By: Duane Blankenship | Category: Other | Issue: July 2007
Henry, Joe’s personable Labrador, asks for a little deserved attention from his owner who had just spent the weekend at a horse show.
The Southern Classic Charity Horse Show was established in 1981 by Fox Trotter enthusiasts in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. These states have the oldest Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Association affiliations in the country. This year’s July 6 and 7 event, sponsored by the Oklahoma LP Gas Research, Marketing and Safety Commission, will be a National High Point Missouri Fox Trotting Show.
Although it is a lesser-known horse breed, the Missouri Fox Trotter’s gait sets it apart from other breeds. Called the fox trot, the horse appears to walk with its front legs and trot with its hind legs. Because the hind end makes a sliding motion rather than a two-beat trot, the gait is incredibly smooth. It is accompanied by a nodding of the horse’s head. With Fox Trotters, the saying “to ride one is to own one” rings true. In other words, do not ride a Fox Trotter if you are not interested in owning one. Anyone interested in horses will love the ride and the willing, gentle disposition of this horse breed. The Fox Trotter is adaptable and has a calm temperament.
“Oklahoma is the 2007 host state for the event,” says Joe Jameson, representative for the sponsoring club. “The Charity Classic rotates each year between the four member states.” This year’s host organization is the Green Country Fox Trotting Association, referred to as GCFTA. “The GCFTA has members throughout extended northeast Oklahoma and even a few members from Texas because they like our organization,” adds Jameson.
The show at the Claremore Expo will feature sponsor classes for Missouri Fox Trotters plus versatility classes that are open to all gaited breeds. Classes can be found online at www.oklahomafox-trotters.com. Although spectator admission to the Charity Horse Show is free, there will be an opportunity to purchase tickets for drawings for a variety items. Several prizes include a John Deere generator and two saddles: a Circle Y Roper and a Yocham. Vendor exhibits of horse-related merchandise will also take place outside the show arena.
Joe Jameson of the Green Country Fox Trotting Horse Association rides Gambler, one of his favorite and most reliable mounts.
A silent auction will take place, as well. Items donated by businesses and individuals for a silent auction will be exhibited throughout the event. All proceeds from the silent auction and door prize ticket sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Board officers of GCFTA include: President Jack Arnold from Bristow; Vice President Ron Hutchinson from Owasso; Secretary Lucy Rhamy from Ponca City; Treasurer Joe Jameson from Claremore. Other board members include: Buzzy Worsham, Tom Throop, Tonya Johnston and Whitney Jameson.
Please contact Joe Jameson for more information about the 18th Annual Southern Classic Charity Horse Show, GCFTA, exhibiting merchandise at the event, running an advertisement in the Southern Classic Horse Show Directory or in showing horses. Missouri Fox Trotters are exciting performers, and this year’s Classic Horse Show will be fun for the entire family.
Joe Jameson
Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.
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