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Dillon Townley will take part in the local show. Contributed photo

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Horse show coming this weekend

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Dillon Townley inherited his love of horses from both sides of his family – the Townleys and the Strocks. The 9-year-old is the fourth generation to participate in the Bland County Horse Show
The Bland Elementary School fourth-grader is entering his Tennessee Walking Horse, REM, in events Friday and Saturday at the Bland Fairgrounds. His mom, Amanda Townley, also is riding in the shows. 
“I’ve been riding most of my life,” Dillon Townley remarked Monday. “I ride every day.”
Townley has won several ribbons and cash prizes for his horsemanship. He plans to ride for the first time in the Southwest Virginia Horseman’s Association Horse Show in Dublin on Sept. 20.
His dad, Randy Townley, is a local business owner. He also serves on the Bland County Fair Inc. board of directors, which sponsors the horse show.
The 82nd annual Bland Horse Show will award more than $12,000 in prize money, ribbons and trophies in 94 categories. It is expected to draw participants from West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and across Virginia through its affiliation with the Kentucky Walking Horse Assoc., East Tennessee Walking Horse Assoc., North Carolina Walking Horse Assoc., Virginia Walking & Racking Owners’ Assoc. and the Appalachian Horse Show Assoc.
“We adjust the classes every year,” noted Patty Strock, secretary of the horse show association and Dillon Townley’s grandmother. “There’s a class for just about anybody.”
Friday’s show beginning at 7 p.m. includes 28 classes. Cash prizes and ribbons go to the winners.
The horse show starts at 11 a.m. Saturday and features 25 classes. The 5:30 p.m. show features the remainder of the classes.
“It’s a little of this and a little of that,” Strock stated. “There will be miniature horses and saddlebred horses and walkers. It’s amazing to see the children riding some of those big horses.”
Sid Baker is the walking/racking horse judge. Ann Chandler is the judge for the saddlebred competition.
Serving as ring masters are Jerry Eaton and Doug Dillow. Gene Frye of North Carolina is the announcer and Jane Frye is the organist.
George Caves is the farrier. Tom Lavelle is the veterinarian on call for the show.
The center ring tent is provided by local businessman Jack King. Bloomin’ Idiots Greenhouses in Ceres is furnishing the center ring decorations.
Single-day tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children (age 6 to 18). Children 5 years old and younger and adults over the age of 75 are admitted free.
“We need an audience,” Strock said. “We encourage everyone to come and support the horse show.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .