Tte 1968 Columbia Spring Jubilee , long considered the second most important Walking Horse classic in the nation , set a pace for Tennessee Walking Horses that will be hard to live up to as we head down the stretch toward the National Celebration and the World Championship contests . The show this year broke all existing records for the Jubilee with over 500 horses attending the three-day event . Over fifteen states were represented by horses and the crowds that attended the show this year were considerably better than last year . The facilities at Columbia , Tennessee are excellent and the hospitality of the management , the Maury County Horsemen ’ s Association , was in the true Southern tradition . Mr . Marshall P . Ledbetter , Jr ., President of the Association and General Manager of the show , did an excellent job in this capacity . He was ably assisted by W . M . White , James Bailey , J . B . Napier and Jimmy Walters , who were the key men on the show * committee .
Showtime saw7 Mr . Emmet Guy take over the role of announcer and he w7as at his usual best in the middle of the big ring . The ever-popular Jimmy Richardson charmed the crowds with his organ antics during the show7 , w7hich lasted from May 30 through June 1 . The judges for Walking Horse classes were : John T . Carter , professional trainer from Kingsport , Tennessee ; Steve Hill , professional trainer from Beech Grove , Tennessee ; and Sam Yarbrough , Police Chief of Pulaski , Tennessee . These men are well qualified by background and experience , and formed a most critical team of judges . The social activities of the Jubilee were very comfortable and cordial this year . As usual the exhibitors and dignitaries looked forward to the picnic which was held at the recreational center . Entertainment wras furnished by the Prisonaires , a fine group of Negro singers whose background speaks for itself . They have a fine reputation throughout this part of the country and w7ere roundly applauded by the large group in attendance . The VOICE Publishing Company hosted an exhibitors ’ breakfast after the show on Friday night and over 250 attended this affair , which was held at the Holiday Inn in Columbia .
GO BOY ’ S ROYAL HEIR Tops A Great Class To Win Top Spot
GO BOY ’ S ROYAL HEIR , making his third trip under the lights in open competition since trainer Donald Paschal took over the reins from Candace Williams , made a splendid performance to take the blue in the top class of the show on Saturday night . Riding for Dr . and Mrs . C . L . Sexton of Florence , South Carolina , Donald served fair warning that the black stud is ready and right . Tying second in this fine class was the much-lauded WARLOCK with Doug Wolaver riding for Mitzi-Lew Ranch , Eugene , Oregon . He is owned jointly by Frank Parnell and Lew Williams , who have reason to feel that this big bay is a formidable contender for top honors this year . Third was SUN UP R
with J . W . Renfro up . The Junior Stud and Gelding Class also saw a lot of action as the highly regarded ACE ’ S SENSATION showed what a winter ’ s work can do for a growing horse . He is bigger and stronger than when he won the Three-Year-Old World Championship last year and is much improved . With Wink Groover riding , SENSATION put on a display of " big-time ” gaits that captured the applause of everyone including his owners , Beech and Hale . There is a lot of talk about the possibilities of this horse being shown in Age Classes this year and from what we have seen , he should get along well . Reserve was EBONY AGAIN , ridden by Donald Paschal for Mr . and Mrs . Lonnie Shoe , Lenoir , North Carolina . Third was MIDNIGHT JIM with Frank McMeen up for Paul Brown of Columbia . Walking Ponies were much in evidence at the Jubilee and it was BRONZE MASTERPIECE , a fine pony by EBONY MASTERPIECE , who walked away with
top honors with Kenny Hale in the saddle . This team keeps getting better and better , and should be in top form in about two months . Reserve was JUKE BON CHARLIE , with Judy Tillett putting her showring experience to work in good form . Third was Pam ClipP^ ' get riding the little red roan stud named RED MAN ’ JR . It was a fine class of ponies .
( Continued on poge 48 )
30 Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse