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Del Mar Offers One More Reason to Visit California




by Leeann Mione

  

DEL MAR, Calif. - Picturesque locations, a terrific year-round climate, a myriad of things to see and do are just some of the reasons people come to California. This year’s Del Mar Charity Fair Horse Show provided yet one more reason, or rather 164 more reasons, to head to the Golden State the third weekend in June.
   

The Del Mar Charity Fair Horse Show is perhaps the California show circuit’s biggest and brightest gem and with increased numbers and stellar competition across the board, it sparkled this year brighter than ever.
   

One of the brightest notes of the show was the fact that the Morgan division saw increased numbers due to the return of several barns that had not been to Del Mar for several years.
   

Bob Hughes and Debi Jeppesen brought the Blackridge group and had a great horse show at Del Mar before heading to the Far West Morgan Regional. “We were treated well and really enjoyed the show,” said Jeppesen. “We will definitely plan on returning to the show next year.”
   

Gerry Rushton also brought his group and by show’s end had several winning ribbons on the tack room wall. Rushton group also headed almost immediately after Del Mar to Far West.
   

David and Laurie Young had a big group at the show and helped to make the Morgan division extremely competitive this year in several classes, as did High Pointe, Boston Morgan Farm, Miller Equestrians, Glyn-Rae Stables, Rancho Del Mar, Bugle Boy Stables, Rancho Vista and Liz Bolton Stables.
   

The Morgan division however, wasn’t the only group that faced deep water at the show. The quality of the Saddlebred division was terrific, with numerous champions in attendance. The equitation riders had several big classes, including the nine-entry Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, which was won by Ariana Corrigan from Rancho Del Mar.
   

Sandra Surber turned in a masterful drive with her Heartland Candidate in the three-entry Hackney Pony Championship for the win. Surber so often has had to show her cob tail in single-entry classes, so it was great to see a trio of top ponies in the division. The pleasure driving ponies had impressive numbers at Del Mar, with nine entries in both their championship and qualifier. Both of these classes were won by Dr. Amy Dru and Heartland Entertainment under the direction of Liz Bolton.
   

Del Mar is one of a dwindling number of multi-breed shows and also offered some unusual classes that just aren't seen much anymore. The parade classes were a big hit with the crowd as was the Concours d'elegance and the Carriage Ride and Drive Combination class. As has been evident all season on the West Coast, the Friesians were big in numbers, big in quality and had a wide variety of classes to show in. The big, black horses from Holland drew "oohs and ahhs" from the crowd more than once during the show.
   

The trio of judges in attendance at Del Mar were witness to numerous entertaining classes and top quality horseflesh during the week. Ricky Harris judged the Saddlebreds, Roadsters, Hackney Ponies, open division, parade horses and open and saddle seat equitation. Bonnie Sogoloff judged the Morgans, Morgan equitation, Carriage Driving and Academy divisions. Ted Lange judged the Friesians.
   

With great competition and lots of classes to highlight that competition, Del Mar could have certainly been called a nice horse show. The wonderful hospitality, helpful and efficient show staff, great facility and San Diego County Fair audience meant Del Mar this year could certainly be called a great horse show.
   

The really nice exhibitors’ party on Wednesday evening after the show at the Morgan Run Resort and Club drew a big crowd to enjoy the delicious buffet and peruse the numerous items available from the silent auction. Some of the items donated for the auction included two black lacquer chairs, four riding lessons with Anne Miller, a Twisted Tails horse hair bracelet, Radon jogging sheet, four San Diego Padres tickets and parking, three riding lessons with Anne Speck, an orchid arrangement, horse blanket, baby basket, single class video from Take One Video as well as several gift certificates from area restaurants.
   

The show once again benefited the Don Diego Fund and Helen Woodward Animal Center. The Don Diego Fund, created as a tribute to San Diego County Fair host Tom Hernandez, provides college scholarships to high school seniors associated with the fair and provides grants for agricultural education in San Diego County.
   

The Helen Woodward Animal Center provides a therapeutic riding program for children and adults facing physical and mental challenges. The pet encounter therapy program brings a variety of animals to patients confined in institutional settings.
   

Those in attendance at Del Mar also had the opportunity to meet dogs that were available for adoption from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
   

Tuesday evening, Linda Nicholas, of Rancho Vista, and Joan Fernandez, of Friesian Focus, put together an elaborate party for exhibitors to celebrate the Friesian Focus sale barn and the debut of Nicholas’s new Fine Harness Stallion, Wee Pee Meadows.
   

Exhibitors came in droves to enjoy the wide assortment of catered South African and Dutch inspired food served by butlers, signature cosmopolitans and chocolate martinis, and the three piece jazz band. The amount of work that went into setting up the Rancho Vista stalls was enormous, let alone the care and detail that went into the well attended party.
   

Evening parties made sure the days ended right, but the horse show staff wanted to make sure they started right as well, so a drive by hospitality cart with coffee and donuts was offered each morning of the show.
   

The junior exhibitors enjoyed a pizza party Thursday afternoon following the matinee session and everyone enjoyed the Rancho Del Mar ice cream social Thursday night after the evening session.
   

With so much to do, both at the show and after or in between sessions, it was a great help and an extra special touch that the horse show program was loaded with helpful information. If a well-done program is an indicator of a well-done horse show, then the Del Mar Charity Fair Horse Show program should have definitely led to high expectations for a great show from those in attendance.
   

With 190 pages, the program was a beautiful bound edition that included many advertisements from area businesses, descriptions of the various divisions, a complete list of exhibitors, information on the show’s beneficiaries, tributes and a day by day listing of classes and special events or presentations and hospitality. It was obvious that a lot of work and effort went into the program from the horse show staff, CFHS committee members and the man who put it all together; John Hopkins. If you wanted to find that special gift, particular store or a great place to eat, all the information you needed was right at your fingertips.
   

The Rey Vinole Orchestra, conducted by Rey Vinole, played in center ring during the show and added a nice touch. In addition, each session began with a flag ceremony which included the American Flag, American Saddlebred flag, International Friesian Show Horse Association flag, the flag of California and the Del Mar Charity Horse Show flag. Flag presenters included Kathie Dunn, Jennifer Dixon, Carolyn Melka, Susy Seamon, Friesian Focus, Logan Show Horses, Susan Guillot and Xenophon Classical Riding, Tammy Hildreth and Friesian Quest.
   

Special presentations were made during the show as well. The Barbara and Sonny Cannon Memorial Scholarship Award and the Anne T. Speck Hi Point Perpetual Trophy for the outstanding junior exhibitor saddle seat rider were given.
   

The special touches that were such an integral part of this year's show went a long way toward making owners, trainers, exhibitors and caretakers feel welcome and appreciated, but it was the opportunity to watch world class horses, ponies and exhibitors show to the best of their ability that made the 2005 Del Mar Charity Fair Horse Show bigger and better than ever.
   

 The Five-Gaited Stake belonged to the ladies this year as Helen Cherry and Peritime joined Michele Macfarlane with CCV Casey’s Final Countdown and Teri Yount with Premier’s Belief.
   

These three women know how to show off a good horse and they rode hard both ways. Del Mar’s huge outdoor ring allowed plenty of room for all three horses to stay in a good spot for judge Ricky Harris.
   

With three completely different styles, all three horses had their share of crowd support and when Harris turned in his card, it was open winner CCV Casey’s Final Countdown who took the victory pass and tricolor for the second year in a row for Macfarlane and co-owners SiSi Stables. Peritime was named the reserve grand champion for Allison Bell Cherry.
   

Sprinkles also made a repeat victory pass as she defended her title in the Amateur Five-Gaited Stake after having won the amateur/ladies class. Barbara Gaynor and CH A Champagne Affair continued their great season so far this year and turned in the reserve grand championship effort in the amateur stake under the direction of Singing Hills.
   

One of the stars of the gaited division was Callaway’s Arbitrator. Julia Martin and her sporty mount have been working hard and their hard work showed as Martin turned in the ride of her life in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited qualifier and then returned in the stake to take that victory pass with Arbitrator as well. Martin rode under the direction of Dixon Stables and, in one of her last shows in the juvenile division, made quite an impression. Kendall Weber and Jack-A-Lope have been consistent performers in the juvenile division for several years under the direction of Barbara Beamer and they captured the reserve grand championship tricolor under her direction.
   

Dan Flowers, well-known for having a nice young horse waiting in the wings, made the trip from Texas and took the victory pass in the junior class with It’s Star Spangled Hammer for owner Tony Diamond.
   

Deardorff Stables had a great weekend in Del Mar and one of their winners was Doubletrees Firecracker Too. The home-bred youngster won the three-year-old class with Allison Deardorff up for her grandfather Willard Deardorff.
   

Liz Bolton brought a big group and had numerous winners by Friday afternoon including Limit Five-Gaited Champion Highpoint’s Redwood. Bolton rode to the win for owner Genepher Ottenberg.
   

The Three-Gaited Stake featured four top contenders who came through the gate to perform for the crowd. Unfortunately, Lilly Pulitzer had to leave the class shortly after arriving due to a thrown shoe. A disappointed Cayce Marcos exited with the mare to a strong show of support by the crowd. The pair had already performed well for the reserve in the junior/novice class for owners Barbara Friedman and Lane Rabin.
   

The three remaining competitors didn’t let the break in the action slow them down one bit. Susan Valley Chen brought back Like Sunshine and they were joined by Doubletrees Classique with Teri Trujillo and Victoria Lynn with Helen Cherry.
   

Victoria Lynn followed up her win in the open class with an explosive performance to win the Three-Gaited Stake for Zazen Ranch to continue her great season so far on the road to Freedom Hall. Like Sunshine and Chen, with many, many titles to their credit, made the move from the amateur division, and the win in the amateur/ladies class, to take the open reserve tricolor under the direction of Michael Craghead.
   

CH X’s and O’s and Allison Bell Cherry added yet another tricolor to the Zazen Ranch total with their win in the Junior Exhibitor Stake. They have been a force in the juvenile division for years and their win added yet another title to their resume.
   

She’s My Desire and Julie DeVault have been unstoppable since teaming up late last year and they made just one appearance in the junior exhibitor division but it was a winning one. Bill Tomin directed the pair to the win in the juvenile qualifier for DeVault Farms LLC.
   

Hawaiian Orchid won the four-entry Junior/Novice Three-Gaited class with Lineke Kereluk up for Caroline Kereluk and Karl Teushcl.
   

Dan Flowers made another winning presentation with a rising young star and took the victory pass in the three-year-old class with It’s Prince Hammer for Chris Tresten to close out the division.
   

Teri Yount has had a 2005 full of ups and downs so far but Del Mar provided plenty of ups for the Barry Yount Stables group. One of those highlights was Yount’s sweep of the park division with Lucky’s Revelation. Yount took the victory pass in both the Three-Gaited Park Stake and the open class. Jigsaw Johnny and owner Nancy Moreno were the reserve grand champions under the direction of Dan Flowers.
   

The fine harness division showcased a great group of horses in virtually every class. The Fine Harness Open Stake, with four strong contenders, was one of the best classes of the division. No Jacket Required, Delay, Nelmar Tango 4 Ever and Kalarama’s On A Roll came through the gate.
   

Jack Reich, the only amateur of the group, had Kalarama’s On A Roll in top order after competing in the junior/novice class. No Jacket Required and Sally Spalding have a multitude of titles in the amateur division to their credit and Michael Craghead brought the big bay gelding back in the open stake in hopes of adding that title to his total. Delay, winner of the open class, was as powerful as ever in an effort to follow up his earlier victory. Nelmar Tango 4 Ever has made a successful transition to the fine harness division this season and came into the stake having won the junior/novice class with Gene van der Walt in the buggy.
   

When Ricky Harris turned in his card it was No Jacket Required and Craghead taking the title back to Diamond Hills for Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Spalding. Delay was the reserve grand champion for Scripps Miramar.
   

Dorian Warrior’s Song has represented Singing Hills in the winner’s circle numerous times and Bill Blacklaw turned in a strong drive with his flashy South African entry to win the Amateur Fine Harness Stake. Sass With Class has been a star since she came on the scene as a youngster and Heather Greenbaum had the mare looking good for the reserve grand championship for Emerald Hills Ranch after a victory pass in the amateur class.
   

Kendall Weber was a busy young lady at Del Mar and took the title in the ASHAF Fine Harness Youth Driving Challenge with The Savoy for Seaview Farm.
   

Gail Hooker’s Heir About Him looks to have a bright future and with Bill Tomin driving, won the three-year-old class with a powerful performance.
   

Air Force One looked better than ever as Jim Nottage mastered the big ring with ease and piloted the roadster star to both the Road Horse To Bike Championship and open win under the Deardorff Stables banner.
   

Bill Tomin continued Rockridge’s great show with two solid performances with PTO to take the reserve streamers in the Roadster To Bike Stake.
   

Smart Charlie and Joan Richardson went to the top of the class in the Roadster Pony Championship for the third year in a row after previously winning the open class amongst a solid group of competitors. What Luck and Sandra Surber are always right in the mix and they teamed up for the reserve championship under the direction of Dixon Stables.
   

Silent Partner and Aliyah Asch, with a proven reputation in the division, added a win at Del Mar in the under saddle class, for owner Joy Lazarus, to their long list of victories in their career together.
   

Impress My Daddy and Barbara Blacklaw continued the Singing Hills win list with the Harness Pony Championship and open wins.
   

Sandra Surber and Heartland Candidate are often forced to perform alone in the Hackney Pony classes so it was great to see a trio of top cob tails in the Hackney Pony Championship and qualifier. Surber and her pony swept the division under the direction of Bruce and Jennifer Dixon. Barbara Blacklaw was behind yet another top pony and she drove Stately Affair to the reserve tricolor.
   

Heartland ponies finished in the top two slots in the competitive pleasure driving division. Dr. Amy Barmeier Dru and Heartland Entertainment were met by trainer Liz Bolton after they won both classes under her direction and bested five other top ponies both times. Heartland Entitled, owned by Yvette Scandling, was reserve in the championship with Sandra Surber driving.
   

Seamair’s Awesome Dancer and Julie DeVault added the win in the AHHS Pleasure Driving Pony Youth Medallion class to their list of wins in their career together under the direction of Greg Carstens.
   

Joanne Weiner and CH Because You’re Mine turned in two strong performances to win the competitive five-entry Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship and six-entry qualifier. Getting better and better each time out, the team continued their successful partnership under the direction of Rockridge Farm. I Don’t Remember and Toni Nickell were right there for the reserve grand championship title under the direction of Anne Speck.
   

Picante and Debbie Tomin were the team to beat in both the Park Pleasure Championship and open class and they topped a great group of proven competitors both times. Makin’ A Splash and Cayce Marcos were also solid and they finished with the reserve title in the championship for Dr. Amy Barmeier Dru.
   

Doubletrees Avalanche, by Avant and out of Baked Alaska by Chubasco, won the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for owner Sally Nottage with Allison Deardorff riding.
   

Debbie Tomin wasn’t done winning yet. She and Ultrasuede put together yet another division sweep for Rockridge Farm when Harris named them the winners of the Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship and adult qualifier. The championship, with 12 entries, was the largest class of the show and the deep water made everyone ride hard in an effort to impress Harris. Heirilee and Barbara Blacklaw claimed the reserve tricolor with a strong team effort in the big class.
   

CH French Silk Stockings’s impressive record in the junior exhibitor pleasure division continued at Del Mar. Loni Fuller guided her mare to two more victories under the Rockridge Farm banner and like fellow Rockridge competitors CH Because You’re Mine, Picante and Ultrasuede faced stellar competition on the way to both victory trips.
   

Julia Chen and Magic March also have a solid reputation in the juvenile pleasure ranks and they added the reserve grand championship title to their credit from Diamond Hills.
   

Anne Speck had a large group of winning competitors at Del Mar including Natalie Armstrong-Grunnan and Penny’s Charm. The Rancho Del Mar-trained team won the nine-entry 10 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class for Barbara Franson.
   

Kelli Mealey rode Still Champagne to the win in the limit rider class for owner Ashley Hallock and topped a class of seven entries under the direction of Dave Hysaw and Bugle Boy Stables.
   

Silversmith, trained by Liz Bolton, won the five-entry Three-Gaited Pleasure Limit Horse class with Beth Jupp riding for the Kilbourne family.
   

It’s Good Karma and Julie Greenbaum Belgrad have already been to the winner’s circle this season and they were unstoppable on their way to the win in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier under the direction of Roman and Cayce Marcos. Katie Richardson had Worthy Prince in top form for the reserve grand championship from Seamair Farm.
   

CH Advantage Me carried Aliyah Asch to another Del Mar victory when Harris named them the winners of the ASHAF Show Pleasure Driving Youth Challenge class for the second year in a row under the direction of Joy Lazarus.
   

Rachael Stokes and Friesian Marijn v.d. Vier Ambachtshoeve won the Open English Pleasure Stake for owner Jacqui Young-Barikan, scoring a nice move up in the ribbons. From the junior exhibitor ranks, Brave New World and Madeleine McManus were the reserve grand champions for owner Alexa Malott. Liz Bolton directed the reserve pair.
   

Friesian Focus was part of the focus of the extravagant and well-attended party on Tuesday evening at the Rancho Vista stalls and they had even more reason to celebrate later on in the week. Trainer Lance Bennett rode Floris van Horp to the win in the eight-entry Open English Pleasure qualifier for Friesian Focus.
   

Miss Rose Marie and Elizabeth Campbell teamed up with a solid effort to win the Amateur English Pleasure Stake for owner Marie Krombholz. Kendall Weber and Warwick Castle  moved up in the ribbons and finished with the reserve tricolor for Patrick Weber.
   

VVM Litigator and Beau Rash, from Rancho Del Mar, won the even bigger nine-entry amateur qualifier and topped a talented group on the way to the winner's circle.
   

Altadena Starlight topped the biggest open division English Pleasure class of all, the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure qualifier. Laura Denenholz rode to victory in the 10-entry class under the Altadena Stables banner for owner Judy Denenholz.
   

Halstead’s Vibrance and Elsa Mikkelsen came out in championship style and form and they drove away with the Pleasure Driving Championship to prove it. Ron Goldman drove Ronald to the reserve title for Black Sterling Friesians. GMH Flash Dance and Frank Miller won the open class for Giesick Morgan Horses.
   

Michele Macfarlane scored her third divisional sweep at Del Mar when Sunlight and Shadows was named the Country Pleasure Grand Champion after winning the qualifier for Scripps Miramar with two strong performances. Doug Cason, like Macfarlane, has made a name for himself in the division and he rode Decorated Lady RKR and to the reserve tricolor streamers from Dixon Stables.
   

Glami Phi and Kendall Weber topped the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Stake for Angelina Cotzey under the Sabino Equestrian Center banner. The Lyttle family had an award winning weekend in Del Mar, in part due to Samantha’s good ride with CH Radiant Love R.W.F. to claim the junior exhibitor win in the qualifier and the reserve grand championship title in the stake.
   

Showing under the direction of Derek Repp, Fair Hills Mountain Man, owned and bred by Linda Brittan, took the top prize in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship after having won the qualifier. Brittan turned in both drives to defeat a trio of strong competitors each time. Ashley Hallock and Sweet Intention put together the reserve effort in the championship, showing under the Scripps Miramar banner.
   

Once again this year, the western pleasure division was large and competitive. The nine-entry Western Country Pleasure Stake featured a great group of entries and veteran riders but when the card was turned in, it was Doug Glick and his multi-titled qualifier winner CH Fiasco taking the victory pass for Carolyn Glick. This pair was trained to the win by Diamond Hills. Bob Nugent and El Patron turned in a strong effort for the reserve tricolor from Rockridge Farm.
   

Desert's July Celebration and James Knapp topped the five-entry Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class and Kathleen March rode Winning Wide Web to the blue ribbon in the Saddle & Bridle Working Western Pleasure class. Desert's July Celebration won the five-entry Junior/Novice Western Country Pleasure class with Knapp riding, earlier in the week.
   

Fletcher's Black Boy, with owner Ted Gallegos up, won the Open Western Pleasure Stake and topped a trio of entries for the win. Arundel's Bay Boy and Nicole Johnson took the reserve for Anne Speck after having won the open class.
   

Susan Valley Chen went to the winner's circle twice more, but this time with Shiseido in both the Hunter Country Pleasure Stake and qualifier for owner John Barry.
   

One of the few shows offering parade classes, Del Mar offered a picturesque setting for the elaborately decorated entries that were a big hit with the crowd. Michele Macfarlane's entry Rocket Dude claimed the championship win with Sean Keller riding. Keller, a marine who served in Iraq, made easy work of the class and rode like a pro, despite the fact that he's only been riding for less than a year.
   

I'm W.O Bentley and Kathie Dunn, not only won the qualifier and finished as the reserve grand champions, they also carried the American flag in opening ceremonies during the show. Bentley's story gets even better; he was rescued by Dunn and has proven to be a kind and versatile show ring campaigner.
   

Rancho Del Mar riders definitely made their presence known in the equitation division, winning a multitude of classes under Anne Speck's direction. In one of the biggest equitation championships this season, nine riders came through the gate in hopes of earning the coveted tricolor. The decorated group of riders put on a great show for their rail work and four riders were asked to perform the workout. Qualifier winner in the 14-17 group Ariana Corrigan, Taylor Sams and Samantha Lyttle, from Rancho Del Mar, and Siri Hadland from Monarch Stables, rode like true veterans in the big ring.        
   

When the results were announced it was Grand National Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Champion Ariana Corrigan, riding I Do Believe In Spooks, taking the title. Corrigan had another prestigious honor at the show. She was named Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Saddle Seat Rider and was presented with the Anne T. Speck Hi Point Perpetual Trophy.
   

Grand National Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Champion Taylor Sams and Shermandell Asgard exited with the reserve tricolor and Hadland finished with the yellow ribbon riding CH Blue Ridge Miles.
   

Samantha Lyttle and CH Radiant Love R.W.F. added the blue ribbon from the 13 and under age group to their win count and Deborah Jude rode Festival Jazzman to the win in the 17 and Under Maiden Riders class for Frank and Ann Miller.
   

Natalie Armstrong-Grunnan made it two for two when she won the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Equitation class riding Penny's Charm. The walk and trot class was a great one in the division with eight talented young riders competing.
   

The 4-7 Lead Line Walk and Trot class was tied and the blue ribbon went to McKenzie Sudeghi, riding Joe Perry, under the direction of Teri Yount.
   

Ariana Corrigan and fellow Rancho Del Mar rider Jacqueline Beck finished in the top two slots in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal class which hosted five entries. Corrigan claimed the win and Beck, riding Con Teco Starlight, finished with the reserve.
   

Mackenzie Lyttle won the UPHA 17 and Under Challenge Cup with her mount Mille Grazie for owner Carolyn Melka. Siri Hadland was reserve in the six-entry class.
   

The adult challenge cup featured a trio of riders and Christy Mallory won the class with Park Grand Champion Lucky's Revelation. Lane Rabin rode Susie Serenade to the reserve for owner Hannah Rahav from Emerald Hills Ranch.
   

The Morgan division showcased great stock and the increased number of Morgans competing this year was one of the things that made Del Mar such a great show. Although the park saddle classes and park harness classes were light, the English pleasure, pleasure driving and classic pleasure divisions all featured some well-filled classes and the talent across the board was apparent.
   

Debbie Uecker Keough and Granprix won the Park Saddle Stake and were followed in the ribbons by qualifier winner and fellow Gerry Rushton Stables-trained team, DU Absolutely Courageous and Rachel Miller.
   

HVK Ancient City and Helen Crawford, from Boston Morgan Farm, won the Park Harness Stake and amateur class under the direction of Carolyn Crawford Dillon. Gerry Rushton drove Stonecroft Notorious to the win in the Junior Park Harness class for Greg and Linda Miller.
   

Keough was back in the winner's circle in the English Pleasure Stake with novice horse winner Mazatlan. Dave Hysaw, of Bugle Boy Stables, rode CTM Grand Premier to the reserve tricolor for Kevin Worsley. Powerpoint and David Young were the open class champions for Laurette Walsh.
   

UVM Farrah and Linda Sheridan took top honors in the ladies class under the direction of David Young.
   

The amateurs and junior exhibitors showed together for their stake class after having individual qualifiers. Junior exhibitors claimed the top two ribbons in the stake with RWF Miss Saigon and Katherine Cota taking the victory pass after their win in the juvenile qualifier earlier in the week under the direction of Frank Miller. On The Move was reserve with Jacqueline Beck. CCR's Outrajus Corajus and Karie Miller, from Gerry Rushton Stables, won the amateur qualifier.
   

BJ Shafer, of High Point Farm, directed Savannah Sturm and Festival Atomic Energy to the win in the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class which hosted four talented young riders.
   

Bob Hughes drove SLB Andiamo to the Pleasure Driving Championship for SLB Farms. The win was the second of the week for Andiamo. Hughes had previously driven to victory in the junior/novice horse class. FRF Exodus and David Young were reserve for Connie and Laura Locher. Sublime Faith and Gerry Rushton won the open class for Kari Johnston.
   

Helen Crawford added two more victories to her total with her sweep of the ladies pleasure driving division. She drove Smith & Wesson to both victories. Dreammaster J'st Sharper and Noelle Renouf were reserve in the ladies championship for Bill and Connie Myers from Gerry Rushton Stables.
   

Outrajus Corajus and Karie Miller switched gears from the English pleasure division and went to the winner's circle in the amateur pleasure driving class.
   

Kingsgrove Lord of Rings and Gerry Rushton won the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier for Delores Nickel to close out the pleasure driving division.
   

Geoffrey Longenecker and HVK Baymarch competed with Air Force One and PTO for their Morgan Roadster to Bike Championship and qualifier. Although both the championship and qualifier were combined with the other entries, ribbons were awarded for both classes.
   

Abracabam and Leslie Hurst, from Boston Morgans, topped one of the most competitive classes for the Morgan exhibitors, the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stake. Nine top entries came through the gate to show in front of Bonnie Sogoloff, and put on a great show for the crowd. VVM Litigator and Beau Rash won the eight-entry qualifier before returning in the stake for the reserve prize under the direction of Rancho Del Mar.
   

Atticus and Laura Dorwart won the ladies class which showcased five entries. Dorwart showed under the direction of Liz Bolton.
   

Almost An Angel and Malia Meyer won the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle class under the direction of B. J. Shafer.
   

Key West and Connie Locher made it a clean sweep by winning both the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier amongst a talented group of six entries in both classes. Valerosa Immortal Dancer and Caprice Soltice Zoumeras, from Miller Equestrian, were reserve in the championship for owner Ann Ryan.
   

SP Peppertime and Jerry Estep won the Amateur Western Pleasure class and then came back in the open championship to take that tricolor as well, topping three other hard riding competitors both times. Novice Horse/Rider Champion Festival Atomic Energy and Malia Meyer were the reserve grand champions and Festival Casanova won the open class with Ted Gallegos.
   

Treble's Fancy Fellow and Leslie Hurst won the Hunter Pleasure Stake and amateur class for owner Tiffany Decker from Boston Morgans. Talamar Enstarment and Allison Smallridge were the open champions and were met in the winner's circle by David Young. They returned in the stake to be named the reserve winners.
   

Ariana Corrigan added two more equitation wins to her total at Del Mar. With her Morgan, Festival Troubador, she won the 17 and under class and also the six-entry AMHA Saddle Seat Medal. The 17 and under class was talent-filled with eight poised and polished riders. Taylor Sams and Shermandell Asgard were reserve in both the equitation class and the medal class.
    

Sheridan Sturm won the four-entry walk and trot equitation class with Season's Major Firewall. Savannah Sturm and Atomic Energy were second for the one-two punch.
   

The Friesians had a multitude of classes to compete in and they were a big hit with the audience whether showing under saddle or in their driving classes.
   

Ronald earned the tricolor and title in the Friesian English Pleasure Saddle Seat Championship for Janna and Ron Goldman and was followed by Radbout for Michele and Debbie Salta.
   

Trainer Lance Bennett rode Wodan van Klaverfjouwer to the blue ribbon in the English pleasure qualifier for Friesian Focus. Meine van de Ridderdijk added two more blue ribbons to the Saltas’ total with the win in the Junior Exhibitor/Amateur English Pleasure Saddle Seat Championship and qualifier. Kathryn Moore was in the irons both times. Radbout was reserve with Marissa Thalmayer up and Rachael Stokes with Paulus fan'e Achterwei took the victory pass in the Friesian English Pleasure Hunt Seat class, also for Michele and Debbie Salta.
   

Doeke H. and Cathryn Hager and Sil with Joan Fernandez both added blue ribbons to the Friesian Focus count. Doeke won the Friesian Walk-Trot Under Saddle Open class and Sil won the amateur class. Haley Hirschhorn and Floris van Nienke won the 10 and under walk and trot class for Karl Hirschhorn.
   

Indigo and Richard Snavely, in seven trips to the ring, never finished lower than second and in fact, won the Friesian Single Pleasure Driving Working Championship, Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Championship and carriage pleasure driving qualifier.
   

Watse and Jennifer Dixon won the Friesian Single Pleasure Driving Working class and returned in the working championship to claim the reserve streamers for Karl Hirschhorn.
   

Marin v.d. Vier Ambachtshoeve, with Walter Moore, claimed the win in the Friesian Single Pleasure Driving Amateur Working Championship for Jaqui Young-Barikan.
   

Frank Buckley and the team of Sytse Stonecreek and Watse won the Friesian Pairs Working Championship and open class to add two more wins to the Hirschhorn family total.
   

Up-t 'fan Panhuys and Janna Goldman won the Friesian Dressage Hack class, amateur show hack and dressage suitability classes under the Black Sterling Friesians' banner. Hook and Margo Lee topped four other entries in the entertaining Friesian Period Costume class.
   

Nonning and Valerie Daidah displayed their skills in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Reinsmanship class to earn the blue ribbon and returned in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Championship to be named the reserve grand champions. Floris van Nienke and Frank Buckley claimed the blue ribbon in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout class which showcased four entries.
   

The part-bred Friesians had two classes to compete in and Made In America won both of them. Becky Crowder accepted the blue ribbons in the Part Bred Friesian English Pleasure Hunt Seat class and Part Bred Friesian Dressage Hack class for owners Jeane and Joann Acker.
   

The Concours d'Elegance was one of the highlights of the carriage driving division. It provided yet another reason for the San Diego County Fair crowd to stay and watch an already great horse show. The class, which isn't often seen, featured a trio of entries including Don Trunk driving Michele Macfarlane's antique coach and a four-horse hitch of matched, spotted Saddlebreds.
   

Like Thunder and Texas Gunslinger, owned by Macfarlane, with Astra Music and Thunder Country, owned by Elisabeth Goth, stepped in harmony as Trunk drove to the winner's circle accompanied by the appreciative applause from the audience. Trunk drove Raffia Rose early in the week to the win in the Carriage Obstacle Driving Gambler's Choice class.
   

The Carriage Ride and Drive class was another unusual class that added to the appeal of the show for those that came to show and those that came to watch. Bruce Dixon and Sytse Stonecreek were joined by Indigo and Richard Snavely and Jennifer Dixon with Floris vann Nienke. All three entries came through the gate in harness for the first part of the class and after performing both ways of the ring, lined up to be unhitched and saddled up. After performing under saddle, Sytse Stonecreek and Bruce Dixon were called out as the winners for Karl Hirschhorn.
   

Unusual, crowd-appealing classes, first rate stock across the board and terrific hospitality all added up to make the Del Mar Charity one of California's brightest gems. With the appearance of long-time Del Mar barns that support the show and the return of several barns after an absence of several years, this year's show can definitely be called one of the best Del Mar Charity Fair Horse Shows in recent years.
   

Complete results can be found in the Show Results section of this website.

 

(Editor's Note: Results were only available from the horse show for the first place entries in the academy division.)


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