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2003 May Classic Horse Show



The 2003 May Classic Horse Show

Fast Facts:

May 16 and 17, 2003

Shelby County Fairgrounds-Shelbyville, Ky.

The horse show officials were:

Office staff: Gail Kline, Brenda Strause, Moe Anson,and Lisa Anderson

Judge: Mitch Clark

Academy Judge: Todd Walker

Ringmaster: Don Baker

Announcer: Guy Shelburne

Organist: Music by Marian

Photographer: Jamie Donaldson

Show Highlights:

With rain looming overhead, the 2003 May Classic Horse Show went on without a delay! The threat of poor weather couldn't keep these exhibitors from enjoying the hometown charm of the Shelbyville, Ky., ring. The barns were full of horses and anxious riders waiting to compete in a comfortable, yet competitive atmosphere. There were 42 classes offered over the two-day period, with the show beginning each evening at 6:30 and Academy classes being held Saturday morning. The classes were full with an array of horses, which included many world's champions to the novice horse.

This show always has a variety of classes from which to choose, ranging from ASB Model to Open Five-Gaited. This year the Natural Pleasure Class was added, which was very interesting. There really was a class for everyone to enjoy.

The May Classic Horse Show has been in existence for over 10 years. In fact, it has been voted as "the best one or two day horse show" for several years by UPHA Chapter 9. The show is sponsored by the Kentucky American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse Association (KASPHA), which is a charter club from the ASHA.

Gail Kline,one of the organizers of this show said, "We want this to be a fun show, where you can show your horse and have a good time in a laid back atmosphere. We are a little show, but we try harder."

Try they do, many exhibitors come to this show instead of traveling because of the caliber of horses and the close proximity to home. Also, KASPHA uses the money from this show and the Kentucky State Championships for scholarship dollars for college bound seniors who are in the horse business. Applications are available and based on scholastics and extra curricular activities. So, by supporting the May Classic Horse Show, exhibitors are directly supporting the youth of the horse industry. Many individuals did help the cause as well as local establishments Golden Creek Farms, Lenore Farms, Shelby Horse Supply, Southern Venture and Willimon Farriers.

The weather may have been gloomy, but the excitement and competition made the evenings very enjoyable and hospitable. With over 23 barns competing this year, it looks like the word is out about the May Classic Horse Show.

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