Rowdy Rev, trainer Bill Bobo, owners Bill and Barbara Harlin of Franklin, and other friends of Rowdy Rev celebrate the horse's victory at the Spring Fun Show. It marked the second year in a row the horse/trainer combination captured the title. (TWHNC Photo)

Only five entered the gate, but they were strong competitors.

Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo, for Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, won the blue ribbon for the second consecutive year, walking home with the top honors in the Stallions Five Years and Over, 15.2 & Over (Canter) class, a traditional showcase for some of the horses who will compete for the World Grand Championship at summer's end.

Gen on the Run and Justin Harris received the reserve award. The yellow ribbon went to P.G.A. and Joel Weaver for Robbie Lanier from Manfield, Ga.

The spring showcase for the Tennessee Walking Horse fielded high numbers of competitors in virtually every division, making it a successful event, according to show officials.

A total of 531 horses entered the show ring during three nights of competition. The nightly totals were 208 on Thursday, 175 on Friday, and 148 on Saturday.

"The success of any horse show rests on the shoulders of the professional trainers in our industry," said Celebration CEO and Show Manager Dr. Doyle Meadows. "I'm extremely proud of the job they are doing and the horses they brought to the Fun Show this year. Their efforts have given our industry a wonderful shot in the arm."

Most noted by those in attendance were the level of competition and the look of the horses. Training, inspections, and judging are equally important factors in putting the best horses in the ring.

"Presenting healthy, sound horses for competition is the absolute highest priority for this industry," Meadows said. "From what we saw over the weekend, it's obvious that everyone in the process is pulling in the same direction to achieve that goal."

"I'm very proud of the NHSC team of DQPs (designated qualified persons), their leadership, and the USDA VMOs (veterinary medical officers)," Meadows continued. "The working relationship and professionalism they showed toward each other and to the trainers is an example of how our system can and should work at each and every show. They are to be commended."

Similar comments came from the National Horse Show Commission.

"From my point of view, the trainers have simply done an outstanding job and that's where it all starts," said NHSC Director of DQPs David Finger. "Early shows that the NHSC monitored indicated that our trainers presented sound, healthy horses for inspection, which was evidenced by a high compliance rate. At the Fun Show, under USDA supervision, those numbers were confirmed."

The Celebration Spring Fun Show serves as a gateway to dozens of events throughout the summer and helps set the tone for the excitement level of walking horse enthusiasts throughout the country.

The 2008 Tennessee Walking Horse show season will continue throughout the summer with the 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration slated for August 20-30 at the Historic Celebration Grounds in Shelbyville.

The next big event on the schedule at The Celebration Grounds will be The Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show in July.