The Maiden is like the debutante ball for two year old colts. The coming out party and a jackpot event for the babies that have never been shown before. It was started five years ago from an idea 💡 and a lot of bravado from Jessica Mast and Kyle Elliott - and it truly has taken the Tenneessee Walking Horse pleasure industry by storm. Just the kind of energy we needed! The first maiden in 2019 brought 15 entries and the fifth annual event this year boasts 64 colts and fillies with a pot of over $50 Gs. 😳 That’s some serious cash and the largest payout class in walking horse history. Plus this year the winner will receive a new Harris work saddle, silver bit, a pair of belt buckles plus a few more spoils. So, you can understand the major appeal.
I have first hand experience in participating in the maiden. John Wick was one of the very first 15 inaugural colts to participate in 2019, and a few years ago MGK made his debut in the Maiden too. And, believe me it is a fun and exciting way to bring a new contender into their show career. What’s most fun is that you never know what else will compete since it’s their first ever show. Most are strategically trained and kept secretly concealed among the big pleasure barns until their big reveal. The gem can emerge from anywhere. Which adds all the more awe and intrigue to this amazing event. In addition the pot is split between the owner and trainer so the team behind each colt is driven and committed to save their best colts for the maiden event, as well as promote their entry! And wowza, the photo shoots, ads, billboards, Facebook promotion and swag is everywhere this week. Every one has a story, a hope and dream, and it’s faithful entourage.
Earlier this week on Wednesday night they held the preliminaries. They split the entrants into four classes and ran four splits to select the top 6 per split and 4 wild cards to come back for the finals tonight. So the field has been narrowed to the select 28 that will return to battle it out to become our fifth maiden winner - joining: Twenty four carrots, Jose’s twist of Gin, The maiden (yep, really), and Imagine Dragons. All these horses continue to be among the top show horses today. So, you may say the the maiden challenge is the launching pad and a golden path to a lucrative show career.
Right now every trainer is making their final preparations and wrapping up their final practice ride on their contender. I’m sure horses are being checked over and triple checked, horse shoes are being tightened, bits being reconsidered, boots being polished and outfits being carefully selected to bring the final polish and pizzazz to their entry. Letting no detail go unattended. They are getting themselves in the zone and encouraging each other to ride hard among the trainer set.
Owners are posting photos, telling their stories of how they got their entry to all who ask, and giving and receiving congratulations and best luck wishes to each other. And, probably doing a lot of nail biting as they check that all is well with their trainers and 2-year olds.
The breeders and farms are talking statistics and pimping their stallion’s young contenders. Sponsors are being thanked. The publishers and editors and video crews are getting their stories and readying equipment. Marty and Jennifer are double checking camera lenses and lighting to ensure they capture all the big moments. I’m sure our organist is picking music and anthem singer is practicing vocals. And the show team behind the scenes is setting up so all goes mysteriously smoothly. Thank you to all - this wouldn’t be possible without every one of you!
Among everyone else there is a hum of static and excitement in the air. Around each corner, across the stall aisles, and inside every camper, the top personal favorites are being discussed and debated. I’m sure YOU have your favorite picked, I know I have my top choices already. I bet a few ownership papers have, are, or soon will change hands, which will set off even more excitement and ringside water cooler talk. Yep! The energy is palatable everywhere.
For now, I leave this post here. We’re just hours away from Maiden Go Time. And one little sweet faced colt or filly is just about to be crowned the maiden for 2023 and be added to the golden maiden roster.
Which one will it be?
All we know for sure is that the trainers will ride hard, and the crowd will cheer loudly. And in the end - it’s up to the judges to select the best this evening. Bless them!
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