The 50th Anniversary of the Dixie National Horse Show was recently held in Jackson, MS, February 16th-22nd. This show has been consistently in the Top 10 AQHA shows of the year–including in 2014. Also known as, The Southern Classic, the show had over $100,000 in prizes and added money; two days of EWD shows as well as a special roping event.
In 1965, Jimmy Orell won the first cutting at the first Dixie National Quarter Horse Show. In 2015, Jimmy returned to cut again in a demonstration that highlighted 50 years of Quarter Horse competition at the Dixie National and brought cheers from the crowd.
Cindy Hyde-Smith, the Mississippi commissioner of agriculture, spoke about the financial impact the Dixie National has on the state. “We’d love to have you for 50 more years,” she said.
Mississippi Quarter Horse Association President Rob Seal and National Cutting Horse Association Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell were among the dignitaries whose appearances were organized by Mary Hopkins.
“Fifty years is a long time, but everything has been worth it,” said Miss Mary. “I was at the very first one and every one in between.”
AQHYA President Kalee McCann of Walnut Grove, Mississippi, and National Cutting Horse Youth Association President Austria Arnold of Terrell, Texas, both cut in the competition and rode out to celebrate 50 years of the Dixie National.
The judges for the event were Andrea Simons, Allen Mitchels, Rob Meneely, Tim Finkenbinder, Kim Myers, Gretchen Mathes, Tracy Willis, Clark Parker, and Bruce Walquist.
“We had a great time and the staff here have been awesome as well,” Select Amateur Kim McDavitt told us. “Team McDavitt had a great show. Our daughter Mercy showed here for the first time winning both her classes. Of course we all were elated and very proud of her. I promise she will never forget Dixie 2015. The saddle she won made her feel extremely special and happy. Overall we give the Dixie 2015 a big thumbs up and will certainly be back.”
CLICK HERE to view the candids kindly taken by Emily Peak and other exhibitors and sponsored by Prince Farm LLC
