1969 Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1969 January Voice RS | Page 92

(Continued from page 80)
few people who had watched the pro­
gress of SHAKER’S SHOCKER as
Betty worked him through the cold
winter months in the fields and bot­
tom land out back of her barn knew
it was true.
Betty and SHOCKER had gone
through a lot together besides the
Celebration. In the most bitter part
of the winter of 1965-66, they spent
many an hour riding outside with the
wind biting at them. They were still
at it as Spring broke, and a few
staunch supporters began to quest­
ion her as to when she would show
him first. Almost everyone laughed
at her when she said, "I guess I’m
just chicken right now. Besides, I
can’t find a ring big enough for him.”
Two popular Walking Horse enthus­
iasts stand out as being greatly re­
sponsible for the success of SHAK­
ER’S SHOCKER this year: Dr. Na­
than Thomas, well-known Shelbyville
veterinarian; and Dan Arnold, a fam­
ous farrier from Middle Tennessee.
These two men saw’ the same features
in SHAKER’S SHOCKER that Betty
did, and they told her so. Dr. Thomas
took a personal interest in SHOCK­
ER and helped Betty get and keep
him in the peak of condition. Dan
Arnold worked closely with her on
keeping SHOCKER shod correctly
throughout his career.
After the 1966 Celebration there
was much speculation as to the future
of the extremely popular SHAKER’S
SHOCKER. Walking Horse enthusi­
asts, especiallly those whose activity
centered around small, self-operated
horse operations, waited with bated
breath as the 1967 season rolled
around and no public mention was
made of the 1966 World Champion.
He was not promoted as a breeding
stallion, and speculation was that
he would make a comeback in 1967
in an attempt to win the Celebration
again.
History now records the eventful
return of SHAKER’S SHOCKER to
the big ring, and few who were there
on the final night will ever forget the
suspense, tension and turmoil that
reigned that uncomfortable evening.
Another champion was crowned and
still the mass of Betty Sain fans
swarmed to her side to convey the
message that they felt the “little
man” still had a chance.
As 1968 came into view, again
there was speculation as to the fu­
ture of the "black horse from Bell
Buckle.” Would he be retired? Would
he stand at stud? Does she dare try
it again? About mid-season, our ques­
tions were answered as Middle Ten­
nessee was "shocked” to see the
I black-and-white trailer of Sain Stab­
Announcing
les pull up to a small one-night show.
The incomparable SHOCKER again
entered the showring. He was shown
three times before the 1968 Cele­
bration, winning three blues in open
competition. He was again entered
in the World Championship and again
another champion was crowned.
There was a small crowd at the
Sain Stables’ barn on the show-
grounds that night. People stood
around extending whatever condol­
ences they could. Some smiled! Some
cursed! Some even cried! Betty Sain
slowly went about her routine of
preparing for the short trip back to
Bell Buckle. She gathered her tack
box and equipment and approached
the trailer, and there was a look of
despair in the eyes of her fans as
she said, "Get in, SHOCKER.”
This year SHAKER’S SHOCKER
is being promoted as a breeding
stallion. No doubt his size, color,
breeding and title will be extremely
attractive to a certain segment of
the Walking Horse business. Miss
Sain and her 1966 World Champion
are still very popular and her follow­
ers have a lot of brood mares. Per­
haps sometime in the future we will
see the progeny of this horse that
"rewrote the book” write another
chapter of equal significance. We
hope so!
. . .
56th
Annual Murray Farm Sale
of
TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES
APRIL 15, 16, 17, 18, 1969
The Spring Murray Farm Sale will offer some of the finest stock in the breed for competitive prices.
Make plans to attend and consign your top horses for sale through this well established medium. Enjoy
Tennessee in the spring and see some of the finest horses in the nation.
ENTRIES CLOSE MARCH 5
MURRAY FARM
S. W. BEECH
*
OWNERS
■
PETE YOKLEY
LEWISBURG, TENNESSEE
FOR INFORMATION AND ENTREE FORMS CONTACT:
MRS. BARBARA WIGGINS, P. O. BOX 425
»
PH. 615/359-3831