By: Jessica O’Connor
Walterboro’s newest local open horse show circuit, Grass Roots and Dusty Boots, closed out their inaugural show season with a fantastic turnout last Saturday.
Show manager Deirdra Worley Lunny reported that the October 22 show boasted double the number of entries in comparison to all of the previous dates. This particular show was a double judged event, so exhibitors were evaluated independently by two judges and awarded points and ribbons from each. Formatting the show in this way essentially packed two horse shows into one day, saving time and expenses for exhibitors.
Each class was jam packed with entries, and the camaraderie and excitement among exhibitors made the day extra special. Spectators are always welcome, and they helped to cheer on each horse and rider that came through the in-gate. Remember, visiting the event to spectate is always free.
Exhibitor Kelly Platt, who has attended shows big and small throughout the southeast and beyond, was quick to sing the circuit’s praises.
“I love this new show series because of the people, and the opportunities it gives our horses both young and old,” she said. “I enjoy seeing the younger kids and upcoming young trainers with their students showing their horses, and the atmosphere is amazing! Everyone is there to have fun, and to make friendships along the way.”
Kelly continued, “This show was very much needed in our area and has grown so much since the beginning of the year. And have you ever been to an open horse show with two judges? Kudos to Deirdra for thinking out of the box.”
In addition to the competition, Four J’s Ranch hosted their weekly podcast, “In the Pen Live ‘’ from the show. This program highlights a variety of topics of interest for local equestrians. More information on the podcast and live streaming from past events can be found on Facebook at Four J’s Ranch, LLC.
We hear Santa even dropped by while he was starting to work on his list for the holiday season!
Deirdra noted that many exhibitors expressed their desire to show on the circuit again next year. Grass Roots and Dusty Boots will be adding one show to their regular schedule in 2023, and even more exciting, introducing two weekend shows that will be held at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center and South Carolina Equine Park. The tentative show dates for 2023 are as follows:
March 25-Double D Arena
May 6&7-”Derby Daze” at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, John’s Island
September 23-Double D Arena
October 21-Double D Arena (double judged)
November 11&12-”Palmetto Classic” at SC Equine Park, Camden
Check out the Grass Roots and Dusty Boots Open Horse Show page on Facebook for all the latest news on upcoming shows, as well as clinics that will be held over the winter. Clinics will cover topics such as show day grooming and insight on how judges score pattern classes like showmanship, horsemanship, equitation, and trail.
In closing Deidra emphasized her gratitude toward Christy Thompson and Gina Derry for allowing the circuit to host their shows at Double D.
“The location and care of the arena has been an intricate part of the success of this series,” she said.
High point winners for the day were:
High Points for the show October 22,2023:
Assisted Rider:
Champion - Kimberlyn Clifton with Good Golly Miss Dolly
Reserve - Laney Lovelace on Skip To My Lou
New Rider:
Champion - Ellianna Grace Brougher on Skip To My Lou
Reserve - Tanya Tuttle Rak on Boone’s Little Rascal
Open Walk/Trot:
Champion - Marah Coxe on Mystic Merlin
Reserve - Hannah Jones on Hollywood Whiz
Small Equine:
Champion - Lisa Churchill Jackson with Domino
Reserve tie - Ellianna Grace Brougher with Skip To My Lou
Bridget Edge with Captain Copy Cat
Gaited Horse:
Champion - Holly Wells with Ozark’s Painted Dreamer
Reserve - Brenda Ward Connolly with Calapari’s Cousins
Open Horse:
Champion - Paige Baker with Playgun’s Smokin Siete
Reserve - Davis Dunahoe with He Thinks I’m Sharp
Adult:
Champion - Kelly Platt on CHH Maximum Charisma
Reserve - Davis Dunahoe with He Thinks I’m Sharp
Youth 13-18:
Champion - Emily Berthiaume with Her Big Ego
Reserve - Madison Duke with Calypso
Youth 12 & Under:
Champion - Addison Hiers with Good Golly Miss Dolly
Reserve - Averie DuBois with Skippin With Shy
