The Pusher C. G.: 1981 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

The Pusher C. G.: 1981 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

The Pusher C. G. (#725575), a blue roan stallion with a remarkable career, achieved the title of 1981 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, cementing his place in the history of the breed. Trained and ridden by Bob McQuerry, The Pusher’s victory at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration was a moment of triumph for his owners, the Joe Dietz Family of New Castle, Indiana, and a testament to his extraordinary talent and pedigree.

A Journey of Triumph and Challenges

The Pusher’s path to the roses was filled with both successes and setbacks:

  • Successes:
    • For three consecutive years, The Pusher won the International Stake Championship in Murfreesboro.
    • Sherri Dietz, the daughter of his owners, won the Amateur World Championship title with him at the Celebration and remained undefeated in amateur competition.
  • Challenges:
    • At the 1980 Celebration, The Pusher placed as Reserve Champion in both his preliminary class and the championship stake, falling short of the ultimate prize.
    • In the 1981 Celebration, he took a disappointing second place in his qualifying class.

Despite these challenges, The Pusher’s determination and the skill of his team ultimately led to his crowning moment. On Saturday night, Bob McQuerry guided him to victory in the Big Stake class, earning thunderous applause from the crowd as the judges named him the 1981 World Grand Champion.

Pedigree and Early Life

The Pusher C. G. was sired by The Drug Dealer, out of Go Boy’s Blue Gal. While neither of his parents were world champions, his lineage included some of the most illustrious names in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed:

  • Grand Sires:
    • Merry Go Boy
    • Midnight Sun
  • Further Back:
    • Wilson’s Allen
    • Sam Allen
    • Brantley’s Roan Allen, Jr.
    • Merry Boy

These legendary ancestors contributed to The Pusher’s signature loose, easy gait, striking blue roan coloring, and exceptional walking ability.

Breeding and Early Training

The Pusher was bred by Charles E. Gavin III in Fortson, Georgia, who brought the “green broke” two-year-old to the Celebration grounds to attract potential buyers. Though not competing at the time, The Pusher was exhibited by Gavin’s children in the warm-up ring. His natural talent caught the eye of Wisconsin horsemen Larry Pickhardt and Evan Sherburne, who soon purchased him and placed him in training with Bryant Fly. Under Fly’s guidance, The Pusher developed into a serious contender.

In September 1978, The Pusher was sold to the Dietz family and became the mount of their daughter, Sherri, in amateur competition. He was placed under the training of Bob McQuerry in Danville, Kentucky, where his career flourished.

Highlights of His Career

1980 International Recognition

The Pusher represented the Tennessee Walking Horse industry on the global stage:

  • He led the Tennessee delegation in the International Lions Club Parade in Chicago, attended by representatives from 123 countries.
  • In 1981, The Pusher traveled to England to participate in a Walking Horse Owners’ Association exhibition at the prestigious Olympia International Championship in London.

1981 Celebration

The Pusher’s performances at the 1981 Celebration were a testament to his style, conformation, and training:

  • He placed second in his qualifying class, but returned with renewed determination for the Big Stake.
  • On Saturday night, with Bob McQuerry in the irons, The Pusher delivered a flawless performance, earning the title of World Grand Champion amidst thunderous applause from the crowd.

Retirement and Legacy

After his historic win, The Pusher C. G. continued to serve as a representative of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed and became one of its most influential sires.

Breeding Career

  • The Pusher sired an impressive 1,610 foals, many of whom went on to become champions themselves.
  • His legacy lives on through his offspring, who continue to carry forward his exceptional traits.

Final Years

The Pusher spent the last 13 years of his life at Joe Martin Stables in Shelbyville, Tennessee, under the care of stallion manager Bobby Burton. On October 2, 2001, at the age of 29, The Pusher was humanely put down due to age-related issues. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy remains firmly entrenched in the history of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.

Key Characteristics

  • Coloring: Blue roan with a blaze face and two hind stockings.
  • Disposition: Known for his style, conformation, and excellent temperament.
  • Gait: Loose, easy, and smooth—hallmarks of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.

Career Highlights

  • 1981 World Grand Champion: Crowned at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
  • Amateur World Champion: Undefeated in amateur competition with Sherri Dietz.
  • Three-Time International Stake Champion: Dominated the competition in Murfreesboro for three consecutive years.
  • Global Ambassador: Represented the breed at international events, including the Olympia International Championship in London.

Legacy

The Pusher C. G. was more than just a champion—he was a symbol of excellence in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. His contributions as a performer and sire have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.