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A Comeback Year For Roanoke!




by Katherine Hansil


The Roanoke Valley Horse Show was held June 20-25, 2005 at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va. Known for its hospitality, it provides something for everyone from a karaoke exhibitors' party on Thursday to Jack Russell races on Friday to the Grand Prix on Saturday. With those features and more,
Roanoke
is a good time for everyone who attends.
   

This year numbers were up and classes were often filled with quality entries. Barns from the Kentucky and most of the East Coast converged for good competition and one last show before heading to Lexington Junior League. Show manager Glenn Petty was glad to see numbers and quality on the rise, making Roanoke a top show once again. John Jones made the trip in to mark the cards while Doug Shiflet captured the memories on film.

Five-Gaited

With his hat in his hand and the crowd roaring, Smith Lilly made the final turn for the Saddlebreds on Saturday evening. Lilly piloted Callaway's Four Leaf Clover to the winner's circle for Hawley Tool Sales, LLC. This young horse was fresh off a win at Bonnie Blue, not to mention a win in the ladies class earlier in the week with Leslie Tickle up.
   

Reserve in the championship went to the gallant Callaway's W.J. Bryan with Peter Cowart for Doris Crumpler. Earlier in the week this team won the open qualifier with Warhawk's Roho and Steve Hanks in for reserve for Betty Lou Herter. Reserve in the ladies class went to another West Wind team, Margaret Rose and Peggy Gillenwater.
   

In the amateur division it was a clean sweep for Star Dreamer and Caroline Rose under the direction of Roger Meade. Reserve in the championship went to the new team of Check This Out and Dr. Christine Johnson under the direction of Johnny Lucas. In the qualifier Imogene Lusk was in the irons to win the red ribbon with I'm Good.
   

In the junior exhibitor championship Forty Second Street Gal and Lauren Pyes exited with the tricolor after a earning a strong third in the qualifier. Grant Shiflet also had a comeback ride aboard Point Of Light for Leanne and Mike Smiley to garner the reserve ribbon in the championship. The new team of The Party's Here and Kristen Koning earned the top ribbon in the qualifier under the direction of Nancy and Bill Becker. Reserve went to the talented Kaitlyn Grom aboard You've Got Mail for Michael Richardson.
   

All Stirred Up made two great performances at Roanoke. On Tuesday, Peter Cowart rode this sporty horse to win the novice qualifier for Sharyn Lackey and Stefanie Sanchez. On Thursday he returned in the Virginia Owned class with Stefanie Sanchez aboard for the win. Reserve in the Virginia Owned class went to the high-headed Harlem's Worldly Lady and Lisa Lucas for Fish N Fun Farms. Hong Kong Fuey and Smith Lilly earned the red in the novice class for Samantha Hill.
   

The blue ribbon in the junior class went back to Blue Willow where Chad Graham and Julie Kaufman directed Tora Nora to the win. This flashy mare is owned by Nan Harrington of Dallas, Texas. In the three-year-old class, Marika finished on top of the card with Peter Cowart up for the win. Reserve went to Supremacy's Melody and Matt Shiflet for Uwharrie Hills Farm.
   

Three ponies competed for top honors in the five-gaited pony division. In the qualifier Little Lord Huntley and Andrea Wolkoff made the victory pass under the guidance of Mercer Springs. Under the direction of Betsy Webb Stables, Jewels For A Lady and Lowe Thompson moved up a notch from the qualifier to win the championship. The new Diamond View team of Stylin' and Alexandra Harper garnered the reserve ribbon in the championship.

Three-Gaited

MJB High Fire has earned many top ribbons in the open and ladies/amateur three-gaited divisions for owner Heck Newton. Newly teamed with Bo Lucas, this up-headed chestnut is once again proving to be a top contender in the open division. In their first appearance together they took
Roanoke
by storm and swept the division, winning the Three-Gaited Championship and qualifier.
   

Reserve in the championship was earned by Sightline with Rob Turner in the irons. Holli Esposito showed this high stepping performer to the win in the ladies qualifier with Heathermoor's Prince Of Anadon and Megan McClure winning reserve for Anita Cowart. Latte and Steve Gassen picked up reserve honors in the open class for Brenda Kelly.
   

Back where it all began last year, Lady Latte and Lindy Ware moved up a notch to win the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship. This pair was also reserve in the qualifier. The LM Turner team of Mild Emotion and Holli Esposito won the qualifier. Owner Sandra Provanzano showed her horse back and accepted the reserve honors in the championship.
   

No one was more excited than Emily Druckman after her Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Championship win with Spool's Top Star RHF. Showing under the Diamond View banner this team earned the red ribbon in the 13 and under qualifier. The Martini Shot and Nicole Crawford finished on top of the cards in the 13 and under qualifier. Heir To A Star and Kristen Koenig made each pass count to win the 14-17 qualifier and finish reserve in the championship. Lady Bayanna and Casey Tibolet exited with the red streamers in the 14-17 qualifier for Marcie VanGerven.
   

Gary Altizer was aboard Heaven's Silver Lining to win the Virginia Owned Three-Gaited for Joe Phipps. Reserve in this competitive class went to Touch The Clouds and Jennifer Crozier. By Honor Bound and Bret Day won the novice class for Marianne Bantrup with Nothing But Class and David Cater in for reserve for Ann S. Jones.
   

The undefeated team of Stonecroft Front And Center and Leslie Bovenzi continue to add to their list of wins. At Roanoke they won the Junior Three-Gaited class. Reserve went to Lady T Heir A and Bill Shiflet for Riley Shiflet. Mountainview's Truly Amazing and Midge Hunt earned the judge's approval with their consistent performance in the three-year-old class with Aphrodite's Tears and Smith Lilly taking reserve for Platinum Stock Farm.
   

Newcomer Manhattan's Irish Cream made two impressive shows in the three-gaited pony division. With Whitney Bennett aboard, this Diamond View-trained performer swept the division. Reserve went to the young star The Attaché Orchid and Andrea Wolkoff for Sue Nifong.

Fine Harness

The Social Butterfly, by Local Hero and out of Radiant Ann, turned in two magnificent performances to sweep the fine harness division with Bret Day on the lines. Reserve in the championship and winner in the amateur qualifier were hometown favorites CH Unforgiven and Karin Banks.
   

Chad Graham was on the lines to win the junior class with Maybe I'm Amazed, by CH Great Day's Came The Son and out of CH Eleanor Rigby. This young horse made the winning performance for owner Ann Fitzpatrick. Reserve went to Sir Chocolate and Terry Honaker.
   

Five entries made the gate call in the three-year-old class and Night Sight and Smith Lilly exited with the blue. This entry is owned by Cedarledge Farm. Reserve went to the elegant black Kalarama's Gold Star and Kim Cowart for Sherrie and Frank Gibson.
   

Happy Mother's Day and John Champagne earned the judge's nod in the two-year-old class for Jimmy Nixon. Reserve went to Silver Harbor, who has won several in-hand titles, with Smith Lilly on the lines for Sue Nifong.

Three-Gaited Park

In front of a hometown crowd, Callaway's B Gratz Brown and Nancy Troutman were crowned the Three-Gaited Park Grand Champions for Karin and Bill Banks. This team also won the qualifier. No stranger to success, You Move Me earned both red ribbons with Smith Lilly up for Robin McKenzie Vuillermet.
   

Jackie Ware demonstrated her skills with two strong rides aboard Lydian. Brought home for the summer from William Woods, Lydian was bright and bold to sweep the amateur division under the direction of Kim and Peter Cowart. CH Sultan's Gold and Coe London hung both red ribbons on the Grey Ridge tack room.
   

Moving up a notch from their reserve in the qualifier, Native Kat and Anna Stoddard won the Junior Exhibitor Park Championship for Sammye and Johnny Lucas. Reserve in the championship went to the Meadow Wood performer, Deerhaven's Stay Tuned and Leandra Cogar. The qualifier blue went to the Joker's Wild with Ashley Walker up.

Roadsters
   
For three years in a row Kentucky Wildcat and Jon Dabareiner have been the team to beat at
Roanoke
. This marks the third year the high-headed, fast paced Kentucky Wildcat has won the Roadster To Bike Championship and the amateur qualifier. This team is under the direction of Lisa Lucas. Reserve in the championship and winner of the open qualifier was Jesse James, a Harry Chapman entry. Sour Grapes and Mark Catron earned reserve in the amateur qualifier under the direction of Steve Hanks.
   

The team of Bali Hai and Jack Richards won the Roadster Pony Championship and qualifier. Reserve in the championship and winner of the novice qualifier was Luanne Kilday's Shooting Star with David Cunningham on the lines. Reserve in the novice class went to Daddy's Little Girl and Dr. Kim Blackwell. David Cunningham made another trip to the winner's circle with Jubilee's Power Play in the junior class with Miss Scarlett and Lee Hudson in for reserve for Bent Tree Farm.
   

In the large and competitive amateur road pony division Buckwheat and Ann Fitzpatrick were at the top of their game as they bested the competition in both the championship and the qualifier. Cappuccino and Brenda Kelly moved up a notch to garner the reserve championship streamers while Rowdy Yank and Harry Chapman earned the red ribbon in the qualifier.
   

Whims And Wishes and Chelsea Simon were the team to beat the in the junior exhibitor road pony division as they went two-for-two under the direction of Michael Richardson. Reserve in both classes went to the Fish N Fun entry Sweet Impression with Marli Dabareiner. Whitney Bennett was aboard Fast Eddie to win the AHHS Roadster Pony Under Saddle Medallion class with Plasair and Christie Van As in for reserve for Bent Tree Farm.

Hackney/Harness Ponies

Night Editor, owned by Bent Tree Farm, took the tri-color streamers in the Harness Pony Championship as well as the blue in the open qualifier. Reserve in the championship and winner of the amateur qualifier went to Psycho and Jack Richards.
   

Bent Tree also collected the win in the Hackney Pony Championship and qualifier with Exhilarating and Lee Hudson making the winning performance. In the junior class Rhett earned the top ribbon in the junior class with Lee Hudson.
   

In the Hackney pleasure driving division, Portrait Of A Lady and Paul Pippen earned both victory passes under the Betsy Webb Stables banner. Reserve in both classes went to the multi-titled Cover Story and Brenda Rappaport. Cover Story also returned to win the AHHS Medallion class with Anna Hudson on the lines. Regal's Class Act LF and Bland Craig won the Junior Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving class.

Show Pleasure

Callaway's English Toffee and Robin McKenzie Vuillermet carried on Mercer Springs Farm's winning ways sweeping the competitive five-gaited show pleasure division. Reserve in both classes went to the Cricket Hill team of Winsdown's Dresden Doll and Mary Del Olmo. The multi-titled CH Peppermint Sonburst and Sarah Sessoms earned the junior exhibitor gaited pleasure tricolor and the blue ribbon with two winning performances. The new team of Summit Up and Allison Combs kept the competition hot earning both red ribbons for Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Shires.
   

El-Dorado's Name That Tune won the Junior Three-Gaited Park Pleasure class. Lewis Meadows showed this talented youngster by Supreme Heir and out of Tickles, Tunes and Typhoons for McDaniel Saddlebreds. Reserve went to I'm Simply Divine and Ronnie Graham for Canterlope Farm. Coe London's Irresistible Day and Bret Day earned the judge's nod in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic. Heir Imperial and Lisa Lucas were reserve for Fish N Fun.
   

The new team of Stratocaster and Beth Bushell swept the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 41 and Over division under the direction of Chad Graham and Julie Kaufman. Reserve in the championship went to Dream To Remember and Debbie Palmer while Spirited Edition and Delores Barker were reserve in the qualifier.
   

In the 18-40 age group, championship honors belonged to the excited Jennifer Whittington aboard Radiant Event after an earlier red ribbon in the qualifier. Reserve in the competitive class went to CH Bonnie Buck and Amanda Murchison. In the qualifier the blue went to Co-Ed's Impressive Lady and Holli Esposito for Mrs. Paul Rice, in their only appearance.
   

Tara and Kaitlyn Grom were the one-two punch as they garnered the two top ribbons in the 14-17 championship. Tara Grom rode Callaway's Torch Bearer to the winner's circle after a winning performance in the qualifier. Kaitlyn Grom and VHF York's Coppertone had a comeback ride for the reserve tricolor. Winning the red ribbon in the qualifier was the Jon Walker-trained Worthy's Can't Touch This with Meredith Dancer in the irons.
   

Casey Surface piloted Conestoga Night to the winner's circle in the 13 and under championship. Reserve in both classes went to CH Callaway's Publicist and Caroline Rose under the direction of Cricket Hill. In the qualifier the blue ribbon belonged to Sultan's Gold Digger and Suzanna Crews for the Diamond View banner.
   

Winning the Virginia owned class was KC's Vixen Creek and Stephanie Gonyan for David Scibal while Harlem's Boats And Oats and Cindy DeMarco earned reserve.
   

Bill Heizer ran to the winner's circle to met a thrilled Joelle Bennett after her championship win in the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Pony class aboard Worthy's Heirloom. This team earned the red ribbon in the qualifier. Reserve in the championship went to the Tim Henry-trained Candy Kisses and Tori White. The winning blue in the qualifier went to Arzu and Jamie Parks under the direction of Jon Walker.
   

For the second year in a row CH Extended Warranty and Megan Thomas graced the winner's circle in the 12 and Under Walk and Trot Show Pleasure Championship. This Shadow Run-trained team came back to win after earning the red ribbon in the qualifier. Winning the qualifier and reserve in the championship was the new team of The Chesapeake Bay and Austin Hazelwood. Roanoke was this team's second show together and Hazelwood's second show out of academy.
   

CH Rose To The Occasion and Kendall Fields continued their winning streak this year under the direction of Gary Altizer. They won the Show Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. Reserve in both classes went to the junior exhibitor team of CH Highpoint's Coming Attraction and Kaelyn Donnelly. This team also returned Saturday morning to win the ASHAF Youth Show Pleasure Driving Challenge under the direction of Betsy Webb. Callaway's North Wind and Holly Wilson earned the challenge class red ribbon.

Country Pleasure

Earning their first tricolor together, Lucky Curve and Katrina Campbell had a lot to celebrate with their Diamond View family. They made the victory pass in the Country Pleasure Championship, moving up two spots from the qualifier. Earning the red ribbon in the championship and the blue in the qualifier was the LM Turner team of Callaway's One More Round and Vicki Wyman. She's Exquisite and Dr. Jennifer Makem earned the red ribbon in the qualifier for the Mercer Springs banner.
   

Leatherwood's Fanfare and Stephanie Miller have earned numerous wins since the beginning of their career together last fall. Again they proved to be the team to beat winning the 13 and under qualifier and the junior exhibitor championship. The reserve championship also went to a 13 and under team, Callaway's Whoop Tee Doo and Suzanna Crews. This Diamond View-trained team earned the red ribbon in their qualifier.
   

The blue in the 14-17 qualifier went to last year's world's champion, Harlem's Half Moon and Kerri McDaniel. Rachel Heinz earned the 14-17 red ribbon aboard Tabasco's Hot Tamale.
   

The multi-titled CH Bonnie Santana earned the blue in the Virginia owned class with Debbie Palmer aboard while Magnolia Morning and Suzanne Heizer took the red for Henley Gabeau and Suzanne Heizer.
   

The well-matched team of Heirithmatic and Donna Smith swept the country pleasure driving division while adding another blue and tricolor to the Blue Willow banner. Marcie VanGerven and Blue Right Through earned both red ribbons.
   

I'm Going Out Tonight and Suzanne Heizer were flawless in their three western country pleasure performances. They made all three victory passes in the championship, qualifier and the Saddle & Bridle William Shatner Western Pleasure class. Callaway's Son Of A Son and Alicia Patrick also went three-for-three earning all three red ribbons.

Equitation

With seven talented entries returning to compete for the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, riders had to be at the top of their game. The Shadow Run girls dominated with Amber Lynn Lowry earning the coveted title, Anna Horman scoring reserve honors, and Kristen Koenig making a strong performance for third.
   

In the 14-17 qualifier Kaitlyn Grom, under the direction of Michael Richardson, made the victory pass while Kristen Koenig took the reserve. Amber Lynn Lowry earned top honors in the 13 and under qualifier with stablemate Micaela Evans in for reserve. Kristen Koenig took home the blue ribbon in the USEF Medal class and Amber Lynn Lowry won the NHS Good Hands. Morgan Glenn won the UPHA Challenge Cup class under the direction of Cricket Hill.
   

Another Shadow Run performer, Anna Horman, added a blue ribbon to her resume in pleasure equitation while Maeve Tibbetts, under the direction of Cricket Hill, earned the red ribbon.
   

In the UPHA 10 and Under Walk and Trot Challenge Cup Shelby Graves was picture perfect to win the blue. She returned to win the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Equitation class under the direction of Lisa Paxton. Stablemate Emily Rhoads earned the red ribbon in the UPHA class while Spencer Alderman, who rides under the Cricket Hill banner, returned to win the red in the 10 and under class.

Friesian

With Ashley Walker aboard, Tessa Van De Zuiderwaa earned the judge's and crowd's approval as they returned to win the Friesian Under Saddle Championship for Pam Jackson after an earlier reserve. Winning the qualifier and reserve in the championship was Wals Koning and Karen Waldron.

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