You can turn music off here
Editor's note: Many folks do not realize that before there was a big push and rebirth of the Original Flat Shod
Movement, before there was a National Walking Horse Association, there was Friends Of The Sound Horse.
Started by and skillfully shaped by Cherie Beatty and Angela Langdon-Neilson. These two forward thinking
ladies conceived and nurtured the movement. The organizations that are around today owe their conception to
these two hard working en visionaries. They also put out a monthly newsletter called THE STEPPIN OUT. This
magazine was and still holds the title of the best reporting of the happenings around the Tennessee Walking
Horse Industry with emphasis on the Flat shod horse. The story of the 1998-1999 Celebration was aided and
assisted by these people, I say all this so that when the real story of the Flat shod horse is retold, everyone
recognizes their effort to bring the light to world on what was happening to these horses. Sadly, THE STEPPIN
OUT is no longer in print, however the organization FOSH and THE INDEPENDENT JUDGES ASSOCIATION is
still active and growing. The Flat shod "Play book" was written and directed by these two people and I want to
take time here to honor them for their contribution. I'll never forget either one of them. Thank you ladies, we owe
it all to you.
Movement, before there was a National Walking Horse Association, there was Friends Of The Sound Horse.
Started by and skillfully shaped by Cherie Beatty and Angela Langdon-Neilson. These two forward thinking
ladies conceived and nurtured the movement. The organizations that are around today owe their conception to
these two hard working en visionaries. They also put out a monthly newsletter called THE STEPPIN OUT. This
magazine was and still holds the title of the best reporting of the happenings around the Tennessee Walking
Horse Industry with emphasis on the Flat shod horse. The story of the 1998-1999 Celebration was aided and
assisted by these people, I say all this so that when the real story of the Flat shod horse is retold, everyone
recognizes their effort to bring the light to world on what was happening to these horses. Sadly, THE STEPPIN
OUT is no longer in print, however the organization FOSH and THE INDEPENDENT JUDGES ASSOCIATION is
still active and growing. The Flat shod "Play book" was written and directed by these two people and I want to
take time here to honor them for their contribution. I'll never forget either one of them. Thank you ladies, we owe
it all to you.
Article reprinted from the September 1999 Volume 3 - Number 9 Steppin Out Magazine
Opinion
We Wondered While We Watched Watchout
-Whether you understood why Champagne Watchout was entered in the
World Grand championship Stake Class and approved; or if you didn't and
don't....
-Whether you thought that showing the lite shod stallion in a flat pad and a
bell boot violated the integrity of the pleasure horse and demeaned it, or
whether you understood why it was done.
-Whether you thought it foolhardy to allow a 15 year old to ride in the final
Celebration class of the century or whether you thought it was wonderful...
World Grand championship Stake Class and approved; or if you didn't and
don't....
-Whether you thought that showing the lite shod stallion in a flat pad and a
bell boot violated the integrity of the pleasure horse and demeaned it, or
whether you understood why it was done.
-Whether you thought it foolhardy to allow a 15 year old to ride in the final
Celebration class of the century or whether you thought it was wonderful...
The facts remain and they are as follows:
For two years Nathan Jackson, at his own expense, has campaigned to
enter his stallion Champagne Watchout in the Stake Class at the
Celebration. In1998, he hoped to exploit a lack of specificity in the rules
that did not prohibit a flat shod horse from competing in The Celebration's
"Ultimate Class". He went to binding arbitration where the judge decided,
not that the rules did not allow his entry, but that it would be impossible for
judges to assess the performance of a flat shod horse and a padded horse
side by side.
In 1999, by scrupulous adherence to the rules published by the NHSC,
Jackson succeeded in entering Champagne Watchout in both the qualifier
and the World Grand championship. A disingenuous published report said
that he managed this by getting through a loophole in the rules; there was
no loophole. In fact the NHSC rule book had been rewritten with
exclusionary language after the Jackson's 1998 attempt. The new
language clearly allowed an entry from any horse conforming to the
definition of a performance horse (even though the normal shoeing
patterns of such horse exceeds the minimum 1/2 inch pad required).
For two years Nathan Jackson, at his own expense, has campaigned to
enter his stallion Champagne Watchout in the Stake Class at the
Celebration. In1998, he hoped to exploit a lack of specificity in the rules
that did not prohibit a flat shod horse from competing in The Celebration's
"Ultimate Class". He went to binding arbitration where the judge decided,
not that the rules did not allow his entry, but that it would be impossible for
judges to assess the performance of a flat shod horse and a padded horse
side by side.
In 1999, by scrupulous adherence to the rules published by the NHSC,
Jackson succeeded in entering Champagne Watchout in both the qualifier
and the World Grand championship. A disingenuous published report said
that he managed this by getting through a loophole in the rules; there was
no loophole. In fact the NHSC rule book had been rewritten with
exclusionary language after the Jackson's 1998 attempt. The new
language clearly allowed an entry from any horse conforming to the
definition of a performance horse (even though the normal shoeing
patterns of such horse exceeds the minimum 1/2 inch pad required).
The inspection given to Champagne Watchout during the Celebration was one of the more thorough given to
any horse at the show, All of his heel to toe ratios were measured; his bell boots were completely inspected;
he was palpated to within an inch of his life; he was meticulously checked for scars. There was even a
demand from some of the trainers to the Celebration vet charged with watching the entries work in front of him
that Watchout must work wearing a chain. A section of the NHSC rule book still allows for a bell boot or
quarter boot of the type seen in Saddlebreds as an approved action device. Watchout was not required to
wear a chain either to compete or to be inspected and he didn't.
The rule book requires that the tail must be braced or give the appearance of a set tail. Champagne
Watchout wore a humane tail attached with crupper straps to his saddle, just as some of the other so-called
performance horses did.
The presentation of Champagne Watchout, first under the guidance of Jennie Jackson, a professional trainer
licensed by the WHTA, and then by the Jackson's daughter, Natalie, a 15-year-old amateur who knows her
way around the ring and rides the stallion regularly, was covered under the scope of the existing rules. There
is no rule, at present, in the NHSC book that prohibits an amateur of any age from competing in either
qualifier or stake class. Just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean that it wasn't allowable.
Champagne Watchout executed the three gaits of the walking horse, both ways of the ring, at every request
from the judges, in both qualifier and stake class, in regard he completed all of the requirements of the
NHSC's rule book as it relates to the judging criteria for walking horses. There were others in the class who
did not achieve as much.
Champagne Watchout was forward moving, did not display wringing of the hocks, was not pumped with the
reins at the canter, did not cross, weave, or plait - all qualities which are to be penalized in judging walking
horses according to the NHSC rule book. There were others in the class who clearly did do those things.
In an editorial from the Celebration's official newspaper, the audience was urged to ignore Watchout in favor
of legitimate contenders or clap for him if they liked him. The definition of the word legitimate is: "Conforming
to accepted rules or standards; regular in form or style". By definition Watchout's performance could
be considered to be more legitimate of those entries who were exhibited at cross purposes with the NHSC's
own judging standard and who were later awarded prizes in the class.
We wonder, facts aside, what the appearance of Champagne Watchout in this class accomplished?
-Whether you think that Nathan Jackson is an egomaniac who caused this fuss for his own
self-aggrandizement or whether you think he was motivated by a greater good...
- Whether you questioned the wisdom of using a child to carry out an adult's vision or whether
you were in sympathy to the Jackson family's complete commitment to this endeavor....
-Whether you think Watchout is a great horse or a second stringer....
There is no getting away from these things:
The stallion was beautifully presented and beautifully ridden by both Jennie Jackson and Natalie Jackson. He
was fit, he was correct, and he was an eye-popper when the lights of the arena hit his golden coat. He made a
statement, by his very presence, that his owners were serious about wanting the audience to see what a flat
shod horse could do.
The contrast between the two styles of horse was never more visible. The comment that putting Watchout in
the class was like taking a 1950 Dodge to the Indianapolis 500 has been made. The 500 is a race for engines
mounted on tires and won by drivers with nerves of steel. It is an automobile race, in the way that the term
automobile is commonly understood, only by title.
We wonder if a Dodge that clearly resembles what it is intended to be, that is to say an authentic automobile,
isn't more to be valued for use as an automobile than the speedy machines that have no resemblance to a
real car?
The Celebration is supposed to be a horse show. Perhaps it can now be more clearly understood that the
term horse; as demonstrated in the performance horse division, has very little to so with the true nature of
being an equine. Let anyone who doubts that review a slow motion film of any performance horse cantering at
the 1999 Celebration and compare that with the canter performed by Champagne Watchout. Ask yourself;
which is the true and which the artificial? Then ask yourself which you value.
The answer will doubtless be different for each walking horse enthusiast; but now, at last, both the question
and the difference, seen side by side, are clear. Once you have chosen what you prefer, then you must
support that choice.
If the Celebration chooses to reward the "Indy 500 horse" that is surely their right. It is also the right of the
people to go to this private show, sit in the stands, and applaud that display. Should it be The Celebration's
right to have its championship titleholder perceived as the breed standard for the walking horse? Champagne
Watchout has forced us to think about that more seriously.
Just a few days before The Celebration, Watchout performed at the International in Dressage, Jumping,
Western Events, and Rail Classes. He showed that he is an all-around horse. One of the entries in the
Celebration Grand Championship was correctly named for the class. He was "A Specialist". Which of these
two horses more closely resembles what the walking horse was bred to be and how is he used by the majority
of owners?
We wonder then, how should we define a breed champion? Should all the glory and prestige of the industry
be centered in a horse that makes two ways of the ring and pulls into the line up, an animal that the current
owner of the new World Grand Champion proudly described as "a machine", or should the glory go to a
usable, versatile creature; well trained but still recognizable as a horse?
After the class was over, Natalie Jackson stood side by side with Champagne Watchout. Her parents
blended into the crows. For about an hour this amazing poised young woman, who had ridden a smart class,
wearing a smile that never wavered, in front of 28,000 people, many of whom were hostile to her presence,
answered questions about the flat shod horse and the performance horse. She explained why she was there
and why she thought it mattered.
People looked at the stallion's shoes. They looked at the bell boots. The asked why the gaits looked so
different. They touched the stallion's glistening coat. The took pictures of the only one of the stake horses
after the class to be made available for general public admiration. He stood patiently as he was circled,
pressed, and patted.
Average people who came to the horse show that Saturday night left asking questions about the two types of
horses and the two types of riders that they had seen. Natalie and Watchout did not fare badly in that
comparison. The comments from the crowds that came and went were telling.
A performance horse fan came over and said "I know that there was supposed to be a big controversy over
this and I don't know if I approve of what you did, but your daughter is a lovely rider and this is a magnificent
horse".
A woman from Washington came up, threw her arms around Nathan Jackson, and said "Thank you for giving
people the opportunity to see our horse again. It's been such a long time."
A woman standing by the Celebration chute during the competition chanted as a mantra each time Natalie
passed by, head erect, smile in place, "Go Baby Girl, Go!"
A man standing next to another man in the box seat area, who had referred to the stallion as an oversized
trail horse, said, "Look again. If the government would do its job, what you are seeing out there is the future."
Although Natalie was also the first Afro-American juvenile to ride in the Celebration Stake class, the
Jackson's didn't concentrate on the race issue. The people using the "N" word on Saturday night, and who
booed the horse and rider, reflect the ugly attitudes of the past.
There were other ugly comments, too. According to Jackson, when he asked the head of security for an
escort for his daughter, after The Celebration itself, as well as editorial remarks, indicated concern for her
possible safety and the safety of his horse, he was reportedly told, "Mr. Jackson, whatever happens you have
brought it on yourself and you can deal with it yourself. Good evening, Mr. Jackson." That says something
about the attitudes of the present.
What we saw on the last Saturday night of the 61st Celebration, was definitely history making. A capable
young rider proved that she could ride a giant stallion because the breed is user friendly. Just as it was meant
to be. This was not a one trick pony. And, the challenge has been raised to reconsider what has been done to
this horse in the name of "showmanship'" and why it has been done.
Finally, we must ask ourselves, thanks to Watching Watchout, what do we value and what is our relationship
and obligation to this living creature that we call the horse.
Whether you like them or not; whether you saw the inclusion of the horse as a sideshow or a
non-event; whether you think the were grandstanders or pioneers - The Jacksons helped us face
some issues that have been long overdue for addressal. It wasn't a bad way to end the century.
any horse at the show, All of his heel to toe ratios were measured; his bell boots were completely inspected;
he was palpated to within an inch of his life; he was meticulously checked for scars. There was even a
demand from some of the trainers to the Celebration vet charged with watching the entries work in front of him
that Watchout must work wearing a chain. A section of the NHSC rule book still allows for a bell boot or
quarter boot of the type seen in Saddlebreds as an approved action device. Watchout was not required to
wear a chain either to compete or to be inspected and he didn't.
The rule book requires that the tail must be braced or give the appearance of a set tail. Champagne
Watchout wore a humane tail attached with crupper straps to his saddle, just as some of the other so-called
performance horses did.
The presentation of Champagne Watchout, first under the guidance of Jennie Jackson, a professional trainer
licensed by the WHTA, and then by the Jackson's daughter, Natalie, a 15-year-old amateur who knows her
way around the ring and rides the stallion regularly, was covered under the scope of the existing rules. There
is no rule, at present, in the NHSC book that prohibits an amateur of any age from competing in either
qualifier or stake class. Just because it hasn't been done before doesn't mean that it wasn't allowable.
Champagne Watchout executed the three gaits of the walking horse, both ways of the ring, at every request
from the judges, in both qualifier and stake class, in regard he completed all of the requirements of the
NHSC's rule book as it relates to the judging criteria for walking horses. There were others in the class who
did not achieve as much.
Champagne Watchout was forward moving, did not display wringing of the hocks, was not pumped with the
reins at the canter, did not cross, weave, or plait - all qualities which are to be penalized in judging walking
horses according to the NHSC rule book. There were others in the class who clearly did do those things.
In an editorial from the Celebration's official newspaper, the audience was urged to ignore Watchout in favor
of legitimate contenders or clap for him if they liked him. The definition of the word legitimate is: "Conforming
to accepted rules or standards; regular in form or style". By definition Watchout's performance could
be considered to be more legitimate of those entries who were exhibited at cross purposes with the NHSC's
own judging standard and who were later awarded prizes in the class.
We wonder, facts aside, what the appearance of Champagne Watchout in this class accomplished?
-Whether you think that Nathan Jackson is an egomaniac who caused this fuss for his own
self-aggrandizement or whether you think he was motivated by a greater good...
- Whether you questioned the wisdom of using a child to carry out an adult's vision or whether
you were in sympathy to the Jackson family's complete commitment to this endeavor....
-Whether you think Watchout is a great horse or a second stringer....
There is no getting away from these things:
The stallion was beautifully presented and beautifully ridden by both Jennie Jackson and Natalie Jackson. He
was fit, he was correct, and he was an eye-popper when the lights of the arena hit his golden coat. He made a
statement, by his very presence, that his owners were serious about wanting the audience to see what a flat
shod horse could do.
The contrast between the two styles of horse was never more visible. The comment that putting Watchout in
the class was like taking a 1950 Dodge to the Indianapolis 500 has been made. The 500 is a race for engines
mounted on tires and won by drivers with nerves of steel. It is an automobile race, in the way that the term
automobile is commonly understood, only by title.
We wonder if a Dodge that clearly resembles what it is intended to be, that is to say an authentic automobile,
isn't more to be valued for use as an automobile than the speedy machines that have no resemblance to a
real car?
The Celebration is supposed to be a horse show. Perhaps it can now be more clearly understood that the
term horse; as demonstrated in the performance horse division, has very little to so with the true nature of
being an equine. Let anyone who doubts that review a slow motion film of any performance horse cantering at
the 1999 Celebration and compare that with the canter performed by Champagne Watchout. Ask yourself;
which is the true and which the artificial? Then ask yourself which you value.
The answer will doubtless be different for each walking horse enthusiast; but now, at last, both the question
and the difference, seen side by side, are clear. Once you have chosen what you prefer, then you must
support that choice.
If the Celebration chooses to reward the "Indy 500 horse" that is surely their right. It is also the right of the
people to go to this private show, sit in the stands, and applaud that display. Should it be The Celebration's
right to have its championship titleholder perceived as the breed standard for the walking horse? Champagne
Watchout has forced us to think about that more seriously.
Just a few days before The Celebration, Watchout performed at the International in Dressage, Jumping,
Western Events, and Rail Classes. He showed that he is an all-around horse. One of the entries in the
Celebration Grand Championship was correctly named for the class. He was "A Specialist". Which of these
two horses more closely resembles what the walking horse was bred to be and how is he used by the majority
of owners?
We wonder then, how should we define a breed champion? Should all the glory and prestige of the industry
be centered in a horse that makes two ways of the ring and pulls into the line up, an animal that the current
owner of the new World Grand Champion proudly described as "a machine", or should the glory go to a
usable, versatile creature; well trained but still recognizable as a horse?
After the class was over, Natalie Jackson stood side by side with Champagne Watchout. Her parents
blended into the crows. For about an hour this amazing poised young woman, who had ridden a smart class,
wearing a smile that never wavered, in front of 28,000 people, many of whom were hostile to her presence,
answered questions about the flat shod horse and the performance horse. She explained why she was there
and why she thought it mattered.
People looked at the stallion's shoes. They looked at the bell boots. The asked why the gaits looked so
different. They touched the stallion's glistening coat. The took pictures of the only one of the stake horses
after the class to be made available for general public admiration. He stood patiently as he was circled,
pressed, and patted.
Average people who came to the horse show that Saturday night left asking questions about the two types of
horses and the two types of riders that they had seen. Natalie and Watchout did not fare badly in that
comparison. The comments from the crowds that came and went were telling.
A performance horse fan came over and said "I know that there was supposed to be a big controversy over
this and I don't know if I approve of what you did, but your daughter is a lovely rider and this is a magnificent
horse".
A woman from Washington came up, threw her arms around Nathan Jackson, and said "Thank you for giving
people the opportunity to see our horse again. It's been such a long time."
A woman standing by the Celebration chute during the competition chanted as a mantra each time Natalie
passed by, head erect, smile in place, "Go Baby Girl, Go!"
A man standing next to another man in the box seat area, who had referred to the stallion as an oversized
trail horse, said, "Look again. If the government would do its job, what you are seeing out there is the future."
Although Natalie was also the first Afro-American juvenile to ride in the Celebration Stake class, the
Jackson's didn't concentrate on the race issue. The people using the "N" word on Saturday night, and who
booed the horse and rider, reflect the ugly attitudes of the past.
There were other ugly comments, too. According to Jackson, when he asked the head of security for an
escort for his daughter, after The Celebration itself, as well as editorial remarks, indicated concern for her
possible safety and the safety of his horse, he was reportedly told, "Mr. Jackson, whatever happens you have
brought it on yourself and you can deal with it yourself. Good evening, Mr. Jackson." That says something
about the attitudes of the present.
What we saw on the last Saturday night of the 61st Celebration, was definitely history making. A capable
young rider proved that she could ride a giant stallion because the breed is user friendly. Just as it was meant
to be. This was not a one trick pony. And, the challenge has been raised to reconsider what has been done to
this horse in the name of "showmanship'" and why it has been done.
Finally, we must ask ourselves, thanks to Watching Watchout, what do we value and what is our relationship
and obligation to this living creature that we call the horse.
Whether you like them or not; whether you saw the inclusion of the horse as a sideshow or a
non-event; whether you think the were grandstanders or pioneers - The Jacksons helped us face
some issues that have been long overdue for addressal. It wasn't a bad way to end the century.
 | |  |
Sign Guestbook
Because of nasty Spammers, I've
had to put on a password to view
and sign the guestbook...simply
type
guest then xx as the
password after you click the icon
above...sorry for the hassle
had to put on a password to view
and sign the guestbook...simply
type
guest then xx as the
password after you click the icon
above...sorry for the hassle