Who knew when the sign on Hwy 46 in Dickson read “Horse Show” that it was actually a national Walking Horse show, right here in Dickson County? Thursday, July 23rd, promised to be a great evening for the 17th annual event at the Dickson County Saddle And Bridle Club on W Grab Creek Rd , the weather was clear and warm and by the show’s start time, 6:00 p.m., the parking lot was filling up fast.

It was easy to see that this was no local horse and pony show, the competitors had arrived in massive horse trailers from CA, OH, KY, FL, SC, TN and many states in-between. They arrived with trainers, managers, owners, farriers, family and friends. There were reporters for Horse publications and a cable TV camera truck to cover the event. The competitors, horses and riders, were decked out in fine fashion. I even saw a pony with a hair-piece on his tail to fluff it up! It appeared that the rider’s costume was an important part of the show and I was thrilled at the men and boys in long coats, waistcoats, ties and jaunty hats. Many also in jacket, waistcoat and tie, the women and girls, with neatly pinned-back hair, often completed their smart outfits with fetching hats. For the Country Pleasure class the riders appeared and tacked their horses in western gear.

As the horses entered the ring to be judged, they were accompanied by live organ music, which sometimes reminded me of a carousel and other times the skating rink- but entertaining all the same. The first of the 32-class events were young weanlings, ponies and fillies that were shown on lead lines, while the rest of the class events were horses and riders. The youngest rider, on lead line, looked to be about 4 years old and was accompanied by an adult, and several of the independent riders were teenagers. One young man, Benjamin Bowen, 14, has already won 3 World Champions, 1 World Grand Champion and has only been showing for 5 or 6 years. Asked about his other interests, he mentioned baseball, but quickly asserted that showing his horses comes first. The adult riders were from late teens to, well, mature (some past retirement age)but all were in good form and performed well.

The riders and trainers were serious about this race, some riders were fitted with ear-pieces with trainers barking instructions to them through their handsets. Some of the class winners accrued points toward the Riders Cup award, that will be awarded at the Marriot in Franklin in December, but all were after the coveted Blue Ribbon and trophy for first place in each class this night.
A dramatic turn of events halted the horse show when rider Beverly Sherman suffered from an apparent heart attack while making her victory pass on One Cool Lady. She was quickly attended to and CPR was administered until the ambulance arrived. The last word was that she was recovering at Vanderbilt hospital.

Halfway though the Horse Show, Ethan Brunett, son of Gary and Robin Burnett, was awarded a $500.00 scholarship from the Dickson County Saddle and Bridle Club. A recent graduate of Dickson County High School, 36th in a class of 361 with a GPA of 3.97, Ethan plans to attend UT Martin in the fall pursuing a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Charter member of the Saddle and Bridle Club, Gary Kimmons said that this event is operated by volunteers with some of the $5.00 admission charge going toward the annual scholarship awarded. He also shared that they do many events on their 13 acres, such as weddings and receptions as well as family reunions. Mr. Kimmons welcomes new members to the Saddle and Bridle Club. Anyone interested may call Danny Fussle at 512-8902. Their next major event is Farmer Safety Day for kids 7-16 on Aug. 15th.

I was amazed at the style and defined gate of what we would think of as Traditional Walking Horses , most sporting high padded shoes on their 2 front hooves- described by one woman as high-heels for a horse. The method of training some walkers with a process called soring will always be controversial, but all of these horses seemed to be well cared for and loved immensely.

Many of the participants and spectators were all abuzz with excitement about the BIG 10 day Walking Horse National Celebration in Shellbyville TN, Walking Horse capital of the world, August 26 – September 5, 2009, the largest equestrian event outside of thoroughbred racing . The celebration attracts riders from around the world for the crowning of the World Grand Champion. ” The Celebration is a festival of family fun that includes a barn decorating contest, dog show, trade fair and the famous equine competition”.

Individuals and businesses in Dickson and surrounding counties sponsored each class and provided the Ribbons and Trophies for the winners.

When I see the signs pop up for the 18th annual Dickson County Saddle And Bridle Club Horse Show, the 4th Thursday of July 2010, I intend to call my friends, grab a chair and enjoy the evening’s entertainment. I hope you will too!
http://www.igougo.com/story-s1225080-Shelbyville- The_Celebration_A_Tennessee_Walking_Horse_Institution

Who knew when the sign on Hwy 46 in Dickson read “Horse Show” that it was actually a national Walking Horse show, right here in Dickson County? Thursday, July 23rd, promised to be a great evening for the 17th annual event at the Dickson County Saddle And Bridle Club on W Grab Creek Rd , the weather was clear and warm and by the show’s start time, 6:00 p.m., the parking lot was filling up fast.

It was easy to see that this was no local horse and pony show, the competitors had arrived in massive horse trailers from CA, OH, KY, FL, SC, TN and many states in-between. They arrived with trainers, managers, owners, farriers, family and friends. There were reporters for Horse publications and a cable TV camera truck to cover the event. The competitors, horses and riders, were decked out in fine fashion. I even saw a pony with a hair-piece on his tail to fluff it up! It appeared that the rider’s costume was an important part of the show and I was thrilled at the men and boys in long coats, waistcoats, ties and jaunty hats. Many also in jacket, waistcoat and tie, the women and girls, with neatly pinned-back hair, often completed their smart outfits with fetching hats. For the Country Pleasure class the riders appeared and tacked their horses in western gear.

As the horses entered the ring to be judged, they were accompanied by live organ music, which sometimes reminded me of a carousel and other times the skating rink- but entertaining all the same. The first of the 32-class events were young weanlings, ponies and fillies that were shown on lead lines, while the rest of the class events were horses and riders. The youngest rider, on lead line, looked to be about 4 years old and was accompanied by an adult, and several of the independent riders were teenagers. One young man, Benjamin Bowen, 14, has already won 3 World Champions, 1 World Grand Champion and has only been showing for 5 or 6 years. Asked about his other interests, he mentioned baseball, but quickly asserted that showing his horses comes first. The adult riders were from late teens to, well, mature (some past retirement age)but all were in good form and performed well.

The riders and trainers were serious about this race, some riders were fitted with ear-pieces with trainers barking instructions to them through their handsets. Some of the class winners accrued points toward the Riders Cup award, that will be awarded at the Marriot in Franklin in December, but all were after the coveted Blue Ribbon and trophy for first place in each class this night.

A dramatic turn of events halted the horse show when rider Beverly Sherman suffered from an apparent heart attack while making her victory pass on One Cool Lady. She was quickly attended to and CPR was administered until the ambulance arrived. The last word was that she was recovering at Vanderbilt hospital.

Halfway though the Horse Show, Ethan Brunett,son of Gary and Robin Burnett, was awarded a $500.00 scholarship from the Dickson County Saddle and Bridle Club. A recent graduate of Dickson County High School, 36th in a class of 361 with a GPA of 3.97, Ethan plans to attend UT Martin in the fall pursuing a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Charter member of the Saddle and Bridle Club, Gary Kimmons said that this event is operated by volunteers with some of the $5.00 admission charge going toward the annual scholarship awarded. He also shared that they do many events on their 13 acres, such as weddings and receptions as well as family reunions. Mr. Kimmons welcomes new members to the Saddle and Bridle Club. Anyone interested may call Danny Fussle at 512-8902. Their next major event is Farmer Safety Day for kids 7-16 on Aug. 15th.

I was amazed at the style and defined gate of what we would think of as Traditional Walking Horses , most sporting high padded shoes on their 2 front hooves- described by one woman as high-heels for a horse. The method of training some walkers with a process called soring will always be controversial, but all of these horses seemed to be well cared for and loved immensely.

Many of the participants and spectators were all abuzz with excitement about the BIG 10 day Walking Horse National Celebration in Shellbyville TN, Walking Horse capital of the world, August 26 – September 5, 2009, the largest equestrian event outside of thoroughbred racing . The celebration attracts riders from around the world for the crowning of the World Grand Champion. ” The Celebration is a festival of family fun that includes a barn decorating contest, dog show, trade fair and the famous equine competition”.

Individuals and businesses in Dickson and surrounding counties sponsored each class and provided the Ribbons and Trophies for the winners.

When I see the signs pop up for the 18th annual Dickson County Saddle And Bridle Club Horse Show, the 4th Thursday of July 2010, I intend to call my friends, grab a chair and enjoy the evening’s entertainment. I hope you will too!

http://www.igougo.com/story-s1225080-Shelbyville- The_Celebration_A_Tennessee_Walking_Horse_Institution

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