May 2024 • Volume 63 No. 2 The Official Breed Journal
Owned by: LaRue McWaters • Shelbyville, TN Ally Jo Jacobs • Murfreesboro, TN National Trainers’ Show Youth Pony 17 & Under Champion & Ally Jo Jacobs
Owned by: Ally Jo Jacobs Murfreesboro, TN & Ain’t He Grand . . .and though she be but little, she is fierce National Trainers’ Show Auxiliary Equitation 11 & Under Champion 2xWGC & 5xWC April 2024 1
12 16 20 28 34 40 45 52 58 64 4 18 26 62 66 67 68 69 70 72 74 78 79 82 84 85 86 87 90 94 95 96 FEATURES, SHOW, & EVENT COVERAGE TWHBEA INFO & RESOURCES From Surgery To Saddles: Dr. Ann Johnson’s Journey Back to Horses Spencer Benedict Stables Annual Stallion Showcase The Pennyroyal Charity Horse Show: A Heartwarming Impact on Pennyroyal Hospice National Trainers’ Show John Sharp and Andy Atkins Remembered at National Walking Horse Trainers’ Show FAST Spring Showcase Generations of Love: A Family’s Journey with Tennessee Walking Horses Walking In The Smokies Building a Dream: The Story of Walking in the Smokies Equine Affaire Letter from the President Amateur & Youth Jamboree Class Sheet TWHBEA World Versatility Championship Class Sheet TWHBEA Semi-Annual May Meeting Schedule Equine Member Discounts Equine Equipment Member Discounts The Importance of Transfering Your Horse’s Registration TWHBEA Membership Programs Legacy Circle & List of Donors Calendar of Events TWHBEA News Fond Farewell TWHYA News TWHBEA Financial Statement Motivated Mares GO! Geldings Youth Challenge Cup & Medallion Standings Horsemen’s Directory Stallion Directory Foto Finale TWHBEA Executive Committee & Staff VOICE Advertisers Index May 2024 • Volume 63 No. 2 The Official Breed Journal Gracing the cover of this month’s magazine is CAT DRAGON, the triumphant winner of the inaugural ThreeYear-Old Premiere class at the Pennyroyal Charity Horse Show. Bred by Doug Toone and boasting an impressive lineage, this stallion captivated both the crowd and the judges with his performance. On The Cover: Owned By: Drs. Al & Jana Anderson Shelby ville, TN Trained By: Hannah Myatt & Justus Carter Standing at stud - Fall of 2024 CAT DRAGON Wicked Image x WGC Catastrophic 2 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Margo Urad Shelbyville, TN Shod by Frankie Wells & Margo Urad National Trainers’ Show Amateur Trail Pleasure 5 & Under Champion U nan i mo u s ly ! April 2024 3
Our farms and forests are turning green again, and the weather is beginning to warm all across the country. Spring is one of my favorite times during the year, for several reasons, all of which are of course related to our beloved Tennessee Walking Horses. Horse shows are off to a great start with many owners and exhibitors dreaming of new goals this season for their equine partners. Social media is full of adorable foals taking their first steps. No doubt many of you have already welcomed new foals or will soon welcome the newest members of your family. Hopefully you all enjoyed the Sire Summary and the issue helped you choose the right stallion for your special mare. Spring is also an excellent time to hit the trails on your favorite Tennessee Walking Horse. Before you hit the trails, make sure you have enrolled in the TWHBEA Trails Program (a free member benefit). Our Youth Association (TWHYA) has been busy hosting the Horse Bowl in February and the Youth Judging Contest is quickly approaching. The youth are also making plans for their Summer Splash Horse Show, scheduled for August 10. The TWHYA is partnering with the Trainers’ Committee to be a part of the Amateur and Juvenile Jamboree, which is a new show. The A&J Jamboree will be held on June 7th in Champions Arena on the Celebration Show Grounds in Shelbyville, TN. The Executive Committee approved “We Love our TWH” as the theme for 2024 at it’s March meeting. As you can tell, the TWHBEA headquarters is bustling in preparation for our events for the remainder of this year. We hope to see you at the office in Lewisburg, in the show ring, or on the trail soon! We our TWH! Amanda Wright TWHBEA President Letter from the President 4 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Charles Gleghorn Petersburg, TN & Link Webb Walking In The Smokies Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding champion April 2024 5
Owned by: Janice Fostek Roanoke, VA National Trainers’ Show Amateur 15 & Under Stallion Champion & Janice Fostek 6 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
National Trainers’ Show Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallion Champion Unanimously April 2024 7
Owned by: The Derrickson Family Morehead, KY & Aubrey Derrickson / R M Kellett National Trainers’ Show Pro/Am Champion 8 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
& Jack Pirkle Photos by Owned by: Jack Pirkle Family Gainesville, GA The Pennyroyal Pleasure Amateur 50 & Over Champion April 2024 9
The Pennyroyal Model Mare Champion Reserve & BJ Richards At The Colt Center Owned by: Jack Pirkle Family Gainesville, GA 10 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Jack Pirkle Family Gainesville, GA The Pennyroyal The Pennyroyal Lite Shod Open Lite Shod 5 & Under Champion Champion Reserve & BJ Richards At The Colt Center April 2024 11
BY MARY BETH PRUETT “When I got on that horse, I felt like I was home,” said Dr. Ann Johnson of College Grove, Tennessee. She was talking about a horse named Titlist’s Dulcinea, who was at Bobby Richards’ training barn. Soon, she purchased the mare, renamed her Living the Dream, and started showing her at nearby horse shows. Dr. Johnson, a native of Indiana, grew up riding horses and got her first Tennessee Walking Horse in 1966. College and the pursuit of her dream of being a veterinarian caused her to put horses aside for a time. She reconnected with horses for the first time through Jack and Gloria Cooley back in the 1980’s. A few years later she bought a pair of two-year-old Solidarity fillies from Dr. William Gaw. Annie’s Pipe Dream became a World Champion in carriage driving, winning in 1995 and 1996. In 1995, she was also the third-place Plantation Super Horse at the Celebration. Annie and Crescendo were shown by both Dr. Johnson and her husband Dr. Walter Hoffman and later became their trail riding partners. Annie and Crescendo returned to Tennessee with her owners when they moved to College Grove in 2015 and lived the good life for over thirty years. A busy life as a board-certified surgeon and full professor in small animal orthopedics for the University of Illinois brought about another pause in showing horses. Not only did she travel the world lecturing on surgery, Dr. Johnson was the second woman president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the first woman president of the Western Veterinary Conference. Her husband, Wally, was also a DVM and a professor. Their son Wes Hoffman, a Purdue graduate himself, is an infectious disease pharmacist at Houston (left to right) Dr. Johnson (on Sassy), and Dr. Walter Hoffman Dr. Ann Johnson’s Journey Back to Horses From Surgery to Saddles: 12 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Methodist in Texas. In 2006, Dr. Johnson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which brought a set of challenges to her practice. She retired in 2008 and found a new passion – drawing. “I had always drawn some,” she says, “but not in a serious way. I took a class and found a new challenge.” Since then, she has produced many colored pencil drawings of her favorite subjects, dogs and horses, as well as other subjects. By the time the couple moved to College Grove, Dr. Johnson had stopped riding. But she had read that riding could help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s and one of her doctors had encouraged her to keep on riding. She visited father-and-son trainers, Bobby and B.J. Richards, just a few miles down the road and Bobby put her up on a horse. “I felt better when I started riding again,” she says, “and I even was able to cut back on some of my medicines. I really was living my dream.” In 2018, Dr. Johnson purchased the horse that she refers to as her second great horse, Annie’s Silver Dream (Sassy), who was started by Bobby and B.J. Dr. Johnson and Sassy won the 2-year-old Country Pleasure Futurity later that year. The filly was by Rowdy Rev, who was stabled just across the road from her home in College Grove. Dr. Johnson met and became friends in 2020 with Tina Singleton, who had joined the unofficial Sassy Fan Club. Tina brought her horse, Mr. Pacesetter, to the barn so Ann could canter him, which led to showing him in trail obstacle classes. “I’ve learned a lot from Tina,” says Dr. Johnson. In six years of showing, Sassy has won bushel baskets of ribbons and awards. Just last year, she received high point awards from Walking Horse Owners Association, Pleasure Walking Horse Association of Tennessee, National Walking Horse Association, Walking Horse Trainers Association and Walking Horse Report. She finished 2023 with 99 blue ribbons for her career. At the 2024 Pennyroyal Charity Show, held in early March, the eight-year-old mare won her 100th blue ribbon, with Tina Singleton aboard. Although she admits that the Parkinson’s is catching up with her more, Dr. Johnson continues to ride Sassy, using a special stand her husband built to help her mount. “The mare is so good about standing steady for me to get on and off,” she says. “And I also enjoy watching other people show her, whether it’s B.J. or Tina or someone else.” Whether in the saddle, on the rail, or using her pencils, Dr. Ann Johnson continues living her dream. “I really was living my dream.” One of Dr. Johnson’s colored pencil illustrations (on right) Dr. Johnson with Sassy, celebrating their blue ribbons Dr. Johnson and Sassy celebrating their 2018 National Futurity win with friends and family April 2024 13
WWW.MARSHALLCOUNTYTN.COM LEWISBURG • CORNERSVILLE • CHAPEL HILL • BELFAST EXPERIENCE M A R S H A L L COUNTY TENNESSEE 14 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: The Duvall Family Atwater, OH • Shelbyville, TN & Kylie Duvall THE PENNYROYAL Youth English Country Pleasure Amateur/Amateur all photos by CHAMPION C H A M P I O N & C ROW D FAVO R I T E with Kylie Duvall & Alex Luttrell April 2024 15
A N N U A L S TA L L I O N SHOWCASE ENEDICT TABLES Mr. True Blue was on display for all to admire. Marty Pilkinton, Eric Sensat, Ryan Pilkinton, Wayne Dean, and Kasey Kesselring Thom Meek & Chris Payne Carrie & Spencer Benedict were the gracious hosts. Jacobs Farms • Christiana, TN March 2, 2024 16 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
The Kellett kids having their own kind of fun! Lisa Teel, Lisa Washburn, & Amanda Nelms Cliff Wilson with Amelia & John Hasseldon Jimmy Jacobs Sharon Thomas & Brad Tuttle Keegan Meadows & Lynn Womack Billy Morgan & John Mohon Ally Jo Jacobs (right) shows her friends around the barn. Keith Hayes & Tony Edwards April 2024 17
& Jamboree Jamboree Amateur Youth Friday, June 7, 2024 - 5PM 1. Amateur or Youth Model 2. Amateur or Youth All Day Pleasure 3. TWHBEA Youth Medallion-Performance, Canter 4. Amateur Two-Year Old Mares & Geldings 5. Amateur or Youth Yearling 6. Youth Pony 7. Amateur Three-Year Old Stallions 8. Amateur or Youth Trail Pleasure 9. Amateur Four-Year Old Mares & Geldings 10. Youth 11 & Under 11. Amateur 15.2 & Under 12. Youth Show Pleasure 13. Amateur Two-Year Old Stallion 14. TWHBEA Youth Medallion-Pleasure, Canter 15. Amateur Ladies 16. Amateur or Youth Park Performance 17. Amateur Three-Year Old Mares & Geldings 18. Amateur, Canter 19. Amateur or Youth Country Pleasure 20. Adult Pony 21. Amateur Four-Year Old Stallions 22. Amateur Gentlemen 23. Amateur or Youth Novice Performance (Horse & Rider have never won a blue at the Celebration) 24. Amateur Show Pleasure 25. Amateur Mares & Geldings 26. Youth Championship 27. Amateur Rider/Youth Rider Performance (Amateur rides first way, Youth rides second way) 28. Amateur Championship $300 • $200 • $100 • $50 • $30 $50 $100 • $70 • $40 • $20 • $10 $100 ENTRY FEES: PAYOUT: Contact Chris Hazelwood (931) 215-2255 Ringside Box Seats - $50 *CLASSES ARE SPECIALTY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED* Persons on Federal disqualification cannot transport horses to this show and may only participate as a spectator. TWHBEA, The Celebration, and The Amateur & Youth Jamboree Horse Show will not be responsible for any accident or loss. Horse Show Champions Arena - Shelbyville, TN Classes Manager: Dee Cantrell (706) 366-1011 Organist: J. French Brantley Photographer: Jennifer Barr Judges: Dr. David Bullock and Thom Meek Show Announcer: Hardison Greene Affiliated with S.H.O.W. HIO. Classes 1-25, 27: Online Entries: entermywalkinghorse.com Classes 26 & 28: Inspection Fees are NOT included in Entry Fees. Negative Coggins Required.
All photos by Thank you to The Pennyroyal for the honor of presenting the American flag! - Ally Jo April 2024 19
A HEARTWARMING IMPACT ON THE PENNYROYAL HOSPICE is the largest fundraiser for the Western Kentucky non-profit. Pennyroyal Hospice, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, serves Christian, Todd, Trigg, Lyon and Caldwell counties with a special kind of loving care for persons with life-limiting illnesses. Their services benefit not only their patients with medications, equipment and caretakers, but also the patients’ families with grief counselors and support groups. Nearly 300 patients a year are served by Pennyroyal Hospice. Patients who wish to stay in their homes toward the end of their life can do so, regardless of their ability to pay, thanks to fundraisers like the Pennyroyal Charity Show. “We have an increasing number of people who need our services that cannot pay,” says Kelly Martin, Executive Director of the hospice. “And so many services we offer are not reimbursable by insurance or Medicare. No one is turned away.” Fundraisers make up the difference for things like chaplain services and grief support. Pennyroyal also has a music therapy program for patients, which is the only one of its kind in Western Kentucky. The show began in 2022, as a small one-night show in Oak Grove, Kentucky. “Marty Barr told me if we would give it three years, it would skyrocket,” Martin says. “And he was 1000% right.” In 2024, the show raised over $145,000 for the Hospice during its three days. The Pennyroyal was the first Tennessee Walking Horse Show to When the dust has settled, the organist has packed up his music and the last horse trailer has pulled away with its load of show horses, the show results become what’s left of a night of excitement. But the ribbons, trophies and bragging rights are only part of the results of the horse show. Perhaps the most lasting result comes from the charities and organizations that benefit from funds raised during the competition. The Pennyroyal Hospice is one of the beneficiaries of such a show. Held this year on March 7-9 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the Pennyroyal Charity Show Ally Jo Jacobs proudly presented the American flag at the show BY MARY BETH PRUETT 20 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
show. We still have folks making donations online. ‘Thank you’ can never be enough for what everyone has done to help our terminally ill patients. It is truly incredible that people took their time, their talent, and their finances to bless and benefit patients that they will never meet. Thank you all who made a life-changing difference for those that we are blessed to take care of on a daily basis.” be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in two decades. Adding excitement this year was The Premiere, a new three-year-old debut trail pleasure competition, which attracted 17 nominees. The inaugural winner of The Premiere was Cat Dragon, shown by Hannah Myatt for Drs. Al and Jana Anderson. Kelly Martin, Executive Director of Pennyroyal Hospice, was amazed at the success of the show. “Each and every one of us at Pennyroyal Hospice were thrilled with the outcome of the show. This was the largest fundraiser in our 42-year history. We are so grateful to everyone who participated in any way, shape, or form. The vendors, the trainers, the owners - everyone was so kind and so good to our patients. We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude, and the way the show has grown in the last three years is incredible. Barr Studios, Marty and Jennifer, have been amazing in chairing the show for us. We had over 500 entries, people were participating in a silent auction, a live auction for breeding fees and just stopping by the office to make donations. We are completely amazed by the generosity of the walking horse world. We had folks making donations online during the telecast of the Hannah Myatt and CAT DRAGON with friends and family following their big win Show chairs Marty (right) and Jennifer (left) Barr April 2024 21
SWEET COUNTRY with Karen McGee, Crystal Deputy, & Joe Lester Rhonda Martocci & Stan Blaylock Misty Gardner & Parker McGee HONOR’S VALENTINE, Jackie Dean, & McKenzie Morgan Keegan Meadows & Kristia Allen JOSE’S TWIST OF GIN with Patti Pollack & BJ Richards THE SERENGETI with Hannah Myatt & Justice Carter SCUBA STEVE with Cheyenne Gardner & Michael Jamison Mark Taylor 22 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Kate Cowan Bowling Green, KY THE PENNYROYAL Champion TWHBEA Youth Medallion Pleasure (Canter) Champion THE PENNYROYAL Youth Equitation April 2024 23
Owned by: Brandon Tate • Athens, AL Ally Jo Jacobs • Murfreesboro, TN National Trainers’ Show MODEL Unanimously! & Laurie Toone CHAMPION 24 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Silver Spur Legacy LLC Patti Pollack Saratoga, CA • Shelbyville, TN At The Colt Center & Patti Pollack NATIONAL TRAINERS’ SHOW Amateur Country Pleasure Unanimously! CHAMPION THE PENNYROYAL Amateur English Country Pleasure Western Country Pleasure English Country Pleasure Amateur Western Country Pleasure CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION with BJ Richards with BJ Richards Unanimously! Unanimously! Unanimously! April 2024 25
July 26-28, 2024 Tennessee Miller Coliseum • Murfreesboro, TN Over $8,000 in prize money & awards! Wo r l d Ve r s at i lity CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLE POINT SHOW For entry deadlines and more information: www.twhbea.com/wvc • 931-359-1574 • [email protected] FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024 – 8:00am HALTER CLASSES 1. Showmanship Adult Amateur 2. Showmanship Youth 12-17 3. Showmanship Youth 11 & under 4. Model – Open 5. Model – Adult Amateur 6. Model – Youth 12-17 7. Model – Youth 11 & Under (15 Minute Break) EQUITATION & RAIL CLASSES 8. English Equitation – Adult Amateur (No Canter) 9. English Equitation – Youth 12-17 (No Canter) 10. English Equitation – Adult Amateur (Canter) 11. English Equitation – Youth 17 & Under (Canter) 12. English Equitation – Youth 11 & Under (No Canter) 13. TWH Pleasure (max shoe 3/8 x 3/4) – Adult 14. TWH Pleasure (max shoe 3/8 x 3/4) – Youth 15. TWH Pleasure (max shoe 3/8 x 3/4) (Canter) 16. Stock Seat Equitation – Adult Amateur (No Canter) 17. Stock Seat Equitation – Youth 12-17 (No Canter) 18. Stock Seat Equitation – Adult Amateur (Canter) 19. Stock Seat Equitation – Youth 17 & Under (Canter) 20. Stock Seat Equitation – Youth 11 & Under (No Canter) (15 Minute Break – Ring Drag) DRIVING CLASSES 21. Obstacle Driving – Open 22. Pleasure Driving – Open 23. Precision Pattern Class (10 Minute Break – Ring Drag) WESTERN RIDING & REINING 24. Western Riding – Open 25. Basic Reining – Open GAMING CLASSES 26. Water Glass – Adult Open 27. Egg & Spoon – Adult Open 28. Water Glass – Youth 12-17 29. Egg & Spoon – Youth 12-17 30. Water Glass – Youth 11 & Under 31. Egg & Spoon – Youth 11 & Under (10 Minute Break – Ring Drag) SPEED EVENTS/TIMED 32. Barrels – Adult Open 33. Barrels – Youth 12-17 34. Barrels – Youth 11 & Under 35. Pole Bending – Adult Open 36. Pole Bending – Youth 12-17 37. Pole Bending – Youth 11 & Under 38. Panty Hose Race – Open Exhibitors Party SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024 OBSTACLE CLASSES (HORSE SCIENCE CENTER) Walkthrough for all Obstacle classes from 8-8:30am Course open from 8:30am-5pm 39. Obstacle Trail Under Saddle – Beginner, 1st or 2nd year horse 40. Obstacle Trail Under Saddle – Adult Amateur 41. Obstacle Trail Under Saddle – Youth 12-17 42. Obstacle Trail Under Saddle – Youth 11 & Under 43. Obstacle Trail Under Saddle – Advanced, Open 44. Obstacle Trail In Hand – Open WESTERN GAITED DRESSAGE (Miller Coliseum) 9am (All Dressage Classes are Open) Dressage classes run concurrent with the International Grand Championships. Exhibitors who wish to compete in both will need to make entries with both shows separately. 258. Intro Level Test 1 259. Intro Level Test 2, 1st or 2nd year rider or Youth 17 & Under 260. Intro Level Test 3 261. Intro Level Test 4 262. Basic Level Test 1 263. Basic Level Test 2 264. Basic Level Test 3 265. First Level Test of Choice 266. Second Level Test of Choice Reception & Presentation of Obstacle Trail & Western Dressage Awards SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2024 TRADITIONAL GAITED DRESSAGE (Miller Coliseum) 8am (All Dressage Classes are Open) Dressage classes run concurrent with the International Grand Championships. Exhibitors who wish to compete in both will need to make entries with both shows separately. 267. Intro Level Test A 268. Intro Level Test A, 1st or 2nd year rider or Youth 17 & Under 269. Intro Level Test B 270. Intro Level Test C 271. Training Level Test 1 272. Training Level Test 2 273. First Level Test of Choice 274. Second Level Test of Choice Lunch & Presentation of Traditional Dressage & Overall High Point Awards
Owned by: Kerry & Billie DeArmond Greer, SC & Billie DeArmond National Trainers’ Show National Trainers’ Show with Jeff Laughlin Park Pleasure Amateur Park Pleasure Champion Champion April 2024 27
National Trainers’ Show Cooper Steele Arena - Shelbyville, TN March 13-16, 2024 J u dg es: D ean Byar d, B r ent G r i d er , & Ch r is Zah n d STONED ON GIN and Edgar Abernathy celebrate with family and friends after riding to the championship title at the 56th National Trainers’ Show. This was Edgar’s first time to win the class as a rider. The champion is owned by Ella Abernathy and sired by GEN’S BLACK GIN and out of A RHINESTONE (by THE STONECUTTER). Billie & Kerry DeArmond pose with the blue ribbon won by Billie and DIXIE’S LEGACY in the Amateur Park Pleasure class. DIXIE’S LEGACY also won the Open Park Pleasure class with trainer Jeff Laughlin in the irons. Lakelyn Mathews, center, is joined by Laci (left) and Ashley (right) following her Trainers’ Show win in the Youth Trail Pleasure class aboard MR. BENTLEY. (left to right) Chris & Ashley Young with Bob & Debora Adcock following Bob’s win in the Amateur Specialty Championship aboard HONORED IN TEXAS. 28 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
(left to right) Amelia Haselden, Sheryl Crawford, Anne Marie Couch and Janice Fostek join their friend Linda Scrivner to celebrate her win in the WHTA Auxiliary & Family Members class aboard THE AMERICAN MOBSTER. The Beth Beasley Family had a great Trainers’ Show. Bibi (right) won the Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings class with THE CHARQUEEN. Beth (center) was reserve in the highly competitive Frances Gentry Ladies class with ZORRO JR. Maxine (left) carried the roses in the Youth Championship with QUITE AN HONOR and was reserve in the Youth Pony class with I AM BIG ENOUGH. Pam & Larry Russell made the trip from Pontotoc, Mississippi to enjoy the 2024 Trainers’ Show. Sherry Roberts enjoyed the show with daughter and son-in-law Kyndra & Andy Myers. Kendra’s horse, SIDE LINED, won the Open Trail Pleasure class with trainer Hannah Myatt. Amanda & Dr. Brian Wright were all smiles after Dan Waddell’s winning debut ride aboard their horse, A CODE BLUE, in the Two-Year-Old Stallions class. A CODE BLUE is sired by MASTER OF JAZZ and was the 2022 TWHBEA National Futurity Weanling Colts Champion. SWITCHBLADE FSS and Ally Jo Jacobs kicked off 2024 the same way they finished 2023 – in the winners’ circle. Their 2024 debut resulted in a unanimous blue ribbon in the Youth Pony class at the Trainers’ Show. They are joined after the class by (left to right) grandfather Jimmy Jacobs, dad Jake Jacobs, co-owners Ann & LaRue McWaters, and mom Amanda Jacobs. Kathy Gilliam-Cole made a worthwhile trip from Washington to watch her horse, KISS THIS GIRL, win the Lite Shod Five & Under class with Jonathan Baskin. The team is also back-to-back winners in the TWHBEA National Futurity, winning their division in both 2022 and 2023. April 2024 29
Owned by: Kyndra Myers Birch Tree, MO National Trainers’ Show Trail Pleasure CHAMPION Unanimously 30 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Kathy Gilliam-Cole Woodland, WA National Trainers’ Show Lite Shod Five & Under Champion & jonathan baskin April 2024 31
706-816-4821 Owned by: G. Russell Wright & Son Mt. Juliet, TN & Dan Waddell National Trainers’ Show Unanimously Two-Year-Old Stallion Champion 32 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Dr. Barbara Moersch Jacksonville, AL NATIONAL TRAINERS’ SHOW Champion Three-Year-Old Stallion & John Allan Callaway April 2024 33
J ohn Sharp passed away earlier this year, and left a lasting impression on his church, his community, his family, and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. After buying a mare from a family member, John began breeding and raising Tennessee Walking horses in the 1980’s with partner Bruce Landtroop in a small barn on his farm. Through the 1980’s and 1990’s, he raised and owned hundreds of Tennessee Walking horses, many that became show horses and many are still in the bloodlines of the TWH today. Some of the notable horses that John raised and/ or owned all of part of were: WGC Broken Promises, WC Pride’s Night Prowler, WC Boomer in Command, WC Our Secret Rhonda Voo, RWC Key West, Hacksaw’s Doll, Our Final Rhonda Voo, Spirited Rendezvous, My Final Destiny, My Midnight Caller, Prides Silver Generator, Solid Gold Generator, Simply Dangerous, My Favorite Touch, Gens My Magic Marker. John worked with several trainers over the years in and around Middle TN and Northern AL. But he was proudest of the horse that he raised, Boomer in Command (I’m in Command x Hacksaw’s Doll) which was shown by his grandson Andy Adkins. The John Sharp and Andy Adkins team put several horses in the Juvenile and Juvenile Pony classes that were shown by Andy and always top contenders. After several years showing as a juvenile, Andy stepped up to show in the amateur classes on Boomer in Command at the age of 14. Even though he didn’t get a blue at the Celebration during his 3-yearold campaign, Andy and Boomer went on to become World Champions the following year in the Amateur 4-Year-Old Stallions Division at the Celebration. Andy Adkins was an up-and-coming young trainer before his untimely passing from a car accident in 2012. His memory lives on, and this class is sponsored by the John Sharp Family to honor the contribution and memory of both of these gentlemen and the impact they have had on so many of us. The Boston Red Sox cap that many still wear was something that Andy would be proud to see. John Sharp and Andy Atkins remembered at National Walking Horse Trainers’ Show Editor’s note: The following was read by announcer Mark Farrar during the John Sharp & Andy Atkins Youth 17 & Under Championship at this year’s National Walking Horse Trainers’ Show. It was written by Chase Atkins, Andy’s brother and Mr. Sharp’s grandson. 34 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Andy Adkins & Texas Joe Black John and their dog, Jessie John Sharp & grandson Andy John and his 3 grandsons - Chase, Matthew, and Andy Adkins April 2024 35
Owned by: Beth Beasley • Athens, AL & Bibi Beasley 2xWGC & 2xWC & Beth Beasley FAST Spring Showcase FAST Spring Showcase Youth Pony Amateur Stallion Champion Unanimously! Champion 36 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
& Maxine Beasley & Bibi Beasley National Trainers’ Show National Trainers’ Show The John Sharp & Andy Adkins Youth Amateur Four-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Grand Champion Champion April 2024 37
Owned by: Floyd & Caryl Sherman Shelbyville, TN FAST Spring Showcase Amateur Four-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Champion & Caryl Sherman 38 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Floyd & Caryl Sherman Shelbyville, TN FAST Spring Showcase Four-Year-Old Champion U n a n i m o u s ly ! & Sam Martin April 2024 39
Cooper Steele Arena Shelbyville, TN Spring Showcase March 28-30, 2024 Judges: Dean Byard, Renee Carlton, and Jamie Lawrence Veronica & Shane Porterfield with EASTBOUND AND DOWN after their win in the Amateur Owned & Trained class. The reigning Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion CAVENDER made their season debut in the FAST Championship Stake, leaving with the roses. CAVENDER has remained undefeated since winning the Three-Year-Old WGC title in 2022. Trainer Tim Smith was joined in the winners’ circle by owners Bruce & Robin MacDonald following their win. CAVENDER is sired by HONORS and out of JOSE’S CAFÉ AU LAIT (by JOSÉ JOSÉ). Jimmy & Carol Lackey (left) congratulate Keith & Lorraine Rosbury after their horse TUA MCF won the Open Specialty class with trainer Tim Smith. Newlyweds Caryl & Floyd Sherman are joined by Caryl’s grandson, Maverick Martin, to celebrate Caryl’s debut ride and win aboard I AM SWEET MAGGIE MAY. Following their win in Open Country Pleasure, Joe Lester and HABANERO PICANTE are joined by (left to right) Ashlyn Avent, owners Perry & Kimberly Walden, Andy Stooksberry, Karen Harnden, and Maggie Loyd. When you see the Rowdy Ranch crew, you know you’re about to eat well. Spectators with VIP tables enjoyed a catered dinner from Rowdy Ranch each night during the show. 40 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Marla & Joe Link Kim Leonard & NV US Dr. Jim Baum & Sonny McCarter following their Amateur Canter win. Justin, Amanda, & Walker Manis had a lot to be excited about. Their horse, VIVIAN, won the Three & Under Country Pleasure class with trainer Hannah Myatt. Amanda also rode ROCKIN’ AT THE RITZ to a blue for owner Shelli MeHaffey. It was blue ribbon smiles for Scarlet & Chad Spencer after Chad’s win in the Amateur Trail Pleasure Three & Under class with THIS IS WHO I AM. Owner Bob Adcock joins Bill Callaway and SPOTLIGHT ON JOSE 4G for a winners’ circle photo after winning the Three-Year-Old Stallions class. The stallions has a nearperfect show record with two blue ribbons, a World Championship, and Reserve World Grand Championship last year. Kasie Sanderson had her hands full with Coy and Rynleigh. Dr. Jim Baum and MAROON 5 are joined by John Allan Callaway and Lisa Baum in the winners’ circle following their win in the Amateur 50 & Over class. April 2024 41
Owned by: Greg Kiser Rosedale, VA FAST Spring Showcase Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallion Champion & Greg Kiser 42 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Owned by: Keith & Lorraine Rosbury Bell Buckle, TN & Tim Smith FAST Spring Showcase OPEN SPECIALTY Champion Unanimously! April 2024 43
Owned by: Toni & Stephanie White Eatonton, GA • Shelbyville, TN Trained by: Carl Edwards & Sons Stables Dawson, GA & Stephanie White FAST Spring Showcase Thank you to Carl Edwards & Sons Stables, the Judges, and to all our Fans! WC Amateur Five-Year-Old Mare & Gelding Champion 44 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
BY MARY BETH PRUETT (left to right) Christy Duvall, Kylie Duvall, & Terrie Campailla A Family’s Journey with Tennessee Walking Horses Generations of Love: Apicture taken at the 2024 Pennyroyal Charity Walking Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park tells a story. Three ladies posed together in their sparkling Western attire - three ladies that represent a family love of Tennessee Walking Horses that began in North Carolina with one horse and a ribbon at the Celebration. “My grandfather Guy Watts had a horse named Sun’s Bell Boy that got a sixthplace ribbon at the Celebration,” says Christy Duvall. “That was a big thrill for the whole family.” Christy’s mom, Terrie Campailla had walking horses as a child and showed for several years in Ohio, where the Watts family had relocated. She stopped showing when Christy was born but began again a few years later. Christy was not as focused on horse shows as a child. “I rode but didn’t really have the show bug growing up,” Christy explains. “When I started with my daughter Kylie in leadline, that’s when I really caught the bug.” Like many other horse owners, one thing led to another. “So we got a horse, then another horse, then another horse. We evolved from a two-horse bumper pull trailer to a living quarters horse trailer to a condo in Shelbyville, where the horses are in training at Joe Lester Stables.” Christy’s husband Jason and son April 2024 45
riders as Jack. Jack was shown by all three family members – Kylie, Christy and Terrie – for almost a decade. When Jack died unexpectedly, they were heartbroken and Kylie took a couple of years off from showing. A horse named The Big Bang PL, otherwise known as Sheldon, changed her mind about competing again. “I didn’t know if I would ever show again until I entered the world of Joe Lester Stables when my parents bought Sheldon,” wrote Kylie in 2023. “I decided to rip the BandAid off and start to show again.” Kylie credits Joe Lester for his patience and for helping calm her nerves. She won an International Championship in 2022 with The Big Bang. Kylie and Christy also share ownership with Andy Stooksberry of Sabotage, who Kylie rode to a Reserve World Championship in 2023. She describes Sabotage, who she calls Lionel, as a gentle giant. Just before the 2023 Celebration, Kylie wrote a letter, this time thanking all her supporters. “We are just a few hours away from Lionel (aka Sabotage) and I making our first Big Oval debut,” she wrote. “So many emotions right now. I’m nervous, grateful Chase will tell you that they are not into horses. Hunting is their shared sport, and Chase is a football player. Although supportive of Christy and Kylie, they leave the riding to the women of the family. Christy herself admits that, at this point in time, she would rather watch Kylie show than to be in the ring herself. “My time will come later – this is her last juvenile year.” Seventeen-year-old Kylie, who has been a varsity cheerleader, senior class president and a member of the National Honor Society, will graduate high school this year in Atwater, Ohio, where the family lives. The horse closest to Christy’s heart was Push South, known by his friends and “I decided to rip the Band-Aid off and start to show again.” (left to right) Christy Duvall, Terrie Campailla, & Kylie Duvall 46 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse
but most of all excited! I am so blessed to be able to show such a sweet and talented horse. Before I show tonight I have so many people to thank for the constant love and support for all of this to be able to happen!” She goes on to thank her family, her friends, Andy Stooksberry, Joe Lester and his crew. She finishes with this: “I wouldn’t be here without having these people in my corner and so many more I didn’t name. I am forever grateful. To all my fellow riders, enjoy your horse and go have fun. That is all we can control. Good luck to all; we all are so blessed to be here!” Kylie and Sabotage capped off their successful Celebration with a top five finish in the Youth Country Pleasure World Grand Championship and finished the year as the Walking Horse Report Reader’s Choice pair in the Youth Country Pleasure division. The Duvall’s newest addition to their horse family is A Confession (“Connie”), who was purchased from Phyllis Langley earlier this year. “She was my favorite instantly,” says Kylie. “Sheldon ripped off my show BandAid, but Connie was the horse to bring my heart back.” Kylie and Connie wasted no time beginning a new chapter in their story, winning a blue ribbon at the 2024 Pennyroyal in Youth Country Pleasure. From a sixth-place ribbon at a long-ago Celebration through four generations, it’s been a long ride for this family. The photo says it all – three ladies sharing an unbreakable bond, thanks to their love of their Tennessee Walking Horses. Kylie Duvall (left) and Christy Duvall (right) at the 2022 National Celebration April 2024 47
Owned by: Shane & Veronica Porterfield Murfreesboro, TN FAST Spring Showcase Amateur Owned & Trained CHAMPION & SHANE PORTERFIELD 48 The VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse