Wartrace show steps on

Trainer Jimmy McConnell and Busting Special wait for the floral horseshoe of the championship at the 2008 Wartrace Horse Show. This year's show will be Aug. 1. (T-G File Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

With more than a century of history behind it, the Wartrace Horse Show is known as one of the oldest in the state. But this year, it almost became known as the show that wasn't.

"What began as a shaky start is now full steam ahead," said show manager Roy Ferguson. "The show will go on."

Increased attendance from the USDA inspectors and decreased attendance from the audience and exhibitors are some of the reasons the show's future was uncertain -- those, and the economic environment. Class sponsorships weren't coming in like they had in the past.

"There was some question as to whether or not the Wartrace Horse Show would continue its long tradition as the show committee began work on the 2009 show," said Ferguson in a press release. "But the horse community and the local community have thrown tremendous support to this historic event."

Money pours in

Slated Aug. 1 at the Wartrace show grounds, this will be the 103rd show, and the box seats are already sold out. Recent issues within the industry haven't affected the fact that there has been a waiting list for years for these seats.

Sponsors from corporate to individual levels came through when it looked as thought the traditional show might be canceled, with funds coming in from around the nation, including California, Mississippi, Texas and North Carolina. Local businesses and individuals in the horse industry have also shown support for the show, with more than $6,000 already committed in the first pre-show efforts of the show committee.

"There are still a few classes available for sponsorship for $300 each," said Ferguson. "'Blue Ribbon' sponsorships are available for $75, 'Red Ribbon' sponsorships are $50 and 'Yellow Ribbon' sponsorships are available for $25."

Help still needed

He stressed all levels of sponsorships are important for the success of the show and for the continued funding of important community projects -- the purpose behind the show. The Wartrace Horse Show is a joint community volunteer effort of the East Bedford Civic Club and the Cascade Parent Teachers Organization. Once a year, the two groups join to form the "Civic Enterprises of Wartrace" and sponsor the Wartrace Horse Show.

East Bedford Civic Club, which focuses its contributions primarily to community youth's activities, is the largest contributor and supporter of Cascade School, donating over $10,000 each year to school projects and activities. The Wartrace Horse Show and the Celebration's popcorn stand are the two primary sources of revenue for the community projects.

New classes

Since Wartrace is known as "The Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse," the show's commitment to colt classes is still strong, with classes offered in weanling fillies, weanling colts, yearling fillies and yearling horse colts. Classes have been added to include youth and adult trail classes and country pleasure divisions, and Wartrace is working closely with Belfast, its "sister city" when it comes to one-night shows.

"The two shows are 'sharing' classes in the aged divisions to make sure everyone who wants to show has a class. For instance, Wartrace will be offering the Two-Year-Old Stud class and Belfast will be offering the Two-Year-Old Mares/Gelding Class. Belfast will offer the Three-Year-Old Stud class and Wartrace will list the Three-Year-Old Mares/Gelding class. Belfast will be held the Friday night before Wartrace on Friday, July 31," stated the release.

A 'homecoming'

"Both shows are very traditional shows with deep community roots and history in the horse industry," said Nancy Edwards, who chairs the event. "Families from the horse industry with deep ties to the early horse history in the area are still key supporters of the show, including the Dement and Brantley families, along with many others. The show has become a homecoming celebration for these families, the horse community and the local community."

According to show manager Ferguson, "the most valuable support our community can provide is by actually attending the show; bringing your families, having supper with us at the concession stand and helping us continue this long-standing tradition as a community."

If you go

The Wartrace Horse Show begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the show grounds. General admission tickets are $5 each, with children 12 and under admitted free. Concessions will be available for purchase.