Features

• Special March 06, 2023

  Winston the Rescue: From the Streets of the South Side to the Big Screen

  Two years ago, Jeff and Kristen Wells’ dog, Winston, was living a vastly different life than he is now. As the Great Freeze made its way through the southside of San Antonio, Texas, a then four month old Winston was living in a culvert on the street...

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• Special February 28, 2023

  The People's Choice Morgan Trainer of the Year, Assistant of the Year and Amateur of the Year: Broadmoor

  When working horses, Broadmoor assistant trainer John Velardi explained that head trainer Mike Goebig can often be heard reciting his infamous phrase, “Throw spaghetti at the wall.”

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• Special February 28, 2023

  The People's Choice Breeder of the Year: Dragonsmeade Farm

  In the Morgan industry, the Dragonsmeade prefix has been linked to a myriad of show ring notables, who have entered the history books after remarkable achievements. However, the Dragonsmeade name also bears a reputation of excellence in its commitment and dedication to the Morgan breed.

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• Special February 28, 2023

  The People's Choice Instructor of the Year: Suzanne Haberek

  "Keep growing and keep going.” That is the phrase that trainer and instructor Suzanne Haberek uses to fuel herself and others. That simple sentence can summarize her strong desire to continuously improve...

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• Special February 28, 2023

  The People's Choice Junior Exhibitor of the Year: Sydney Locascio

  Sydney LoCascio had a vision at the start of the 2022 show season. Asher final year of junior exhibitor eligibility was about to unfold, she went into the ring with two distinct goals. LoCascio was determined to ultimately win a hunt seat equitation world championship aboard here equine teammate Feel That Fire GCH as well as the western medal finals with Zeppelynn GCH.

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• Special February 28, 2023

  The People's Choice Morgan Horse of the Year: Queen's Sebastian GCH

  Erin Kelley and her husband Chip were in the market for a new prospect late in 2018 when trainer David Rand presented them with two young products out of the Queen’s River Farm breeding program. One of them, an enthusiastic two-year-old trimmed in chrome, stood out.

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• Special February 23, 2023

  The People's Choice Overall Horse of the Year: Epoque Kiss NKF | Trainer of the Year: Burt Honaker

  He had been heralded by many in the equine world as the next big thing-a type of athlete that only comes along once in a lifetime. His pictures swirled throughout social media. Murmurs of his greatness circulated through industry trainers. Spectators flooded to the rail just to catch a glimpse of him in the flesh. Epoque Kiss NKF proved all the theories said about him true on Saturday evening in Louisville last year when he left Freedom Hall with the breed’s biggest prize.

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• Special February 23, 2023

  The People's Choice Sire of the Year: Undulata's Nutcracker | Breeder of the Year: Willowbank Farm

  Those in attendance at any major equine competition, or those who happen to glance through the pages of any horse related publication, may have noticed a common denominator of the winning Saddlebreds in the industry. Many have direct roots to Willowbank Farm, and many are sired by Undulata’s Nutcracker. 

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• Special February 23, 2023

  The People’s Choice Amateur Roadster To Bike/Amateur Roadster Under Saddle: GR CH The General Lee

  Rose Marie Wheeler was highly determined to add GR CH The General Lee to her show string. She first took note of the striking chestnut following his victories at the 2017 Lexington JuniorLeague. Their partnership officially began four years later in 2021-reaching great heights in Louisville last year. 

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• Special February 23, 2023

  The People's Choice Overall Hackney Pony of the Year: Mr. Metallica

  The call was made for the lineup on Wednesday evening at the 2022 World’s Championship Horse Show following the performances in the Hackney Pony Stallion/Gelding Stake. Melissa Wahlran into the hallowed grounds of Freedom Hall to meet Mr. Metallica and husband Mark and await the results of this qualifier.

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• Special February 23, 2023

  The People's Choice Parade Horse of the Year: Candor

  Joan Todd has defined versatility in the show ring. She has been linked to five-gaited campaigners, walk/trot mounts, and even dabbled with western and hunter pleasure teammates. However, there one was division that had eluded her for most of her equestrian career, one that she secretly harbored a desire to participate in-the parade horse ranks.

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• Special February 23, 2023

  The People's Choice Junior Exhibitor of the Year: Brooklyn Gaskill

  Focused. Self-confident. Driven. Helpful. Fun. Those are the adjectives that instructor Brooke Applegate used to describe her student, Brooklyn Gaskill. Her work ethic and confidence have taken her to the top of her sport, and her willing attitude has allowed her to successfully team with a myriad of equine partners throughout her widely successful show season last year.

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