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Tennessee
Walking Horse OnLine Congratulates
Adult
Supreme Champion
Ann Kuykendall,
Oklahoma
Good Friday K.
By Ann Kuykendall
The Kuykendall's stallion, Good Friday K., was the third
Tennessee Walking Horse in the history of the Tennessee Walking Horse
Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association's Versatility Program to gain the
distinction of becoming a Supreme Champion. To become a Supreme Champion,
a horse must earn a minimum of 50 points as set forth under the
Versatility Program. Forty of these points must be earned in accredited
Versatility Performance and Model Classes. The candidate must win at least
ten points in Model (halter) Classes and 24 points in Performances
Classes. Eight of the performance points must be won in a minimum of three
of the following classes: English Pleasure, Trail, Western Pleasure, Water
Glass, or E-Z Rider; and eight points must be won in either Pleasure
Driving, TWH Hunter, or Basic Reining.
Ann chose one of the most difficult classes in which to compete when she
chose Basic Reining. But she was determined to prove that Tennessee
Walking Horses are equal to any breed. She competed against horses known
for their skill at reining, including Quarter Horses, and successfully
collected the required points for the Supreme Champion Award. Good Friday
K. is the first Tennessee Walker ever to earn this award using Basic
Reining as a category.
Here is Ann Kuykendall's own story.
As an introduction, I must tell you that I am a HORSE NUT, always have
been, always will be. Bob, my husband, is getting to be almost as bad - or
as good, depending on your feelings about horses.
"We became interested in Walking Horses because of Bob's father, W. A.
Kuykendall. We moved to the country in 1961 and promptly bought two
Quarter Horses. W. A. bought a Walking mare and colt and we kept them for
him. Needless to say that after we discovered the gentle disposition and
easy ride of the Walker, we, too, were soon converted. That first Walking
mare was Friday's grandmother.
"Good Friday K. was born on Good Friday in 1972, hence the name. I was
lucky enough to be there when he was born and I don't know if he saw his
mother or me first, but I helped him get up, breathed into his nostrils
and decided then and there that I wanted him for our stallion. The hard
part was yet to come, that was talking Bob into it! Many people had told
us that stallions were mean and unmanageable. We finally decided that as
long as we could control Friday, we wouldn't alter him; but if he became
unruly, off to the veterinarian he must go. I think he heard us because
nine years and over a hundred colts later, Friday is our senior stallion -
and I might add that he is more gentle than ever.
"We raised and trained Friday ourselves, and from day one he has been very
intelligent, very beautiful, and exceptionally easy to handle. We have
used him for everything. He is the best 'pony' horse we have. We lead all
our colts with him when we break them. We trail ride with him - he is
always welcome, always a gentleman. He is trained to harness and we have
led the annual Muskogee Azalea Parade carrying the Mayor in our cart. He
has been shown extensively in flat shod plantation classes all over
Oklahoma and Arkansas. He has competed quite successfully against Quarter
Horses in trail, western pleasure and reining classes, and has even taken
a couple of first places in poles and barrels.
"Friday and I entered the Versatility Program the first year it was
started. I thought it was a great way to expose the public to the many
facets of the plantation walker. We accumulated lots of points that year
in English performance and Trail Classes, but the Model Stallion Classes
were very small with not enough stallions shown to get versatility points.
The next year, however, the stallion and gelding Model Classes were
combined and we made our Versatility Championship! We were so thrilled!
"By this time, we were doing Western Pleasure pretty well, and I decided
to go for the Supreme Championship, with reining as our category. I will
say that, without a doubt, that first reining point we earned was the
hardest thing we ever did. In Oklahoma and Arkansas, the reining classes
are small, dominated by Quarter Horses, and very competitive. Friday was
willing to cooperate; I just didn't know what to ask for! But I have
several knowledgeable friends who have worked reining horses and they
helped me a bunch. After three years in the Versatility Program, much
practice, much work on my part and much patience on Friday's part, we
finally got those eight points in reining and a few more to go with them.
The Supreme Championship was ours!
"I believe that this effort (and it has been a big effort) has been one of
the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime. My horse has done
everything I have asked of him, and done it well. We never could have
achieved our goal without complete understanding and communication between
us. We also are very thankful for the total support of chief supporter,
Bob Kuykendall. We do 'ride with pride'!
(Reprinted from Voice of the Tennessee Walking Horse
magazine December 1982)
Adult Supreme Champions
Youth Superior Champions
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