24th Annual Asheville Lions Club Benefit Horse Show
Friday, May 25, 2007
by Lauren DeHaan and Katherine Hansil
FLETCHER, N.C. - The Asheville Lions Club Benefit Horse Show kicked off this year with a big bang, featuring superb competition and fellowship to boot. Although many feared that the show would suffer by being on the same weekend as Bonnie Blue it not only survived, it thrived. In one class alone five out of the six horses entered were world’s champions.
The amazing quality did not stop there. New teams came and debuted their talents. In the equitation division Cagle James sported her new mount LA Blues, while Christina Collis showed off her skills aboard Show Baby Show. Also exhibiting was the new team of Belle Owen and Heir’s Encore in the 11 and under division and Courtney McGinnis had her big debut in the walk-trot-canter division. The “girls” did not have all the fun at Asheville though; the “boys” did as well not only with top performances but also winning over the crowd. Tyler Miles had two outstanding wins aboard Moon Charmer in the five-gaited pony division and the hard-riding Justin Cowley showed off with Colonel Hoss, racking away with two blues. Jeb Boyd was the driving sensation of the group, capturing three blue ribbons with Exit 80 and Heartland’s Painted Creation.
Located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains the show has become known as a hot spot for great competition, shopping and food. Only 15 minutes from the show grounds is the little town of Hendersonville that boasts a popular main street shopping district as well as fabulous restaurants. One such wonderful place to eat is the charming bed and breakfast The Inn On Church. The IOC, as it is fondly called by the locals, has a unique menu that features free range chicken, organic greens and fried green tomatoes that are to die for.
Thursday did not feature any daytime classes and it gave exhibitors and trainers alike time to enjoy many of the surrounding area attractions. Hendersonville was obviously the most popular being the closest, but within driving distance there was also white water rafting, canoeing, the popular Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.
It was surely a tough competition to judge, but judges Robert Gardiner, Gary Garone and John Jones did an excellent job marking cards. Keeping the classes called to order in the show ring was the voice of Peter Fenton while Dan Shirley did a great job in the paddock making sure the teams were ready to enter the ring on time. Ringmaster Bill Whitley kept everyone safe in the show ring, while Doug Shiflet captured the memories on film. Show Manager Ray Cloninger did an awesome job of keeping the show going while extending southern hospitality at the Friday night barbecue. In the office Joyce Wilson and Barbara Woodlief kept things in order while Kimberly Stewart tabulated the judge’s cards in center ring. Two well-known figures around the circuit celebrated their birthdays while at the show: Doug Shiflet and Steve Joyce.
With the quality and competition being as they were, Amy Dix Rock gave outstanding performances to sweep two divisions with her outstanding mares CH Amusing and That’s Exactly Right. West Wind Stables had a banner week, racking up 10 titles with wins from Just Wicked, Stonewall’s Stargate, CH Justa Rascal, CH Breaking News and Heathermoor’s Prince. Putting on a thrilling performance was the high-stepping Free Willy and Georgia Blevins as they turned up the heat thrilling the crowd and judges in the open road pony division.
During the week Nelson Green had the opportunity to put great horses in the ring including four current world’s champions. From Stonecroft, Nurse Goodbody paraded to the winner’s circle sweeping the amateur fine harness division with John Scheidt. Also under the Stonecroft ownership, Callaway’s Born For This put on a spectacular show to win the Junior Five-Gaited class with Nelson Green. Green was back to present the extraordinary Joe Friday in the Junior Fine Harness class for Ceil and Kenny Wheeler. Unusually this was just a one horse class but had there been other horses in there, Joe Friday was so amazing it would have been hard to take your eyes off him. Ceil Wheeler and the high-headed CH Walterway’s Remember Me were breathtaking in their first appearance of the season, winning the Ladies Five-Gaited class. Due to a family emergency this was their only appearance of the show. And show the goes, class after class, some of the favorites from last season and now some new favorites finding their way to the winner’s circle and earning top ribbons at the at the 24th annual Asheville Lions Club Charity Horse Show.
Wednesday
The Asheville Lions Club Horse Show kicked off on Wednesday night with a superb five-horse class of Amateur Fine Harness horses. Trotting away with the top honors for Stonecroft Farm were the striking Nurse Goodbody and John Scheidt. Trimmed in white, Gothic Revival and Joan Adler earned the reserve honors for Tri Color Saddlebreds.
DeLovely began their week with Todd Miles’s presentation of the elegant Thunder Cloud Nine to win the Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under class for owners Olen and Linda Wilford. The red ribbon went home with Rick Felder and Styles By Cavalier for owner Pansy Moore.
Next up was the Open Harness Pony class with the high-stepping Hackneys. Top honors belonged to the exciting Dun Haven Phenomenal and Maureen Lydon. This was the first show ring appearance for this stallion Hackney owned by Kathryn and Carl Nichols. Reserve in this class belonged to Seychelle and Mitch Clark.
An excellent group of amateur ladies and their three-gaited horses took center stage. Picking up where they left off a few weeks ago at J.D. Massey Enough About You and Lynda Norman headed back to the winner’s circle. Reserve ribbons belonged to Renee Rinzler and the elegant Hollywood Agent for owner R & R Farms Inc in their first appearance this season.
Speeding into the ring next were the amateur road horses in their qualifying class. After a few quick spins around the ring Deborah Butler and Dirt Devil sped away with the blue ribbon under the direction of DeLovely. Reserve belonged to the quick trotting Westgate Villain and Michael Gordon Sr. for the Boone’s Farm banner.
A field of seven answered the gate call for the Open Three-Gaited Park class. The high-headed Phi’s Phortune Teller and Janet Crampton were named the winner for owner Ashley McKenzie. Clark Clouse guided Lime Twisted Gin into reserve for the Jacquelyn Stred Revocable Trust.
The lovely Adelita and Deborah Visser were the pair to beat in the Five-Gaited Mares class. Their performance earned the blue ribbon for owner David Rudder. Reserve were Twice Charmed and Melissa Moore.
Nabucco was on top of his game in the Open Hackney Pony class, taking top honors with owner/exhibitor Mary Campbell. Reserve honors belonged to the new team of Seamair’s Simply Awesome and John Wrather.
A thrilled Ceil Wheeler racked away with the blue ribbon in the Ladies Five-Gaited class aboard CH Walterway’s Remember Me. Kristen Shiflet showed off her show ring skills aboard the Kathleen Bagdasarian owned entry of Packin’ A Pistol.
Matt Shiflet continued the Diamond View Farm success with I’m Fantabulous to take the blue ribbon home to their new farm in Kentucky in the Limit Five-Gaited class for Beth Ann Rhoads. Reserve honors belonged to the Zandyland Farm sporty entry of Charming Dreams and Steve Joyce.
The Open Three-Gaited horses made gate call with Neil Visser showing Grande Gil for owner Joan Hamilton to the blue ribbon. The red ribbon went home with Paul Boone and CH Yes It’s True for owners Kathy Lyda Berger and Alice Lyda.
That’s Exactly Right was on the money as she marched around the ring never laying an ear back for the win in the Junior Park Pleasure with Amy Dix Rock. With a solid performance reserve honors belonged to the Lynda Norman entry of Fool For You and Todd Miles.
Everyone knows that Raymond Shively loves his road horses, and that love shone through in the Limit Roadster To Bike class when he sped away with the blue ribbon with Thunderbolt for owner Judy McNeish. Reserve honors belonged to Wuddacomover and Debbie Foley for Luanne Kilday.
Some very competitive amateurs made the gate call with their five-gaited horses on Wednesday night. Taking the top honors were CH Breaking News and Megan McClure under the direction of West Wind Stables. Reserve belonged to the Boone’s Farm trained duo of SA Carlswald Prince’s Dominoe and Wendy Troyer.
Our Charming Lady certainly charmed the judges in the ladies three-gaited division with rider Mary Orr. This pair took home the blue with Sublime Light and Jacqueline Leon in the reserve spot.
Your Eminence and Dr. Louis Johnson were on top of their game in the Amateur Gentlemen’s Five-Gaited class to capture the blue ribbon. Reserve honors belonged to It’s All About Me and Chris Nalley.
The little speed demons made the gate call for the Open Roadster Pony class. Speeding their way into the winner’s circle were Georgia Blevins and Free Willy having one of the best performances of the night. Reserve belonged to Gina Lail and Razz Ma Tazz for owner Karl Bridgeman.
Stefanie Sanchez was thrilled with her win aboard Stonewall’s Stargate. Fresh off wins at J.D. Massey this team put together another pleasurable performance in the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class. With an outstanding ride reserve belonged to George Ann Nash and Our Silver Charm.
Stefanie Sanchez and Stonewall's Stargate
A competitive group of five-gaited stallions and geldings entered the show ring to impress the crowd and judges. Top honors belonged to Mitch Clark and Catamaran for a thrilled Laurel Nelson. Reserve went home with Memorize and Nelson Green for owner Sarah Sessoms. Green is preparing the 2006 National Champion for Sessoms to campaign in the near future.
Thursday
Starting off the night with striking elegance, the equitation riders took center stage in the NHS Good Hands Event. Taking home top honors, under the direction of DeLovely, was Brittany Ann McGinnis. Reserve honors belonged to Ali Judah, with Callie Smith stepping up for the yellow ribbon.
Nelson Green showed the Kenny and Ceil Wheeler entry of Joe Friday to the blue ribbon in the Junior Fine Harness class to the delight of the crowd.
The walk-trot horses and their amateur riders were in top form for their qualifying class on Thursday night with the Kalarama trained entry of CH Callaway’s Merry Go Round and Christy Bennett taking home the blue ribbon. Reserve honors belonged to Gypsy’s Say When and Andrea Nicole Perry.
The high stepping Hackneys joined the show with their pleasure driving qualifier, with Oliver Twist and Charlotte Wrather trotting their way to the winner’s circle under the direction of Janet Crampton. The perky eared Man On The Town and Mary Campbell were reserve in this competitive class for the Majestic Oaks banner.
Donna Whatley and her speedy little pony Surprize Surprize were the big winners in the Amateur Road Pony class. The Lenux Stables trained entry of Regal’s Star Attraction LF and Jeoff Bodenhorst were reserve.
Donna Whatley and Surprize Surprize
Harrison Shiflet showed the flashy grey junior horse The Rein Dancer to a blue ribbon in the Junior Park Horse class for owner Joan Sonnabend. Reserve honors belonged to Daniel Lockhart and Callaway’s Tanzanite for Hamilton/Hodge.
Racking away with the blue ribbon for DeLovely Farm was Tyler Miles on the exciting little pony Moon Charmer in the Five-Gaited Pony class. Miles thrilled the crowd and judges with his performance, making it a start of what would be a “boy’s night.” Reserve honors belonged to the knee-popping Callaway’s Exception To The Rule and Alexa McWilliams.
The Cash Lovell trained team of Donna Finch and CH Riva Diva were certainly the divas of the Adult Country Pleasure class, garnering the blue ribbon out of a nice field. Reserve honors belonged to the high-headed CH The Billy Bob and Cheryl Friedman Allison.
The too cute pair of Heathermoor’s Prince and Camille Cowart were simply striking in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited qualifier, topping a nice field of eight to take home the blue ribbon. Having a fabulous ride for the reserve ribbon were Show Baby Show and Christina Collis.
The five-gaited horses and their talented amateur riders took center stage on Thursday night for their qualifying class. Taking home the blue ribbon were CH Amusing and Amy Dix Rock. Stepping up for the red ribbon was the compact bay Harley Rally and Deborah Visser for owner James W. Orr.
Grant Shiflet turned up the heat in the three-gaited pony division, claiming the blue ribbon aboard Manhattan’s Irish Cream for owner Kathleen Bagdasarian. The lovely black CH Royalty In Black and Allie Wellington were reserve under the direction of Drowning Creek.
Three generations of Shiflets
(l. to r.) Matt, Claude, Grant, and Harrison
Chantel Coetzee showed the Stonecroft Farm entry of Stonecroft Sincerely to the blue ribbon in the Denver Junior Five-Gaited class. Lewis Eckard and the eye-catching entry Fog were reserve for owner Becky Rankin.
It takes two to tango and dancing away with the blue ribbon in the Novice Three-Gaited class were Clark Clouse and Last Tango In Paris for the Liberty Saddlebreds. Rick Felder and Luxury Tax were on top of their game, taking home the red ribbon for owner Edwina Hutto.
Ali Judah showed the up-headed Stonecroft Rumor Has It to the blue ribbon in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class for owner Jennie Garlington. Reserve honors belonged to the sporty team of Drew Taylor Hewitt and Sunken Treasure under the direction of Cash Lovell.
The black beauty Just Wicked and Kim Cowart powered their way into the winner’s circle in the Open Fine Harness qualifier for thrilled owner Sharyn Lackey. Reserve honors belonged to the charming entry of Marian Hunt Bramlett, Part Of My Charm, with Steve Joyce up.
Looking nothing like a rascal and everything like a winner CH Justa Rascal and Megan McClure high-stepped their way into the winner’s circle under the direction of Peter and Kim Cowart in the Amateur Three-Gaited Park class Thursday night. Reserve honors belonged to the anything but ordinary Another Bay and Sara McDonald.
The junior exhibitors took center stage with their road ponies with Jeb Boyd and the perky eared Heartland Painted Creation taking top honors. Reserve belonged to the Drowning Creek trained entry of Rebekah Cloninger and Hawkeye’s Chatter Box.
Looking everything like the champion he is, CH Candle Dan was in top form in the Show Pleasure Driving class to step up for the blue ribbon with Carl Nichols. Reserve honors belonged to Lib Jones and CH Harlem Heat under the direction of Lisa Heres-Rosenberger.
The competitive Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 36 and Over class entered the ring with plenty of quality. Stepping up for the blue ribbon was the team of Melody Murphy and Callaway’s Northern Fling. A Chance To Dance and Marie Gwinn stepped up for the red ribbon, taking that home to Boone’s Farm.
Big Red and Raymond Shively sped away with the blue ribbon in the Open Roadster to Bike class for the DeLovely Farm. Reserve honors belonged to the Leatherwood Farm entry, The Gambler, with Melissa Moore in the bike.
Eddie Lewis drove the Moonship Productions LLC entry of Hit Man’s Special Delivery to the blue ribbon in the Country Pleasure Driving qualifier. Reserve belonged to Ro Day O and Annette Green.
The Cloverleaf trained pair of CH In Neon ERB and Jamie Hitchin stepped up in the younger division of the adult show pleasure class to claim the unanimous blue. Reserve belonged to the Boone’s Farm team of Lauren Camp DeHaan and Miraculous Odds.
A very exciting class of junior exhibitor five-gaited horses made the gate call for their qualifier. Racking away with the blue ribbon were Colonel Hoss and Justin Cowley for owner Tri Color Saddlebreds. Reserve belonged to the DeLovely duo of Carolina Cat and Brittany McGinnis.
Friday Morning
Friday morning dawned cooler than expected, which only served to make the competition hotter. Answering the gate call first off were the novice riders and their three-gaited show pleasure horses. A thrilled Jessica Epley took home the blue ribbon to the Harrison Shiflet Stables with her mount The Irish Tempest. Reserve honors belonged to another Harrison Shiflet rider, Carolyn Teal, and CH Admiral’s Gifted Miss.
The Limit Country Western Pleasure horses took center stage next with their glitzy outfits and silver saddles. Taking top honors, and coming off a win at the Tar Heel Classic Championship Horse Show, was the sparkling pair of Wezatease and Luanne Kilday. Reserve honors belonged to Sallie Turner and her pleasurable mount Heir Cooled.
The lovely Saddle Seat Equitation 17 and Under riders entered the ring next and being the picture of elegance to take home the blue ribbon was Emma Nichols.
The Walk/Trot Pleasure 12 & Under entries took the gate call next with the adorable pair of Stephanie Brackett and CH Much More Radiant in the top honors. Reserve belonged to Melissa Heres-Rosenberger, trained by her mother Lisa Heres-Rosenberger, aboard Judy Brown’s entry of CSF Supreme Memories.
The high-stepping, speedy little road pony Sugar Daddy and Crystal Case were in top form to claim the top honors in the Road Pony Under Saddle class.
Always a delight on the eyes, the Friesian horses entered the ring to delight the crowd with their under saddle walk/trot/canter class. Trotting away with the top honors was the lovely pair of Kelsey Baird and Hoera Boszorg II. Reserve belonged to the Arend F and rider Alex Nelson for owner Laurel Nelson.
Trainers and amateurs alike entered the show ring with their park pleasure horses. Claiming the top honors was the high-headed Finest Material and Melissa Moore for owner Larry Nunley. Reserve honors belonged to Reedann’s Phine By Me and Mary Orr for owners Hugh and Marion Bryan.
Showing back-to-back classes Steve Joyce was a busy bee on Friday morning. After a nice ride aboard Showboat’s Casablanca, Joyce took home the top honors to his Cameo Stables in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic aboard Harlem’s Miss Abigail.
Speeding into the ring were the Novice Road Ponies, and taking home the top honors for Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Kolkman was Juan Rios and Heartland’s Ten Ten Two Twenty. Reserve honors belonged to Mark Wilson and Legolas for the Bent Tree Farm.
Strike Up The Lights and Caitlin Hucker were in top form to claim the blue ribbon in the Novice Rider Country Pleasure class for owner Lesley Orr. Reserve honors belonged to the new pair of A Promise Keeper and Pam Quick, trained by Boone’s Farm and Stables.
Megan Barrett and Sunkissed Supreme entered the ring in style in the English Pleasure Pony class, claiming the top honors and trotting away with the blue ribbon.
With more talent than any American Idol, Clark Clouse showed the young Legacy’s Super Idol to a victory in the Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited class for owner Elmo Greer. Reserve honors belonged to Harlem’s Class Act and EH Matthews for owners Robert and Barbara Walla.
The sensational Seamair Sensation and driver John Wrather were in top form to claim the blue ribbon in the Amateur Harness Pony class. Lib Jones and Neon Dion stepped up for the reserve ribbon.
Rick Felder showed the very stylish Styles By Cavalier to the blue ribbon in the Carolina Owned Three-Gaited class for owner Pansy Moore.
Always having quality ponies, Maureen Lydon entered the ring with the Junior Road Pony Mr. Lucky Man. This pair sped away with the blue ribbon for owner Gene Gallmeier. Reserve honors in this nice class belonged to the high-stepping Crystal Creek’s Emperor and Kathryn Nichols.
Showing off her driving ability, Rebecca Deutsch guided the Katie Brittian entry of Out Of Town Man to the winner’s circle in the ASHAF Youth Fine Harness Driving Challenge class.
Where Are We Now and Melissa Moore were quite the pair in the Road Horse Under Saddle class, speeding around the ring and into the winner’s circle for owners Aurora Farms. The Drowning Creek trained duo of Royal Count and Rebekah Cloninger were reserve topping a fine field of three.
The unforgettable Memorize and Nelson Green racked away with the blue ribbon in the Carolina Owned Five-Gaited class for proud owner Sarah Sessoms. Reserve belonged to Leatherwood’s Hats Off and Betsy Boone for the Davis Road Farms.
The DeLovely trained entry of Callie Smith topped a nice field to claim the blue ribbon in the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 and Under class. In reserve was the very elegant, and also DeLovely trained entry of Courtney McGinnis.
Heir Guitar and Mitch Clark took home the blue in the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Park class for owner Jennifer Corcoran. Showing the Annika Bruggeworth entry of Madeira And Bourbon to the reserve honors was Clark Clouse.
Rounding out the morning with another young class was the Junior Three-Gaited horses. Trotting into the winner’s circle was Neil Visser and Our Axel Rose for owner McDonald LLC.
Friday Night
Friday night kicked off with the Walk and Trot 10 & Under Equitation riders taking center stage. Looking lovely on her new mount and taking home the blue ribbon was Cagle James aboard LA Blues. Reserve in the class belonged to Caroline Brown and CH What A Memory.
The very classy entry of The Road Less Traveled and Mark Wilson were the picture of elegance in the Three-Year-Old Fine Harness class to take home the blue ribbon. Reserve honors belonged to the Stonecroft Farm entry of Stonecroft Sweet Confection and Nelson Green.
The high stepping little pony Oliver Twist and owner/exhibitor Charlotte Wrather trotted away with a championship ribbon in the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Championship. The red ribbon went home to Wisconsin with Man On The Town and Mary Campbell.
Neil Visser showed off the young stock in training at Kalarama Farm on Friday night in the Junior Three-Gaited class. Visser took home the blue aboard the McDonald LLC entry of Our Axel Rose. Reserve belonged to Cindy Maloney and Heir By Design.
Jogging away with the blue ribbon in glitz and glamour were Deborah Richardson and Lion King in the Western Country Pleasure class. Stepping up for the reserve ribbon were Monsignor and Marie Gwinn of Hopkins, S.C.
Giving the crowd a thrill and speeding into the winner’s circle in the Youth Roadster To Bike class was the pair of Jeb Boyd and Exit 80.
The flashy black pony Nabucco was an instant crowd favorite and trotted into the winner’s circle amidst whistles and cheers in the Hackney Pony Championship with Mary Campbell in the buggy. Reserve honors belonged to Seamair’s Simply Awesome and John Wrather.
The Cedarwood trained pair of Thea Ervin and The Grand Master had a flawless ride in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure 14-17 class to claim the blue ribbon. Taking home the red ribbon and showing off his show ring skills was Grant Shiflet on the perky little Uwharrie’s No Dice for owner Barbara Baker.
The junior exhibitors and their park horses made the gate call next. The up-headed Kalarama Shiraz and Sarah Beth Longworth trotted their way into the winner’s circle, with Here’s Beanski and Lindsey Gettig stepping up for reserve.
The crowd cheered as the amateur road horses entered the ring for their exciting championship class. A thrilled Mike Gordon and the tried-and-true Westgate Villain took home the championship ribbon, along with the Johnny Wellington Memorial Trophy, to Boone’s Farm after a great performance. Reserve honors belonged to another fabulous pair, the DeLovely trained Dirt Devil and Deborah Butler.
Hollywood Agent and rider Renee Rinzler were on top of their game to claim the blue ribbon in the Amateur Ladies Three-Gaited Championship for R & R Farms. Reserve honors belonged to Lynda Norman and Enough About You.
Harlem’s Santa Fe and owner/driver Susan Bartlett were the picture of fine harness elegance to take home the blue ribbon to Kentucky in the ladies class.
The junior exhibitors showed off their driving skills in the Show Pleasure Driving ASHAF Challenge class. Taking home the top honors were Just As Unique and Josh Chretien for owner The NELCO Companies. Reserve honors belonged to Callaway’s North Wind and Melanie Bennett.
Ellen Medley Wright and Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic were the picture of equitation elegance to take home the blue in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Class 17 & Under. Showing off her equitation prowess for the reserve honors was the Premier Stables trained duo of Feng Shui and Ali Judah.
Ellen Medley Wright and Kalu's Can't Stop The Magic
Looking epitome of five-gaited pleasure, Stefanie Sanchez and Stonewall’s Stargate returned to the winner’s circle to claim the blue ribbon in their championship class under the direction or Peter and Kim Cowart. Reserve honors belonged to Jennie Garlington and Champagne Treat.
Janet Crampton and Phi’s Phortune Teller went two for two, winning their qualifier and the Three- Gaited Park Championship for owner Ashley McKenzie. Reserve championship honors belonged to Lime Twisted Gin and Clark Clouse.
Coming off two nice wins at the Tar Heel Classic, Allie Wellington and the tried and true CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time were in top form to claim the blue ribbon for Drowning Creek in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure 13 and Under class. Reserve honors went home with CH Wind Cruzer and Callie Smith under the direction of DeLovely.
Nurse Goodbody trotted into the winner’s circle for the second time this week with John Scheidt on the lines for the Amateur Fine Harness Championship, topping a very competitive field. Reserve championship honors belonged to the high stepping Gothic Revival and Joan Adler.
Moving and grooving their way into the winner’s circle was the new pair of CH Santana’s Night Moves and Meredith Macy. The red ribbon belonged to the Chestnut Lane trained duo of Jennifer Roberts and Hasani.
The crowd cheered as Judy McNeish showed off her feisty road horse Invincible Summer in the roadster to wagon class.
Brittany McGinnis and Amandari were the perfect pair to claim the blue ribbon in the UPHA Challenge Cup Equitation 14-17, under the direction of the equitation experts at DeLovely.
Callaway’s Born For This, a striking grey, and trainer Nelson Green were the pair to beat in the Five-Gaited Junior Horse class. This exciting new young horse was a delight to the crowd as they racked their way into the winner’s circle for Stonecroft Farm, topping a competitive field of six. Reserve honors belonged to another fancy mount, Pour Some Sugar On Me, and Todd Miles for Melrose LLC.
Saturday Morning
The cute team of LA Blues and Cagle James topped a nice field of five in the UPHA Walk-Trot Challenge Cup 10 and Under riders, looking good for the blue. Reserve honors belonged to another delightful pair of Vanessa Patch and CH She’s An Asset.
The show pleasure driving horses took center stage next on Saturday morning for their championship class, and looking like a champion to take home the blue ribbon was the high-stepping CH Candle Dan with Carl Nichols. Reserve honors belonged to the Lisa Heres-Rosenberger trained entry of Lib Jones and CH Harlem Heat.
Heartland Painted Creation and Jeb Boyd sped away with the blue ribbon in the roadster pony championship for the junior exhibitors. Reserve championship honors belonged to Lone Star and Lindsay Jones of Greenville, Tenn.
The lovely pony Manhattan’s Irish Cream and Grant Shiflet topped a nice field of three-gaited saddle ponies in their championship class to claim the top ribbon for owner Kathy Bagdasarian. Reserve honors belonged to the Drowning Creek trained duo of Royalty In Black and Allie Wellington.
Eddie Lewis trotted into the winner’s circle with Hit Man’s Special Delivery in the Amateur Country Pleasure Driving Championship. Reserve honors belonged to Ro-Day-O and Annette Green.
The adorable Lindsey Landrum top a nice field in the UPHA Challenge Cup 13 and Under class to take home the blue ribbon. The new team of Show Baby Show and Christina Collis took home the reserve ribbons to Prospect, Ky.
Looking every bit the champion, CH Santana’s Night Moves topped a field of 10 to claim the blue ribbon in the country pleasure championship with rider Meredith Macy. Reserve honors went home with Jennifer Roberts, under the direction of Chestnut Lane, aboard Hasani.
Racking away to the excitement of the crowd was the pair of Tyler Miles and Moon Charmer in the Five-Gaited Pony Championship. Reserve championship honors belonged to Callaway’s Exception To The Rule and Alexa McWilliams.
Heir’s Encore and Belle Owen were the absolute picture of equitation elegance in the UPHA Challenge Cup 11 and Under class. CH Callaway’s Coraleen and Courtney McGinnis stepped up for the reserve ribbons.
Belle Owen, Courtney McGinness, and Callie Smith
(left to right)
Sunkissed Supreme and Megan Bush Barrett were the pair to beat in the English Pleasure Pony class.
CH Much More Radiant and Stephanie Brackett were on the top of their game in the Walk/Trot Pleasure 12 and Under Championship to claim the top honors. Reserve championship ribbons belonged to CSF Supreme Memories and Melissa Heres-Rosenberger.
Melissa Moore returned to the winner’s circle with Where Are We Now in the Roadster Under Saddle Championship for owners Aurora Farms LLC. The red ribbon belonged to Royal Count and Rebekah Cloninger under the direction of Drowning Creek Farm.
Ali Judah and Stonecroft Rumor Has It showed off their pleasure skills in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship class for owner Jennie Garlington. Reserve pleasure championship honors went home with Lori Jordan and the exciting Inphallible.
Alex Nelson showed the gorgeous entry of Arend F in the Friesian Under Saddle class for an excited owner Laurel Nelson. Reserve honors in this class belonged to Hoera Boszorg II and Kelsey Baird.
The junior exhibitors and their park horses took center stage in their championship class on Saturday morning. Taking home top honors in a very competitive field was the necky Kalarama Shiraz and Sarah Beth Longworth. Reserve honors belonged to Here’s Beanski and Lindsey Gettig.
Sugar Daddy and Crystal Case sped away with the blue ribbon in the Roadster Pony Under Saddle Championship, looking every bit the champion.
Saturday Night
The exquisite equitation riders entered the show ring first on Saturday night in their formal attire to show off their expert riding abilities. Trotting away with the top honors in the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship was the elegant pair of Ellen Medley Wright and Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic. Capturing the reserve championship were Ali Judah and Feng Shui, trained by the Premier Stables bunch.
The very collected Our Charming Lady and Mary Orr were on top of their game in the Ladies Three-Gaited Championship, pinning another blue ribbon on the Cash Lovell Stables stall front for owners Jack and Donna Finch. Reserve honors belonged to the entry of Sublime Light and Jacqueline Leon for Larry and Etta Young.
Megan McClure and CH Justa Rascal rode for all they were worth in the Amateur Park Horse Championship. This striking bay and his talented rider went two for two at Asheville this year, making their victory pass under the direction of Peter and Kim Cowart. Reserve championship honors in this field of nine belonged to Another Bay and rider Sarah McDonald.
The Cedarwood trained team of Thea Ervin and The Grand Master were in perfect position to claim the championship in the Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Show Pleasure Championship after winning their qualifier. The red streamers for second belonged to Ali Judah and Tornado’s Storm Warning for owner Terri Dolan out of seven nice entries.
Answering the gate call for their championship the road ponies sped in with their amateur drivers. The championship ribbons belonged to Jeoff Bodenhorst and the feisty pony Regal’s Star Attraction LF, under the training of daughter and son-in-law Brooke and Quintus Vander Spuy at Lenux Stables. Brenda Kelly and the speedy pony Cappuccino stepped up for reserve honors in this competitive field of six.
Jeoff Bodenhorst and Regal's Star Attraction LF
Coming from Oklahoma to top a field of very nice Amateur Three-Gaited Championship horses, Christy Bennett and her fancy mount Callaway’s Merry Go Round were all smiles after garnering the tricolor ribbons. Gypsy’s Say When and Andrea Nicole Perry were looking lovely as they claimed the reserve ribbons.
Big Red and Raymond Shively were the perfect pair to speed away with the top ribbons in the Open Road Horse Championship for the DeLovely Farms. The red streamers for reserve belonged to Wuddacomover and Debbie Foley for owner Luanne Kilday.
Looking every bit the champion and claiming a fourth blue ribbon for Megan McClure, CH Breaking News racked away with the tricolor streamers in the Amateur Five-Gaited Championship. Vickie Byrd and the white-blazed Attaché’s Crown Royal pinned the reserve ribbons on the Cash Lovell Stables banner in a very competitive class.
CH Wind Cruzer and Callie Smith were in top form to claim the championship honors in the Junior Exhibitor 13 and Under Show Pleasure Championship class. Capturing the red ribbon in a field of seven were CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time and Allie Wellington.
Amy Dix Rock and her quality mount That’s Exactly Right topped a field of eight to claim the tricolor in the Three-Gaited Park Pleasure Championship. Reserve honors went to Finest Material and Melissa Moore for owner Larry Nunley of Kingsport, Tenn.
Amy Dix Rock and That's Exactly Right
The amateurs and their country pleasure horses answered the gate call next for their championship class. Having a stellar show and garnering another win for Cash Lovell Stables were CH Riva Diva and Donna Finch. Moving up with a great championship performance was to the Steve and Julia Joyce entry of Upstate shown by Philip Galbreath. This team claimed the reserve championship honor.
Camille Cowart topped another very competitive junior exhibitor three-gaited class to take home the championship ribbons aboard Heathermoor’s Prince unanimously. Reserve honors belonged to CH The Showstopper and Margaret Morrison under the direction of Cash Lovell Stables.
Making her second appearance in the winner’s circle on Saturday night, Amy Dix Rock and the fabulous CH Amusing claimed the championship honors in the Five-Gaited Amateur Ladies Championship. Coming on strong the second direction Janet Kellet and CH Callaway’s Banner Headline captured the red ribbon.
Dun-Haven Phenomenal lived up to his name in the Hackney Pony Open Championship with driver Maureen Lydon for owners Kathryn and Carl Nichols taking the top honors. The reserve ribbon belonged to Neon Dion and Lib Jones under the direction of Lisa Heres-Rosenberger.
Already Famous and Luanne Kilday racked away with the championship streamers in the Ladies Five-Gaited Championship. Stepping up for the reserve were Deborah Visser and Harley Rally for owner James Orr.
The amazing black Just Wicked and Kim Cowart trotted their way to the winner’s circle to claim the tricolor ribbons in the Fine Harness Championship for a thrilled Sharyn Lackey. Stepping into the reserve championship was Day To Rejoice and Matt Shiflet for Kathy Bagdasarian.
Callaway’s Northern Fling and Melody Murphy were in top form to claim the championship honors in the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship 36 and Over class. Capturing the reserve honors was the Boone’s Farm trained duo of A Chance To Dance and Marie Gwinn.
Marie Gwinn was a busy lady on Saturday night, showing and winning the Western Pleasure Championship aboard Monsignor after her reserve in the pleasure class. The red ribbon in the western championship belonged to Deborah Richardson and Lion King.
Grande Gil and Neil Visser were hot to trot in the Open Three-Gaited Championship. This swan-like liver chestnut had an outstanding performance to take home the tricolor for owner Joan Hamilton. Reserve honors belonged to the proven champion CH Yes It’s True for owner Kathy Berger with Paul Boone in the saddle.
Making it two for two in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship Colonel Hoss and Justin Cowley were tops in a field of nine on Saturday night. Reserve honors belonged to the DeLovely trained team of Carolina Cat and Brittany Ann McGinnis.
The proven champion CH In Neon ERB and Jamie Hitchin captured the championship honors after winning the qualifier in the Amateur Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship 18-35. Reserve belonged to the Harrison Shiflet Stables trained entry of The Irish Tempest and Jessica Robb.
Georgia Blevins and Free Willy rocked the Roadster Pony Championship speeding away with the tricolor to Bowling Green, Ky. The red streamers for reserve belonged to Razz Ma Tazz and Gina Lail for owner Karl Bridgeman.
Six competitive entries made the gate for the Five-Gaited Championship on Saturday night. Catamaran started his class slowly and kept building. With a powerful performance he racked away with the top honors for an ecstatic owner Laurel Nelson and rider Mitch Clark. Reserve honors belonged to the flashy Twice Charmed and Melissa Moore for owner North Corporate Properties LLC.
Mitch Clark and Catamaran
This concludes the highlights of the Asheville Lions Club Benefit Horse Show. Complete results may be found by clicking here. Judges cards can be seen by clicking here.
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