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World Grand Champion in 1990 |
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THE PUSHOVER
#792307 |
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They
were the epitome of true champions.
One man, one horse standing side by side surrounded by roses,
trophies, ribbons and a large gathering of family, friends, and
excited fans.
The one man and one horse that had just moments before commanded the
attention of nearly 28,000 screaming fans, the judges and,
ultimately, the coveted spotlight ride of the 52nd Annual Tennessee
Walking Horse National Celebration's World Grand Champion. |
Trainer Ronnie Spears of Tullahoma looked at his partner, The
Pushover and smiled. ''This is the stuff'," he seemed to say to
himself, "that dreams are made of!"
And, indeed, it was a dream come true. It had been 16 long
years since Spears had ridden a horse to the ultimate
Celebration title; his first World Grand Championship honors
having come in 1974 when he and Another Masterpiece became the
36th horse and rider to make the Celebration's 'Gallery of
Champions". |
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An
11-year-old black stallion owned by the Dr. and Mrs. William Varner
Family of Gallatin and Looking Glass Farms in Shelbyville, The
Pushover made what many have described as "one of the most powerful
showings ever'' in his quest for the throne. As early as the
first pass, he seemed to pull the crowd to his side and then responded
to their roaring applause by giving more and more with each step and
nod of the head. |
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Definitely an experienced competitor, The Pushover had been the
subject of much attention from the very beginning when he was
sired in 1979 by the ever-popular 1981 World Grand Champion, The
Pusher C. G. Initially owned by Mr. and Mrs. Larry
Pickhardt of Wisconsin, the promising stallion began his
training under the direction of longtime trainer Bryant Fly. Fly
guided the horse through his early seasons, making many
outstanding show ring appearances, collecting a number of blues
and commanding the attention of several noted trainers, Ronnie
Spears included. |
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From
Fly, Pushover went to Steve Aymett Stables in Lewisburg, where under
the ownership of Pickhardt and E. W. Sherburne of Seattle, Washington,
the high headed, black stallion mounted a vigorous campaign in aged
stallion competition. The fruits of his labor? An International
Reserve Grand Championship in 1986 and several championships and
reserves in various prestigious shows leading up to the 1987
Celebration. Many eyes were upon him and following the Montgomery
Southern Championships, The Pushover had acquired new owners, Dr. and
Mrs. William Varner; a new home, Looking Glass Farms in Shelbyville;
and a new trainer, Bruce Hankins. |
Under Hankins' direction, Pushover continued his winning ways;
however, an illness just prior to world championship competition
put a halt to the talented stallion's entry into the 1987
Celebration.
The 1988 season found trainer Kevin Gower in the irons. The
Varners watched anxiously from the rail as their prized stallion
claimed blues throughout the show circuit and placed a popular
third at that year's Celebration.
Continuing his search for glory, Pushover continued to give his
all in 1989. With prestigious performances at Gallantin,
Clarksville and' Murfreesboro to his credit, his former "dark
horse" status had changed colors and he went into Celebration
competition undefeated and considered a leading contender. This
time he walked away with reserve honors in the World Grand
Championship class. |
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Then
came 1990; a new decade and a new start when in July the Varners
decided to put the world championship fate of The Pushover in the
hands of Ronnie Spears. Two weeks later, the new duo debuted at one of
the season's most prestigious events, the Marshall County Horseman's
Association Show in Lewisburg and walked out with the championship
blue. Next came the Celebration where before a record first Saturday
night crowd Spears and Pushover claimed reserve honors in a talent
laden Division A Aged Stallion competition, knowing all along the real
test would come the following Saturday when only one horse and rider
would emerge from a darkened arena to become the 1990 World Grand
Champions. |
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Needless to say, Pushover and Spears passed that ultimate test
with flying colors. And, as the horse's new trainer tossed his
hat into an approving, standing ovation crowd, another chapter
in Tennessee Walking Horse history was closed. |
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February
29, 2012
The Pushover has been humanely put down at the age of 33 years.
Rest in Peace! |
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The cremated remains of 1990 World Grand
Champion The Pushover were laid to rest in the Commemorative Garden
at the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ And Exhibitors’ Association
(TWHBEA) in Lewisburg, Tennessee, on May 24, 2012. The resting
place, which is marked by a beautiful granite headstone created by
AAA Memorials in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is in a place of honor
befitting a World Grand Champion. Special thanks to James E. Davis,
Jr., of Bills-McGaugh Funeral Home in Lewisburg for handling the
burial. |
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If you wish to print off
this pedigree, click
HERE
to load a black and white copy. |
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If you have a story or photos of The
Pushover
that you would like added to this page, please forward them to
Walkers West.
<==1989
1991==>
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