horse Championship Stake on Thursday night. Leaving with the roses was Glory JC (Honors x Outta Lines Fame) and Jeff Laughlin. The stallion is owned by Jannie Chapman of Memphis, Tennessee and has remained undefeated in the open ranks since winning the championship class in Asheville, North Carolina last Fall. The reserve championship ribbon went to Kobe 24 (Honors x Merion), ridden by Chris Helton and owned by Jimbo Conner. Walkin Mr. Charlie (Walk Tim Charlie x Par 4) and Jimmy McConnell claimed the yellow ribbon for Terry and Lisa Smith. The final class of the show was the Ellynor Fayth Thompson Youth 17 & Under Stake Extravaganza. Youth competitors are introduced individually as they enter the ring to the familiar sounds of the “Flat Walk Boogie.” Making the final victory lap of the show as the Youth Champion was He’s A Lucky Strike and Aubrey Derrickson. Last year’s Youth 12-17 Reserve World Grand Champions, Nevermore and Julia Callaway, made a strong show to claim the reserve title. Rounding out the top three in the competitive class as Jose’s Vindicator and Caroline Wesley Way. The Voice • August 2023 130
Left to Right: Hawks Leverette and Emma Black, Laynie Jo and Mandy Leverette, Coy and Kasie Sanderson Huntress and Storm Sims with Jonathan Lawwell and Coy Sanderson A Master’s Degree W and Jack Heffington celebrate with their fans Abi Lovvorn and Front Nine Joyce Meadows and Jimmy McConnell with Carolina Choo 131 The Voice • August 2023
6xRWC & Sheryl Crawford & Sheryl Crawford Walking For Cancer Amateur Mares & Geldings Reserve CHAMPION Walking For Cancer Amateur 15.2 & Under CHAMPION Owned by Saddlecrest Sheryl Crawford Carrollton, GA & Shelbyville, TN The Voice • August 2023 132
In Ted’s Image & Ron Lawrence 9 x WC & 3 x WGC Woodbury Lions Club Fine Harness CHAMPION Owned by Ron & Carolyn Lawrence Lenoir City, Tennessee 133 The Voice • August 2023
Christmas In July Spotted Five & Under CHAMPION UNANIMOUSLY 2022 SSHBEA Championship Best of Show GRAND CHAMPION OWNED BY RALPH PINNER SENATOBIA, MS & Leighanne Tibbs Christmas In July Spotted GRAND CHAMPION NSSHA Belfast OPEN SPECIALTY CHAMPION OWNED BY MIKE AND LEIGHANNE TIBBS & Leighanne Tibbs Multi WGC Multi WGC TRAINED BY The Voice • August 2023 134
Look for this team at the in the Mares and Geldings Division Emily Kiser-Jackson Celebration Bristol, VA OWNED BY: 135 The Voice • August 2023
Joe Lester & Jalapeno's victory lap at the 2023 Maiden Championship When Jalapeno walked into the show ring at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum on July 28, he had quite a legacy to fulfill. His full brother, Quesadilla, was last year’s Maiden Reserve Champion and another full brother, Habanero Picante was a 2019 Trail Pleasure World Grand Champion. Joe Lester, who rode Quesadilla, just missed the top prize in 2022 and was determined to take home the Maiden Championship in 2023. Jalapeno was bred by Kasey Kesselring at Christmas Creek Farm and purchased by Kimberly and Perry Walden while he was still at his dam’s side. “I Jalapeno By Mary Beth Pruett bought him because of his siblings,” says Kimberly. Sired by José José out of Drop Right In, a Generator’s Sundrop mare, the sorrel colt showed promise from the very beginning. “His siblings were great,” Kimberly said. She had ridden Picante to several world championships and to a world grand championship in Owner Amateur Trail Pleasure in previous years. When asked if they had the Maiden championship in mind when they selected Jalapeño, she smiled. “The Maiden is always in our mind,” she said. “We knew he was special from the beginning of his training. He was an absolute freak in the round pen.” Kimberly and Perry own and operate Forest Shadows Farm in The 2023 Maiden Champion "The Maiden is always in our mind" The Voice • August 2023 136
Shelbyville, where Joe Lester Stables is also located. The Maiden, which was first held in 2019 at the International, was conceived by Kyle Elliot and Jessica Hlebak. Modeled on a similar AQHA program, they planned the class for two-year-old trail pleasure horses making their show ring debut under saddle and pitched it to the Walking Horse Owners Association for inclusion in the International. “We had 15 entries that first year, which was phenomenal in our eyes,” Kyle said. “We would have been happy with just eight or ten horses.” The prize money for the first class was $7200, which in just five years has soared to $52,000, along with other rewards, including a saddle, gift certificates and stud fees. Kyle cannot "...if they come with a good horse, they have a fair chance." Joe Lester & Jalapeno after their 2023 Maiden win 137 The Voice • August 2023
contain his excitement and emotion when talking about the class. “The support we have received has been great,” he says. ”We thought the idea would work, but we certainly never thought it would become what it did.” Kyles credits the judges over the past five years with much of the success. “We have been blessed that people have felt that if they come with a good horse, they have a fair chance.” Owners and trainers of 64 horses believed they had a fair chance at the Maiden in 2023, necessitating a split of four preliminary classes on Wednesday. From that crowded field, 24 horses were selected for Friday night’s championship. An excited crowd was on hand to see each horse and rider introduced, making enough noise to startle even seasoned every stride. When the class was over and the horses retired to the west end of the grandstands, the long wait for the top prize began. Fourteen other horses, one by one, were called in reverse order to receive their ribbon and a check. “It was performers as they entered the ring. These young horses, making just their second entrance to a show ring, were unperturbed by the noise and seemed to take on extra energy from the crowd. Jalapeno and Joe Lester were among the first to be introduced and the knowledgeable crowd recognized them as one of the favorites. Knowing he was riding a top contender, Joe got down to business, keeping his colt off the rail, saving some ground for the long workout, and making sure the judges could see his "Every trainer has worked hard to get here" Joe Lester & Jalapeno after their 2023 Maiden win The Voice • August 2023 138
nerve wracking waiting,” says Kimberly. “But it was only fair that each horse should have its time in the spotlight. Every trainer has worked hard to get here.” The wait was worth it when Jalapeño was called to the winner’s circle as the winner of 2023 Maiden Championship. Joe could not stop smiling through the presentation and a flock of ecstatic Joe Lester Stables employees surrounded the winner, celebrating the win. It took a crowd to hold all the awards, from a basket of cookies to a new Western saddle and a giant $26,000 check to be split between the owner and trainer. A blue and yellow blanket of flowers, a tricolor ribbon, and Jalapeno took his victory pass to the cheers of the crowd. “We are super excited,” Kimberly emphasized after the class was over and the photos were taken. “It is definitely a notch off our bucket list.” Future plans include a trip to the Celebration later in August. Offers to buy the champion are sure to come their way, but the Waldens have no plans to sell Jalapeño. “We are hoping to eventually breed him,” Kimberly says. A career as a breeding stallion may be a little ways down the road; Jalapeno still has ribbons to win and a legacy of championships to fulfill. Owners Kimberly & Perry Walden with Jalapeno & trainer Joe Lester 139 The Voice • August 2023
International Pleasure and Colt Grand Championship Patty and Monty Gibbs with Wicked Jolene are all smiles after their win The heat outside was no match for the heat of competition that filled Miller Coliseum throughout the last week of July, 2023. Show manager Tommy Hall and WHOA Executive Director Mark Taylor made sure things ran smoothly in this 45th edition of the International Grand Championship. Jason Bachert, Wildwood, Missouri, Dee Dee Miller Bacon, Lewisburg, Tennessee and Justin Miller, Murfreesboro, Tennessee judged the 1,917 entries over a course of the ten day show. Newcomers and long-time supporters of the show were on hand, traveling from as far west as California, as far south as Florida and Texas, as far east as Virginia and as far north as Wisconsin. Over 100 dressage tests were ridden on the first day of competition, giving a record breaking start to the versatility portion of the show and leading to a Finely Grace Brooks By Mary Beth Pruett The Voice • August 2023 140