MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS...
The opening ceremony of each session of the Celebration— flag, horse music, prayer... Then the first big class of the night... The note of sadness as a Champion is officially retired from competition... The genial way Sam Gibbons keeps the show moving along— he makes the show seem like it runs itself... Emmet Guy handling all kinds of situations with poise and an apt phrase, not to mention his tall tales and short jokes. What a Guy!... The spontaneous roar of approval when a horse and rider catch the fancy of the crowd... The uncanny ability of Jimmie Richardson to hit just the right tempo to match the gaits of the horses in the ring... The unfailing courtesy and helpfulness of every member of the Celebration Committee and their staff... The unhurried efficiency of Mrs. Ivan Potts, secretary to the committee, and the one who has to be right the first time she tallies the judges’ cards... Time out for shoe trouble... The excitement of auctions as bidders compete for the Champions of Tomorrow... The truly Southern Hospitality of Glenn Ensfelder and his crew at the famous Saddle Restaurant, where delicious food and good conversation( about horses, of course) always go together... The people you meet from all over the country... The shows“ on the hill” every night after the show in the ring is over... The beautiful young queens in their moment of glory... Bill and Dot Tune as gracious host and hostess... The party at the Vic Thompsons after the Stake Classes... The many friendly compliments paid our magazine ■— thanks to you all... The patience of Scope Carney and Ike Bull at the Barn office... The hardworking civic clubs of Shelbyville... Breakfast for two at two... a. m., that is... The pleasure of sharing such a pleasant home as that of the Gene Higgins family in Shelbyville... The thought that it is only 844 days until the next National Celebration begins...
NORTHWEST CORNER By Aletha Wiehl
By the time you read this, another Celebration will be history, and another Tennessee Walking Horse Champion of the World will have the crown. But, at this moment, everyone in Shelbyville is looking forward to the big event today. And, we,’ way out here in the Northwest Corner, are yearning to be there to see for ourselves,“ who shows” and“ who wil it be” and“ will there be a big surprise?”( Oh, we’ re not overlooking the fact that many from this area have gone to the Celebration! And, we’ re looking forward to their“ first hand accounts” when they return!) But, for many of us, it seems that every train passing thru, and every plane overhead must be Celebration bound. Even our horses seem to sense there’ s something in the air. A couple of times I’ ve headed SUN ON PARADE toward the East, and he has gone into his big walk, and, I do believe we could have kept it up right on back to Tennessee! But, my husband, Lloyd, coming right along invariably calls out with some dream-shattering remark like,“ Hey, up front, you’ ll have the Columbia River to cross in another 10 minutes,” or“ It’ s cold on those Rocky Mountain peaks even this time of the year!” So, reluctantly, we slow to a flat walk, turn-about and head for home. But, one great consolation we have. Any one who owns a Walking Horse must feel that a little bit of Tennessee is his. And the National is“ our” show too. So, if not this year, next year, we hope! Our plans are in the making right now—“ If we’ re alive, the Celebration in’ 65!”— And, right now, we’ re feeling mighty healthy!
FIRST BITTERFOOT VALLEY AUCTION
Keysers’ Bitterroot Valley Walking Horse Ranch conducted its first annual auction sale Saturday, July 18th at the time of the 17th annual Treasure State Horse Show in Missoula, Montana. Prospective buyers had plenty of time to look over the stock. Coffee and rolls were served in the morning prior to the sale. Erna Rae and Bob had advertised“ offering our best,” and they did just that.( With the one exception of HEY JOE, but no one
expected him to be offered. He’ s just“ family!”)
Their good show mare, JOE’ S LIL QUEEN, Pacific International Junior and Mare-Gelding Champion sold to Arthur Harlow, Whitefish, Montana for $ 2050. She will
be with Roy Larson, who is training in Kalispell.
SECRET VENTURE, the black stallion Bob brought back from the Celebration last fall, went to Archie Staley, Washtucna, Washington for $ 1500.
Bob announces several breeders in Montana and neighboring states have shown an interest in next years sale, so plans are in the making for a larger sale next year. It should be an event to watch for and plan to attend if you’ re in the market for Walking Horses.
JUDY GROSS STABLES
There’ s a lot of activity out in Tucson, Arizona these days. Miss Judy Gross opened a new stable several months ago with Mr. Glenn Willis as trainer. In the short time they have been operating they have purchased some top horses, one being SHADOW’ S LUMINAIRE. They have plans to show LUMI NAIRE at the Cow Palace, Delmar and Indigo and also in Oklahoma City and Tulsa before they start standing him at stud. This stallion is in terrific condition and will be a great addition to that section of the country. Judy and her parents, wth the capable aid of Glenn, have been purchasing some top brood mares to breed to LUMI NAIRE, one being a MELODY LANE mare that Marjorie Gill showed last year. A mare that was purchased for show is MIDNIGHT GNILA. We wish the Gross Stables and Mr. Willis much success in the future with their new adventure.
30 VOICE of The Tennessee Walking Horse