Horse show to bring in out-of-state competitors

Stone Creek Stables in Jackson will host competitors from Missouri and other states Saturday during the 36th annual Missouri State Championship Racking Horse Show.

"We have riders bringing their horses in from Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas," said Jim Morris, an organizer of the state championship. "I even got a call from people in Michigan who said they were coming down."

Morris said the state championship will be a completely outdoor event and could have as many as 150 entries in 33 events, which include Flat Shod Racking, Lead Line, Park Pleasure Racking and Western Pleasure Racking. Some events will see riders wearing formal English riding attire and Western wear.

"There's going to be some high competition," Morris said. "We're going to have a great show."

The racking horse is a breed derived from the Tennessee Walking Horse that possesses a long neck, a well-muscled build and a distinctive four-beat gait.

"It's not a trot and it's not a pace," Morris said. "It's a natural four-beat gait."

In the state championship, only racking horses that are registered with the Racking Horse Breeders' Association of America will be allowed to compete. During their "rack," no head motion or any exaggerated rear-hock action will be allowed.

"The judge, John Cordell, will be looking for that," Morris said. "He'll also be looking at the overall appearance of the racking horse and rider."

In addition to winning state recognition, the riders who place first through fifth in an event will be eligible for prize money, Morris said. The amount they win will be determined by the number of paying entrants.

"It's a jackpot show," he said. "If we have a lot of entrants paying to enter an event, that means more money will be given to riders who place. It all depends."

The Missouri State Championship Racking Horse Show is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Stone Creek Stables. Admission is $2 and children younger than 12 will receive free admission.

"This is an event for the whole family," Morris said. "It's a clean atmosphere. I wouldn't have it any other way."

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

4859 Old Cape Road East, Jackson, MO