21st Annual Twin Cities Classic Horse Show

June 26, 2010

More than 140 Tennessee Walking Horses and their expert riders took to the Phenix City Exchange Club Twin Cities Classic arena on June 26. Forty-three categories welcomed horse show enthusiasts and experienced equestrians from age 6 to beyond 60.  Gates opened at 10 a.m. and in spite of the heat of the day, the park filled with trailers, tents and provisions for the afternoon’s events. Temperatures crossed the 90 degree mark before 2 p.m. The evening and championship shows saw a little relief from damp towels and damper habits and handlers. Spectators and participants were also treated to a silent auction and fine summer fare and beverages provided by the club.

Representative Billy Beasley and Senator Ted Little joined the event in the mid-afternoon to support the Exchange Club’s effort and shake hands with owners and riders that traveled from across five states and as far away as Tennessee and Tampa, Fla., to enter the arena.

The Phenix City Exchange Club hosts the annual Tennessee Walking Horse Show of the Year at the Twin Cities Classic horse grounds on 431N in Russell County. All proceeds go to support local Exchange Club programs throughout the year. The Exchange Club’s mission is to assist local agencies and organizations in the prevention of child abuse. New members are always welcome and invited to attend the club’s weekly luncheon meetings at the Holiday Inn Express on Hwy. 280W in Phenix City at noon each Tuesday.

Cutlines

Anna Grizzle, 6, from Smiths Station vied for the Blue Ribbon with her horse, Dusty, at the Twin Cities Classic on June 26 in the Field Trail Open division. Anna has been riding since she was three years old.

Representative Billy Beasley along with Clayton, Ala., Mayor Becca Beasley joined Russell County Sheriff-elect Heath Taylor and Stacey Pollard to meet and greet the horses and riders from Country’s BBQ.  State Senator Ted Little began his campaign for votes in November at the horse show. Rep. Beasley is in a run-off with Johnny Ford on July 13 for the District 28 Senate seat.

Phenix City Exchange Club members Jimmy Adams and Russell County Commission Chair Peggy Martin pause for the cause Saturday afternoon. The annual event provides proceeds for Exchange Club programs throughout the year.