Walking Tall: NWHA Member DeDe Marshall
By Aubrey Simpson
Every breed of horse has special qualities that more often than not mirror the personality and disposition of their owner. This is certainly true of DeDe Marshall, a loyal Southern States customer, proud Walking Horse owner and longtime member of the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA).
Asked what makes Walking Horses so special DeDe commented, “Walking Horses have a gentle disposition and are very comfortable and safe for riding.” DeDe should know, for she and her husband Steve, who make their home in Ellerbe, North Carolina, have been active members of the National Walking Horse Association since it began eleven years ago. DeDe further commented, “Walking Horses are very intelligent and easy to train.” In short, Walking Horses embody the ideal of Southern gentility and excel as family horses.
Star Quality
Originally bred in the Southern United States to carry owners of plantations around their lands, their smooth gaits, stamina and easy temper make them the perfect breed for a day of pleasure on the trails or for all-around arena competition.
Sometimes referred to as Tennessee Walkers, the breed’s colors are generally black, chestnut, sorrel, bay or champagne. In recent years the NWHA has begun recognizing the sabino and roan patterns. Walkers are generally 15 to 17 hands tall. They are tall horses with a long neck and sloping shoulder. In the show arena, they are known for their gliding running walk and are shown with long natural manes and tails.
Speaking on how she and her husband discovered the beauty of Walking Horses, DeDe shared, “We got into Walking Horses through the back door. My husband used to compete with dogs in Hunt Field Trials. The Walking Horses provide the perfect seat in the field so that you can watch your dog. Because you’re not going up and down in a posting motion you can ride and monitor the dogs. The horses are extremely sure footed because they move with three feet on the ground, so you don’t have to worry so much about safety.” DeDe who grew up in Michigan and started out on hunter and jumpers, quickly discovered The National Walking Horse’s Association Versatility Program and moved from the field to the show ring.
Versatility
Speaking of Versatility Competitions, DeDe states, “A lot of breeds have specialists in specific events, for instance, horses that just barrel race, or horses that just rein or just go in halter classes. At our shows you can compete in any versatility events you wish to; we don’t have specialists. You get to do all of it. That’s the part that I just love - it never gets boring! We have western riding, a pattern class that requires multiple lead changes. Trail obstacle requires a horse to negotiate intricate patterns while testing its nerve and desire to please. NWHA has dressage, over fences, barrel racing and pole bending, showmanship, reining and water glass (a class that tests the smoothness of the horse while gaiting) classes. On any given show day you may start out driving (pleasure or obstacle) then show in an over fences class and end with the speed events. The goal is to get your horse to do it all. Since there are horses that just have a knack for certain events, riders are always trying to improve their skills, to get better at it all. That’s a challenge! Our horses compete in trail pleasure classes and versatility, all the while remaining calm, gaiting, and in harmony with their riders. It gives me goose bumps!”
All of the Marshalls’ horses are registered with the National Walking Horse Association. As DeDe explains, “I choose to support the NWHA because I really like the events they sponsor. I support their mission of promoting the general welfare of the Walking Horse while also serving as an advocate for the Walking Horse against abusive and inhumane treatment.” The NWHA has emerged as a leader in taking a stand for the safety and well-being of Walking Horses for the past ten years.
Natural Alliance
Located in the Kentucky Horse Park, the National Walking Horse Association was formed by an alliance of Walking Horse lovers dedicated to preserving and fostering the natural abilities and welfare of Walking Horses. The NWHA diligently encourages both responsibility and sportsmanship. Along with providing an equitable horse show affiliation program where Walking Horses are exhibited, judged and shown in full compliance of the Federal Horse Protection Act, NHWA also promotes educational and recreational programs that showcase the gentle strength of Walking Horses.
Southern Cooking
When it comes to feed and barn needs, DeDe definitely turns to Southern States. “We currently feed Reliance, Legends Mare and Foal, and Legends Grow and Perform. It all depends on our horses’ needs, and which feed suits them. We had a 30-year-old that stayed fat and happy on Triple Crown Complete. Our horses are fenced using Southern States fencing materials. Our pastures are maintained using Southern States products and equipment. Frankly, we buy as much from Southern States as we can because we know we can trust their products and can trust the service from our dealer. Our dealer is E. E. Vuncannon, Inc. in Ellerbe, North Carolina … the best little feed store in the United States!”