Wartrace prepares for horse show

With less than a month before the opening of one of the biggest horse show in the world, the town of Wartrace is gearing up for one of the oldest horse shows in Tennessee. The 103rd Wartrace Horse Show is Saturday night at the horse show grounds, just across from the city park.

Like its sister show in Belfast on Friday night, the Wartrace show is one of several one-night venues taking place between now and the Celebration where fans can get the chance to see some of their favorite horses in action before the world grand championships are decided.

"I'm taking five horses to Belfast and seven to Wartrace," said Justin Harris, who trains for Joe Fleming Stables on Highway 64 West near Wheel.

"It's looking pretty good," said Roy Ferguson Jr., who coordinates the show with Nancy Edwards. "We won't know how many entries there are until Saturday, but what I've heard has been good."

While any outdoor event has to keep a weather eye out, Ferguson said they also have to keep an eye on other factors.

"A lot of it depends on what the government does."

Last year, the USDA inspectors attended the Wartrace show and the entries were down in all of the performance horse classes, where the pads and other action devices are used. Horses and trainers who get "ticketed" for scarring or other infractions face the possibility of not being able to show in the Celebration.

Fewer entries can mean lower attendance -- which can affect more than the trainers and owners.

"The school gets part of the money and the East Bedford Civic Club gets some of it," said Ferguson. "They turn around and give $10,000-11,000 right back to the schools."

Funds raised by the horse show and parking have sponsored ball teams, purchased supplies and equipment, and provides two scholarships at Cascade.

"The town gets the parking money," said Ferguson. "Some of that goes to the school, some to the town -- everybody gets a little bit of it."

There will be 24 classes in this year's show, with Class 7b, 11 & Under Youth added recently. The box seats are sold out but general admission seats are still available for $5 each, with children 12 and younger admitted free.

A supper on the grounds will be available with country ham, barbecue and homemade desserts.

WARTRACE SHOW SCHEDULE

Saturday, 6 p.m. Jernigan Field in Wartrace.

Judge: Paul Livingston

1. Weanling Fillies

2. Youth Trail Pleasure, English or Western, Specialty

3. Amateur Lite Shod, Specialty

4. Weanling Horse Colts

5. Youth County Pleasure, English or Western, Specialty

6. Adult Trail Pleasure, English or Western, Specialty

7. Amateur Riders on Two-Year-Old Mares/Geldings, Spec.

7b. 11 & Under Youth

8. Yearling Fillies

9. Youth Riders 17 & Under on Mares/Geldings, Specialty

10. Yearling Horse Colts

11. Walking Ponies, Adult or Youth, Specialty

12. RIDERS CUP Two-Year-Old Walking Stallions

13. Adult Country Pleasure, English or Western, Specialty

14. Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Mares/Geldings, Spec

15. RIDERS CUP Three-Year-Old Mares & Geldings

16. Amateur Show Pleasure, Specialty

17. Amateur Riders on Three-Year-Old Stallions, Specialty

18. Three-Year-Old Walking Stallions

19. Amateurs on Four-Year-Old Mares & Geldings, Spec.

19b. Amateur Riders on Four-Year-Old Stallions, Spec.

20. Amateur Specialty, Mares & Geldings

20b. Amateur Specialty, Stallions

21. RIDERS CUP Walking Horse Championship, Open