Cover Story( Continued from page 4)
" YVe also realize that we are sometimes criticized for the success that we experience in the show ring, but I would like to point out that we work full-time on our colts and many times are showing against exhibitors who either do it part-time or in conjunction with other horse activities. '' There are no secrets to our training program for colts. The procedures that we use are generally in line with those used by other colt trainers both in the Walking Horse business and in other breeds. We strive for perfection in color... conformation... manners... and performance. The requirements of the halter classes in the show ring are equally as strict and rigid as those for saddle horses. Many people do not seem to realize this.”
STEVE BEECH, who is now working full-time at the stables, states that their colt program usually gets into full swing about the middle of the summer. He points out that they start working with weanling colts about 5 to 6 weeks old so that they will get used to being handled. It is important to move them about a lot, both inside and outside. Teaching them to " park” on command is important, especially if you plan to show a colt. Another item of importance to remember is that a little colt gets tired easily and that it is better to work with them two or three times a day for about 10 or 15 minutes than it is to work them for half an hour at one time. He also points out that time and patience are the best approach. Steve seldom uses a whip when working with a colt. The idea is to teach them respect but not fear. As to age, Steve says that the best weanling show colts are 8 or 9 weeks old.
There is no basic difference between the approach to training a weanling or a yearling, considering that the yearling has not been worked and shown before. Yearlings are a bit more difficult due to their size but they can be effectively handled if care is taken.
At Beech Stables they bring all colts to be shown to the stable for training, and try to keep the mare and colt up as much as possible. This gives better control of feeding and handling and keeps them out of the sun. By show time, they have been properly trained, fed,* groomed, and are not strangers to being handled. It pays off in the show ring.
EBONY MASTERPIECE Proving to be Exceptional
When Mr. BILLY HALE of Gallatin, Tennessee, purchased Ebony Masterpiece in 1961, little did he realize that his shorse would become one of the most sought-after studs in the Walking Horse business. This has been the case, however, and the drawing power of this black stud is not necessarily based on this fact of his being the 1962 World’ s Grand Champion. It is based more on his ability to pass his own best traits on to his get. As a show horse, Ebony was noted for his tremendous stride and easy-going lick. There was nothing " pitty-pat” about him. Every step he took was a big one and he took it with authority and pride. Ebony also had the most sweeping flat-foot walk and running walk that have been seen to date and he nodded his head with every step.
TOP COLT— STEVE BEECH exhibits the type of stock they are seeking for 1966 yearling halter classes.
The team of Hale and Beech work together for the future of Ebony Masterpiece as a breeding horse. Of Mr. Hale, S. W. Beech says, " Billy is as enthusiastic as any horse owner I have ever seen. He works about as hard as we do on finding top colts and visiting training stables that have Ebony colts working. One thing is sure... he really believes in ol * Ebony.”
When asked about the many Ebony colts now in training, Mr. Hale mentioned with pride such stables as HARBER & CHERRY, PATE Brothers, JIMMY WADDELL, DONALD PASCHAL, JIMMY HOLLO WAY, CASEY JONES, GLL Farms and ELMORE BROCK, all of which are reputed to have aboveaverage fillies and colts by this horse. When the gate opens and the first two-year-olds hit the show ring, chances are that it will be a battle between Ebony colts, especially in Middle Tennessee.
MERRY GO BOY Considered Leading Sire
Merry Go Boy, who has been billed as " The Nation’ s Leading Walking Horse Sire” for several years, is the oldest reigning World’ s Grand Champion. This 23-year-old black stallion presents an imposing background of both blood and performance for current stallions to shoot for. He was the Two-Year-Old World Champion in 1945. The following year he captured the Junior Championship and successfully defeated all comers for Grand Championship Stake honors in both 1947 and 1948. The ring-wise veteran WINSTON WISER piloted him to all of his spectacular victories.
A note of interest regarding Merry Go Boy is the fact that he was also the Weanling and Yearling Champion at the Celebration when he was a colt. This is of particular interest when he is being considered as a sire. It has been said that Merry Go Boy colts " jest look prettier than most colts.” With a background of such character it is easy to see how they just might be, in the eyes of some.
Merry Go Boy has produced a dominating line of colts for over fifteen years and many have gone on to win fame in all areas of Walking Horse activity. Though reaching an age considered as the " twilight years,” Merry Go Boy is still hale and hearty, with plenty of energy and determination. He is still a potent sire and is facing a full booking for 1966.
34 VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse