YEARLING STALLION CHAMPION

IT'S A TKO FOR JEFF SUMMERS AND KID KNOCKOUT

BY CANDACE DOBSON, FIELD EDITOR

A blend of power and refinement was the killer combination that Jeff Summers believes sealed Kid Knockout’s picture perfect win in the yearling stallions.

“He’s incredibly balanced and just presents an overall nice picture,” Summers said.

Summers purchased Kid Knockout from Arcadia Farm in Spring Lake, Michigan, after his trainer, Tim Finkenbinder, picked him out. Finkenbinder has trained the sorrel stallion since and showed him to his first world championship.

Finkenbinder and Kid Knockout carry their world championship trophy out of the World Show arena.

“Tim has taken really good care of him,” Summers said.

Summers has been involved in the halter industry since high school. He’s got 25 years of experience under his belt, and another world championship to add to his trophy shelf. He shows in the amateur division occasionally, but says it’s an incredible feeling to be able to watch your horse win.

“It’s kind of nerve-racking sitting up in the stands watching,” Summers said. “I’m not sure if it’s easier to be in the stands or in the arena. It’s out of your control when you’re not out there, but it’s sure a good feeling when you win.”

Summers plans to give Kid Knockout a few months vacation during the winter, but he plans to head back out on the show circuit next spring and try to defend their winning record at the 2006 World Show.