Cover Story ( Continued from page 4 )
" YVe also realize that we are sometimes criticized for the success that we experience in the show ring , but I would like to point out that we work full-time on our colts and many times are showing against exhibitors who either do it part-time or in conjunction with other horse activities . '' There are no secrets to our training program for colts . The procedures that we use are generally in line with those used by other colt trainers both in the Walking Horse business and in other breeds . We strive for perfection in color . . . conformation . . . manners . . . and performance . The requirements of the halter classes in the show ring are equally as strict and rigid as those for saddle horses . Many people do not seem to realize this .”
STEVE BEECH , who is now working full-time at the stables , states that their colt program usually gets into full swing about the middle of the summer . He points out that they start working with weanling colts about 5 to 6 weeks old so that they will get used to being handled . It is important to move them about a lot , both inside and outside . Teaching them to " park ” on command is important , especially if you plan to show a colt . Another item of importance to remember is that a little colt gets tired easily and that it is better to work with them two or three times a day for about 10 or 15 minutes than it is to work them for half an hour at one time . He also points out that time and patience are the best approach . Steve seldom uses a whip when working with a colt . The idea is to teach them respect but not fear . As to age , Steve says that the best weanling show colts are 8 or 9 weeks old .
There is no basic difference between the approach to training a weanling or a yearling , considering that the yearling has not been worked and shown before . Yearlings are a bit more difficult due to their size but they can be effectively handled if care is taken .
At Beech Stables they bring all colts to be shown to the stable for training , and try to keep the mare and colt up as much as possible . This gives better control of feeding and handling and keeps them out of the sun . By show time , they have been properly trained , fed ,* groomed , and are not strangers to being handled . It pays off in the show ring .
EBONY MASTERPIECE Proving to be Exceptional
When Mr . BILLY HALE of Gallatin , Tennessee , purchased Ebony Masterpiece in 1961 , little did he realize that his shorse would become one of the most sought-after studs in the Walking Horse business . This has been the case , however , and the drawing power of this black stud is not necessarily based on this fact of his being the 1962 World ’ s Grand Champion . It is based more on his ability to pass his own best traits on to his get . As a show horse , Ebony was noted for his tremendous stride and easy-going lick . There was nothing " pitty-pat ” about him . Every step he took was a big one and he took it with authority and pride . Ebony also had the most sweeping flat-foot walk and running walk that have been seen to date and he nodded his head with every step .
TOP COLT — STEVE BEECH exhibits the type of stock they are seeking for 1966 yearling halter classes .
The team of Hale and Beech work together for the future of Ebony Masterpiece as a breeding horse . Of Mr . Hale , S . W . Beech says , " Billy is as enthusiastic as any horse owner I have ever seen . He works about as hard as we do on finding top colts and visiting training stables that have Ebony colts working . One thing is sure ... he really believes in ol * Ebony .”
When asked about the many Ebony colts now in training , Mr . Hale mentioned with pride such stables as HARBER & CHERRY , PATE Brothers , JIMMY WADDELL , DONALD PASCHAL , JIMMY HOLLO WAY , CASEY JONES , GLL Farms and ELMORE BROCK , all of which are reputed to have aboveaverage fillies and colts by this horse . When the gate opens and the first two-year-olds hit the show ring , chances are that it will be a battle between Ebony colts , especially in Middle Tennessee .
MERRY GO BOY Considered Leading Sire
Merry Go Boy , who has been billed as " The Nation ’ s Leading Walking Horse Sire ” for several years , is the oldest reigning World ’ s Grand Champion . This 23-year-old black stallion presents an imposing background of both blood and performance for current stallions to shoot for . He was the Two-Year-Old World Champion in 1945 . The following year he captured the Junior Championship and successfully defeated all comers for Grand Championship Stake honors in both 1947 and 1948 . The ring-wise veteran WINSTON WISER piloted him to all of his spectacular victories .
A note of interest regarding Merry Go Boy is the fact that he was also the Weanling and Yearling Champion at the Celebration when he was a colt . This is of particular interest when he is being considered as a sire . It has been said that Merry Go Boy colts " jest look prettier than most colts .” With a background of such character it is easy to see how they just might be , in the eyes of some .
Merry Go Boy has produced a dominating line of colts for over fifteen years and many have gone on to win fame in all areas of Walking Horse activity . Though reaching an age considered as the " twilight years ,” Merry Go Boy is still hale and hearty , with plenty of energy and determination . He is still a potent sire and is facing a full booking for 1966 .
34 VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse