All eyes on Spring Fun Show

Andy Adkins, left, and Marvin North get the Dave Landrum stables at the Celebration grounds ready Wednesday for the horses that will be coming in today for the Spring Fun Show. Classes begin at 6 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

During winter training, baseball fans peek over the fences at their favorite teams, trying to decide who's in shape and who isn't; which one of the young rookies called up from the minors will be the season's shining star; and which old pro will find himself sent back down to the minors.

It's kind of the same thing at the Spring Fun Show. Trainers, owners, and horse fans will be watching the entries this weekend with that same critical, curious eye. Which one of the three-year-olds looks better than he did last year? Does last year's winning weanling still have what it takes to carry a ribbon out of the ring?

The Spring Fun Show starts tonight at 6, showcasing this year's talent in what has been named one of the top horse shows in America.

"For some it is the beginning of a championship campaign, while it could be considered a 'coming out party' for many of the talented, young horses," said Celebration Board Chairman Charles McDonald in an earlier press release.

New twists to old show

For many years, the show has been held in the Calsonic Arena, but this year, responding to requests from people in the industry, The Celebration officials decided to move it back to the main, outdoor arena.

The live streaming video for the showcase events will also continue this year, which allows fans around the world to view the Fun Show via computer.

"We have been able to provide the webcast of the Fun Show at no charge for four years," said Celebration CEO Doyle Meadows. "We're happy to be able to do that again this year. Dean Johnson of ATW Sportscast will provide this wonderful service during the Fun Show."

Fans wanting to view the Spring Fun Show will need to make sure they have the latest version of Windows Media Player downloaded to their computer. Higher speed cable-based connections or DSL will provide the smoothest viewing experience. An active link will go up each night on The Celebration's home page (www.twhnc.com)

The show began in 1970 as an event to allow trainers and owners to showcase many of the industry's top horses early in the show season. It started in the outdoor arena and remained outdoors until 1991, when Celebration officials moved the event into the newly-completed indoor Calsonic Arena.

Move 'welcomed'

In December, Meadows announced the move back outdoors.

"Since my tenure began last spring," he said at the time. "I have received several comments and requests from trainers, owners and spectators asking that we move our Spring Fun Show back outdoors. I studied the idea at length and discussed it with our Board of Directors and we all agreed that it will be a welcomed change and are excited about moving the show back outdoors."

He's had no reason to regret the decision.

"If things go well, it will be huge -- that's my feeling," said Meadows. "If it rains, we'll do what we do during the Celebration and just keep showing. If we have good weather, it'll be just super."

Because each of the Celebration arena boxes has the same number of seats, six, the ticket prices for the smaller and larger boxes found in Calsonic Arena have been dropped. Box seats are $165; a three-night package of reserved seating is $19; the gate prices for Thursday and Friday are $7 each; and Saturday, $9. For more ticket information call 684-5915.

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Spring Fun Show Schedule

Thursday, 6 p.m.

1. Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings, 15.2 and Under

2.* Two-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings

3. Owner-Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions

4. Owner-Amateur Country Pleasure, Gentleman Riders

5. Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under

6. Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod

7. Walking Mares or Geldings, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over (Canter)

8. Owner-Amateur Country Pleasure, Lady Riders

9. Walking Horse Trainers' Auxiliary Members on Walking Horses

10. Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings

11.* Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions (Canter)

12 Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Ponies, 60" and Under

13. Owner-Amateur Western Trail Pleasure

14. Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Pleasure Walking Horses

15. Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Geldings, Over 15.2

16. Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings

Friday, 6 p.m.

17. Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 12-17 Years on Walking Mares or Geldings

18. Owner-Amateur Riders on Show Pleasure Walking Horses

19. Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Stallions, Over 15.2

20. Owner-Amateur Riders on Park Performance Walking Horses

21. Owner-Amateur Youth Country Pleasure

22.* Three-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings

23. Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Mares, Over 15.2

24. Owner-Amateur English Trail Pleasure

25.* Walking Stallions, 15.2 and Under, Five Years and Over (Canter)

26. Western Park Pleasure Walking Horses

27. Owner-Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions

28.* Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions

29.* Walking Mares or Geldings, 15.2 and Under, Five Years and Over (Canter)

30. Owner-Amateur Riders 50 Years and Over on Walking Horses

31. Owner-Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings

Saturday, 6 p.m.

32. Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 6-11 Years on Walking Mares or Geldings

33. Yearling Fillies & Geldings

34. Owner-Amateur Lady Riders on Walking Mares or Geldings

35. Show Pleasure Walking Horses

36. Owner-Amateur Yearlings

37. Young Trainers, 35 Years and Under, on Walking Horses

38. Western Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod

39. Yearling Colts

40. Owner-Amateur Riders on Walking Horses, Five Years and Over (Canter)

41.* Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions

42. Owner-Amateur Youth Riders 17 Years and Under on Walking Ponies, 60" and Under

43. Park Performance Walking Horses

44. Owner-Amateur Riders on Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses, Lite Shod

45.* Four-Year-Old Walking Mares or Geldings (Canter)

46. Owner-Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Walking Stallions

47.* Walking Stallions, Over 15.2, Five Years and Over (Canter)

*Riders Cup Class