Change Was In The Air At Gold Cup
Friday, June 24, 2005
by Erin Thomas
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- 2005 marked a new beginning for a Midwest tradition. Following a storied history at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, the Morgan Gold Cup Regional celebrated its 45th anniversary with a move to a new location. There was a certain familiarity with the Columbus facility. However, on June 14-18 trainers, exhibitors, and spectators turned out for the beginning of the new look of Gold Cup at the Midwest Livestock & Expo Center.
Some exhibitors were at first surprised by some of the features of the new facility. The Columbus coliseum was replaced by a large indoor arena with bleacher seating. While almost all of the approximately 300 horses were stabled in the main barn as they were in Columbus, there were a few that were in outside stalls. The facility management and staff were on call 24/7, and were willing and eager to make any needed improvements to the delight of show management and exhibitors. The show committee said that there are improvements to the immaculately clean facility already in the works for next year's show.
Exhibitors felt safe on and around the facility and, most importantly, people were having fun. The dedicated Gold Cup committee provided extra money in the amateur championships to entice exhibitors to come and enjoy Gold Cup and its new facility, and it worked. The number remained steady and the cost was lower for the show and its exhibitors. The show awarded $1700 in the Amateur English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Classic Pleasure Saddle and Classic Pleasure Driving Championships.
Besides the extra activities, the show stayed true to some long standing traditions. On Thursday night they had their annual ice cream social hosted by Terry King. Friday night once again featured a progressive barn party. The large aisleway made it easy for everyone to gather and reminisce on past Gold Cups and talk about the many improvements of this year.
Gold Cup also introduced the “Chuck A Duck.” For a dollar, anyone interested could buy plastic ducks that were numbered. There were 140 ducks total and the object of the game was to throw the duck into the center of a hula hoop from the out gate. There was a bull’s eye inside the hoop to judge who was the closest to dead center. The winner received $70 while the remaining $70 went back to the show committee. On Saturday afternoon, Gold Cup featured the Chuck A Duck Championship. Each duck was $2 and the winner received $140. People gathered by the dozens to watch as exhibitors threw plastic ducks at a hula hoop.
In addition to having fun outside the ring, people gathered to show horses as well. Bernard Parker, Jonalyn Gwinup, and Sandi Chohany marked the cards for the 2005 Gold Cup. And as always, Howard Schatzberg was there to capture the moments on film.
A show of this magnitude could never take place without the dedication of a large committee. Show manager Guy Brown was on call to make sure everything ran smoothly. Dennis Rumsey announced all the 2005 Gold Cup winners, while John Frye took control of the ring as ringmaster. The lineup of show officials also included; show secretary Judy McManama, barn manager Bob Fraunfelder, USEF Steward Nancy Noble, organist Nancy Roberts, paddock master Buddy Waggoner, farrier Tim Lawrence, veterinarian Dr. Michael Schmall, and videographer WdA Video. Long before the start of the show, Gold Cup president Pam Cannon, vice president Jeanne Fuelling, secretary Bette Ann Parker and treasure Vicki Higgins were working overtime to make sure the show ran without a hitch.
The show ring highlights of the 45th annual Morgan Gold Cup follow; complete results can also be found on this website under Show Results.
In-Hand
The in-hand competition kicked off the show on Tuesday evening with the mares first on center stage. Steve DeBolt started off his winning streak by presenting the ever elegant HVK Crystal Bay to the Grand Champion Mare title for The Boxford Stud. After adding the title of Senior Champion Mare to her resume and dominating the five and over class, Crystal Bay returned to the show ring and modeled flawlessly to gather top honors. Reserve Grand Champion Mare went home with Lynn Peeples and the two-year-old and Junior Champion Mare winner Fair Catch. Owners Doug and Marlene Sluiter were ecstatic about their Man In Motion daughter's show ring debut. Sheza Bell trotted away with the reserve championship honors in the Senior Championship Mare section. This bold performing mare was handled by Judy Whitney-Harris for Barbara and Arthur Jones. Tim Roesink had the honor of taking the first victory pass of the 2005 Morgan Gold Cup with Mary Morette's Whitmorr American Beauty. Roesink guided this elegant filly to the blue ribbon spot in the Yearling and Under Fillies class and returned to be named Reserve Junior Champion Mare. Roesink collected yet another blue ribbon when he presented Paradigm Hot Chocolate to the winner's circle in the Three and Four-Year-Old Mares class with a tail-flagging performance for owner Ann Hailey of Copper Beach Morgans.
Jeff Bessey is usually known for his low key and well-mannered western horses, so it was definitely a switch to see him present a two-year-old in hand gelding. He showed Tina Drumm's Bears It All to the blue ribbon in the Two & Under Geldings class, and also trotted away with the title of Grand Champion Gelding. Steve Smith presented Carlyle Upper Caisse to the reserve championship spot after previously winning the Five and Over Geldings qualifier. Don and Kathy Kniffen showed their home bred Dreamaker Shaman to the first place spot in the Three and Four-Year-Old Geldings class.
The stallion competition featured the season debut of world champion Pinecreek's Noble Vision. Steve DeBolt guided Mike and Mary Penn's charismatic Nobility son to repeat his titles of a year ago as Three & Four-Year-Old Stallion winner as well as Senior and Grand Champion Stallion. Brian Stewart and his fancy yearling colt winner Bri B XTC garnered a lot of attention to earn the Junior Champion Stallion and Reserve Grand Champion Stallion titles.
Judy Whitney Harris was on the lead of her dynamic JW Thinketh Blue as the appropriately named colt topped the Two-Year-Old Stallions and returned to earn the Reserve Junior Champion Stallion honors. TES Annuity brought the Reserve Senior Champion Stallion award back to Tom Schubert with Meredith Mays presenting.
Park Saddle
The 2005 Gold Cup audience was treated on Saturday to an exciting Open Park Saddle Championship. Judy Whitney Harris had presented Barbara and Arthur Jones's Bellisimo to a blue ribbon win in the Ladies Park Saddle earlier in the week, while John Warner and Boxford Gambling Man had won the Open Park Saddle qualifier for Kohler Stables. Both winners went head to head on Saturday night, battling it out for the chance to take the championship victory pass. In the end it was Bellisimo and Judy Whitney Harris who were named champions for the second year in a row. John Warner and Gambling Man garnered the reserve championship victory pass.
Linda Stewart was in the irons of Lookaway's Fortune for the victory pass in the Amateur Park Saddle Championship. She and Fortune are always an exciting team to watch and with each year together they seem to grow stronger and stronger. The new team of Andree Vetrano and Arboria Invictus trotted into the reserve spot directed by Ken Swanson. Lauren Cojocar and King Lehr's Bob A Loo trotted away with the blue ribbon in the Amateur Park Saddle qualifier under the direction of Waterford Farm.
Jenny Taylor presented Janet and Eugene Siddle's Patchwork Simply Amazin to the blue ribbon in the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle class on the way to a bold tricolor performance in the Junior Park Saddle Championship. This black mare loves to set back in the bridle and go with both ears forward. Reserve in the Junior Park Saddle Championship went to the sporty HVK Marquis and Ernest Chavolla cheered on by the Whitney Stables clan. Melinda Hyde rode JDS Promises Promises to the blue ribbon spot in the Three-Year-Old Park Saddle class for owner Debbie LeMay.
Gillian Nelson and On Eagles Wings trotted boldly into the winner's spot in the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle Championship for owner Melinda Hyde. Damian Hyde Stables trains both horse and rider and the whole crew was on hand for their championship victory pass. Reserve in the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle Championship went back to OFS Noble Belle with Tara Clifton in the irons for Tom Roe.
Park Harness
Judy Whitney Harris not only had the honor of training the repeat Open Park Saddle Champion, but she also earned bragging rights after presenting Sheza Bell to the Open Park Harness Championship for the second year in a row. This dynamic pair started off their winning ways by collecting the blue ribbon in the Ladies Park Harness qualifier for proud owner/breeders Barbara and Arthur Jones. Damian Hyde and HDP Warrior Princess trotted away with the top honors in the Open Park Harness qualifier for owner Tina Lessnau.
Donna Zimmerman enjoyed a fabulous week at Gold Cup earning a trio of amateur championship tricolors. Gold Cup marked the team debut of Zimmerman and her world titled four-year-old stallion Evolution. Zimmerman and this powerful HVK Courageous Flaire son earned the Amateur Park Harness Championship guided by Memory Lane Farm. Darwin Olson made a stylish debut with his new entry, Minion Valentino, to collect the reserve honors under the direction of Lookaway Farm and Brian Stewart.
Ken Swanson drove Francis Pugh's Tara's Firewalker to the winner's circle on Saturday night in the Junior Park Harness Championship. This charismatic colt started off the week with the three-year-old victory over a competitive field. Reserve in the entertaining junior horse championship went home with Paradigm Tokyo Rose with Steve DeBolt at the lines for John and Judith Kemper. This spunky four-year-old started off by topping the Four-Year-Old Park Harness qualifier. The two-year-old class featured another starring performance for HVK Sweet Obsession with Mary Brannon on the lines for Barbara Lindauer.
The 2005 Gold Cup exhibitors were also treated to world champion FZM Encore returning to Ohio with his new partner. The brilliant gelding and Sasha Klein earned their second regional victory in as many outings as they trotted away with Junior Exhibitor Park Harness Championship title directed by Lynn Peeples. Reserve in the championship went to On Eagles Wings. Gillian Nelson was once again at the lines for Melinda Hyde.
English Pleasure
Mary Brannon and French Episode have earned their share of victory passes at the Gold Cup. They concluded the 2005 show by trotting off with the Open English Pleasure Championship title. Before securing the open championship for owners Jerry and Peggy Hutcheson, this elegant duo qualified by placing first in the Ladies English Pleasure Geldings class. Owner Steve Smith rode SPR Stephanie to the reserve title in the open championship after collecting the blue in the Open English Pleasure Mares qualifier. Jenny Taylor brought out Donna Zimmerman's Sandcastle Spittin Image for the first time this season under saddle and trotted away with the blue ribbon in the Open English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings qualifier. Judy Whitney Harris and Century Oak Nobelique collected the blue ribbon in the English Pleasure Novice Horse class for the Century Oak Morgans. Tempest Abbey Road and Karla Cortelyou moved up for a win in the limit class.
After collecting the blue ribbon in the Ladies English Pleasure Mares qualifier with trainer Kathleen Peeples, Garland Fleur De Lis and owner Joyce Thoma happily trotted away as the Ladies English Pleasure Champions. Reserve tricolor honors were awarded to Wind Blu Mustang Sally with Lana Richey in the irons for Roger Barricklow.
Donna Zimmerman and KrisKroft Choirboy stepped up to the challenge and met the competitive Amateur English Pleasure Championship head on. These two proudly brought back the championship honors to trainers Jim and Jenny Taylor of Memory Lane Farm to complete Zimmerman's trio of amateur championships. Jeanne Fuelling rode her rock steady Halls Melt Down to the reserve spot in the amateur championship. This consistent pair rides under the direction of Nancy Flower Stables.
Bonnie Howard debuted with HVK Winter Rose and earned top honors in the Amateur English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings qualifier. They were cheered on by Grove Pointe Stables in their only performance of the week. Joy Scala and Patchwork Rhapsody were victorious in the Amateur English Pleasure Mares class to add to the Memory Lane banner. Lori Lyons collected top honors in the AOTS English Pleasure class with DMMF Noble Dynasty.
Nonesuch Simply Gorgeous and Erin Koenig won two very exciting classes at Gold Cup. They started off by winning the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure qualifier which paved the way for their Junior English Pleasure Championship win for Kimberly Hayes. Reserve in the always-competitive Junior English Pleasure Championship went back to New Jersey with the sporty Evenings Glory with Kathleen Peeples up for Samuel Glick. Phil Price continued his Gold Cup blue ribbon winning tradition with the victory pass with Brio Bellantaine in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure qualifier for owner Patti McNerney.
Rachel Keidan was in the irons for both victory passes in the junior exhibitor pleasure division. She and DDM Nightwind Started off the week by placing first in the 14-17 qualifier. After trotting away with reserve in the Youth English Pleasure class, with Jordan Consumano, “Nesto” and Keidan were reunited to make the victory pass in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Championship. This fiery gelding and his talented young riders are under the direction of Katie Mair at Sterling Training Center. Caitlyn Scholl and JLH Valerian were all smiles when they were called away to take the reserve victory pass in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Championship.
Marissa Hamilton and Wind Blu Mustang Sally felt right at home in the winner's circle. These two captured the blue ribbon in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 and under class. Morgan Meister and Michael Gibson had the honor of placing first in the Youth English Pleasure class for owner Carol Witter. Miranda Scholl and KEW Cavalier could have captured anyone's heart in the Walk Trot English Pleasure Division. This little munchkin guided her new mount to the first place spot for owner Sally Sliman.
Pleasure Driving
Lori Sargeant and HFF Thrill Seeker proudly trotted to the winning position in the Open Pleasure Driving Championship in a Saturday evening exhibition. Craig Hummel was at the lines for the qualifying victory pass in the Open Pleasure Driving Stallions and Geldings class. Steve Smith drove his own SPR Stephanie to the first place spot in the Pleasure Driving Mares class. Lynn Peeples and Sioux's Boogie Nights received blue ribbon honors in the Pleasure Driving Limit Horse class for owner Sioux Mingaye.
Donna Zimmerman was one busy lady at the 2005 Gold Cup. She, along with her strong show string, made numerous appearances and victory passes. Donna also had the chance to debut with her newest acquisition. She and The Last Don boldly dominated the Amateur Pleasure Driving division. They started off by collecting the blue ribbon in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallions and Geldings division and returned to claim the Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship title directed by Steve DeBolt. Reserve in this class went back to the Tara Farm tack room with the dynamic pairing of Holly Johnson and Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize making a strong performance.
Clayton Caldwell was all smiles when he and CKH Return To Action were called out of the line to receive the blue ribbon in the Gentlemen's Pleasure Driving class. Rebecca Burns drove her own Adventures Priority to the first place vote in the Ladies Pleasure Driving class with a grand performance under the direction of Grove Pointe Stables.
Jim Taylor was at the lines of Karen and Ann Mailes sporty CN Grand Style for the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving qualifier as well as the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship for the mother-daughter team. Tim O' Gorman guided Cum Laude Nell to the first place spot for Diana Garrow in the Three-Year-Old Pleasure driving qualifier and returned for the reserve junior championship.
Judy Whitney Harris was at the lines of the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion with a lovely entry bred and owned by JD and Sue Symer. The elegant Legendary Alexa Leigh also earned the blue ribbon in the Two-Year Old Pleasure Driving qualifier. Nancy Flower and WLA Born To Perform trotted away with reserve honors for owner Patricia Waliga.
Carl Johnson is no stranger to the winner's circle, and he and HVK Primary Light continued their winning streak at the 2005 Gold Cup. They started off by winning the Junior Exhibitor 13 and Under Pleasure Driving qualifier and came back in full force to be named the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Champions for Tara Farm. Caitlyn Scholl not only rode her sporty bay gelding JLH Valerian, but she also drove him to blue ribbon honors. This fancy pair trotted away with the first place vote in the 14-17 Pleasure Driving qualifier and returned as the reserve champions.
Classic Pleasure
Marilyn Hackett and JW Enjoyabelle were the epitome of manners, grace, and overall classic suitability as they topped the very large Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship. Reserve in the open championship went back with Scandias Mark Of Destiny and Caitlin Novotny, who started off their winning streak by winning the Junior Exhibitor Classic English Pleasure Stake. Novotny and Mark of Destiny qualified for all of their wins by placing first in the 14-17 Classic Pleasure Saddle qualifier. Reserve in the Junior Exhibitor Classic English Pleasure Championship went to Preacher's Dream with Becky Devous in the irons for the victory pass. Katrina Dickinson rode Latours IM Willy Fancy to the blue ribbon in the Junior Exhibitor 13 and Under Classic English Pleasure class.
Cindy Sheldon was all smiles as she enjoyed riding her lovely Intrepid Immortal Beloved to the Open Classic Pleasure Saddle blue coached by Tim Roesink. Marsha Seward showed her own Rosedust Electric Velvet to the first place spot in the Classic English Pleasure Ladies class. Vicki Higgins looked right at home aboard her beloved Fire and Brimstone to earn the Limit Classic Pleasure Saddle blue. Sandra Stearns rode her own Century Oak Windstar to the first place finish in the Junior Classic English Pleasure class.
The world championship team of Tara's War Eagle and Frances Pugh added Gold Cup's Classic Pleasure Driving Grand Championship to their list of accomplishments following the stallion/gelding blue. Reserve in the Classic Pleasure Driving championship went back to the Lookaway Farm with Lookaway's Howitzer and Julie Schmidt at the lines for Jim and Linda Stewart. Marilyn Hackett and JW Enjoyabelle also enjoyed a first place finish in the Classic Pleasure Driving Mares division.
Josh Hummell drove Mikala's Pocket Rocket to the first place victory pass in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving 14-17 and returned to claim the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving Championship title for 2005.
Kaye Bedell drove her own Century Le Baron right into the winner's circle in the Classic Pleasure Driving Limit Horse class. Dear Hollow Maggie Mae collected top honors in the Junior Classic Pleasure Driving class for owners Gary and Lee Sutherland.
Western Pleasure
Reserve world champion Cedar Farm Lancelot and Mike Wahl jogged into the championship spotlight on Saturday evening and captured the Western Pleasure Championship title. They started off their blue ribbon run by winning the Open Stallions and Geldings qualifier. Reserve in the open championship went back to Corinthian Stables with Todd Trushel and Holly Brook Star Connection.
Everyone at the 2005 Morgan Gold Cup was excited to see the team of Haley Coplen and HDD Wild Thing return to the ring. This world champion team jogged away not only as the Ladies Western Pleasure Champions but also collected the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship title. They started off their winning week by placing first in the Amateur Ladies Western Pleasure qualifier.
Reserve in the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship went home with another graceful mare, HL My My. Kathleen Peeples and HL My My started off the week by winning the Ladies Western Pleasure qualifier and the open mares class for owner Holly Seavitt. Cassandra Vujtech had her chance in the winner's circle with Cedar Farm Lancelot. These two jogged away with the first place win in the Amateur Western Pleasure Stallions and Geldings qualifier and were also named Amateur Western Pleasure Reserve Champions.
Tom Roe took the victory pass in the Amateur Western Pleasure Mares class with JW Nobility Bay. Terra Zimmerman showed her own Briarlane Above Regala T to the first place spot in the Western Pleasure AOTS class. Laura Petcherski and Tug Hill Rocky Top jogged away as the winners in the Western Pleasure Novice Horse class for owner Katie Mair. Becky Bausch showed Deanna Serles Cedar Creek Xanadu to the first place spot in the Western Pleasure Limit class.
Jordy Johns is known for finding and starting beautiful western horses and the 2005 Gold Cup was no exception. He guided the colorful BPM Estralida De Oro to the tricolor in the Junior Western Pleasure Championship. Amy Bessey guided MSV Ringo Starr to not only the first place spot in the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure class, but also the reserve position in the Junior Western Pleasure Championship for owner Kathryn Daly. Meredith Rosier Cooke rode DRF Devine Design to the first place finish in the four-year-old qualifier.
Melissa Torok and Batton's Maestro made a strong comeback performance to win the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure Championship. Reserve in the championship went home with Torok's stablemate Leah Soubel and Chisholm. These two also collected the blue in the 13 and under qualifier earlier in the week. Lori Marino was ecstatic with her young rider's wins.
David Hudson guided O O Right as Rain to the first place spot in the 14-17 qualifier. Jessica Marino showed Marie Thomas's Tampa Bay to the blue ribbon in the Western Pleasure Youth class under the direction of Lori Marino at Morgan Valley Farm. Shelby Clark and TCS Supreme Aire were picture perfect in the Walk Jog 11 and Under Western Pleasure class, and jogged away as the winners for her sister Brittany Clark.
Hunter Pleasure
Amanda DuPont Pauli teamed up with Julie Strasser's gorgeous D Bar J Habakkuk for victory in the Open Hunter Pleasure Championship. This big gelding covered a lot of ground and was hard to miss in the ring. The Strasser family was on hand to witness the victory pass. Reserve in the open championship went home with Tommie Mead and Jacket Required. This dynamic duo started off the week by winning the Open Hunter Pleasure Stallions and Geldings qualifier. This winning team is under the direction of Morgan Valley Farm.
Kathryn Schwartz teamed up with world champion Jax Noble Onyx for the dual passes in the ladies and mares classes for Meadowland Farm. Rita Adams showed KJM Moulin Rouge to the first place spot in the Hunter Pleasure Novice Horse class for Kourt Jester Morgans under the colors of Grove Pointe Stables. Preservation Hall and Bethanne Ridgeway earned a big win in the limit class.
Jenny Grey's beloved Night Out took numerous trips to the winner's circle at the 2005 Gold Cup. Teamed with Jenny herself, this bold black gelding trotted to the top spot in the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship. Grey then turned the reins over to Laura Pecherski and was once again called out of the line as the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure Champion after winning the 16 -17 age group class. Tommie Mead and Jacket Required also trotted into the reserve spot in the very competitive championship after winning the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Stallions and Geldings qualifier.
Alyssa Rumsey and her world champion partner, Merriehill the Lion King, trotted off with the first place ribbon in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 and Under class before they were named the reserve champions. Jordan Consumano and Blk Orchid Ace Commander collected the blue ribbon wins in the Youth Hunter Pleasure class and 14 and 15-year-old qualifier. Marie Wallick and her beloved mare, Hidden Oak Clearly Chosen, won the blue in the Walk and Trot Hunter Pleasure 11 and Under class for Morgan Valley Farm.
It's never a surprise to see Kathleen Peeples aboard a nice junior hunter, and she definitely didn't let the Gold Cup crowd down. She guided EKL Commanding First to the first place spot in the Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure qualifier for Eli Lapp. Peeples then trotted boldly to the tricolor in the Junior Hunter Pleasure Champion with another talented youngster, Cream Hill Hollywood, who also won the four-year-old qualifier for Doug and Marlene Sluiter. Amanda DuPont Pauli took the reserve honors in the Junior Hunter Pleasure Championship with Hur's Roselle for owner Jane Thompson.
Equitation
Caitlyn Scholl opened the Saturday evening session by carrying home top honors in the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. Rachel Keidan started off her own tricolor evening with the reserve tricolor. Tiffani Earehart and Nemour's Courageous trotted away with the blue ribbon in the 14-17 qualifier and the silver medal in the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal. In her last year, Earehart rides under the direction of her family's Liberty Stables and Cape Cod Farm. Ben Walstrom and Stonecroft Antidote took home the blue in the UPHA 13 and Under Challenge Cup for Sterling Training Center, while stablemate Rachael Keidan took the victory pass in the UPHA 14-17 Challenge Cup.
The Gaker family is really enjoying having their Win Blu Supreme Fantasy at home this year. Caroline Gaker started off the week by winning the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 and Under qualifier. They came back in full force to trot away as the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Champions. Ben Walstrom collected the reserve honors aboard Stonecroft Antidote for Sterling Training Center. Rebecca Devos added the Classic Saddle Seat Equitation blue to her winning week.
Talia Stewart is following in her family's well-defined foot prints. She trotted away with the blue ribbon in the Walk and Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 11 and Under class. The future of the Morgan breed is always apparent in the 6 and Under Leadline class. This year, Kelly Larkin Griffith walked off with the blue ribbon in the large class.
After doing well in the western pleasure division, Melissa Torok and Batton's Maestro were back in full force to dominate the western equitation division. Judge Gwinup asked each rider to canter from the line to the opposite rail and she varied the leads for each rider. Torok and “Max” were up to the challenge and jogged into the championship spot for Morgan Valley Farm. Brittany Clark was called away as the reserve champion after performing rock steady rail work and a seemingly effortless pattern. Clark also jogged into the winner's circle in the Western Equitation 14-17 class, while Leah Soubel and Chisholm were given the first place honors in the 13 and under group. Tiffani Earehart and her long time partner, WRM We B Jammin, jogged away with the silver medal in the AMHA Western Seat Medal for Liberty Stables. Following in her sister's foot steps, Shelby Clark jogged away with the blue ribbon in the Walk Jog Western Equitation 11 and Under class.
Hunt Seat Equitation is always one of the most competitive divisions at the Morgan Gold Cup. Caitlin Novotny traveled all the way from Oklahoma to compete at this year's Gold Cup and her travels did not go unrewarded. After winning the 16 and 17-year-old qualifier earlier in the week, Novotny was poised and ready to take on the senior championship. She was called out of the line of very talented riders as the 2005 Senior Hunt Seat Equitation Champion. John Thomas and Cingate Jack Flash were all smiles when they were called away from the line as the reserve champions in the senior age group. The Sterling-trained duo of Jordan Consumano and Blk Orchid Ace Commander trotted away with the blue ribbon in the 14 and 15-year-old qualifier. Sasha Klein earned her silver medal by performing flawlessly in the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal on the Flat.
Alyssa Rumsey and Merriehill The Lion King are two names synonymous with the winner's circle. This well-polished pair performed beyond their young years and rose to every challenge put in front of them. Rumsey and “Simba” added yet another championship honor to their resume when they were called away as the Junior Hunt Seat Equitation Champions. Carly Dodril really caught judge Gwinup's eye and trotted away as the reserve champion after collecting the blue ribbon in the Hunt Seat Equitation 13 and Under qualifier. Heidi Scholl and Trinity Challenger were awarded top honors in a very competitive Walk and Trot Hunt Equitation 11 and Under.
Roadster
Queen of speed Judy Whitney-Harris took center stage with the roadster to bike mare Daring Caressa's Spirit for Charles and Liz Connor. Liz Connor had her turn in the irons aboard this fire cracker and they raced away with the blue ribbon in the Roadster Under Saddle class. HVK Tempest and Harold Cochran turned up the speed for the reserve finish in the bike, while Sting and Melinda Hyde raced away with the reserve under saddle.
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