Asheville Lions Club - Blue Ribbon Fun in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
by Jennifer Styskal
FLETCHER, N.C.- Set in the picturesque mountains of the Blue Ridge, the 23rd annual Asheville Lions Benefit Horse Show brought out some of the best of the best for this May 17-20 display of equine competition. Held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, not only was the show ring kept lively with great horses, but the hospitality was first class as well.
With plenty of time between sessions, exhibitors and trainers could take time out of the show schedule to see the sights. The Biltmore House was a popular destination as well as hiking, sightseeing on the Blue Ridge Parkway, great food in downtown and excellent shopping. Show Manager Ray Cloninger arranged for great entertainment before, during and after the show. On Wednesday night, corporate sponsor Carrabba’s, an Italian restaurant, provided a buffet for the box seat holders. A golf tournament was put together with eight teams of four players to participate at the nearby golf course. Team Shiflet ended the morning with the lowest score and were named the winners. Doug, Andrew and Shane Shiflet and Neil Rabb created the winning team. Proceeds from the tournament went to benefit the UPHA Chapter 12. After Friday night’s performance, everyone was treated to a good ol’ southern barbecue on the upper mezzanine. A junior exhibitor party was held Saturday after the morning performance and before the start of the academy classes. Jean Myers celebrated her 60th birthday with friends and family before the start of the Saturday night finale.
Throughout the week, a silent auction was held with many nice items to be fought over. A 50-50 raffle was also conducted with Andrea Cline being announced the winner on Saturday night. All proceeds went to benefit the Carolinas Futurity.
Renee Lavery, James Nichols and Jim Taylor handled the judging duties of the quality full classes. Kathryn Moore marked the cards on Saturday afternoon for the academy division. Joyce Wilson and Barbara Woodlief made sure everything ran smoothly in the office. Doug Shiflet captured all of winning moments on film, while Richfield Video recorded everything on tape. Peter Fenton did a masterful job of announcing, while Bill Whitley made sure everyone remained safe in the show ring.
And what a show it was! The winning trainers of last year’s three “big stakes” returned to the ring to reclaim their titles; some with the same horses and some with new ones. Melissa Moore, Todd Miles and Bret Day returned to the barn for two years running with the Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited and Fine Harness Championships respectively. The next generation of trainers also stepped up to the pressure to continue proving their worth and exhibiting their skills that will undoubtedly be seen for many years to come.
Five-Gaited
The last class of the show ended with a bang. Five top horses appeared for the gate call for the Five-Gaited Championship, and each one of them had a cheering section behind them as the teams made great pass after great pass. With so many quality horses it was difficult to pick a favorite, but when the horses came into the line-up and stripped for a conformational evaluation, all three judges were in agreement. Last year’s winning trainer of this class, Melissa Moore, and the South African-bred England-native Carlswald Prince’s Dominoe were called into the winner’s circle. John Bulmer of Hereford, England is the owner of this leg-waving gelding who also claimed the reserve in the stallion/gelding class.
Peter Cowart and She’s A Red Hot Chili Pepper put in a great ride for their fan club to capture the reserve championship for owner Sharyn Lackey after being crowned with the mare title. Third place honors went to the stallion/gelding champion, I’m First, with Nelson Green up for Stonecroft Farm. Undulata’s Georgie Girl looked better than ever to pick up the fourth place streamers for owner Debbie Gabbert with trainer Debbie Foley in the irons after taking the reserve vote in the mare class. Quintus Vander Spuy handled the bold-moving Lakeview’s Rare Lee Seen for the fifth place for owners Bodenhorst/Vander Spuy.
The ladies division was no less competitive than the open with all six ribbon winners being current or former world’s champions. Rising to the top of the championship after earning the win in the qualifier was current Ladies Five-Gaited World Champions, CH Walterway’s Remember Me and Ceil Wheeler. Stepping up for the reserve championship were CH Title Bound and Misdee Wrigley for Hillcroft Farm, LLC. Susan Shepard made a good ride to pick up the yellow streamers after capturing the reserve in the ladies qualifier on Callaway’s Kit Carson.
The amateur ladies was another well-filled division at nine entries with some thrilling performances. Topping both the championship and the qualifier were CH Amusing and Amy Dix Rock. Sarah Byers ran in to greet this champion pair for owner Edna Dix. With several of their own grand passes, Luanne Kilday and Already Famous captured the reserve tricolor with trainer Debbie Foley coaching from the rail. Callaway’s Lil Abner and Deborah Butler put together a great picture for the third spot on the judges’ cards after taking the red ribbon in the qualifier back to the DeLovely barn.
World class champions abounded in the amateur classes. Have You Ever and Barclay de Wet made a championship ride for Leatherwood Farm to wear the tricolor down victory lane. Redd Crabtree also directed this duo to win the amateur qualifier. Red Flame Thrower moved up to claim the reserve streamers with owner Theresa Vonderschmitt in the saddle. Stablemates It’s All About Me and Chris Nalley made the ride for the yellow championship ribbon, having won the amateur gentlemen’s class earlier in the week.
The striking CH Breaking News and the talented jockey Megan McClure earned the red ribbon in the amateur qualifier with Peter and Kim Cowart instructing this team. Bill Walsh and his veteran Callaway’s Where There’s A Will were second in the amateur gentlemen’s class with Debbie Foley as trainer.
With their first show since their national championship at the American Royal, Carolina Cat and Brittany McGinnis swept the junior exhibitor division in unanimous fashion. They carried the blues back to DeLovely’s curtains from both the championship and qualifier for the Fish Creek Stables. CH Dusty Beau and Rebekah Cloninger topped the rest of the 10 entries to be named the reserve champions, moving up a notch from their earlier ride in the qualifier. CH Diamond’s Hope and Sarah Longworth made the ride for the red ribbon in the qualifier.
In the Carolina Owned Five-Gaited class, West Wind Farm added another blue to its banner. Jacqueline Ware and Howling Wolf made the unanimous ride to take a trip down victory lane for owner Brenda Pulis. Rick Felder and the Denise Stephens-owned Gogita trotted and racked their way to the reserve.
The novice class was filled with quality horses. Neil Visser guided James Orr’s Champagne Treat to the blue ribbon. A Genesis and Maria Gilman were called out next for the second place for Barbara Woods.
Dena Lopez directed Courtier to the win in the Denver junior class for the ownership of Belle Reve Farm. Bill Walsh’s young entry, Callaway’s Royal Mark, came up to accept the red ribbon with Debbie Foley in the saddle.
Ten junior horses charged through the gate, but it was Linkin Park and Todd Miles who rode away with the blue ribbon and the crowd’s support. Deborah Butler greeted her smart-trotting gelding at the gate for a winning hug. Bo Lucas made the reserve ride on the leg-waving Stonecroft Sundial for Hector Newton III.
The three-year-old class had seven promising future champions competing for the blue. Nelson Green rode the winning entry, The Power Play, down victory lane for Sarah Sessoms. Essence Of Heaven was called up for the reserve placing with Maria Gilman in the irons for another Barbara Woods’ entry.
The Five-Gaited Pony class was filled with multi-titled champions all the way around. Lowe Thompson directed the Yellow Rose Farm mount, Jewels For A Lady to both the championship and qualifying win with Bill and John Field directing this team. Jerry Hutson instructed Ivy Johnson and Miss Outta My Way to the second place vote in both classes for Dr. and Mrs. Louis Johnson.
Three-Gaited
Manila Thrilla gave a solo performance in the Three-Gaited Championship, but he did not disappoint. The crowd cheered as if there was a ring full of champions when this current world grand champion took the victory pass for the second year in a row. Todd Miles was in the saddle for this win as well as the over 15.2 title for B & T Vonderschmitt.
Peter Cowart hung another blue on the West Wind Stables tack room when he captured the under 15.2 class with Richard Hartsog’s Longshadow Sovereign Spirit. John Field was in the saddle on CH Rejoice for the reserve title.
Three champion-designated horses entered the ring for the ladies championship, and by unanimous decision CH Caramar and Melissa Moore made the trip down victory lane with the tricolor for Live Oak Stables. This pair also won the ladies qualifier earlier in the week. Taking the second place vote in both classes were CH Sportster and Kate Bryan, riding under the Kalarama banner.
Another Kalarama entry earned a tricolor and blue pair in the amateur ladies division. Ostentatiously and Deborah Visser captured the unanimous wins in both classes for James Orr. The white-legged CH She’s An Asset and Nancy Gordon moved up to take home the reserve tricolor to Boone’s Farm & Stable. In the qualifier, it was Amber Lager and Anitya Marlowe who park-trotted up for the red streamers.
Only three came in for the amateur championship. Following their earlier victory in the qualifier, the high-headed Sue She and Carla Ritzie wore the tricolor around the ring for Carl Holden with Jerry Hutson coaching from the side. High Heat and Melody Adler brought the reserve championship back to Sunrise Stables, while Hollywood Agent and Elisabeth Chelberg took the red in the qualifier.
In the junior exhibitor 14-17 championship, King Of The Blues WVF captured the title with Lauren Stone making the ride for Terri Dolan after taking the reserve spot in the qualifier. Red Hawk’s Lady Hawk and Stephi Turner were named the reserve champions for owners John Bagley and Bill Schoeman. In the qualifier, Cloudsplitter made his only show to garner the blue with owner Olivia Weber in the saddle.
Only two entered for the junior exhibitor 13 and under championship. By unanimous decision, CH The Showstopper and Margaret Morrison rode to the winner’s circle with trainer Cash Lovell waiting to greet them. Camille Cowart rode her Heathermoor’s Prince under the direction of her parents, Peter and Kim Cowart, for the reserve. The placings were the same in the qualifier.
Harrison Shiflet captured the Carolina Owned class with his Gypsy Diamond entry. Hasani was under the guidance of Ginger Reagan for the second place for owner Amy Roberts.
The novice class only had two entries as well, and Neil Visser earned the vote of all three judges for the win on Kalarama’s Loose Lips. James Hale picked up the red ribbon with his Midnight Dream Of Summer.
Neil Visser continued his winning streak with junior horse, Grande Gil. This pair carried the unanimous blue ribbon back to owner Joan Hamilton. Todd Miles directed Steven Chancellor’s Can You Hear Me Now to the reserve with a good show.
Heir By Design was the crowned champion in the three-year-old class with Nelson Green up for Mike Bletsoe. Adam Clauson was in the irons for David and Kelly Mount as he rode their Girl Gone Wild to the red.
Cash Lovell made the jog into center ring to congratulate another of his riders. Cameo’s Carte Blanche claimed the Three-Gaited Pony Championship with Anna Drew Jackson beaming in the saddle. This pair also had it together to win the qualifier. Royalty In Black and Alexandria Wellington took the reserve tricolor with Lewis Eckard directing this team from the side. In the qualifier, Ellie Headlee made a great ride for the second place vote in Simbara’s Audacity.
Park
Five talented entries marched through the gate for the Open Park Championship. Paul Boone was aboard A Chance To Dance, a full sister to Marie Gwinn’s amateur park horse, Promise To Dance, for the winning ride. The Gwinn-owned entry captured the open qualifier as well. Ya Ya stepped up from her earlier performance to take the reserve in the championship with Dena Lopez in the irons for Belle Reve Farm. In the qualifier, it was Showboat’s Casablanca and Steve Joyce who rose to the occasion to capture the red ribbon for Marian Hunt Bramlett.
In the amateur division, it was Amateur Park National Champion going stride for stride against the Amateur Park World Champion. Each champion marched down the rail, making pass after pass for the championship tricolor. When the judges’ cards were turned in, it was the National Champions CH Justa Rascal and Megan McClure who trotted into the winner’s circle with Kim and Peter Cowart directing them. Current World Champion CH A Step Of Time and Luanne Kilday rode up to accept the red tricolor. In the qualifier, the results were reversed with Debbie Foley coaching the winning pair.
The junior exhibitors were able to show off their park horses in their own division. Topping this strong division with an unanimous win was Grant Shiflet on Right On Q for Cove Creek Farm. Best Day Ever and Ashton Hale picked up the reserve streamers for owner Mary Ann Railey. In the qualifier, Bree Zandy made her debut ride as a last minute decision. Trainer Steve Joyce rode her Reedann’s Phine By Me to the junior park title and decided to put Zandy up for a unanimous win the junior exhibitor qualifier. Coming up for the second place vote was Alyssa Lopez on Highpoint’s Grandee.
In the junior park class, Redd Crabtree guided Leatherwood’s Every Day to the reserve spot on the cards for Leatherwood Farm.
Steve Joyce claimed another win in the park division with the three-year-old Princely Charm for JK Investments, LLC. Chantel Coetzee was aboard Callaway’s Tanzanite for the three-year-old reserve ribbon for owners Joan Hamilton and Larry Hodge.
Fine Harness
Bret Day dominated the harness division by beating a top class of four entries in the open championship. The Social Butterfly was as light and graceful as her namesake as she captured the tricolor for Hyhorse Farm. This team also won the qualifying blue. Winner of the ladies class, Simbara’s Sweet Lorraine, and Kelly Mount park-trotted up for the reserve honors.
Stuck On You and Phil Godsey paired up for Dean Beam to claim the reserve in the open qualifier. Jackie Hale drove Red Ragtop to the red ribbon in the ladies class.
The amateur championship had only two in the class, but both were multi-titled champions in their own right. Taking the tricolor back to Kentucky after placing second in the qualifier were The Great Gasper and owner John Scheidt. Joan Adler drove her flashy Gothic Revival to the reserve after winning the qualifier.
The ASHAF Youth Challenge class had three fine entries. Making it to the top of the cards were Out Of Town Man and Katie Brittian with Lisa and Bill Waller running in to meet their unanimous champions. Second place went to CH Cartel and Whitney Merrill driving for Sandra Merrill.
Starting out the year in winning style, Night Sight added another title to his list of wins. Sam Stafford drove this eye-catching bay to the winner’s circle in the junior harness class for Cedarledge Farm. Headhunter and Redd Crabtree were not to be left unnoticed as they came up for the red ribbon for Crabtree Farms.
Bret Day returned to the winner’s circle with another harness champion. This time he drove the striking black Open Arms to the unanimous win for Jeff and Janet Sterba. Sam Stafford had another outstanding harness star as well. Outright and Stafford picked up the red for Blythewood Farms.
Roadsters
The road horse classes were full of speedsters that got the crowd on their feet and cheering for their favorite. In the open championship and qualifier, it was Big Red and Raymond Shively who were asked to give one last lap around the ring with the blue ribbon. Page Champion and The Dark Side raced up to accept the reserve championship for Brad Bacon. Amaruk and Bill Knight came up second in the qualifier for Leatherwood Farm.
Westgate Villain and Michael Gordon dominated the amateur division, churning up dirt to take both the championship and the qualifier. Kenneth Wheeler donned the silks for Leatherwood Farm as he raced The Gambler to the red ribbons in both classes.
The junior exhibitors hooked their racers for the youth class. W.H. Maddy Jr. brought Rompaway around the corners and to the blue. The Dreamer and Lindsey Greenwald sped out of the ring with the second place streamers for Jean Myers.
In the novice class, Danny Bugg took control of the ring and kept TKO in form to earn the blue. Steve Hanks and Matt T Up were right on their tail for the reserve vote.
Sulkies were exchanged for saddles as the Roadster Under Saddle Championship came into the ring. Melissa Moore jockeyed the Aurora Farms’ entry, Where Are We Now, to the winner’s circle after capturing the blue in the qualifier. Dr. Holly Ackerman gave two good shows on her Vivacious to take both reserves home.
The Roadster to Wagon horses streaked around the ring as they “went for the doctor.” Raymond Shively again brought the blue ribbon back to the DeLovely curtains as he drove Power Ranger to the winner’s circle. Mark Catron kept up the furious pace to take the red ribbon with Gun On The Run for owner Steve Crabtree.
Ponies
The road ponies put on an equally exciting display of speed and control for the audience. In the open championship, it was multi-titled Free Willy who exited the ring with the tricolor streaming from his breast collar. Georgia Blevins also drove her pony to the win in the open qualifier under the direction of Maureen Lydon. Razz Ma Tazz stirred up enough dust to be selected for the reserve slot on the judges’ cards with Lewis Eckard at the lines for Karl Bridgeman in both classes.
In the amateur classes, Anna Johnson and Old Memories made a comeback performance to capture the tricolor in the championship for Elise Johnson. Chris Long Schubert handled the reserve drive with St. Patrick after capturing the red ribbon in the qualifier. Donna Whatley and her new pony, Surprize Surprize, garnered the blue in the qualifier after putting in a hard drive.
Jeb Boyd dominated the junior exhibitor division with Luanne Kilday’s pony Heartland Painted Creation. This team, trained by Debbie Foley, picked up the blue in both the championship and the qualifier. Catch The Spirit and Dustin Lassett were right on their competitor’s tail to take the second place for Jean Myers.
Maureen Lydon brought out another champion pony to win the novice class. Lydon was the lines behind Paul Richardson’s Cirque Du Soleil to earn the blue streamers. Lee Hudson steered the Bent Tree Farm entry, Aragron for the reserve place.
Eight roadsters charged around the ring for the junior title. It was a unanimous decision as the black Hawkeye’s Chatter Box and Lewis Eckard came out of the pack with the blue. Alexandria Wellington owns this high-stepping entry. In reserve was Regal’s Star Attraction LF with owner Jeoff Bodenhorst at the lines.
Only one returned for the under saddle class. Alyssa Lopez showed off Kathy Capsuto’s Heartland Little Gem to the tricolor win after picking up the blue in the qualifier. John Glenn and Courtney Bebber raced their way around the ring in the qualifier to earn the red ribbon.
The Harness Pony Championship was filled with topnotch ponies. The multi-titled World Champion Vindicator captured the tricolor streamers with Lee Hudson in the buggy. Karen Waldron took over the lines to add the amateur class to their list of wins. Twin Willow’s Remington and Mark Wilson made a nice drive for owners T.J. and Juliet McDonald to bring home the reserve in the championship and the open qualifier. Carl Nichols was at the lines with Crystal Creek’s Commander to win the open qualifier for Kathryn Nichols. Deborah Koning drove the striking Boxford Bobbi Socks to the second place in the amateur class for David Crockett.
Maureen Lydon directed another champion pony to the winner’s circle with General Mills and Mia Blevins Morris capturing the Hackney Pony Championship and qualifier for Georgia Blevins. Karen Waldron directed her Reserve World Champion Heartland Ooh La La to the second place ribbon in both classes.
Heartland Parade Time and Tamra Arndt moved up from their reserve placing in the pleasure driving class to win the championship. The qualifier winners, Heartland Breaking News and Kathy Capsuto, took the reserve tricolor for owner Kay Marschel.
Pleasure
Twelve high-stepping horses went through their gaits both ways of the ring in a mannerly way in the five-gaited pleasure championship. When the judges’ cards were turned in, all three had agreed that Stonewall’s Stargate was the champion. Patrice Watson guided her qualifier winner to the winner’s circle where Rob and Sarah Byers waited for their rider. Coming up for the reserve tricolor was Our Silver Charm and George Ann Nash, after giving a flawless performance under the direction of Steve Joyce.
In the adult qualifier, Elisabeth Chelberg was aboard Dramatic License for the red ribbon. Larry Hodge and Neil Visser train this reserve winner.
The junior exhibitors brought in their gaited steeds, many of who are former or current world and national champions. Ellen Medley Wright was up for the win on her veteran mount, CH Callaway’s Capitol Reporter. This DeLovely team also captured the qualifier blue. Sarah Sessoms is having a great first year in the gaited pleasure classes. She jockeyed CH Assets And Attitude to the reserve wins in both classes for owner Pat Moore.
The park pleasure division was a popular one, with classes overflowing with entries. In the Park Pleasure Championship, Betsy Boone was up on the winning entry. She guided Andrea Everett’s My Tee Time to the winner’s circle after capturing the qualifier win earlier in the week. Autumn Hunt moved up the cards with Divine Memory to take the red streamers back home to Versailles, Ky. In the qualifier, First Asset and Lewis Eckard rode out of the ring with the second place honors for All Well Farm.
The junior class was strong with good-looking young entries. Maria Gilman took the blue for Tillman Stables on Delay Of Game TS. Paul Boone picked up the reserve with Miraculous Odds for owner Larry Camp.
That’s Exactly Right and Amy Dix Rock were exactly right as they out-showed a class of professionals to win the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic. Cassidy Kom was right behind in second place on Hollie Skufca’s three-year-old Classic Fit.
The adult show pleasure division was another class with many world and national title holders. After a red ribbon placing in the qualifier, CH Sweet Virginia and Barbara Woods came back to garner the tricolor in the championship. Maria Gilman and Don Judd directed this world champion pair to the winner’s circle. Mary Jane Peebles and her white-stocking bay, Pistolero, captured the blue in the qualifier under the instruction of Premier Stables, and returned in the championship to earn the red tricolor.
The show pleasure division was so large that management divided the championships into age groups. With nine strong, the 18-35 championship came to its conclusion with CH In Neon ERB taking the unanimous blue with owner Jamie Hitchin in the saddle. In Neon also won the qualifier, but with Laura Hundley making the ride with Bill and Lisa Waller as trainers. CF Not Tonight Chief was ready Saturday night to make the reserve ride in the championship. Ginger Reagan was up for Lisa Austin. In the qualifier, Only Blues and Kelly Mount picked up the red for Mount Saddlebreds.
Only three returned in the junior exhibitor 14-17 championship, but that did not mean it lacked excitement. CH So Audacious duplicated his earlier winning show in the qualifier to carry the tricolor back to Premier Stables. Owner Kelsey Olson was in the irons for both rides. Irish In Lights and Jenna Norton claimed both reserves in this division for Joan Sonnabend.
CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time was bright and ready with Allie Wellington in the 13 and under championship to wear the tricolor out of the ring. Lewis Eckard directed this team to the win as well as to the reserve in the qualifier. Harlem’s Moving Man made some good moves with Drew Taylor Hewitt in the saddle to take the reserve championship after capturing the win in the qualifier.
Ten teams showed up for the novice class. Delightful Diamond and Gale Lazarus were delightful to earn the blue to their record. Showboat’s Boogey Man was good for the second place vote with Mary Sue Walker in the irons.
Candle Dan has made a smooth transition from fine harness to show pleasure driving this year. Carl Nichols drove this bold moving chestnut to the wins in both classes with Bill Waller directing the team. Autumn Hunt catch drove Joan Adler’s Trujo A Wish Come True to win the reserve tricolor. In the qualifier, CH Broadway Tune and Bonnie Koch made the red ribbon drive.
Just As Unique stood out in the youth pleasure driving challenge with Cassi Rath at the lines to win the title with Bill Rodgers as trainer. Harlem’s Odyssey and Shelby Fahlman had a good drive to come up second in the class.
The country pleasure classes were popular as always. Fourteen horses and riders came in the gate for the adult championship. The new team of CH Riva Diva and Catie Hawley topped the tough class to wear the tricolor with a unanimous decision from the judges. Cash Lovell greeted his rider in the winner’s circle for the second time for owners Donna and Jack Finch after they had won the adult qualifier. Nicole Crosby was in the saddle for Dorothy Crosby as she handled Showtime’s Rocket Man to the reserve win in the championship. Dori Zandy teamed up this year with her horse League Of Nations to take the red ribbon in the qualifier.
Cara Wolf and All I Do Is Dream were in fine form to win both the junior exhibitor country pleasure classes for Wolf Farms LLC. Midge Hunt ran into center ring to congratulate her rider. Dance Card and Kelly Hill danced their way to the red tricolor in the championship. The Rest Is Magic and Kasey Krings teamed up to take the second place vote in the qualifier.
Four riders competed for the blue to move out of their novice status. Boru and Debbie McCurry made a nice picture wearing the blue out of the ring. Kelsey Baird and her pinto JG Key Valentino were well-mannered for the red.
Autumn Hunt continued her winning ways with her driving horse In Due Time. This duo picked up the blues in both country pleasure driving classes. A Promise Keeper and Lauren Camp trotted both reserve ribbons back to Boone Stables.
The judges thought the flashy white-legged Monsignor and owner Marie Gwinn were the epitome of a western horse and awarded them with the western championship after they took the reserve in the qualifier. In Your Honor and Autumn Hunt jogged up for the reserve tricolor. In the qualifier, Heir Cooled and Sallie Turner were cool and calm to bring back the blue to Mountain Laurel Stables.
Equitation
The Saddle Seat Equitation Championship had six fine and talented riders exhibit their skills as all six performed the workout. The USEF Medal winner, Brittany McGinnis rode her punchy bay Amandari flawlessly to capture the championship title with Lillian Shively instructing. Ali Judah has teamed up with her new partner Feng Shui to take reserve in the championship as well as in the NHS event with Sarah Byers coaching from the side.
Liz McBride Jones-trained Emma Nichols was in top form to earn the blue in the 14-17 age group. Ellen Medley Wright carried back the blues from both the 13 and under age group as well as the NHS event to the DeLovely stalls. Lindsay Merrill, instructed by Jane Jarvis was second in the 13 and under class after winning the UPHA Challenge Cup 13 and Under. Ariana Corrigan was coached by Lisa Waller to win the UPHA Challenge Cup 14-17 class. Another DeLovely rider, Christina Collis, captured the UPHA Challenge Cup 11 and Under.
Cagle James hung up the blue on Cash Lovell Stables’ banner after winning the walk/trot 10 and under class. Macy Miles was reserve under the watchful eyes of her father, Todd Miles, and Lillian Shively, as she was in the UPHA walk/trot challenge cup. Stablemate Courtney McGinnis rose to the occasion to earn the silver cup in the UPHA Walk/Trot Challenge Cup 10 and Under.
Miscellaneous
The veteran CH Empress In Black carried her jockey Rachel Tankersley in tricolor fashion to win the walk/trot pleasure championship after taking the red streamers in the qualifier under the guidance of Paul Boone. Finally Arrived and Hannah Johnston picked up the reserve championship, while Law Me and Holly Hein won the qualifier.
Scotty’s Lace and Emily Garrity were named the pleasure pony champions in both classes with Cash Lovell as trainer. Camille Cowart rode well under the direction of her parents, Kim and Peter Cowart, to earn the reserve in the championship on Santana’s Flaming Dawn. Alyssa Lopez and her punchy I’m A Sunbeam picked up the red ribbon in the qualifier.
Three Friesians entertained the crowd with their big powerful strides. Melissa Moore and Daimler B were the favorite of the judges and the audience as they won both under saddle classes for Annika Bruggeworth. Cheryl Baird was aboard Drachten for Diane Ohning to earn the reserve votes in both classes.
Academy
The academy division was well-filled with students from the area’s thriving lesson programs, and showed promise of the future riders to come. Winners of these classes are: Audrey Sigmon, Kate Lovejoy, Donna Finch, Denise Patch, Olivia Beaty, Alex Sedrone, Tiffany Knox, Allie Poovey, Jesse McMahan, Taylor Cooley, Emma Turpin, Nikki Krings, Morgan Barney, Emily Peele and Ciara Horton.
Full results may be viewed by clicking on Show Results. Judges cards may viewed by Clicking Here.
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