Busting At The Seams And Looking To The Future
Friday, June 25, 2004
“With 110 stalls added to the show grounds, we still had to turn horses away,” said David Peel, horse show manager. This 27th Annual Chattanooga/ Cleveland Horse Show hosted growth and dedication. This year’s show had not only added stalls, but also added a cover on the existing outdoor arena. This was a great addition if you know anything about the history of the horse show. The local farmers plan their crop planting by the horse show dates because it always RAINS!
The week started early with the second annual Welcome Party hosted at the fabulous Creekridge Farm owned by Allan Jones and family. Jones offered a social hour and farm tours as well as a wide array of foods and open bar. Jones also offered a short exhibition of just a few of the horses they own there at Creekridge.
This year's show was dedicated to Mrs. Betty M. Neil and Mrs. Sally Parker both long time supporters and residents of Cleveland and Bradley County. These ladies were presented with flowers and a small speech was read in their honor.
As well as being honored at the horse show, Mrs. Betty Neil was surprised by the announcement during the dedication ceremony of the covered arena to be named after her. As stated by Allan Jones, " This arena is dedicated in your honor so you can enjoy all of your years of hard work and timeless efforts as this facility, as well as this horse show, grows each year." This will not only be an asset to the horse show but a great income to the county for years to come. A breakfast reception followed the Friday night dedication ceremony.
****box out two speaches as sidebars **************************************
Tribute To Sally M. Parker
March 9, 2004
AT FIRST SIGHT, we knew you were RARE ELEGANCE, A PROM QUEEN, with all THE RIGHT STUFF.
You so generously shared your lovely farm and resources, as well as your time.
As a BELLE OF SOCIETY and never with BURN OUT you hosted the parties with the tenacity of a CAJUN CAT and the determination of A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE fit for a MODEL KING.
While it is now almost the HUSH OF EVENING, we hate to see you GO BABY GO and hope that this is just a CRYSTAL ILLUSION. When the LIGHTNING STRIKES and we look around to see WHERE THERE’S SMOKE and remember when, we will POP THE CORK and lift our glass to memories that are sweeter than WILD HONEY.
As for Maryland, you are a FINDER’S KEEPER, but if we could issue a GRAND COMMAND, we would wish that things remain the same and be BETTER BY COMMAND. However, we must endure and cherish the memories of CROSS CREEK and THE BLYTHE SPIRIT, remembering-
YES IT’S TRUE; this is to say, we appreciate YOU!
The Gaited & Pleasure Horse Council and The Chattanooga-Cleveland Charity Horse Show
***box out as sidebar**********************************************
Tri-State Exhibition Center Covered Arena Named in Honor of Blythewood’s Bess Neil
June 18, 2004-CLEVELAND, Tenn. -The 2004 Chattanooga-Cleveland Charity Horse Show was one of the largest in the show’s 27-year history. Held at the Tri-State Exhibition Center in Cleveland, Tenn., it marked the first time the show was staged beneath a beatiful new covered arena-and at intermission a special ceremony in center ring dedicated the new facility. It turned out to be a surprise and special honor for one of the center’s organizers.
Organizers and major donors of the Tri-State Exhibition Center took a few moments to honor one of the original members of the Tri-State Committee-Bess Neil, owner of Blythewood Farms in Cleveland. The Bess Neil Arena was officially named to commemorate her many contributions to making the Tri-State Exhibition Complex a reality.
Dr. Jerry Bancroft, a Bradley County veterinarian and original committee member, made the announcement to the hundreds of people gathered for the Charity Horse Show. “The official naming tonight of this beautiful arena is being done at the request of two of our generous donors-Summerfield K. Johnston and Allan Jones,” Dr. Bancroft told the crowd. “Tonight we take great pride in making the Tri-State Exhibition Center Arena, the Bess Neil Arena.”
Bancroft went on to say, “It has been her vision and her passion for the past few years and tonight the fruits of her labor and love are being recognized. Her love for family, community and horses date back to her childhood. Bess Neil grew up a city girl, on Ocoee Street in downtown Cleveland. She and her father often rode the farm which is now Blythewood. Bess and her husband the late David Neil, began Blythewood Farms in 1942-it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest American Saddlebred breeding and training farms in the country. Throughout her 85 years, Bess Neil has shown a tremendous strength and tenacity as she has overcome obstacles and kept her focus on her family, her community and her love of horses.”
He concluded by relaying that “At the age of 16, Bess Neil lost her father. At the age of 46, she lost the love of her life, her husband of 21 years. She kept the family and the family business going. Her daughter Anne Stafford and husband Sam along with long-time friend Richard Witt continue to work with her to keep Blythewood a thriving breeding and training farm. Daughter Margo Everhart and husband Max live on the farm and their children Key and John learned a special love of horses and riding from an early age. Her love of horses and her commitment to family and community prompted her to take a leadership role in bringing the Tri-State Center to reality. It is her desire that this center give future generations an appreciation of animals and agriculture which has been so important to her family and their lives.”
Summerfield K. Johnston, retired CEO of Coca-Cola and owner of Bendabout Farms, was one of the major donors who requested the special honor for Bess Neil. Praising her love of family, community and horses, Johnston lauded her success and said: “She’s the only one in the family who has been able to make money with horses.”
Allan Jones, Chairman and CEO of Check Into Cash, Inc. was also a major donor honoring Mrs. Neil. “Since the beginning of the Tri-State Exhibition Center Bess Neil has been a stalwart and it is only fitting that this arena bears her name. But this is not just to honor Bess Neil. This is to fulfill her desire that future generations come here and find an appreciation for agriculture and animals because these two components have been so important to her family and her life. It’s an honor to honor such an outstanding woman as Bess Neil.”
The three-day show was one of excitement and presented some of the world’s finest American Saddlebred horses. It was a week of creating special memories for its winners and especially for the Neil family who joined by Bess Neil’s side to celebrate. The Bess Neil Arena will be a lasting tribute for future generations-her tireless efforts in making the Tri-State Exhibition Center a reality has already contributed greatly to the economic development of her community. And it serves as a spectacular venue for future Charity Horse Shows.
***********************************************************************
This year's show also offered nightly sponsors to include Cleveland Community Hospital as Wednesday's sponsor. Friends at East Brainerd Church of Christ proudly supported Thursday evening's classes. Happy Valley Farms sponsored Friday evening which included a catered breakfast after the show. Check Into Cash, Allan Jones, rounded out the weekend by sponsoring Saturday night's classes.
Special appreciation was extended to Bendabout Farm for furnishing antique carriages drawn by the lovely Friesian horses who were driven by coachman, Carter Ragsdale, to transport the judges into the ring each evening; as well as Mary Jane Fredericks for her lovely arrangement of fresh flowers that this horse show is famous to have in center ring as part of the landscape; and to Kathy Caylor Stables for providing the flag horse to present our nation's colors.
This year's proceeds continue to support the Signal Centers, is a community-based program providing education and support for children, adults, and families with physical, educational, and socioeconomic challenges in 18 surrounding counties.
In the finale of Saturday night, Bill Schoeman rode Timely N’ Stylish to the top of the Five-Gaited Jackpot Stake out of eight entries for Lori and Larry Schmidt. Time To Win and Steve Joyce trotted to the reserve honors for Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Lawson.
Discover and Barbara Woods claimed the Five-Gaited Amateur Grand Championship out of a large class. Woods and Discover were just one of the combinations that received a title from Judd Stables during Saturday evening. Shamrock’s Return and Deborah Richardson were reserve in the championship after their win in the Five-Gaited Amateur qualifier.
Gypsy’s Imagination and Jessica Anderson rode away the champions in the Five-Gaited Junior Exhibitor Championship and qualifier. This championship added another tricolor ribbon to the tack room wall of Judd Stables. Faye Dunaway WRF with owner/rider Chelsey Stone were reserve in the championship.
Dreamcatcher and Ashton Hale rode to claim the tricolor in the Five-Gaited Pony Championship for Kathy Berger. Small Packages and Cassi Rath were reserve in championship after their win in the qualifier.
In two outstanding performances Tipitina, with Steve Joyce in the irons, was crowned the Three-Gaited Stake and Jackpot. Owner Dory Zandy rode Tipitina to the top of the Three-Gaited Ladies class for Zandyland. Doubletree’s Classic Design and Steve Old were reserve in the stake for James R. Dellinger Jr.
In the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship, In Bold Print and Melissa Scrushy trotted to the top out of 13 entries. Vision Heir and Amy Hanson were reserve in the championship and the amateur qualifier for Penny Lane farm.
Jessica Anderson rode American Wine to the winner’s circle in the Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor Championship claiming another win under the guidance of Judd Stables. Worthy’s One Rhythm and Andres Herrera were reserve in the championship as well as the preliminary for R Farms.
Sarah Katherine, with Lauren Henderson in the irons, was named the Three-Gaited Pony Grand Champion for the Circle H Tack Store. Henderson and Sarah Katherine also rode to the top in the Three-Gaited Pony qualifier. Bi Mi Champagne Tate and Kristen Thomas received reserve honors in both classes for Pam Thomas and Sail Wind Stables.
In the Fine Harness division, Crystal Illusion, with Janet Kellett at the lines, drove to the top of the Fine Harness Grand Championship out of six fine entries. Kellett and Crystal Illusion trotted away the winners in the Amateur Fine Harness class to qualify. Images Of Blues and Charlotte Kurtz claimed the reserve tricolor for the Bandy Acres Farm.
In a new division, Boulevard and Steve Old made their victory pass after claiming the Park Three-Gaited Grand Championship for James Dellinger Jr. Old and Boulevard qualified by winning the Park Three-Gaited Open class out of eight entries. Bright Memories and Debbie Koning were reserve in the championship for David Crockett.
In the Park Three-Gaited Amateur division, New York Entertainer and Judy Kerr dominated the division. Kerr and New York Entertainer gave two exciting performances to receive the championship tricolor as well as the blue in the qualifier for Judine Kerr. Man In My Life and Cheryl Sotrop were reserve to Kerr in the championship for Barbara Woods.
Pamela Sanders rode Heir To Success to the top in the Park Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor Grand Championship for Patricia and Pamela Sanders. Town Tempest and owner/ exhibitor Mallory Haynie trotted away with the reserve tricolor in the championship.
Fourth Down and Dory Zandy rode to the winner's circle in the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Adult Championship for Zandyland. Zandy and Fourth Down also claimed the Five-Gaited Pleasure Adult qualifier earlier in the week with nine entries. Cheers Cheers and Debbie Richardson rode to the reserve tie in the championship for Richardson Stables.
Frank Polley rode Atlantache to the top in the Five-Gaited Pleasure Junior Exhibitor division. Polley and Atlantache out performed the rest to receive the championship tricolor as well as the blue in the qualifier. Phi's Miss Mary and Andres Herrera were reserve in both classes for Yvonne Herrera.
All the way from Ontario, Canada, Paul Richardson drove Verticle Horizon to the winner's circle in the Show Pleasure Driving division, winning the championship and the qualifier. Emanating with Lois Vartanian were reserve to Richardson in the championship.
Sweet Virginia and Barbara Woods trotted to the top in the Show Pleasure division. Woods and Sweet Virginia claimed the honors in the qualifier as well as the championship. Ooh La Latte and Claire Karst were reserve to Woods in both classes. Woods and Karst added these awards to the tackroom wall of Judd Stables.
Due to large numbers, the junior exhibitor pleasure division was split into 13 and Under and 14-17 divisions and both had championships. Future Treasure and Caithlin Leith dominated the 13 and under section winning both the preliminary and the championship. So Audacious and Kelsey Olson were reserve in the championship to Leith. In the 14-17 section, Samuel Adams with Amy Rives rode away with the honors. Rives and Samuel Adams made victory passes in both the Show Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship and preliminary for Christine and Peter Rives. The Cajun Moon and Ginny Hack were reserve to Rives in both classes.
Wishes Fulfilled and Alissa Phillips were named the Pleasure Pony Grand Champions. Natural Resources and Lindsey Taylor received the reserve honors in the championship for Cardinal Farms.
Debbie Koning drove What A Keepsake to the top of the Country Pleasure Driving division in two separate drives. Koning drove the David Crockett entry to the receive the Country Pleasure Driving Championship as well as the qualifier. Fiona and Cheryl Rhoten drove to the reserve tricolor in the championship.
Claiming the Country Pleasure Championship two years in a row, the flashy chestnut, K-Town Magic and Vicki Gillenwater made the victory pass for the Scenic View Farm. Gillenwater and K-Town Magic qualified by winning the Country Pleasure Adult class. Prince O'Lee and Deborah Richardson trotted to the reserve tie in the championship for Richardson Stables. Richardson and Prince O'Lee had already rode to the Country Pleasure ASHAT Member blue.
Out of 12 entries, Spice Queen and Lindsay Taylor received the Country Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Grand Championship. Taylor and Spice Queen had won the Country Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17 class. My Fair Prince and Stephanie Hahn were announced as the reserve winner in the championship.
Galahad's Gold Mine dominated the Country Western Pleasure division. Ridden and owned by Jean Johnson, Galahad's Gold Mine trotted out with the neck sash in the Country Western Pleasure Championship. Johnson and Galahad's Gold Mine had won both the Western Country class as well as the Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Country Pleasure class. Calgary and Susan Hospins were reserve in the championship.
In a single entry class and division, Knight Watch, with R.J.. Mitchell at the lines, drove to the winner's circle in the Harness Pony qualifier and championship for the Saddle Creek Stables.
Oliver Twist, with Debbie Koning at the lines, drove to the top of the Hackney Pony Grand Championship for David Crockett. Oliver Twist had trotted to the blue in the Hackney Pony Open class. Heartland Showcase and Linda Hendricks were reserve to Koning in both classes.
Top Star Willie and Paul Misiewilz drove to the top and were stars in the Roadster To Bike Championship winning the tricolor honors. Royal Count and James Nichols received the reserve tricolor for the Penny Lane Farms.
In the Roadster Pony division, St. Patrick claimed the championship for the second year in a row now with new owner Chris Long and Long Vue Farm. Tequilla Mockingbird and Brian Reimer were reserve in the championship after their win in the Roadster Pony Open for John Songer and John Ross.
Radiant Decision, driven by Anne-Maire Overstreet, trotted to the top in the Roadster Pony Amateur Championship for Danny Boles Stables. Heartland High Fashion and Yvonne Herrera were reserve for Andres Herrera.
Seamair Twice As Nice and Frank Polley drove to the Roadster Pony Championship for the second year with two outstanding drives. Polley and Seamair Twice As Nice drove to claim the blue in the Roadster Pony Junior Exhibitor qualifier for Virginia Polley. So Irresistible and Scott Songer were reserve to Polley in both classes for Tip Top Stables.
Kevin Ingram proved victorious in the Adult Saddle Seat Equitation aboard Hometown Command.
Callie Smith, under the direction of Cryst-A-Kell, rose to the top of the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship after her win in the Saddle Seat 10 and under class. Misty Hall on Song Material were reserve to Smith in the championship.
This concludes the highlights of the Chattanooga-Cleveland Charity Horse Show. Complete results follow and may also be serarched and printed from our website: www.saddlehorsereport.com.
|