THIS HORSE WAS RETIRED THIS YEAR AFTER MANY YEARS OF GRAND CHAMPION RIBBONS AND LOYAL SERVICE.....

Retirement Ceremony for "The Midnite Express"

The owners, and the trainer, and the National Spotted Saddle Horse Assn. were honored to include a final retirement ceremony at our 2007 Championship Show for "The Midnite Express".

(The following is a portion of the information used in the retirement ceremony for Express)

We are proud to present for your viewing pleasure, Multi-titled World Champion, "THE MIDNITE EXPRESS", trained & exhibited by Dwayne Cawthon, Walk with Me Stables, for owners, James & Ruby Vassar of Murfreesboro, Tn.

The Midnite Express was foaled Oct. 5, 1989, sired by NSSHA Stallion, Top Gun, and out of a Pride of Midnight mare. He was owned by three owners prior to being purchased by the Vassar's in 1998, at which time he was placed in training with Walk with Me Stables.

Most Saturday nights, since 1998, Express has graced our show ring, exhibiting and entertaining our spectators, and taking home the Blue at almost every show. The 14-2 hands & under division was where he most excelled. The Midnite Express is a Bronze Supreme National Champion, A Silver Supreme National Champion, with many more Blues to his credit, as well as several Horse of the Year titles.

He has sired several foals, two of those are now being exhibited in riding competition in the NSSHA show ring, also, under the direction of Walk with Me Stables, and Dwayne Cawthon.

The Midnite Express has represented the National Spotted Saddle Horse Association well, always presenting the desired gait, and the wonderful head shake he is known for, what a Great Winning Ride, what a Great Horse!

Ethan Judkins, grandson of Hooper Judkins of Smithville, Tn. was honored to assist in leading
"The Midnite Express" out of the ring, to the music of "Who's Going to Fill His Shoes".

James & Ruby Vassar, Dwayne Cawthon & Staff, and the National Spotted Saddle Horse Assn. thank everyone for their loyal support of our wonderful Stallion, "The Midnite Express", in his final ring presentation.