Busting Special - The Horse of a Lifetime

See More Cover Stories

By Sarah Gee
© Voice, November 2006

With over 125 years of collective Walking Horse experience, Jack and Bea Kinkade are quite familiar with what makes a good Tennessee Walking Horse. A native of Shelby, Mississippi, Jack began his involvement with the breed at the tender age of five in 1932. He grew up being mentored by Mississippi Walking Horse legends Clyde Westbrook and Gus Blanchard. From 1940 to 1947, after relocating to middle Tennessee, he worked alongside the legendary S.W. Beech. Upon moving to the west coast in 1947, Jack continued his love affair with the breed by raising, training, showing, inspecting, and judging horses for the next 55 plus years. Jack has seen every World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse ever crowned and he has been present for most of the momentous occurrences in our industry. It would be safe to say that Jack Kinkade knows Tennessee Walking Horses.

It would also be safe to say that Bea Kinkade knows Tennessee Walking Horses. A breeder of Tennessee Walking Horses for over 50 years, Bea was a regular on the west coast show circuit for many years. Always interested in the betterment and expansion of the breed, Bea dedicated herself to researching the genetics of the breed and actually was responsible for the getting the Champagne color recognized by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association. Upon Jack’s retirement, the Kinkades decided to relocate to the center of all things Walking Horse. They currently own a small horse farm in the Wheel community of middle Tennessee.

Both Kinkades definitely know Tennessee Walking Horses and both are crazy about their pride and joy – Busting Special. The Kinkades, in partnership with Eddie Williams of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, purchased Busting Special in June of 2005. Jack relates, “We had been looking for a great horse for years. When we saw him the first time we thought that he could be that great horse. We saw him a couple more times and we knew he was that great horse. So far he hasn’t disappointed.” Expressing her thoughts on the horse, Bea remarks, “He has a lot of personality, he’s always interested in what’s going on around him. He is just loaded with potential. We’ve just never owned a horse that good before.”

By Pusher’s Bustin Again and out of a granddaughter of Sun’s Delight D., Busting Special was bred to excel. His championship caliber pedigree includes such greats as The Pusher C.G., Midnight Mack K., and Setting Sun.

Shortly after purchasing Busting Special, the Kinkades placed him under the direction of Jimmy McConnell at Formac Stables in Union City, Tennessee. There the young stallion has thrived. Discussing why they chose Formac, Jack states, “I had known Mr. Odell McConnell, Jimmy and Jackie’s daddy, a long time ago. He was a man of integrity and I knew that he had raised Jimmy to be the same way. Jimmy is a true gentleman, he has always shown a lot of patience and integrity.” Bea adds, “We are so grateful to Jimmy for all his efforts with Busting Special. Jimmy and the horse have such a good relationship.”

It was the thrill of a lifetime for Jack and Bea when Busting Special and Jimmy McConnell walked to the Four-Year-Old International Grand Championship.

Under Jimmy’s direction, Busting Special has claimed nine blue ribbons in 14 show ring appearances. After two impressive top four finishes at the 2005 Performance International, he and Jimmy found their stride and closed out the 2005 season with an Alabama Jubilee victory. Competing as a four-year-old in 2006, Busting Special walked his way to a total of eight blue ribbons at the Mississippi Charity Horse Show, the Germantown Charity Horse Show, Tony Rice, the Magnolia Classic, and, most recently the Performance International where he was crowned Four-Year-Old Stallion Champion and Four-Year-Old International Grand Champion. It was definitely not a disappointing season.

Future plans call for Busting Special to be campaigned in aged competition in 2006. No doubt, more blue ribbons are on the horizon for this special contender.

It’s plain to see that Busing Special is that once in a lifetime horse for Jack and Bea Kinkade. With his breeding, disposition, potential, knowledgeable owners, skilled trainer, and show ring success, the future for this talented stallion will indeed be special. After all, it’s quite obvious that Busting Special is a special horse.