“I do it for Charles,” is everyone’s answer to the question of why they judge and participate at the AQHA shows held in Arab, Alabama every year since 1975. “Charles Tidmore has done so much for the industry, especially in this part of the country and he is the type of man you would do anything for,” says Carolyn Johnson-Russell of Ringgold, Georgia, an AQHA judge who judged his show on May 30th.
“The shows are all about family,” says Pat Kress who has been the show secretary in Arab for several years. “Everyone is family around here and literally the entire Tidmore family helps at the shows.”
When we asked Charles why he has held shows for over 40 years, Tidmore states simply,” The people. I have loved holding shows and spending time with all the exhibitors every year.”
It is a modest fairgrounds with an outdoor arena that tends to flood often, or in contrast, everyone ends up melting in 90+ degree weather. Judges recall several times when they have brought their mud boots to help wade through the muddy mess. But, it is all part of the show experience. When it isn’t raining though, the show pen has the best dirt and footing around.
Over the years, anyone in this part of the country who was running for a high point title, or trying to finish qualifying for the AQHA World Show, would usually end up in Arab. “I remember longtime friend and horse trainer, Archie Kelly who passed away last year, telling me that if all of those trees on the fairgrounds could talk–he would cut them all down,” Tidmore told us laughing. “There are many stories and memories that have come out of this place. I had my first horse show in 1975. I didn’t have any stalls so I rented six stalls at a place nearby and with those six horses and a few pull-ins that was how it all got started.”
Many exhibitors will remember the annual barbecue that was held at the July show for all the exhibitors. Even with crutches and in pain after a severe car accident, Tidmore would always been seen helping in the family run kitchen as well as in the show arena. A constant sight would be Tidmore driving his golf cart around making sure the judges and the exhibitors had everything they needed.
AQHA Judge Laura Gilmer of Tennessee adds, “I started showing here when I was 10 years-old, and now I have judged every year for Charles since I received my AQHA judge’s card. This place is not about big awards, money or large classes–it’s about family. Charles would give the shirt off his back and that’s why I love judging shows for him.”
AQHA judge and tr
ainer Tom McBeath of Mississippi has attended the Arab shows for over 30 years. “It is the only place I have ever been that someone has gone the extra mile. Charles would talk to everyone when they arrived and asked them what they needed. At the end of my career, I hope I have been able to impact as many lives that Charles has the past 40 years. He is so sincere and I think that is why people love him so much.”
As far as what the future holds for Charles, that is yet to be determined. “I believe this will be my last year,” he told us, “but people keep trying to convince me to hold shows for one more year.”
Whatever decision he makes, it will be the right one and we wish him the very best.
