Shanks claims title at HLSR Top Hands Horse Show event

L-N Photo by Quala Matocha Top Hands King Grant Shanks of El Campo and his horse Blaze raked in the prizes at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Top Hands Horse Show this past weekend. Shanks placed in four riding events and did so well he was named King. This was his first time to compete in the event. He is a member of the All Little Things Country therapeutic riding group.

Grant Shanks, the eight-year-old son of Ken Shanks and the late Pam Shanks, and grandson of Sherry Stanley, won king of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Top Hands Horse Show. The three-day event was held at the Reliant horse arena Feb. 28-29 and March 1.

Shanks, who participated for the first time in the Top Hands event, competed in four events with his horse Blaze, a 17-year-old sorrel retired roping quarter horse. He won first place in straight barrels and received a belt buckle. He also received trophies and a ribbon for third in showmanship, fourth in trails and fifth in Western equitation.

"Grant and Blaze have a very special relationship," said Steve Mack, riding coach of All Little Things Country. "This enabled Grant to be king of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo."

Shanks was one of 803 contestants. He is a member of All Little Things Country, an equestrian riding center based in El Campo that is geared for youngsters with disabilities.

All Little Things Country took a seven member team to the rodeo's Top Hands competition. Seven first place gold belt buckles were won by Shanks, Jon Davis and Prince Neal of El Campo, and Brandy Barlow, Nancy Yates and Stephen Pate.

"Grant represents the El Campo cowboy legend," Mack said. "We at All Little Things Country congratulate Grant on his horsemanship and his ability as a cowboy to win king of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo."

The queen, Bailey Williams of Lufkin, represented P.R.I.D.E. Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

"The king and queen's court are true cowboys and cowgirls and I am sure the Wharton County community appreciates Grant's equestrian ability and his court. We at All Little Things Country are very proud of him and all the contestants," Mack said.

Others who helped sponsor riders were Ken Shanks, and OC Industries board members Philip Miller, Adam Guzman, Lloyd Nelson, Becky Chomout, Bennie Reck, Brenda Steelman, Catherine Drapela, Ruth Speckles, Allen Collins, Armonda Garcia, Stephen Clarke, Rose Peikert and Sherry Stanley. The Wharton County Youth Fair also offered their arena for a portion of the training.

"Their donations and support entitled us to participate," Mack added. "Hopefully we will have a complete equestrian center in Wharton County to win and be Ranch and Equestrian Center of the Year at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo."

The Top Hands Horse Show evolved from the dream of Special Children's committee member Sharon Oliver who wanted to host a top quality horse show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for persons with disabilities. That dream came true in February 1997 when seven riding clubs and 40 riders attended the first Top Hands Horse Show.

Therapeutic riding, or hippotheraphy, is an important tool in both rehabilitation and recreation for individuals with a variety of physical, mental and emotional challenges. Riding therapy can improve balance and strengthen muscles. It also can improve concentrations, build self-confidence and provide new freedom.

Events of the show - showmanship at halter, English and Western equitation, trail and straight barrels - are avenues for the contestants to display their skills.