Rowdy Rev's back for another try

In 2008, they won the Trainers' Show. They won the Spring Fun Show. But for the third year in a row, the elusive Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship eluded Rowdy Rev and Bill Bobo. It was the big sorrel's last chance for the industry's highest honor -- or was it?

"Rowdy is back," said Bill's wife, Connie Bobo.

Last summer, owner Bill Harlin and trainer Bill Bobo decided to retire the then-7-year-old to stud after the Celebration. But that changed when Rowdy left the championship class in third place. The year before, the 16 1/2-hand stallion had been named Reserve World Grand Champion and many expected him to win the top honors in 2008.

But fate -- and an upper respiratory infection -- intervened. After his Saturday night qualifying class at the beginning of the 11-day show, Rowdy got sick.

"It was Sunday morning when Bill found him sick, coughing," said Connie. "It really diminished our hopes for him winning. We felt he couldn't do his best because he didn't get to work him all week."

Rowdy was under close veterinary supervision all week and was given the green light for the WGC class the next Saturday night. Even so, said Connie, the Bobos had concerns.

"We knew he would not be at his best," she said. "Most people know Rowdy gets geared up for his second running walk or a third running walk and he just didn't have the energy.

"We knew going in it could be a defeat because of his illness. That was really hard after you go through the whole season and he had so many wins and your expectations are high. But there's nothing you can do about it, his safety and health are the main thing."

But it's not over yet.

"Mr. Harlin, at the Celebration Saturday night, when we came out of the ring, said 'I'm ready to show him if you are.'"

They were.

Rowdy took a break, first recovering from his respiratory infection, then going to Harlinsdale Farms.

"We bred him for the first time," said Connie.

"He covered nine mares and eight of them took," said Bill Bobo.

"That's very unusual," added his wife. "Usually when you first start breeding, you don't get those kinds of results. We're looking forward to having a bunch of little Rowdies around."

With plenty of rest -- and relaxation -- behind him, Rowdy came home to Bobo Stables near Unionville last week. It wasn't just a horse they welcomed back -- it was an old friend.

"He had his little vacation," said Connie. "He came back running in the hallway. I ran into the stall and he threw his nose out for kisses -- he was so excited to be back home. He and (2003 WGC) The Whole Nine Yards remind me of each other. Rowdy's is a little bigger, but they have the same manner, the same way of going, personality. They've been two of my favorites."

Both horses have always been crowd favorites, too, and many fans will be happy to hear they have the chance to get Rowdy again.