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25th Annual Asheville Lions Club Horse Show



by Katherine Hansil

Wednesday Evening

The 25th annual Asheville Lions Club Horse Show kicked off Wednesday night with the Amateur Fine Harness class. James Rosburg drove away with the blue streamers with The Tango Dancer for owners Pixie Dust & Steel Stables, Inc. Reserve was awarded to Callaway’s Carnegie Hall and John Wrather under the direction of Janet Crampton.

Next up was the Three-Gaited 15.2 & Under class. Chantel Coetzee took the blue ribbon back to Kalarama’s tack room with Kaaba, Inc.’s entry, Hillcroft Claret. This was a stunning debut in the horse’s first class under saddle. Suzy Shiflet rode Riley Shiflet’s Lady T-Heir-A to the reserve.

The competition heated up when the Amateur Ladies Three-Gaited class was called to the ring and eight elegant entries park trotted through the in-gate. When the cards were turned in, it was the Hollow Haven trained team of Ericka Nelson and CH Sue-She called to center to receive the blue ribbon. Lynda Norman expertly rode Enough About You to the reserve. Terri Dolan rounded out the top three with Odyssey Mann.

Judy McNeish sped to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Roadster class with Thunderbolt. The red ribbon went home with Mark Catron and Cookie Monster.

Seven horses trotted through the in-gate for the Open Park class. After the class was worked, all three judges agreed on the winning entry, Ya-Ya with Dena Lopez up for Elizabeth Shatner. Ruth Gimpel had the reserve entry with Long Distance.

The call for the Five-Gaited Mares class was next. Topping the class was Carl and Monty Hess’s entry Anadon’s Ruth with Matt Shiflet aboard. Coming off a reserve at JD Massey, this team was in complete sync for the win. Tracy James racked away with reserve aboard First Chapter.

Abel Vega drove Golden Creek Farms cob tailed, Romeo’s Miss Mariah, to the winner’s circle in the Open Hackney Pony class. John Wrather drove away with reserve with Seamair Simply Awesome.

Dena Lopez rode to center ring to receive the blue streamers in the Ladies Five-Gaited class aboard the Belle Reve Farm’s entry Courtier. Leatherwood’s Hats Off was awarded the reserve ribbon with Betsy Boone in the irons for owners Davis Road Farms.


Dreamin' Blue and Lewis Eckard earned the Limit Five-Gaited win for Beverly Kaczwara.

The limit horses were up next to compete in their five-gaited class and six horses of great quality trotted into the arena. Coming off wins at ASAC, Raleigh Spring Premier and J.D. Massey and besting the class was Lewis Eckard aboard Beverly Kaczwara’s Dreamin’ Blue. Matt Shiflet rode Melody Murphy’s black entry, Midnight Senor to the reserve.

Three elegant walk/trot horses trotted in next to compete in the Three-Gaited Over 15.2 class. Misdee Wrigley Miller had a flawless class to march away with the blue streamers with Grande Gil. Ronnie Graham rode Helen Rosburg’s Wee Pee’s Storm to the red streamers.


Hillcroft Rare Heir and Maria Gilman were picture perfect after winning the Junior Park Pleasure.

Seven young park pleasure horses were the next to enter the arena. When the cards were turned in, it was Maria Gilman aboard Gail Freeman’s Hillcroft Rare Heir to garner the blue ribbon. Reserve was awarded to Kelly Williamson and Got No Shame.

Raymond Shivley brought out his powerful contender, Emerson, for the roadster to bike division and they blazed a trail to the winner’s circle. Coming off a win from J.D. Massey, Steve Joyce collected the red streamers with JR Martin’s entry, Sue’s Bad Moon.

The competition was stiff in the Amateur Five-Gaited class. It was a one -two finish for the South African bred horses. Dr. Wendy Troyer had Carlswald Prince’s Dominoe in top fashion to take home the blue under the direction of Paul and Betsy Boone. Reserve went back to the Kalarama tack room with Elisabeth Chelberg and Calif First Night Out. Jo Ann Griffin rounded out the top three with Caramac’s Big Ticket.

Our Charming Lady charmed all three judges in the Ladies Three-Gaited class with Mary Orr in the irons for Jack and Donna Finch. Coming off an undefeated 2007, this team looked stunning and never missed a step. Reserve went to the Cloverleaf trained team of Jamie Hitchin and Harlem’s Black Tie Affair.


Karen Medicus and Chris Nalley stood with Five O'Clock after winning the Amateur Gentlemen's Five-Gaited.

Chris Nalley rode Five O’Clock to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Gentlemen’s Five-Gaited class in their first class of the season. Josh Wall took home reserve aboard The Party’s Here, under the direction of West Wind Stables.

Four road ponies sped into the arena to compete in their open qualifier. Seize The Moment looked great in his open roll with Ruth Gimpel on the lines for owners James and Helen Rosburg. Abel Vega drove Golden Creek Farms entry Alexandra to the reserve.

An impressive class of 11 made the call for the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class. Coming off a win at J.D. Massey, Stefanie Sanchez had Stonewall’s Stargate looking fantastic to pick up the blue. The team was met in center ring by Kim Cowart. In their debut, Joellen Fisher Blount rode SJ Space Buccaneer to the reserve under the DeLovely banner. Kathy Capsuto Walker rounded out the top three with Harlem’s Black Orchid.

Closing out the first session of the show was the Five-Gaited Stallions/Geldings class. Peter Cowart and CH Breaking News never took a wrong step to garner the top ribbon for owners Megan McClure and Beth Arndt. Evan Orr had Vickie Byrd’s entry Attache’s Crown Royal looking great for the reserve.

Thursday Evening

Thursday evening’s schedule was packed full of crowd pleasing and exciting classes. The NHS Equitation Event kicked off the night. Making the victory pass with the approval of all three judges was Ellen Medley Wright aboard Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic. Reserve went to Belle Owen aboard her new mount, Chanti’s Prayer.

Lynda Freseth expertly drove Tom Brock’s entry Elegant Dreamcatcher to the winner’s circle in the Junior Fine Harness class. Bret Day was reserve with Callaway’s Local News and received the crowd’s approval as he park trotted out.

The Amateur Three-Gaited class was called next. Four elegant teams came in but it was Christy Bennett who trotted out with the blue streamers aboard CH Callaway’s Merry-Go-Round with the unanimous decision from all three judges. Ali DeGray expertly rode Wee Pee’s Storm to the reserve under the direction of Ruth Gimpel.

Next into the arena was the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving class. Stephany Monteleone looked magnificent to garner the blue streamers with Mastercraft’s Namesake LF. Charlotte Wrather picked up the reserve ribbon with Oliver Twist.


The Lenux Stables gang was on hand for Jeoff Bodenhorst and Regal's Star Attraction LF's reserve championship drive in the amateur road pony.

A large class of 11 amateur roadster ponies stormed into the arena next and the competition was stiff as they sped around the ring. Besting the competition was Kevin Ingram and Calvin Hobbs who were met in center ring by Lynda Freseth. Finishing in reserve were Surprize Surprize and Donna Whatley, under the direction of DeLovely. Jeoff Bodenhorst made an excellent showing with Regal’s Star Attraction to pick up the third place ribbon.

Chantel Coetzee rode Brookhill’s The Lady Commands to the win in the Three-Gaited Park Junior Horse class. Matt Shiflet picked up reserve with Susan Harris’s expressive gelding, I’m Southern.


Moon Charmer and Tyler Myles were victorious in the Five-Gaited Pony Championship and qualifier.

The Five-Gaited Ponies hit the ring next with four entries making the call for the gate. Tyler Miles rode hard to garner the blue ribbon with the high stepping Moon Charmer. Reserve went back to Cash Lovell’s stables with Sarah Martin and I Believe I Can Fly.

Next up was the largest class of the night, the Three-Gaited Country Pleasure class for adult riders. The competition was deep but when the cards were turned in, the blue was called out for Heads Will Turn and Barby Thornton, under the direction of Bret Day. JoEllen Fisher Blount rode hard to pick up the reserve aboard Cheetah’s Admiral.

The three-gaited horses trotted in next to compete with their junior exhibitor riders. Brittany McGinnis never missed a beat while she directed Ostentatiously to the winner’s circle. Reserve went back to Johnny Lucas’s tack room with MJB High Fire with Anna Stoddard in the irons for owners Carol and Hector Newton. Margaret Morrison rounded out the top three with CH The Showstopper.

Seven bold moving entries came through the in-gate next for the Amateur Ladies Five-Gaited class. Seasoned veteran Deborah Butler with her new partner Pour Some Sugar On Me garnered the blue streamers under the direction of DeLovely. Reserve went to Ali DeGray and CH Tigerlee with the approval from the crowd.

Hunter Chancellor looked stunning with The Attache Orchid to take home the blue streamers in the Three-Gaited Pony qualifier. Riding under the direction of Mary Orr, Caroline Anderson picked up reserve with Cameo’s Carte Blanche.

The Five-Gaited Denver Horse class was called to the gate next. When the cards were turned in, it was Debbie Foley riding Susan Orton’s exhilarating young horse, And I’m Stickin’ To It, to the winner’s circle. Harrison Shiflet took home reserve with Tobie McGuire for owner Anna Drew Kirk.

The novice three-gaited horses paraded in next. Coming off a win at J.D. Massey, Matt Shiflet had Juliette’s Deja Blue looking extraordinary to pick up the blue. Deborah Visser trotted away with the red ribbon with Size Me Up.

Drew Taylor Hewitt rode hard in the competitive Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure qualifier to earn the blue aboard CH Sunken Treasure. Jenna Norton continued her great season with her new mount, Desert’s Supreme Kid, for reserve.

Four elegant harness horses trotted in to compete in their open qualifier. A Cinderella Story received the nod from all three judges with Bret Day on the lines and proved that even though it was only her first season in the open ranks, she would be a force to be reckoned with. Melinda Moore paraded out with the reserve ribbon with Storm Heir for 926 Park Lane, LLC.

Nancy Leigh Fisher looked stunning aboard Princess Ruby Begonia to garner the top ribbon in the Amateur Three-Gaited Park qualifier under the direction of Andy and Lynda Freseth. It’s been a change for Morgan King as this is her first year out of the junior exhibitor ranks, but the hard work paid off when she trotted away with the red streamers aboard her game mount, Meadowlark Jubilee.

Next to enter the ring was the Junior Exhibitor Road Pony class. Lindsay Jones looked great with her young pony, Heartland Curtain Call, to pick up the blue ribbon. Tanner Parham sped away with reserve with Seamair’s Nobility.

Elizabeth James-Lipscomb had CH Shot With Glory looking fantastic to earn top honors in the Show Pleasure Driving class. The red streamers went to Supreme Spotlight with Kay Marschel at the whip.

CH Sweet Virginia had a near flawless performance with Barbara Woods in the irons to take the blue ribbon back to Judd Stables in the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 36 & Over class. Gloria Heath and Top Guns Mandate picked up reserve. Marie Gwinn and CH A Chance To Dance rounded out the top three in the very competitive class.

Bill Knight sped away with the blue streamers in the Open Roadster To Bike class with Blackjack Knight.


Harlem's Worldly Lady and Helen Rosburg had two perfect drives to sweep the country pleasure driving.

Helen Rosburg had Harlem’s Worldly Lady looking great to take home the blue in the Country Pleasure Driving class. CH Dr. Deker was called out for the reserve ribbon with Debbie Marcum on the lines.


Amanda Dellinger and Kevin Ingram had quite a week with Dellinger winning with CH My Grande in the 18-35 show pleasure and Ingram sweeping the amateur road pony division with Calvin Hobbs.

It was a one-two finish for Hollow Haven in the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 18-35 class. First was awarded to Mandy Dellinger and CH My Grande. In only their second show together, reserve was awarded to Teuschers and Travis Van Zetten.

The Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited class rounded out the session Thursday evening. Sarah Longworth took home the blue ribbon with CH Diamond’s Hope and received all three first place votes from the judges. In their first performance together, Camille Cowart picked up reserve aboard Captain Roseridge. Rounding out the top three was Tyler Miles and Limebank King Of Clubs.

Friday Morning

Friday morning’s session began promptly at 10 with the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Novice Rider class. Although Marie Rogers and Sultan’s Royal Affair were the only entry in the class they put on a great show. The team was met in center ring for the ribbon presentation by trainer Janet Crampton.

The Limit Western Country Pleasure class was up next. Royal Crest’s Dancing On Stones bested the class with Susan Hopkins riding. Reserve was awarded to Luanne Kilday and her pinto, Wezatease.

Callie Smith looked exquisite to garner the blue ribbon in the Saddle Seat Equitation 17 & Under class. She was aboard Belle Owen’s mount, Heir’s Encore.

Buckles, Boots N’ Spurs exemplified elegance when Cydney Cutchall expertly rode him to the winner’s circle for owner Wendy Coley in the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited class. Steve Gassen took the reserve ribbon home with The Best Gift Yet.

It was a one-two finish for Cash Lovell’s Stables in the Walk & Trot Pleasure 12 & Under class. Stephanie Bracket and CH Much More Radiant continued their winning season by trotting away with the blue. Allie Poovey looked stunning in her new suit aboard CH Empress In Black to take home the reserve.


Proud grandmother Sharon Anderson congratulated Jake Butts and Caroline Anderson on their successful week in the road pony under saddle with Perfect Offering and Cameo's Carte Blanche in the three-gaited pony, respectively.

The road ponies sped into the arena next to compete in the Roadster Pony Under Saddle class. Jack Butts, in his flashy silks, was called into the winner’s circle with Perfect Offering. The red streamers went to Seamair’s Nobility with Tanner Parham in the irons.

Next up was the Friesian Horses Under Saddle Exhibition. In their debut, Meredith Dancer received the nod from all three judges with her new mount, Marwyn Of Shady Nook Farm. Suzy Shiflet ran into center ring to meet a very excited Dancer. Reserve was awarded to Inne and Kim Davidson.

Nine entries made the gate call for the Three-Gaited Park Pleasure qualifier. Dena Lopez had the winning entry aboard Kay Marschel’s Talladega Red with the nod from all three judges. Reserve was awarded to James Hale aboard General Spirit for DeLovely Farm.

The young horses were up next to compete in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic and three well turned out entries made the gate call. Bret Day garnered the blue ribbon with the nod from all three judges aboard Captain Kangaroo. Tracy James took home the red ribbon with Caramina’s Tornaado.

Under the direction of Mary Orr, Laura Plant took home the top ribbon with Worthy’s Just Once in the Country Pleasure Walk/Trot 17 & Under class. In only their second show, the team has really come together.

Helen Rosburg sped away with the blue with Holly Go Lightly in the Novice Roadster Pony class. Doug Wylie finished in reserve with Babylon.

Lynn Thompson took home the blue ribbon with Cause A Commotion, under the direction of Christy Absher Johnson in the County Pleasure Novice class. Reserve went home to Shady Creek’s Sensation and Linda Redding.

Simbara’s Stars And Stripes and Caitlin Hucker continued their winning season in the English Pleasure Pony class under the direction of Cameo Stables. The red ribbon went to Alyssa Lopez and I’m A Sunbeam.

Pieter Snyman expertly rode Cindy and Lee Wagoner’s bold moving stallion, Vitruvian Man to the winner’s circle in the Five-Gaited Three-Year-Old class. Reserve went to Tracy James and I Wish You Well.

Courtney McGinnis had a picture perfect ride to garner the blue in the Saddle Seat Equitation 10 & Under class. McGinnis was aboard Amandari.

Next into the arena were the long tailed ponies to compete in their amateur class. John Wrather took home the blue with Seamair Sensation. The red ribbon went home to Tamra Arndt with It’s Showtime.

Brenda Pulis looked exceptional as she piloted the gorgeous Spool’s Top Star R.H.F to the winner’s circle in the Three-Gaited Carolina Owned class. Nicki Inmonen took home reserve with Join In The Dance.

Andy Freseth took home top honors in the Junior Roadster Pony class with Priscilla Gise’s entry, Romeo’s Kristy Lee LF. Reserve was awarded to Sha Boom and Lewis Eckard.

Four road horses sped into the arena to compete in the Roadster Horse Under Saddle class. When the cards were turned in from the colorful class, the blue ribbon was awarded Where Are We Now and Dr. Brian Garrett. Steve Joyce finished in reserve with J.R. Martin’s entry, Sue’s Bad Moon.

The Carolina Owned Five-Gaited horses entered the ring next. Bo Lucas had No Fear looking fearless as he picked up all three first place votes for owner Doris Crumpler. Dreamin’ Blue and Lewis Eckard racked away with reserve for owner Beverly Kaczwara.

Belle Owen looked elegant as ever when she piloted her new equitation mount, Chanti’s Prayer, to the winner’s circle in the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under class. In her first walk, trot, canter class, Cagle James looked poised to pick up the reserve. Both elegant riders took their ribbons back to DeLovely’s tack room.

The three-year-olds were up next to compete in their park class. Daniel Lockhart had the winning entry with Pola Negri under the Kalarama banner. The red ribbon went the Trent Capps and Dominus Villa.

Closing out the session was the Three-Gaited Denver Horse class. Our Axel Rose and Neil Visser came out on top with the blue ribbon.

Friday Evening

Six entries elegantly trotted through the in-gate for the Walk/Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 10 & Under class to kick of Friday evening’s session. Macey Miles received the nod from all three judges when she guided CH Callaway’s Coraleen into the winner’s circle. Under the direction of Hollow Haven, Kaitlyn Creekmore rode Imagination Station to the reserve.

Hillcroft Crown Jewel marched into the winner’s circle with Larry Hodge on the lines to garner the blue in the Three-Year-Old Fine Harness class. The young entry is by Sir William Robert and out of CH Our Canary Diamond and is owned by Hillcroft Farm, LLC. Reserve was awarded to Trent Capps and Paradise Punch.

Charlotte Wrather drove Oliver Twist into the winner’s circle in the Hackney Pleasure Pony Driving Championship for the second year in a row. This year, the team had an outstanding comeback drive and was met in center ring by Janet Crampton. Stephany Monteleone and Mastercraft’s Namesake LF finished in the reserve spot. Allie Wellington drove Hawkeye’s Chatter Box to round out the top three.

The competition heated up as the young three-gaited horses boldly trotted in for the Three-Gaited Junior Horse class. Although there were only three entries, two of them had already been to the winner’s circle at Louisville. Todd Miles debuted Shamrock Saddlebred Farms’ new mount and received the nod from all three judges with A Travelin’ Man. The Tornaado son looked fabulous trimmed and in the under saddle division. The red ribbon went to I’m McDreamy and Kim Cowart for owner Jackie Ware. As both entries were called, it was apparent the audience had gotten into the class as each entry received the crowd’s approval.

Marie Gwinn jogged Monsignor to the winner’s circle in the Western Country Pleasure class. Coming off a win at J.D. Massey, Susan Hoskins rode Royal Crest’s Dancing On Stones to reserve.

The youth drivers sped into the ring next for the Youth Roadster To Bike class. Ali DeGray had Roar Of Thunder looking great to garner the blue ribbon. Reserve went back to the Drowning Creek tack room with Rebekah Cloninger and Royal Count.

Into the arena next were the cob tailed ponies returning for their championship. Abel Vega made it two wins in a row with Golden Creek Farm’s entry Romeo’s Miss Mariah LF. John Wrather drove away with reserve with Seamair Simply Awesome.

Kaitlyn Whatley looked stunning to take home the top ribbon and all three top votes from the judging panel with The Last Straw in the 14-17 pleasure qualifier. Allie Wellington took home reserve with CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time. Brittany McGinnis rounded out the tough class with Callaway’s Jackpot.

Camille Cowart made a near flawless performance aboard CH Justa Rascal to ride into the winner’s circle in the Junior Exhibitor Park qualifier. Rebekah Cloninger rode to reserve aboard My Mountain Heirs.

The Roadster Horse Championship was up next. Judy McNeish made it two in a row with Thunderbolt, receiving top ribbons in the qualifier and championship. Reserve was awarded to Cookie Monster and Mark Catron.

Erika Nelson continued her undefeated season in the amateur three-gaited division with CH Sue-She. The team took the tricolor back to the Hollow Haven tack room. Reserve went to Lynda Norman and Enough About You.

Ruth Gimpel showed Joe Friday to the win in the Ladies Fine Harness class. The gelding is the epitome of a true harness horse with his lofty trot and elegant head carriage.

The ring belonged to Erin Ohning in the ASHAF Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving Challenge. She expertly drove Belle Splendor to the winner’s circle.

Hunter Chancellor looked incredible aboard Feng Shui to earn the top ribbon in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal class in their first season together. Christina Collis took home the red ribbon.

It has been a tremendous season so far for Stefanie Sanchez and Stonewall’s Stargate. After sweeping the competition ad J.D. Massey, they took the three judge panel by storm and earned three first place votes and swept the adult five-gaited show pleasure division. Misdee Wrigley Miller had a comeback ride aboard Jennie Garlington’s Champagne Treat to earn the red tricolor. Gotta Be Gold and Jo Ann Griffin rounded out the top three in the competitive class.

Dena Lopez and Ya Ya swept the open park division for Elizabeth Shatner. Riding under Kalarama’s direction, Sara McDonald rode Another Bay to the reserve.

It was another one-two finish for DeLovely in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 13 & Under Championship. Hunter Chancellor skillfully directed Can You Hear Me Now to the winner’s circle, while Courtney McGinnis picked up the red tricolor aboard Bouffant.

John Wrather had a repeat performance with Callaway’s Carnegie Hall to earn the tricolor in the Amateur Fine Harness class.

Next up was the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure qualifier. Kaitlin Whatley received all three votes from the judges’ panel to garner the blue streamers aboard Carolina Clay. Reserve went to the Chestnut Lane tack room with Jennifer Roberts and Hasani. Katie Morrison rounded out the top three with Star Of The Millennium for owners Chris and Heather Bowen.

The road horses were back in the ring, this time to the wagon. Judy McNeish sped Invincible Summer into the winner’s circle where she was met by Raymond Shivley. The red ribbon was awarded to Mark Catron and Scatman Du under Steve Hanks’s watchful eye.

Callie Smith trotted Belle Owen’s equitation mount, Heir’s Encore, into the ring next to compete in the UPHA Challenge Cup Equitation class. Although she was the only entry, she performed her rail-work as well as patterns to near perfection.

The Junior Five-Gaited class closed out the Friday session. Seven entries worked hard, even during the short time-out due to a horse pulling a shoe. Each competitor took turns during the short break to make sure the crowd and judges saw their performance racking down one rail and trotting back. Peter Cowart not only impressed the judges but the crowd as well. He racked Beth Arndt’s entry It’s Saturday Night Live into the winner’s circle. Nancy Leigh Fisher had Gotta Be Charmed looking bright as she finished in the reserve spot. Harrison Shiflet rounded out the top three with Roseridge Many Tears.

Saturday Morning

The young equitation riders kicked off the final morning session of the 25th annual Asheville Lions Club Horse Show. Five teams made the gate call for the UPHA Walk/Trot Challenge Cup 10 & Under. Macey Miles looked just right to garner the blue ribbon. Kaitlyn Creekmore made a tough showing for reserve aboard Imagination Station.


CH A Shot With Glory and Elizabeth James-Lipscomb were pleasure perfect to sweep the show pleasure driving division.

CH Shot With Glory and Elizabeth James-Lipscomb were back in the winner’s circle in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. Stepping up a notch was the Boone’s Farm trained team of Bonnie Koch and Selvaggio.

Although the season is off to a great start, it became even better for Lindsay Jones and Heartland Curtain Call. Jones drove her young pony to the win in the Junior Exhibitor Roadster Pony Championship and received the nod from all three judges. Tanner Parham sped away with the red tricolor with Seamair’s Nobility.

Hunter Chancellor made a repeat show in the Three-Gaited Pony Championship to earn the tricolor with The Attache Orchid. Caroline Anderson finished in the reserve spot with her pony, Cameo’s Carte Blanche.

Helen Rosburg made it two in a row with Harlem’s Worldly Lady in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship. The team drove to the winner’s circle in unanimous fashion. The red ribbon went to Debbie Marcum and CH Dr. Deker.

After a quick wardrobe change, Hunter Chancellor was back at it, this time in the UPHA Challenge Cup Equitation 13 & Under class. She looked stunning to take home the win.

It was back-to-back wins for DeLovely when Kaitlin Whatley took home the tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship with Carolina Clay. Amy Hein finished in reserve with Phi Phalutin’ RR.

Meredith Dancer came out on top in the Friesian Horse Championship with her new mount, Marwyn Of Shady Nook Farm, under the direction of Suzy Shiflet. Reserve was awarded to Kim Davidson and Inne.

Courtney McGinnis took home the blue ribbon in the UPHA Challenge Cup 11 & Under class aboard Amandari. Making a strong showing for reserve was Caroline Brown aboard CH What A Memory.

Caitlin Hucker continued her winning season aboard James Park’s entry, Simbara’s Stars And Stripes in the English Pleasure Pony Championship, under Steve and Julia Joyce’s direction. Reserve was awarded to Alyssa Lopez and I’m A Sunbeam.

It was a one-two finish for Cash Lovell Stables in the Walk/Trot Pleasure 12 & Under Championship. Sweeping the division were Stephanie Brackett and CH Much More Radiant. Looking great for reserve were Allie Poovey and CH Empress In Black. Anna Ergish rounded out the top three with Styles By Cavalier.

Brian Garrett had Where Are We Now in top form as he sped into the winner’s circle and was met by trainer Rick Felder in the Roadster Under Saddle Championship. Reserve went to Run Forest Run and Lauren Riggins.

As Allie Wellington trotted out of the arena after garnering the tricolor with CH Mmmbop in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship, a smile stretched from ear to ear. After she thanked everyone and "Bop", saying, "Wow, that was fun!" The reserve ribbon went to the qualifier winner, CH Sunken Treasure and Drew Taylor Hewitt.

Tyler Miles was back in the winner’s circle in the Five-Gaited Pony Championship with Moon Charmer. Reserve went to Tanner Parham and Jewels For A Lady.

Laura Plant was back in the winner’s circle in the Country Pleasure Walk/Trot Championship with Worthy’s Just Once.

Next up was the championship for the junior exhibitors and their park horses. The class was exciting but it was Camille Cowart who topped the class for the second time during the weekend with CH Justa Rascal. Reserve went to Rebekah Cloninger and My Mountain Heir.

Ronnie Graham drove Budlight to the winner’s circle in the Roadster Pony To Wagon class. Sugar Daddy was awarded the reserve ribbon with Eddie Case on the lines.

Jake Butts swept the roadster pony under saddle division with a win in the championship class aboard Perfect Offering. Lindsey Johnson made a strong showing for reserve with Wait & See’s Bright Flame under the direction of Lewis Eckard.

Finishing up the morning session was Rebekah Cloninger with her win with Royal Count in the Youth Roadster To Bike Championship.

After the morning session was concluded it was time for the young riders to shine in the academy division. Earning blue ribbons were Joanne Fair, Anna Roseman, Tammy Whitworth, Summer Blackwelder, Dawn Moore, Lexi Cox, Amy Cedrone, Ashley Creekmore, Christopher Bowman, Payton Nicole Shiflet, Audrey Sigman, Erin Immonen, Morgan Mortan and Harley Lambert.

Saturday Evening

The Saddle Seat Equitation Championship kicked off the final session of the horse show. Two DeLovely trained riders trotted into the ring. Taking home the tricolor in unanimous fashion was Ellen Medley Wright riding Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic. Reserve went to Belle Owen and Chanti’s Prayer.

CH Our Charming Lady was back in the winner’s circle with Mary Orr in the irons for Jack and Donna Finch. The mare looked stunning to garner the tricolor in the Ladies Three-Gaited Championship. Reserve went to the Clover Leaf trained team of Jamie Hitchin and Harlem’s Black Tie Affair.

Four entries made the call for the Amateur Park Championship. Riding away with the win was Princess Ruby Begonia with Nancy Leigh Fisher in the irons. The red tricolor went to Allison Beard Luzier and Lime Twisted Gin.

The Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 14-17 class was filled with deep competition. Kaitlyn Whatley was back in the winner’s circle with The Last Straw by unanimous decision. Coming off a win at J.D. Massey, Cassi Rath and Just As Unique proved they were just as competitive under saddle as they are in harness. Rounding out the top three was Brittany McGinnis with Callaway’s Jackpot.

Next up was the Amateur Roadster Pony Championship. Kevin Ingram worked Calvin Hobbs to get the nod from all three judges and to speed away with the tricolor. Under the direction of Lenux Stables, Jeoff Bodenhorst expertly drove Regal’s Star Attraction LF out with the reserve tricolor.

It was a great weekend for Christy Bennett and CH Callaway’s Merry-Go-Round as they swept the amateur three-gaited division. Reserve in the championship went to Ali DeGray and Wee Pee’s Storm.

Raymond Shivley took the tricolor back to DeLovely in the Road Horse Championship with Emerson. Roar Of Thunder and Ronnie Graham sped away with reserve.


Carlswald Prince's Dominoe and Wendy Troyer were proud of their Amateur Five-Gaited victory.

The Amateur Five-Gaited Championship was first-class. Dr. Wendy Troyer had CH Carlswald Prince’s Dominoe looking just right to earn the tricolor ribbon. Troyer was met in center ring by Paul Boone for the ribbon ceremony. Chris Nally expertly rode Five O’Clock to the reserve honor.

Next in was the younger division to compete in their pleasure championship. The results were a repeat from the qualifier, a one-two finish for DeLovely. Hunter Chancellor garnered the tricolor with Can You Hear Me Now, while Courtney McGinnis took the reserve with Bouffant.

Dena Lopez had Talledega Red in top form to earn the championship title for Kay Marschel in the Park Pleasure Championship. Dr. Brian Garrett’s entry, Jewel’s To Go looked stunning to take the reserve with Rick Felder in the irons. Nicki Inmonen finished with the third place ribbon in the competitive class with CF Not Tonight Chief.

The Adult Country Pleasure Championship was filled with 12 quality horses. Under the direction of Bret Day, Barby Thorton looked great to guide Heads Will Turn to the win. Reserve went to Jo Ellen Fisher Blount and Cheetah’s Admiral.

Margaret Morrison had CH The Showstopper just right to earn the tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Championship. She was met in center ring by Cash Lovell for the ribbon ceremony. Reserve went to MJB High Fire and Anna Stoddard under the Johnny Lucas & Sons banner.

Ali DeGray made a comeback ride in the Amateur Ladies Five-Gaited Championship to pick up the tricolor aboard CH Tigerlee. Reserve went to Julie Burmeister and Ima Star Buck.

John Wrather received all three first place votes in the Harness Pony Championship with Seamair Sensation. Tamra Arndt finished in reserve with It’s Showtime.

It was a great moment for Debbie Foley when Tracy James picked up the tricolor in the Ladies Five-Gaited Championship with First Chapter. The mare is the first foal out of That’s My Story, who Foley directed to many championship titles. Reserve went to Dena Lopez and Courtier for Belle Reve Farm.

Peter Cowart had The Blonde Bombshell looking graceful when they took the tricolor in the Fine Harness Championship for owners Sharyn Lackey and Stefanie Sanchez. Bret Day finished in the reserve spot with A Cinderella Story.

CH Sweet Virginia was back in the winner’s circle with Barbara Woods in the irons in the Adult 36 & Over Show Pleasure Championship. Marie Gwinn came in with the reserve aboard CH A Chance To Dance.


Monsignor and Marie Gwinn were in top form this week, sweeping the western country pleasure division.

After a quick tack change and short warm up, Marie Gwinn was back in the ring, this time in the winner’s circle. Although it seemed like a rush to change clothes and get back in the ring with a different horse, Gwinn made it look anything but difficult. She expertly rode Monsignor to the win in the Western Pleasure Championship. The red tricolor was awarded to Susan Hoskins and Royal Crest’s Dancing On Stones.

The pace stepped up a notch with the Three-Gaited Championship. The crowd quickly picked out their favorites but the judges gave Misdee Wrigley Miller a nod when she was called out as unanimous champion aboard Grande Gil. Reserve went to the expressive mare Juliette’s Deja Blue with Matt Shiflet in the irons.

Tyler Miles had an incredible come back ride in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship with Limebank King Of Clubs to take the tricolor home to owner Magdalena Meyer. Sarah Longworth rode hard for the reserve ribbon aboard CH Diamond’s Hope.


Teuschers and Travis Van Zetten topped the competitive 18-35 show pleasure championship in their second show together.

The Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 18-35 Championship was up next. Travis Van Zetten stepped it up a notch with his new mount Teuschers to garner the tricolor in unanimous fashion. Another Hollow Haven team was right behind him. Mandy Dellinger and CH My Grande looked great for the reserve. Rounding out the top three in the competitive class was Beajolais Nouveau with Jody Thomas in the irons under Bill and Lisa Waller’s watchful eye.

Ruth Gimpel sped away with the tricolor with Seize The Moment in the Roadster Pony Championship. Donna Whatley had Surprize Surprize looking great to earn the reserve ribbon.

The final class of the show was called to the gate, four entries trotted in to compete in the Five-Gaited Championship. Each entry looked great, however, when Lewis Eckard’s entry Fog threw a shoe, he had to take the gate. When the class was called back to order, Matt Shiflet, Neil Visser and Peter Cowart all rode hard. After the rail work, the horses were lined up and stripped for further evaluation. After the riders were back on their horses and the cards were turned in, it was a unanimous decision for Peter Cowart and CH Breaking News. Reserve was awarded to Matt Shiflet and Midnight Senor. As Shiflet exited the ring he received one last cheer from his supportive fans.

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