Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show Showcases Top Talent, Big Numbers
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
by Leeann Mione
PRICEVILLE, Ala. – The 17th annual Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show closed out the season for many Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee and Florida barns that made the trip Oct. 17-20 to show in front of Judge Nelson Green.
Still others have only a short time left before heading to Kansas City, Mo., for the American Royal. Whatever the case may be, last tune up or season finale, the Alabama Charity Championship show was a great place to do it and nearly 600 horses made the trip to Celebration Arena in Priceville.
Mother Nature cooperated with terrific weather all weekend and although the “Decatur Fall” show often turns thoughts to Halloween when the weather is cold, it was enjoyable to spend a last summer-like weekend in the Alabama sunshine.
Manager Charles Byron worked hard make sure the show attracted top barns and top horses to compete and he was successful once again this year. Assisted by secretary Mary Ann Meiners, master of ceremonies Mark Farrar, ringmaster Don Baker, organist Stacy Beam, photographer Doug Shiflet, videographer Richfield Video, farrier Gary Wilson and paddock master Wilburn Williams, Byron had a great staff to keep things both in the ring and in the office running smoothly from beginning to end.
“I thought we had a really good show,” said Byron. “I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from people about how much fun they had. Our numbers were up by about 40 or 50 horses and I think our hospitality is outstanding. We fed nearly 800 people Friday night and every year, before the show starts, people call me to make sure we’re having our traditional catfish fry and our parties.”
Byron went on to add, “We had several new barns this year and it was one of our larger shows in recent years. We’re very appreciative of all the people who made the trip and supported us.”
Hospitality is placed at a premium at the show and also included Friday night’s “South Of The Border” exhibitors’ party with great food and music. The very popular Wednesday afternoon catfish fry is always a huge hit and Saturday night’s “Family Night” exhibitors’ party with barbecue, food, drinks and prizes also included a live band. Each morning, trainers and anyone else who wanted to, gathered near the ring to enjoy coffee, donuts, orange juice and sausage biscuits. It proved to be a great place to enjoy food and conversation before the day’s activities got underway.
The show benefited the Junior League of Morgan County. Proceeds from this year’s show were earmarked to help build a handicap accessible playground.
Nelson Green not only judged quickly and efficiently but tabulation was also done smoothly and speedily. Both of those things added up to keep the sessions moving right along and even in the biggest classes kept horses and riders from waiting forever in the lineup. Kristen Stivers judged the academy session Saturday afternoon and had a great group to evaluate with numerous class splits.
Saturday night’s finale, the Five-Gaited Grand Championship was a great close to a very competitive week in Decatur and nine entries hit the ring to cheers and applause from their fans on the rail.
All nine entries put on a great class and worked hard to impress Nelson Green. Each had earned their share of the crowd’s support when they came through the gate and when the class lined up, it was much the same.
Nelson Green named open champion Courageous Lord the winner for Bill Carrington and Marsha Shepard. Mike Barlow had turned in a great ride with their entry and he headed down victory lane with the tricolor for Buffalo Creek Farm.
Courageous Lord and Mike Barlow
It was obvious Jack Magill was having a blast with Night Of A Thousand Stars and they put in a competitive team effort for owner Ann Berger to be named the reserve grand champions. Radiante and Clark Clouse had previously earned the red ribbon in the open class for Elmo Greer and they exited the ring with the yellow streamers in the championship.
Tammy Devore and Hey Joe had turned in a solid performance in the novice class and they claimed fourth place in the championship for Burlington Saddlebreds. Billy Jewel was fifth with Jodi Johnson-Bowman up for Jeff Reynolds and Lorrie Floyd. Out With The Ladies, owned by Frank Jones, was sixth with Darell Cruse riding. The Party’s Here, with Bill Becker for Kristen or Richard Koenig and Future So Fine with Ed Millet up for Christine Kapcar claimed seventh and eighth place respectively.
Kristen Shiflet and Packin A Pistol continued a great season so far by sweeping the Ladies Five-Gaited Championship and ladies class for owner Kathy Bagdasarian. Jackie Hale and Simeon were the ladies reserve grand champions in the nine-entry class for James and Jackie Hale. Laura Dozer and Callaway’s Lunar Eclipse were reserve in the even larger 10-entry qualifier under the direction of Penny Lane Farm.
Beth Kunkel directed Starlet’s Commendable to an impressive win in the competitive 11-entry amateur championship under the direction of Armon Effinger. Macaroon and Lori Boyd Van Gordon were able to put together the reserve grand championship team effort for owner Ann Boyd and they showed from Infinity Stables. Starlet’s Commendable and Macaroon finished in the same order in the 14-entry qualifier.
The junior exhibitors put on two great classes and they rode hard in an effort to take the blue and tricolor ribbons. My Teddy Bheir and Caroline Burglass were the team to beat both times according to Green, and Marjorie Judd met the winners for the presentation of both the qualifier and championship ribbons. The Decisive Moment and Suzanna Crews were an eye-catching pair and they finished as the reserve grand champions and reserve champions under the direction of Clark Clouse.
Callaway’s Born A Winner and Tammy Devore took the blue in the junior horse class which showcased eight talented four-year-olds. Devore rode for owner Donna Whatley. Hillside’s American and Lance Williamson were reserve for J. Frank Gray Jr.
Brian Chappell piloted Roseridge’s Bad Weather to the win in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic for a trio of owners; David Jampsa, Ted Bigos and Kris Schones. Legacy’s Super Idol and Clark Clouse picked up the red ribbon for Elmo Greer.
Seven three-year-olds came through the gate for their class and Green had a nice group to evaluate. Mike Tunstall and Roseridge Do So Much trotted to the middle to pick up the blue ribbon for Melvin Blankenship. Asked And Answered finished next in the ribbon count with owner Maria Gilman up.
Rosemont’s Penny Lane represented Judd Stables in the winner’s circle when Green named the novice horse the winner of the huge 14-entry novice class for owner Jessica Anderson. Out With The Ladies and Darell Cruse took the red streamers for Frank Jones.
Victory’s Lady Fox and Paige McQuown won the Five-Gaited Pony Championship to move up in the ribbons after a reserve in the qualifier. Last Shot Of Tequila was the reserve grand champion with Tiffany Brown riding for owner Joyce Webster. Our Son Flower won the pony qualifier with Caroline Walker in the irons for Hickory Hill Farm.
The three-gaited division showcased elegant entries and highly competitive riders in their various classes and although classes as a whole weren’t as large as some of the gaited classes, quality was top notch.
Clark Clouse and Last Tango In Paris, CH Mahvalous Asset and Marjorie Judd, All New Sensation and John Goda III and Todd Walker with All New Sensation put on a nice class for the Three-Gaited Grand Championship but when it was over, the tricolor belonged to open winner CH Mahvalous Asset for owners Sharon and Claude Pennington. Attaché’s Elegance was the reserve grand champion for Jo Waddell. Clouse and Last Tango In Paris were third for Liberty Saddlebreds after a reserve in the open class and All New Sensation was fourth in the championship for Wright Way Farm.
She’s My Desire BH and Stephanie Sedlacko won the Three-Gaited Ladies Championship after having won the ladies qualifier under the direction of Shadow Run. Jimmy and Helen Robertson directed Lori Boyd Van Gordon and Our Embraceable Lady to the reserve grand championship title for Ann Boyd. Lovin Lass and Abby Jones were reserve in the ladies qualifier for Creekridge Farm under the direction of Kelly Freeman.
Steve and May Chadick directed Lindsey Greenwald to the tricolor win in the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship which hosted a field of six talented teams. Carla Ritzie and It’s Z Prince were the reserve grand champions with a strong effort under the direction of Jerry Hutson. Ritzie rode for Carl Holden. Mega Volt claimed the red ribbon in the amateur qualifier with owner Debbie Tolliver up.
Carla Ritzie was joined by
Cassidy and Jerry Hutson
Amber Lager added another win to the Judd Stables total when Nelson Green called out number 570 to take the tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Championship. Jayne Major rode for owner Anitya Marlowe. Lexi Rueff and Lady Latte were the reserve grand champions from Betsy Webb Stables. Forever Foxy and Samantha Johnson won the blue in the juvenile qualifier and was followed by Amber Lager and Major.
Kristen Shiflet rode Simbara’s Bountiful to the win in the junior horse class and bested a pair of competitors including reserve champion Regime Change with Heath Hughes. Hughes rode for owner Crystal Seals.
Simbara’s Bountiful with Kristen Shiflet
Barbara Woods had a successful weekend with her entries in Decatur including Walterway’s Valedictorian. Maria Judd rode to the winner’s circle in the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic. Make A Selection, owned by Elizabeth “Trip” Stewart, took the reserve with Jeff Leech riding from Winsalot Stables.
Tami Webb and Serpico took the victory pass in the three-year-old class for owners Donald Bird and Janet Jones.
Merrill Murray and Jack Magill took the top two slots in the Three-Gaited Novice Horse class. Murray rode winner April Wish for Jenny and Nancy Carlson and Magill rode his own reserve champion Desert’s Supreme Dream.
CH Simbara’s Audacity and Alexis Landreth swept the three-gaited pony division. Trainer Lisa Heres-Rosenberger met Landreth in the winner’s circle for both presentations. Champagne Blues and Stephanie Fox were reserve in the championship under the direction of Tim Henderson. Paige McQuown rode Who’s The Pheirest to take second in the qualifier. Jamie Jankowicz directed the reserve champions.
The park division offered classes for the amateurs and junior exhibitors in addition to the open classes and competition was first rate throughout. In the open championship, five entries competed in hopes of taking the title and tricolor. When Green’s card was turned in, it was two for two for Green Top and Tommy Richardson. The open winner headed to the tricolor presentation for Richardson Stables. Part Of My Charm and Clark Clouse were reserve in the open championship and open qualifier for owner Marian Hunt Bramlett.
The top two spots were the same also in the amateur championship and amateur qualifier. Becky Taggart and CH She Bop won both amateur classes under the direction of Jack Magill. They topped a seven-entry championship and nine-entry amateur qualifier. Foxy Camilla and Aubrey Lambert were reserve both times under the direction of Morgan Reiser.
The Junior Exhibitor Park Championship featured a big group of 12 and they put on a great show for the crowd. Meadowlark Jubilee and Morgan King added the tricolor to the Judd Stables total when they were named the winners. They came into the championship having already won the 12-entry qualifier.
Dylan Hines and Protector were the reserve grand champions with a strong effort under the direction of Jeanie Waddell and John Goda III. Hines rode for Rick and Yvonne Hines. Reagan Huguley rode It’s Alabama to the reserve streamers in the junior exhibitor qualifier for owners Florence Grant.
Callaway’s Cinnamon Bay and Clark Clouse won the competitive eight-entry junior horse stake after winning the 10-entry Junior Three-Gaited Park class for owners Mr. and Mrs. Joe Woeppel. Flyercracker and Tami Webb were right there for the reserve title in both the junior championship and qualifier for owner Nancy Krueger. They added two more top ribbons to the Morgan Reiser Stables total to close out the division.
Saturday night’s Fine Harness Grand Championship was a contest between Captive Soul and driver Christine Kapcar, Still Enchanted and Casey Crabtree, Callaway’s Carnegie Hall and John Wrather and amateur qualifier winner Harlem’s Santa Fe with Susan Bartlett.
Celebration Arena’s big ring allowed plenty of space for the four elegant harness horses to show off for Nelson Green and when they lined up, it was the multi-titled black mare Harlem’s Santa Fe named as the grand champion. Crabtree drove up for the reserve streamers for owner David Crockett. Amateur reserve champion Callaway’s Carnegie Hall was third for owner Charlotte Wrather, and Captive Soul took the fourth place tie for owner Leslie Reynolds.
Bob Davis drove Wing May’s Kiss N Kate to the blue ribbon in the open class and At Night took the blue in the Junior Fine Harness class for Blythewood.
Kelly Freeman drove Willie Bracket to the win in the UPHA Fine Harness Classic for Creekridge Farm and topped a pair of competitors to head to the winner’s circle. Still Enchanted was the reserve champion with Casey Crabtree handling the drive for David Crockett.
Pedro Martinez added another blue to the Blythewood total when Without You was named the three-year-old champion. Lion Heart and Ed Millet took the red streamers for owner James Shane.
Alabama Charity Championship has hosted many fierce battles in the road horse division and again this year the road horses were wide open in their amateur, open and under saddle classes much to the delight of the crowd.
King Simcoe and Merrill Murray sped down victory lane after they were named the Road Horse Grand Champions for Dr. Ty Thomas and Matilda Ewald. Their win made it two for two for Merlin Farm, as they had previously won the open qualifier. Scruff and Deborah Koning were reserve in the ladies class and came back to be named the reserve grand champions for David Crockett.
Luke Redlhammer drove R Lee Davidson to the red ribbon in the open class for his wife, Blair Redlhammer, of R Farm. Ashland added another win to her long career list of victories when Kathy Barlow drove to the blue in the ladies class for Howard and Bobbye Six.
David Crockett took the lines and drove Matt T Tup to the Amateur Road Horse Championship title after being reserve in the amateur qualifier. Stylish Stepper and Dr. Ty Thomas won the amateur qualifier under the direction of Merrill Murray and then returned to be named the amateur reserve grand champions.
Mark Catron’s Red Lass was the novice horse champion with Sam Brannon handling the drive in the three-entry class. Shake & Bake took second place with Derrick Westbrook driving for Tammy Devore and Chappy Chapman.
The roadster under saddle horses had the crowd cheering for their favorites in both classes and they put on an exciting show both times. According to Nelson Green, none could top Holli McDowell and Quill. They headed to center ring as the Road Horse Under Saddle Grand Champions and champions for Glen Rose Farm. Road Kill and Susan Whitaker picked up both reserves with a strong effort under the John Shea Stables banner.
A great group of ponies made the trip to Alabama to compete in their various divisions with the largest class being the amateur roadster pony qualifier. Ten hard working ponies answered the gate call in that class. The open qualifier had nine competitive entries and both championships, while not quite as large, were full of talent as well.
Alexandra and Abel Vega made the victory pass in the open qualifier with a powerful performance for Golden Creek Farm. They then returned in the Roadster Pony Championship to take the tricolor and victory pass. Bill Becker handled the drive for River Run Farm and piloted Sabi Sabi to both reserve titles.
St. Patrick and co-owner Chris Schubert moved up in the ribbons from reserve in the big amateur qualifier to win the eight-entry amateur championship for co-owner Pam Long. Bambino and Jessie Pettie added another top ribbon to the John Shea Stables count with their reserve grand championship effort. Melissa Scrushy took the victory pass with her pony Cirque de Soleil in the amateur qualifier under the direction of Mike and Kathy Barlow of Buffalo Creek Farm.
Shelby Floyd drove Heartland Victory Call to the ARHPA Junior Exhibitor Roadster Pony Championship after qualifying in the entertaining five-entry roadster pony under saddle class for Brock Farms.
Regal’s Special Effort and Lauren Greenwald put together the winning team effort in the AHHS Roadster Pony Youth Medallion class. Steve and May Chadick put the blue ribbon team in the ring for SGF Winning Ways Farm and May Chadick had previously driven the pony to the blue in the UPHA Roadster Pony Classic. Regal’s Cadenza LF was reserve in the UPHA class. Denise Stumbo drove for Dan and Leah Light.
Holli McDowell added another under saddle win to her total for the weekend when Pure Country was named the champion with Samantha Johnson riding for McDowell. Reserve champions Power Of Attorney and Sarah Bushell were directed by Kristen Shiflet of Diamond View Farm.
Stephany Monteleone kept the wins coming for John Shea Stables with her ponies. Delightful Time won the Amateur Harness Pony class and then returned in the open championship to make it two for two. Abel Vega met the pair in the winner’s circle. Janet Crampton directed Seamair’s Sensation to the win in the open qualifier and the Harness Pony Reserve Grand Championship for owner Charlotte Wrather. Boxford Bobbi Socks was reserve in the open qualifier with owner Deborah Koning driving. Lib Jones and her Neon Deon put together the reserve effort in the amateur class under the direction of Lisa Heres-Rosenberger.
Heartland Designed went to the top of Nelson Green’s card in the Hackney Pony Championship with Mike Barlow driving for Garland Presswood. Seamair’s Simply Awesome was reserve in the championship for the Wrather-Crampton team and they also picked up the red streamers in the open class. Stephany Monteleone drove Rome’s Miss Mariah LF to the win in the open qualifier for Golden Creek Farm to add another win to their total.
The pleasure driving ponies, like the roadster, Harness and Hackney ponies, were competitive and entertaining and a great group took center stage in the Hackney Pleasure Driving Championship.
Stephany Monteleone headed to the winner’s circle twice more with her Mastercraft’s Namesake LF as the pleasure driving grand champion and open champion. She bested a field of five in the championship and six in the open qualifier including reserve grand champion Motown. Owner Will Mayo drove from Buffalo Creek Farm and had previously taken the victory pass in the AHHS Medallion class. Oliver Twist and Charlotte Wrather were reserve in the qualifier under Janet Crampton’s direction.
Kelsey Herbert represented Cedarwood Farm with her reserve drive in the medallion class with Darrel and Sandy Kolkman’s Heartland’s Night Prowler. John Wrather drove the Kolkman’s pony to the blue in the UPHA Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Classic. Gwen Stableford’s new pony Heartland Elegant Touch took the red ribbon in the UPHA class with Garland Presswood driving.
The pleasure division was huge - from 16 entries in the Adult Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship to 19 entries in the Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship and well-filled junior exhibitor and amateur owned classes in-between. Earning a ribbon in the talent filled classes was a feat, let alone taking the first or second prize and riders had their work cut out for them finding a place on the rail despite Celebration Arena’s big size.
Rachael North was on top of her game with Stan Jozwiak’s Jewelfire to claim the victory in the Adult Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship. North showed from Devore Stables for the win. Gogita and Megan Stephens turned in an impressive effort as well to take the blue in the adult qualifier and were right there for reserve in the championship. They were directed by James Hale for owner Denise Stephens.
Deborah Richardson and Doubletrees Confederate Gray stepped up to take the yellow ribbon in the championship for Richardson Stables. Admiral’s Courageous Fox was met by Steve Crabtree after owner Sandra DeWeese was named the reserve adult champion.
Jack Magill Stables added two more wins to their total when Karmen Robles and Northbound swept the junior exhibitor division. They topped a great group of 10 in both classes to win the championship and qualifier for Karmen and Isabel Robles. Inphallible and Lori Jordan put it all together to finish in the reserve slot in both classes under the direction of Chuck Herbert.
The park pleasure championship hosted nine teams competing for the tricolor after a competitive open qualifier of 14 entries. Maria Gilman rode Mo’ Rhythm for Christine Freeman and was met by Don Judd for the presentations when they were called out as the winners of both classes.
Maria Gilman with Mo’ Rhythm
Americana’s Wings and Marjorie Judd finished with the reserve tricolor for Claude and Sharon Pennington to move up in the ribbons. Best Of News, with Suzanne Hubbard up, was the recipient of the reserve title in the open class for Hillview Stables. Tuffy’s Commander and trainer Heath Hughes were top three in the qualifier for owner Peggy Brown.
Pedro Martinez and Without You had already been to the winner’s circle earlier in the week but weren’t done yet. The colt made his under saddle debut at Alabama Charity Championship and took the trip to the winner’s circle with Martinez in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Blythewood. Hillcroft Rare Heir and Maria Gilman were next in line for a ribbon for owner Gail Freeman in the seven-entry class.
Deborah Koning continued her busy and successful week with two winning drives in the park pleasure driving division. Callaway’s Trade Winds swept the division for owner Burning Tree Farms. Trujo A Wish Come True was reserve in both classes for Mr. and Mrs. Joe Woeppel under the direction of Clark Clouse.
The biggest class of the show, the 19-entry Adult Show Pleasure Championship was a tremendous display of depth and quality and both horses and riders did a great job of showcasing their talents for Nelson Green.
CH Sweet Virginia and Barbara Woods were unstoppable on their way to the blue ribbon in the 19-entry adult class and they turned it on again to win the adult championship. Woods was all smiles as she took her victory passes under the direction of Judd Stables. Lookin’ Yonder and Laura Dozer, directed by James Nichols, kept up the pressure and finished with the reserve grand championship and reserve qualifier wins from Penny Lane Farm. Talk Radio and Jan Henderson, from Ward Stables, claimed the third place tie in the championship. Wisp Of Heir and owner LeAnne Huls teamed up to take the yellow ribbon in the championship under Armon Effinger’s direction.
The junior exhibitors were split by age group and their classes were also well filled and competitive. Out Go The Lights won the tough 13-entry championship and 12-entry qualifier for the 14-17 riders with Lauren Greenwald on board for SGF Winning Ways Farm. Liberty’s Ooh La La and Justin Cowley brought the reserve tricolor back to Clouse Stables for owner Liberty Saddlebreds. Jet Lee and Alexis Braswell finished in third in both classes under the direction of Jennifer Alvis of Heathermoor Farm and Riding Academy. Jane Feist rode Jet Lee to the reserve championship finish in the qualifier to add another top ribbon to the Heathermoor total.
Out Go The Lights and Lauren Greenwald
Trainer Melissa Johnson met Kathryn Combs for the presentation of the tricolor after It’s A Wonderful World was named the winner of the 13 and under championship to best a field of 10. They had previously won the 12-entry qualifier for owner Jennifer Robertson.
Spike’s Glory and Cheyenne Mabey were the reserve grand champions and took the red ribbon in the qualifier as well, showing for owner John Ditto under the Cardinal Farms banner. Katey Lichtenstein and Preordained, representing Stepping Stone Farm, scored the top three finish in the championship for the Lichtenstein family after a big move up in the ribbons. Ultimate Amazement was third in the qualifier with Jamison Baker in the irons for Deborah Lechner. Baker showed from Heathermoor Farm.
The walk and trot riders had their own class and four youngsters hit the ring for the 13 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class Friday morning. Heirilee and owner Skylar Rueff took the top honors to add another blue to the Cardinal Farms total. Kaylee Norman and CH Radiant Success were the reserve champions. Jeanie Waddell and John Goda III were the reserve trainers from Impossible Dream Farm.
Deborah Richardson and her Mister Bayleigh took on the competition in the amateur owned and trained division and that decision paid off. Richardson took the victory pass in both the championship and qualifier. It was nice to see a place for the amateur owned and trained horses to compete together for both a qualifier and championship instead of having to go against the horses trained by professionals.
Mister Bayleigh and Deborah Richardson
Bank Shot and Melissa Miller moved up from the qualifier to finish with the reserve tricolor streamers in the championship. Kay Saunders rode Callaway’s Toffee to the qualifier reserve.
The Alabama-owned class was yet another well-filled and competitive class for the pleasure horses and riders and 11 teams took on the challenge. Reagan Huguley teamed Cumberland Classic to the win for owner Marie Attleberger. Preordained and Katie Lichtenstein picked up the reserve.
Holiday Brew moved up in the ribbons to win the Pleasure Pony Championship with owner Lillian Young riding from Judd Stables. S.S. Catch My Act and Taylor Young represented Betsy Webb Stables with their reserve showing in the six-entry championship and they also moved up in the ribbons from the qualifier.
Saheira Miss and Erica Salley won the even larger seven-entry pleasure pony qualifier for Antares Farm. Bill and Nancy Becker directed the winning team. She’s A Poptart and Reagan Huguley finished next in the ribbon count for Stepping Stone Farm.
I’m An Early Riser and Mary Lynn McMains have consistently been in the top ribbons in the show pleasure driving division and at Alabama Charity Championship, they continued their win streak by sweeping the division under the direction of Marjorie Judd. CH Harlem Heat and Lib Jones, also multi-titled veterans of the division, claimed both reserve titles under the direction of Lisa Heres-Rosenberger.
Prodigy’s Pride proved the big numbers were no problem as the winner of both the 16-entry Adult Country Pleasure class and the 14-entry adult championship. Showing under the direction of Shadow Run, Abby Jones stepped up to give two expert catch rides for RSM Farms LP. Sherry Frankel rode The King’s Champagne and they left the ring as reserve grand champions and reserve champions for SGF Winning Ways Farm. Snoop Dog and Melissa Miller were third in the championship for owner Paul Rice. Amy Hanson rode Worthy’s First Lady under the direction of James Nichols to claim the yellow streamers in the qualifier for Melanie Peterson.
Deborah Richardson and her CH Prophet’s Fire Hazard and Toree Hefner with Highpoint’s Fancy Cat battled it out in both amateur owned and trained classes for the top two ribbons. Richardson earned the blue and tricolor and Hefner exited with the reserve tricolor and red ribbon from the qualifier.
The junior exhibitors showed together for their championship and qualifier and the result was two competitive classes full of talent and quality. Bouquet O’ Hearts and Jayna Taylor moved up in the ribbons and went to the top of the class in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship and left the ring with the tricolor streamers for R Farm. Highpoint’s Prince and Megan Todd represented Glen Rose Farm with their strong reserve for Goodman and McMackin. Moonstruck In Kentucky was third in both the 12-entry championship and 15-entry qualifier under the direction of Brannon Stables.
Bouquet O’Hearts and Jayna Taylor
The Fox girls had a good week under the direction of Tim and Carmen Henderson including Brittany Fox’s win with My Silver Silhouette in the qualifier for owner Rebecca Benton. Amy Hein continued her busy, successful show with the reserve ribbon. Hein rode Phi Phalutin RR to the red ribbon finish.
Jane Steinkamp added another tricolor to the Cedarwood total when The Straight Guy was named the Country Pleasure Driving Grand Champion. They topped seven other teams in the championship for the win. I Made Ya Look and Victoria Reich took the victory pass in the qualifier and were met by Marjorie Judd in the winner’s circle. They returned in the championship to finish as the reserve grand champions. Sandra Plant drove CH Hear The Beat to the reserve in the qualifier under the direction of Tommy Richardson of Richardson Stables.
New York Fire turned in two strong efforts with owner Jan Henderson to win the Western Country Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Marvin Ward directed the winning team. Highpoint’s Prized Possession moved up in the ribbons to take the reserve grand championship title. Owner June Lynn Oldham rode under the direction of Betsy Webb. Jessica Caldwell was next in line for a ribbon in the qualifier and she rode Barbara MacClements’s Global Status to pick up the reserve title. Caldwell was directed by trainer Melissa Johnson.
Lynda Norman showed her hunter Bi Mi Back Door Man to the blue in the Open Hunter Pleasure class. She added her blue to the Impossible Dream Farm total to continue their successful weekend.
Reagan Huguley had ridden horse after horse all weekend and claimed wins and reserves several times by the time she came through the gate for the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. Riding Melrose First Edition, owned by the Keith family, Huguley was joined by Sally McEwen and Laura Lee Samford’s Heathermoor’s Mister, Lindsay Roeske and Truly Let’s Roll, Elizabeth Stevenson and Sara Stevenson’s Sultan’s Miracle Man and Tiffany Browning with Anna Johns’ Stonewall’s Courageous Captain.
All five riders performed on the rail and all five were asked by Green to perform the workout. The other four riders rode hard and performed well, but it was Huguley who was called out as the winner.
Perhaps no other win all weekend, including her blues in the pleasure equitation class and UPHA Challenge Cup, had been as emotional or poignant. Huguley was met by her mom and trainer, Courtney Huguley, to pin the final tricolor of her junior exhibitor and equitation career on the bridle in preparation for her victory pass. In front of a hometown crowd after a very competitive class, Huguley smiled through her tears as the crowd’s applause followed her around the rail. McEwen took the reserve tricolor under the direction of fellow Alabama trainer/instructor Jennifer Alvis to go with her red ribbon in the pleasure equitation class and close out a great week for Heathermoor Farm.
Reagan Huguley was joined by her mom,
trainer Courtney Huguley, after she took
her final ride as a junior exhibitor.
Roeske, Stevenson and Browning claimed the remaining championship ribbons in that order, respectively. Roeske also took the blue in the Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion class. She was followed in the ribbons in that class by Lauren Byrd, riding Deborah Lechner’s The Stardancer under the direction of Alvis.
Chelsey Stone, from Cardinal Farms, was reserve in the challenge cup class with her mount Highpoint’s Hot Wired. Cheyenne Mabey rode Highpoint’s Hot Wired to the blue in the 13 and under equitation qualifier. Shelby Anderson and Big Hit’s Grand Finale claimed the second prize in the 13 and under class and were instructed by Nancy Becker of Shadow Run.
Holly Hein kept the wins coming for Cardinal Farms in the equitation division when she successfully swept the walk and trot division. Hein rode Law Me to the win in the Walk and Trot Equitation 10 and Under Championship after winning the 10 and under challenge cup. Skylar Rueff and Heirilee represented Betsy Webb Stables with the reserve finish in both 10 and under classes.
The in-hand division showcased beautiful weanlings and yearlings as well as an open class for Saddlebreds of any age.
In the Open Saddlebred In-Hand class, the well-known gelding CH Highpoint’s Coming Attraction earned the top prize. Owner Kaelyn Donnelly showed the son of CH The King Of Highpoint and out of the mare A Touch Of Velvet. Kay Condit’s gelding Superfine Commandant (Guy’s Superfine x Country Puddin’) took the red ribbon.
The Select One (Select Stock x Long Island Iced Tea), a full brother to 2005 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion Five O’Clock, won the ASB Futurity of Alabama Yearling class with Jeff Leech showing for Elizabeth “Trip” Stewart. Show Me The Magic (Show N Off Too x Belle’s Magic Sweetheart), a filly shown by owner Nancy Stewart, earned the reserve and also finished with the red ribbon in the open yearling class. Diana Cruse took the victory pass in the open yearling class with Lacey Nightgown for owners Joe and Beverly Rich.
She’s Wonderful Tonight, a daughter of Ultimatum and out of French Pastry, was the winning ASB Futurity Of Alabama weanling in a class of six entries. Jon Wallace showed for Penny Lane Farm. Wing May’s Irish Charm (Irish Mystic x Harlem’s High Falutin’) brought the reserve ribbon back to Wing May Farm with owner Bob Davis. Davis had previously shown the filly to the win in the open weanling class. Debbie Tolliver, a co-owner with Calvin Patton, of weanling filly Legacy’s Erotic Mistress (Caramac’s Legacy x Erotica) showed to the reserve in the open weanling class.
Yet another youngster sired by Show N Off Too took top honors in the in-hand division. Karon Owen Bowdre showed her stud colt Juliette’s Fort Wingate, out of A Double Dheir, to the win in the ASB Futurity of Alabama Amateur Weanling class. Select The Best, a daughter of Select Stock and out of the mare Windermere’s One And Only, was reserve in the amateur class with owner Jack Feist showing.
This year’s Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show went off as an unqualified success. Great competition, great hospitality, a great facility and a hardworking and caring show staff combined with Mother Nature’s great weather to make it a fun yet competitive weekend in Priceville, Ala.
This highlights results from the 17th annual Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show. Complete results can be seen and searched by clicking here.
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