by Darrell and Rhonda
Becknell
We would like to thank the
KMSHA and the judges for providing a great show at the Kentucky
Horse Park. We would also like to thank all the riders, owners, and
horses who made the park division an exciting one to compete in this
year. We also extend our gratitude to all the people who have
supported Rock over the years and would stop by the horse trailer
and ask, "Did you bring Rock tonight?"
After admiring the horses at
previous International shows, we decided that we wanted to acquire a
horse of championship quality. We found a horse that fit the bill at
Wendell Johnson’s farm in Irvine, Kentucky. We also discovered a
true friend who has been willing to share his knowledge of the horse
and it’s history. Many thanks to Wendell for allowing us to bring
Red Rock home, and all the happiness he has brought to us over the
years.
As a two-year-old, Rock was
sent to 16-year-old Jason Creech of Booneville, Kentucky, to be
broken. The quiet, shy boy seemed to have knowledge beyond his years
regarding horses. Jason rode Rock for 60 days, but due to his age we
had to find someone else to show the horse. Robin and Martiza
McVicker rode Rock in Mountain horse shows as a two-year-old. James
Powell, now deceased, rode our talented horse to a Mountain horse
high point award in 2003. After James’ death, we decided to take
time off from the show circuit.
Travis Smith, a young man
from Booneville, wanted to show Rock in the Kentucky Mountain Saddle
Horse show in 2006. After only 35 days being under saddle after a
lengthy layoff, Rock won the 5-year-old and older park class. What a
surprise! The bug had hit and we were showing again.
This summer David Godsey
worked with us. The railroad took him to a new job, causing us to
lose a trainer but gain a family member! We went back to see Jason,
now 23, and his father Mike Creech, who agreed to come and work with
us.
Two
months later, we are back at the KMSHA International Show with Rock
and seven of his babies. On Tuesday night, Rock placed 2nd in the 5
& Older Stallions Park Pleasure. It was time to decide, do we go on
or go home? On we went to Thursday night! Rock put on the best ride
of his life in the KMSHA Stallions Park Pleasure Championship,
getting himself to a Saturday night ride-a dream come true! I think
that he enjoyed it as much, or maybe more, than we did. On Saturday,
everyone‘s nerves were on edge and it was quiet around the barn.
Everyone was trying to process the events of the last seven years
and what the future held. It seemed like only yesterday that Rock
was nipping at a young Jason’s toes every time he nudged him to go
forward. Then the time rolled around. Jason and Rock put on another
impeccable show winning the KMSHA Park Pleasure Grand Championship!
Rock and Jason have come full circle, from the beginning to the
ultimate achievement between horse and rider.
We will miss Rock on the
show circuit, but his offspring have been winning all year. They
will carry on his tradition. Rock will spend his time as a breeding
stallion at our Double J Stable in Booneville, Kentucky. Look for
his offspring: Scotch By The Rock, Mark V, Rock-N-Roe, and Rock’s
Twelve Five to carry on the tradition.
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse
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