Renaissance Farms
Breeding For Blues

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By Sarah Gee
© Voice, June 2005

In the grand scheme of things, Gorden and Tricia Timmons, with eight years of involvement, are relative newcomers to our great breed. However, they have accomplished more in those eight years than most people do in a lifetime among Tennessee Walking Horses. In a short time, not only have the Timmons fully immersed themselves in every facet of our industry; more impressively, they have attained success in every endeavor. They are consummate breeders, owners, and exhibitors.

They are particularly proud of their breeding operation and the great show horses it has produced. In fact, when asked what they enjoy most in the industry, both are quick to reply that they love breeding and raising foals and that their greatest enjoyment comes from watching those foals develop into show ring contenders. Their broodmare band, housed at their new Renaissance Farms facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina, is one of the most prosperous in the country and includes 2003 TWHBEA^SM Dam of the Year Miss Molar. Hand picked by Gorden and Tricia, each mare (there are about 14 currently) is a proven producer. The band’s prestigious bloodlines include primarily Pusher, Pride, and Hard Cash. Through extensive research, Gorden has successfully selected the best stallions to cross with the mares; stallions such as A Jazz Man, Jose Jose, and The Skywatch.

Of course, the Timmons’ own stallion, Pushover’s Heartbeat, is at the top of their list. Gorden and Tricia first became aware of Heartbeat back in 2003 when he was field-breeding mares in South Carolina. They liked the looks of him and the foals he was producing. They wanted to breed some of their mares to him, but they were wary of field-breeding. So, in 2004, they decided to buy Pushover’s Heartbeat and move him to Shelbyville, Tennessee where he would have the greatest exposure to top mares and access to the most modern breeding facilities. They initially stood him at the Pinnacle and later moved him to Rising Star Ranch. He has since become a stallion of choice for mare owners far and wide, producing such greats as the late Pride’s Heartbeat, Motown’s Heartbeat, Counselor’s Heartbeat, and Trashy Woman’s Heartbeat. Gorden and Tricia are extremely pleased with one of his most recent offspring, a gorgeous little stud colt out of Miss Molar.

The Timmons’ dedication to breeding quality Tennessee Walking Horses has definitely paid off as evidenced by their current string of homegrown yearlings, coming two-year-olds, and seasoned show horses. Their promising yearlings include BB King’s Jazz and Jose’s Sweet Victory. BB King’s Jazz is by A Jazz Man and out of You Push I’ll Walk. Jose’s Sweet Victory is by Jose Jose and out of the great show mare Sweet Victory.

Skywatch’s Perfect Storm and Charleston Jazz are the Timmons’ up and coming two-year-olds. Skywatch’s Perfect Storm, a full brother to WC Skywatch’s Dark N Stormy, is by The Skywatch and out of Miss Molar. Charleston Jazz is by A Jazz Man and out of Pushover’s Merry Gal. Great things are expected of these two as they gear up for their show ring debuts later this season.

The 2005 season is off to an excellent start for the Timmons’ homegrown seasoned contenders Jose’s Habanero and Skywatch’s Dark N Stormy. After a two-year-old season that saw him claim a top five tie at the 2004 Celebration, Jose’s Habanero has really come into his own in 2005. This fine gelding by Jose Jose and out of Cold Busted has walked away with two 2005 blue ribbons so far, both with Tricia in the irons. His victory passes came at the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Show and the National Trainers’ Show. The Trainers’ Show win was especially significant for Tricia because it was the third straight year that she directed a Renaissance Farms bred and raised horse to the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings win at that event.

Skywatch’s Dark N Stormy is the ‘old-pro’ of the Timmons’ line-up. She is a world champion with a total of thirty first place ties to her credit. By The Skywatch and out of Miss Molar, she is currently being campaigned in the 15.2 & Under division. Her most recent victory pass came at the 2005 Mississippi State Charity Horse Show when trainer Mickey McCormick directed her to the 15.2 & Under Mares and Geldings win.

A Sweeping Beauty rounds out the Timmons’ line-up. Purchased in the fall of 2004, she is currently their only show horse that is not a product of the Renaissance Farms breeding program. This talented two-year-old mare has placed in the top four each time she’s entered the ring. Her best show so far came at the Mississippi State Charity Show when she captured a second place tie in the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class with Tricia in the irons.

Gorden and Tricia currently have their entire line-up in training at Mickey McCormick Stables of Shelbyville, Tennessee. When asked why they moved to Mickey’s, Gorden states, “ He was highly recommended by other amateurs in the industry. He has a really good reputation for working with amateurs.” Tricia adds, “He’s a great teacher. He takes the time to talk to you, to explain why you should do something a certain way. He takes his time with the horses too. Also, the atmosphere at the barn is great and we love being in Shelbyville.”

Gorden and Tricia Timmons are true assets to our breed. In a relatively short time they have fully immersed themselves in the industry. Through a great deal of study, Gorden has become a near-expert on walking horse bloodlines and, as a result, Renaissance Farms’ breeding program has already turned out a number of strong contenders. No doubt, over the upcoming years, the program will continue to grow and prosper, providing the Timmons and the industry at large with a constant influx of quality competitors. Tricia has developed into one of the most capable amateur exhibitors on the show circuit. Under Mickey McCormick’s guidance, she’ll continue to raise her skill level and continue to exhibit the Renaissance Farms show sting, bringing out their full potential for all the industry to see (especially those looking to add a contender to their barn).

It’s folks like Gorden and Tricia Timmons that guarantee our breed a prosperous future. They are enthusiastic, informed, and energized.