ASHAV Goes Silver
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
by Katherine Hansil
LEXINGTON, Va. - The ASHAV Horse Show celebrated it silver anniversary this year Sept. 25 – 28, 2008, in the quaint town of Lexington, Va. The show which began 25 years ago in Chatham, Va., at Hill N Dale Farm has continued to grow during its history, particularly after it moved to the Virginia Horse Center in its early days. Now it is a strong show bringing in exhibitors from the northeast to Kentucky and all over the Virginias and Carolinas.
The show continues to grow not only in size but also as an event. Management over the years has listened to the suggestions from exhibitors and tried to meet their needs. When last year’s schedule required the show to move to a Thursday through Sunday schedule it was met with great approval. This year, the decision was made to test the schedule again and for the most part it was once again well received. No show can be perfect, however, and there is always room for improvement but what makes this show special is that Manager Kent Moeller and Chairman Carol Reedy want to make this show the best around.
Once again trainers and exhibitors were greeted on Wednesday with the annual Welcome Party sponsored by the Bonnie Blue National. On Friday, the Sponsors’ and Exhibitors’ Party was held during and after the show in the Appomattox Mezzanine. What makes this location especially appealing is the large windows along the wall that allow you to watch the show while enjoying the delicious food. The parties closed out on Sunday morning with a brunch hosted by Ceil and Kenny Wheeler.
During each evening’s schedule, the famous flying pigs were back and on Thursday and Friday all proceeds went to Shirley Trail and her family after a devastating loss of their home, barn and several horses back in July. However, on Saturday the pigs came dressed for the party, since they are pink, helping ASHAV raise money for the Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Other events during the show included a silent auction on Thursday and Friday, a Stick Horse Race opening Saturday evening’s schedule, junior judging contests led by Ashleigh Disney and the famous Fun Dog Show after the academy session. The Fun Dog Show has become a favorite and many came prepared to defend their titles from 2007 or compete for the first time. Walnut Way was at the top of their game as Marilyn Macfarlane presented Bruster, winning best barn dog and Robin Haynes’s pair won best look-a-like for the second year in a row. When exhibitors were not busy with the horse show, they ventured out into the neat town of Lexington with the great restaurants and shops. You could visit VMI or Washington and Lee or drive down the interstate a few miles to see the magnificent Natural Bridge.
Five-Gaited
Keeping with tradition, when the Five-Gaited Championship was called to the ring, Eye Of The Tiger played over the speakers as each team entered one by one. With a bold moving performance, the tricolor was awarded to The Decisive Moment with Clark Clouse in the irons for Greg and Gina Crews. Earlier, they captured the reserve in the Novice Five-Gaited. Reserve championship honors went to the high-headed Walterway’s What About Me with Merrill Murray up. From Larry Hartsock’s breeding program this bright mare has been getting stronger and stronger all year. Clark Clouse also had the winning ride in the open qualifier with the charismatic CH Memories’ Paragon in their only performance for Ceil and Kenny Wheeler. Callaway’s Melosa and Todd Graham earned the qualifying reserve.
ASHAV held their pink ribbon night on Saturday evening in conjunction with the Ladies Five-Gaited Championship. Topping the competitive class was Let’s Roll with Kristen Bagdasarian. This team debuted at Louisville and this week had two solid performances to sweep the ladies division. Star Dreamer and Darlene Rose moved in to capture the reserve ladies championship honor after winning the Virginia Owned Five-Gaited. Reserve in the ladies qualifier went to Suddenly Single and Barclay de Wet for Crabtree Farms while French Resistance and Nancy Troutman earned the reserve in the Virginia owned in their single appearance.
In 2007, Callaway’s Winning Ways took home the Five-Gaited Championship title with Redd Crabtree. In the last part of the summer, the powerful mare teamed up with Barclay de Wet for the amateur division and they have been on a roll ever since. With two bold performances, they swept the amateur division. Also a new team back in the spring, Spirit Of New York PSF and Brittany Kale put together a pair of strong rides earning both reserve titles for the Mercer Springs banner.
In the competitive Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship, a new team commanded the spotlight. CH Heirrison Ford and Morgan Billig teamed up just a month ago at Louisville and this week they looked as if they had been together all season, beginning with a reserve in the qualifier. They returned for the win in the championship under the direction of Ricky Cook. The flashy Attache’s Crown Royal and Katie Morrison earned the reserve championship honor for Vickie Byrd while stablemate CH Diamond’s Hope and Sarah Longworth captured the qualifying win.
Todd Graham debuted Dream Castle for new owner Vicki Dunn Marshall in the Junior Five-Gaited. The pretty mare moved easily from gait to gait for the win. Michael Richardson was aboard the young star Moving Out, earning the reserve for Robert and Kim Grom. Clark Clouse was in the irons aboard John and Dorothy Lenore’s homebred Lenore’s War Chant to win the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic. Reserve honors went to the talented Especially For You with Todd Graham presenting for Denise Verna Blankenship. Topping the Novice Five-Gaited were Blackie’s Rising Star and Martin Gueldner with a strong showing under the direction of Redd Crabtree.
Three-Gaited
CH Our Charming Lady and Mary Orr continued their undefeated season at ASHAV, capturing the Three-Gaited Championship and Ladies Three-Gaited titles with two top performances for Donna and Jack Finch. Earning the reserve championship in just her third horse show was Lady O’Lydia. Tre Lee presented the expressive mare for Phyllis and Don Brookshire. Earlier in the week, they topped the open qualifier. Simbara’s Bountiful with Kristen Bagdasarian made a single performance for the reserve open qualifier title.
The top two spots in the amateur division went back to New England in the championship and qualifier as Holli Esposito and Robin McKenzie Vuillermet dueled. In the qualifier it was CH Sightline with Esposito taking the blue back to Turner Stables with Callaway’s Born With Style and Vuillermet earning the reserve. In the championship the two teams trade spots with Callaway’s Born With Style getting the nod for the tricolor for the second year in a row.
In the junior exhibitor championship another Mercer Springs team emerged victorious as Milady A La Lucie and Holly Wilson captured the tricolor. In the qualifier this team put together a solid ride for the reserve. Topping the qualifier was the Gary Guz trained team of Titlest Patrick with Megan Ryan in the irons. This team returned for the reserve in the championship.
Clark Clouse presented Elmo Greer’s latest purchase, Surfer Boy, to the top spot in the Novice Three-Gaited. Reserve honors went to SJ The Smart Lady and Lionel Ferreira for John Bulmer. In the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic, Paranormal captured the blue ribbon with Tre Lee in the irons for Belle Reve Farm. Clark Clouse was aboard Entourage for the reserve for Ceil and Kenny Wheeler.
Kristen Bagdasarian debuted with her newly purchased Guy From Vegas to win the Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited, with Treasures In The Park and Todd Graham earning reserve for Melvin Blankenship. Greg O’Kelley opted to show the three-year-old Dance On The Inside in the Virginia Owned Three-Gaited and it paid off as they claimed the blue for Fish N Fun Farm. Reserve honors went to Omerta and Carol Reedy.
Catherine Wheeler was all smiles after her debut performance aboard the talented Amelia Heir Cat in the Three-Gaited Pony. Under the direction of Mercer Springs, they earned their first blue together. The team returned to win the championship. The celebrated champion CH Royalty In Black with Stephanie Miller received both reserve titles under the direction of Leslie Tickle.
Park
Lewis Meadows had Ooh Yes I Can in top form to sweep the open three-gaited park division for McDaniel Saddlebreds. Unlisted Number and Kim Hayes moved up a spot to earn the reserve championship honor for Neartown Animal Clinic while Bongo and Jimmy Morrison claimed the qualifying reserve for Sara Spencer.
CH Perfect Vengeance and Tara Grom had a spectacular championship performance, moving up to capture the tricolor after a qualifying reserve. Winning the qualifier and returning for the championship reserve were CH High Heat and Melody Adler under the direction of Melissa Moore.
With ease Drew Taylor Hewitt piloted Kalarama Shiraz to the winner’s circle in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Park and returned for the championship reserve. Reserve in the qualifier went to the flashy CSF Spesally and TJ Santaferra for Samantha Hoag. Moving up a few notches and winning the championship were Irene York and Austin Hazelwood for Cindy Yates.
For the second year in a row, Smith Lilly had the winning ride in the Junior Three-Gaited Park. This year, he was aboard the impressive Cape Grace for Stephanie and Roger McMahon. Rob Turner presented Reggie’s Indigo Jim to the reserve.
Fine Harness
The expressive Kiri marched down the rail for John Champagne in the fine harness division to sweep the open championship and qualifier for Sheri Wechsler. Reserve championship honors went to The Wings Of The Dove and Vernon Wise Jr., after an earlier win in the amateur qualifier. Reserve in the open qualifier went to I’m Fantabulous and Shane Mullins for Beth Ann Rhoads in their only appearance. Nic de Wet was on the lines for the Amateur Fine Harness Championship win with Headhunter for Crabtree Farms, moving up from the qualifying reserve.
Winning the Junior Fine Harness was Jonazell Mighty Spirit with Lionel Ferreira presenting for John Bulmer. Reserve honors went to the punched up Raven Light with Redd Crabtree. Smith Lilly was behind Platinum’s Moon Over Pluto for Platinum Stock Farm, winning the UPHA Fine Harness Classic. The handsome bay Leatherwood’s Starlogic captured the reserve with Scott Perrelli for Leatherwood Stud. The talented young star Catalyst Merry Lee topped the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness with Lewis Meadows presenting for partners Crum and Johnson. James Lawrence drove Tornaado’s Wild At Heart to the reserve for Mary Schmidt. Calico Creek with Bobby Jones topped the ASHAV Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Futurity for Ed and Steffanie Simpson.
Roadsters
Dueling for the top two spots in the Roadster To Bike Championship were Marilyn Macfarlane and Melissa Moore. After all the work was done, it was Braveheart and Macfarlane called to the winner’s circle with Moore and The Gambler, owned by Leatherwood Stud, in for reserve. These teams also finished the qualifier in this order. Rae Lee Mills presented Joanna’s Lost for the sweep in the amateur division while Merrill Murray showed of the bold performer Sundon’s Peak N for the novice win.
Hackneys
The open road pony qualifier on Thursday night had seven powerful entries burst through the gate. Free Willy and Georgia Blevins had a magnificent drive for the win under the Majestic Oaks banner. They returned in the championship, easily finding their groove for the win. Earning a pair of reserves was the sporty Regal’s Memory Maker LF with Michael Richardson presenting for Bob and Kim Grom.
Extremely Intimidating lived up to his name with Mark Shumate as they held off the competition for the amateur championship win after an earlier qualifying reserve. Let’s Take A Chance and Holly Hale topped the qualifier and earned reserve in the championship.
Mastercraft’s Gambler LF and Alex Ververeli had the winning number in the Junior Exhibitor Road Pony Championship, moving up from their reserve in the AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony. Championship reserve honors went to Rolex with Leigh Kauffelt. Winning the AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony in their only appearance was the sporty Kentucky Hot Brown with Megan Todd on the lines for Hold Oaks Farm under the direction of Maureen Lydon and Rich Campbell. In the AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony Under Saddle, Pure Country and Samantha Johnson topped the class for Holli McDowell and Lisa McMackin. They returned to win the championship, making it their 10th victory in a row. Reserve in both classes went back to Bent Tree Farm with Bagheira. Caitlin Leith made the trip to jockey the sporty pony.
Majestic Oaks continued their winning ways as Maureen Lydon took her time in the bike winning the Novice Road Pony with the flashy Boogity Boogity for Ashlyn Farms LLC. Lydon also directed Tim Buerkely’s Nashville Cat to the Junior Road Pony win. M.L. Gray was behind Pony Vista’s Dream On in the novice class while Dave Glover presented LLF King Of Diamonds to the junior reserve.
Impress My Daddy made his first appearance under the direction of Majestic Oaks this week. Maureen Lydon had the first trip in the viceroy to win the Open Harness Pony. In the championship, Georgia Blevins teamed up with the impressive pony for the win. Keeping it all in the family, Mia Blevins Morris presented Heartland Flirtation to the amateur win in their only appearance. Open championship reserve honors went to the high-stepping Wait & See’s Whiz Bang with Robin Haynes. This team also captured the amateur qualifying reserve. Reserve in the open qualifier went to Jack Richards’s Coachlight’s Dream with M.L. Gray.
Maureen Lydon was back in the winner’s circle with the striking Kilbro’s Code Red. Lydon presented the bright chestnut to sweep the open Hackney for Gary and Catherine Houck. Charles Leonard was on the lines for both reserves with Willowood Balladeer for Bill Weavil.
Lynn Hutchinson debuted with Holly Go Lightly in the Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony. Marching the flashy pony down the rail, the team topped the class for Helen and James Rosburg and returned for the championship reserve. Winning the championship after a reserve in the AHHS Youth Medallion Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony was Wait & See’s Postmaster with Alex Foster. Dave Glover presented Big Country to the qualifying reserve. Majestic Oaks was back to the winner’s circle in the AHHS Medallion with Lady Juliet and Megan Todd’s single performance of the week.
Pleasure
Tara Grom had quite a week especially in the pleasure division. She was back in the ring with the beautiful CH Absolutely Exquisite in the adult three-gaited show pleasure division and with two pleasure perfect rides they unanimously swept the championship and qualifier. Worthy’s Independent Son and Emily Rhoads had a comeback ride, moving up for the reserve championship title. In the qualifier, the reserve went to Capsaicin and Paula Monty. Lady Gabriella and Stefanie Sanchez topped the Virginia Owned Three-Gaited Show Pleasure in their only performance with The Oberoi and Dana Lynn Ellington earning the reserve under the direction of Andre Fourie.
CH New York Style and Ben Ferreby were on top of their game to best the competition in the 14-17 Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Caitlin Leith turned in a nice catch-ride for the reserve with the expressive Stonecroft Ring Leader for Bob and Kim Grom. Reserve in the qualifier went to Callaway’s Summer Solstice and Casey Morgan Tibolet for Brynn Crotty.
Callaway’s Forty-Niner and Lexie Flint returned to the 13 & Under Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship with a fabulous performance for the win under the direction of Clark Clouse. In the qualifier, CH Over Achiever and Alex Foster captured the blue ribbon for the High Caliber banner. Earning a pair of reserves was She’s All That Country and Karly Morgan.
CH Stella De Oro and Babs Patterson had the winning drive in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship for Barbara Billingsley after a reserve in the qualifier. Winning the qualifier with a picture perfect drive were Stevie Nicks and Pat Yeatts under the Meadow Wood banner. Stablemate CH Unforgiven with Karin Banks moved up for the reserve in the championship.
Tara Grom was back to the winner’s circle in the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure with Titleist Right Tonight. Grom paired up with the handsome chestnut this spring and put it all together this week as they won the championship after a win in the novice qualifier. Happy Again and Emily Lee were in top form for the championship reserve. In the adult qualifier, Melody Adler earned the blue aboard her first foal out of City Lady, I’m Looking Over with a solid performance. Reserve honors went to Totally Courageous and Carol Smith. In a single performance, Lara Croft earned the reserve in novice qualifier with Barclay de Wet in the irons for Redd Crabtree.
CH Summit Up and Allison Combs returned to the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship, moving up from their qualifying reserve for the tricolor. Reserve championship honors went to CH Sunken Treasure and Drew Taylor Hewitt. Earlier in the week this team topped the qualifier.
Leatherwood’s All Smiles was stunning with Bill Shiflet sweeping the open park pleasure division for Ann Holmes and Riley Shiflet. Tara Grom was back in the ring with Stonehedge Supreme Commander to earn both reserve titles.
Spooling Up never put an ear back as he easily marching around the ring for Clark Clouse for the Junior Park Pleasure Championship win. Earlier, they took home the qualifying blue for owner Barbara Gaynor. Rob Turner claimed both reserve titles with Roseridge Get Ready for the partnership of Caton and Collins. Bill Shiflet was back in the winner’s circle with I’m Worth New York in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Riley Shiflet with Madeira’s Gifted Lady and Gary Altizer carrying out the red streamers for Ron Underwood.
Lady Gabriella and Emma Sanchez had a comeback ride in the 12 & Under Walk & Trot Pleasure Championship, earning the trip to the winner’s circle under the direction of Margaret Gardiner. Reserve championship honors went back to High Caliber with Worthy’s Just Once and Laura Plant. Another High Caliber team, CH Much More Radiant and Stephanie Brackett had the winning ride in the qualifier with Callaway’s Royal Mark and Taylor Hiestand garnering the red streamers.
A Touch Of Heaven and Collin Burns were the winning pair in the Three-Gaited Pleasure Pony Championship and qualifier. Reserve championship honors went to The Salem Caper and Kelsey Moore with Bay Of Fizz and Morghan Alley earning the qualifying reserve.
Country Pleasure
Uwharrie’s Patriot Sage and Tara Grom have had quite a first year in the adult division, amassing wins from up and down the East Coast. This week was no exception as they unanimously swept the division. Reserve in the championship went to Courageous Refection and Sandra Whittington. Qualifying reserve honors went to CH Riva Diva and Donna Finch with a solid performance.
My Chesapeake Bay and Debbie Dyson topped the Virginia Owned Country Pleasure with Heir’s Intoxication and Joy Bowman receiving reserve. Beth Bushell debuted with She’s Extra Charming to win the Novice Country Pleasure under the direction of Kristen Bagdasarian and Shane Mullins. Mountainview’s Supreme Ruler and Rachel Fitzgerald carried the red streamers back to the Heizer Stables banner.
Elizabeth Ververeli presented the impressive The Bluesmaster to sweep the 14-17 country pleasure division. Star Of The Millennium and Anna Drew Jackson moved up a notch for the championship reserve while My Fair Prince and Julie Moorhead received the qualifying reserve.
Moving up a spot for the 13 and under tricolor was the sporty Curly Day with
Anna Hudson for Pamela McCulloch. The consistent Lucky Curve earned a pair of reserves with Emily Rhoads for the Diamond View banner. Winning the qualifier was Callaway’s Torch Bearer with Alexandra Ennis making a nice catch ride aboard the celebrated champion for Revelation Farm.
Rockin’ The Blues with new partner Melanie Lewis moved up a spot to capture the tricolor in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship after a reserve in the qualifier. CH Dr. Deker with catch-driver Vickie Byrd also moved up for the championship reserve for Debbie and Daniel Marcum. Winning the qualifier was the bright Callaway’s Bugle Boy with Pat Holahan.
The striking Horace Taft has easily made the move to the western division with Synnova Hayes. They celebrated a great week after sweeping the division. The gray Magnolia Morning had a comeback performance to earn the reserve championship title with Suzanne Heizer. The qualifying reserve went to Cosmic Sunfire and Judith Gandarillas. This team proved their versatility as they won the Hunter Country Pleasure. Moving up a spot from the qualifier, Paradoc’s Whatzapnin and Shauna Prasse claimed the championship tricolor, with Ronan and Melinda Warden earning the reserve.
In-Hand
The show kicked off on Thursday evening with the ASGN Yearling class with six entries. It was a great way to start the show for Dickey Davis as his flashy Fort Chiswell’s Special Edition (Attache’s Royal Assets x Last Farewell) was presented to the top spot by Bobby Burgess. This marks the second year in a row this homebred colt captured a title at ASHAV as he won the Weanling Futurity in 2007. The fancy yearling returned for the reserve in the ASHAV Futurity Yearling.
Winning the ASHAV Futurity Yearling was the entry from Danny and Nancy Troutman, making it the second year in row for them to win this class. Adrian Santana presented A Song And Dance ( (SA) Dorian Warriors Song x Galahad’s Gabardine) to the win for the Troutmans. Reserve in the ASGN Yearling went to Paradoc’s Day Ja Vu with Trey Prasse presenting.
Riley Shiflet presented the 2007 Amateur Weanling Futurity Champion Lady T Heirs Supreme (The Sultan’s Secret x Lady-T-Heir-A) to victory in the ASHAV Amateur Yearling Futurity. Reserve honors went to Six Degrees (Shamrock’s Firestarter x Future Queen), who was reserve to Lady T Heirs Supreme in 2007, from Mike and Leslie Knick’s breeding program.
In the ASHAV Weanling, it was a good class for the young stallion Fort Chiswell’s Hidden Assets (Attache’s Liquid Asset x Royal Memories) when Clark Clouse headed Farewell To Red (out of Callaway’s Anchor Woman) for the win for owner/breeder Rae Lee Mills. For Dickey Davis, Bobby Burgess presented the winner’s half brother, Fort Chiswell’s Nine One One (out of Last Farewell), to the red ribbon.
Another progeny of The Sultan’s Secret was in the spotlight when Stephanie Gonyaw presented City Secret (out of My Sioux City Sue) to the ASHAV Amateur Weanling Futurity winner’s circle. Moon-Lit Bay (Guy O’Shea x America’s Evening Dress) took home the reserve ribbon for Steffanie and Ed Simpson’s breeding program. Also from the Simpson’s breeding program Grayson O’Shea (Guy O’Shea x White Hall Tuesday) topped the ASHAV Two-Year-Old In Hand Futurity.
Equitation
Casey Morgan Tibolet was polished to win the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship under the direction of Bille Graham with her mom/trainer/instructor Lisa Paxton coaching from the rail. Earlier, Tibolet also won the qualifier. Picking up both reserves was Mary Mitkish under the direction of Tara Wentz. Anna Hudson showcased her skills to win the UPHA Challenge Cup.
Kaitlyn Creekmore was aboard CH Sarah Katherine to win the 10 & Under Walk & Trot Equitation for the Meadow Wood banner. Reserve honors went to the Mary and Evan Orr instructed Ellie Kangur. In the UPHA Challenge Cup, the riders reversed their ribbons as Kangur returned to the show ring for the blue and Creekmore garnered the red streamers.
Friesians
Unfortunately the Friesians were light this year with only the under saddle classes exhibiting. Sweeping the qualifier and championship was Dolf with Kensie Westerfield for Hamilton Farms LLC. Reserve honors went to Thomas and owner Robin Haynes.
Academy
The academy division commanded the spotlight Saturday morning as a full schedule was offered. This year, two championship classes were added on Saturday evening; one for walk, trot and canter riders and one for walk and trot riders. To compete in the championships, riders had to qualify by winning a blue ribbon during the morning session. Winning top ribbons during the morning session were Julie Forehand, Rebekah Jarrell, Black Ferrante, Olivia McCraw, Mandee Young, Rebecca Doss, Kathy Hall, Emily Forehand, Victoria Fitzgerald, Leanne Bellomy, Katie McCray, Jamie Curry, Jasmine Dickerson, Katie Dunn, Maggie Price, Catherine Horn, Caroline Dundervill, Sydnie Bumpus, Gabbie Clauser, Jordyn Vallarosi, Sarah Hecht, Isabella Hubbard, Josie Johnson, Ashley Creekmore, Maddie Morgan, Abigail Hudson and Sallie Mason Wheeler.
Qualifying for the Walk, Trot and Canter Championship were Leanne Bellouny, Blake Ferrante, Julie Forehand, Kathy Hall, Rebekah Jarrell and Mandee Young. Rebekah Young topped the class for the Meadow Dream Farm banner with Leanne Bellouny capturing reserve under the direction of Jessie Richardson. Qualifying for the Walk and Trot Championship were Gabbie Clauser, Jamie Curry, Jasmine Dickerson, Caroline Dundervill, Sarah Hecht and Maggie Price. Under the direction of Sandy Preston, Jasmine Dickerson celebrated a hat trick as she topped the championship after winning both of her classes in the morning. Reserve honors went to Caroline Dundervill instructed by Alicia Stroble.
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