By
Jared Hennecy
Motlow
Buzz Reporter
MURFREESBORO,
Tenn.—The Tennessee Walking Horse “Spring Fling Circuit” occurred from April
8-10 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, drawing in
horse trainers from across Tennessee.
Horses
and riders were judged on various areas of horsemanship, including reigning,
trail pleasure and types of horses.
After winners are chosen in each category, the judges chose all-around
winners of the competition. The
all-around champion for the Youth Division was Joshua Reagor and his horse,
“Answer To My Dreams,” from Karnak, Illinois.
The all-around champion for the Amateur Division was Dr. Katherine
Draughon and her horse, “Absolute Purple Haze,” from Mt. Vernon, Indiana.
A
large number of horses walked past the judges’ table in various patterns. Between competitions, the trainers draped
large overcoats on the animals to keep them warm and clean. Everyone participating wore a cowboy hat and
spurs.
 |
| Getting ready for the event, (Photo By Jared Hennecy) |
The judges of the
event were Michelle Tidwell, Doug Rath, Kendra Weis, Bruce Walquist, Glenn
wells and Benny Sergeant. Doors opened
at 8 a.m., and the show started at 10 a.m.
The
event was free for attendees. The cost
to participate was $20 per class or $60 per horse per day. Horse owners were required to be amateur
horse trainers. Owners who wished to
compete were required to be members of the Walking Horse Owners Association, or
to purchase a temporary WHOA permit for $20.
The
event was founded by Rawhide Blackwell, who was unable to attend.
“We
were located in Martin, Tennessee, until a couple of years ago,” said Mrs.
Shirley Jones, a WHOA representative who works in the event planning
office. “People drive in from all around Judges can be very strict. They don’t mess around.”
Drinks
and snacks were available at the concessions stand. There was also a gift shop area with plush
toys and t-shirts.
For more
information about WHOA, visit: http://www.mtsu.edu/tmc/
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