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Congratulations
to Ralph Walker -- 2002 inductee to the Canadian Road Horse Hall of Fame.
Horses have always been a part of Ralph's life. He purchased his first
Standardbred at the age of thirteen. However, it wasn't until the '50s,
after purchasing a dairy business in Walkerton, that Ralph first entered the
show ring with a roadster named Jake. So began 40 plus years of showing.
Although showing horses and competing at the Royal Winter Fair were always a
goal each year, that experience was enriched by attending community fairs
throughout southern Ontario, where old and new friends and competitors were
met.
After Jake, as the records show, several outstanding road horses have been
shown as both teams and singles -- to bikes and wagons. However, Ralph's
all-time favourite class to show in and to win was the team class. Miss
Jeanie B. and Jake were the first to take on this tradition and, over the
years, many other notable teams were also shown. Quite proudly, Ralph won
over 70 per cent of the team classes entered at the Royal.
Other "Walkerlea" notables deserve to be named. Star Lee Over won the wagon
stake at the Royal in '74 and '75 and the reserve wagon championship in '75.
Star passed away in the ring at the Royal in 1980 after a top place
"drive-off." What a fitting end for a true champion.
Ralph drove Riddell's Duke to a wagon stake championship at the Royal in
1980 and at the Devon Horse Show that same year. Armbro Champ, now enjoying
retirement with Ralph and Myrna, was the last horse to bring home honours to
Walkerlea Stables -- winning two wagon and bike championships at Washington
International Horse Show as well as two bike championships at the Devon
Horse Show and give championship ribbons at the Royal.
Other horses that Ralph has shown at both small and large fairs are Doctor
Lee Mann, Skytop Tat, Starboot, Country Squire, Molly's Dream, Captain
Kenny, Duke's Eclipse, Sky Dome, High Ball, and Prince Lee. All provided
Ralph and his family with many hours of enjoyment.
Ralph has often been asked which horse has been his favourite and that is
difficult for him to answer for each of the horses mentioned brought many
hours of pleasure. What is clear, however, is that Ralph always enjoyed the
challenge of finding the next champion for his stable.
It was only fitting to honour Ralph at the 2002 Royal -- a show where Ralph
and Myrna, their family, and friends could always be counted on to show
great hospitality towards everyone at their famous "pancake supper." Those
were the days ...
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Smokin' Star and Armbro
Champ, with owner/driver,
alph Walker, winner of the Roadster Team Class at the 1995 and 1996
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
(Photo by Stoney Brannon) |
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