2003 Divisional
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
ENGLISH PLEASURE
The English Pleasure featured a phenomenal group of veteran Oklahoma winners battling for supremacy in what were some of the most entertaining classes on record. All sections of the country were well represented in the winner's circle in this much applauded division.
Saturday night's Open English Pleasure World Championship was the grand finale of the division and it was grand in every way. Unlike last years wide open 23 horse field that featured horses from throughout the division, this years group was highlighted by seven outstanding open competitors. The excellence of the horses performing was seen in Tuesday's qualifiers where each of the stallion, mare and gelding winners was chosen by a resounding unanimous decision of the judging panel.
Following the intense railwork in Saturday night's Open English Pleasure World Championship, the entries were lined up for conformation judging. As the judges walked the line to get numbers, the audience sensed there would be a workout and indeed there was. The judges sent three entries back to the rail to the enthusiastic cheers of the audience. Three horses with world championship résumés representing different styles and sections of the country readied themselves for the battle for supremacy.
Each of the trainers had a little more room to put their horses where they wanted and try to make that winning pass. The crowd cheered on its favorites to an almost fever pitch. The horses and their riders had given their all and were lined up one final time. After the horses were retired, the cards were tabulated, and the winner was crowned in unanimous fashion. Just as he had taken the show by storm a year ago in harness, CCR's Outrajus Corajus earned his second set of world grand championship roses. The charismatic bay was teamed by Stacy Hennessy for the breathtaking victory as Open English Pleasure World Grand Champion for Karie Miller. The CCR's Grand Command son was untouchable from beginning to end as he started off the show with the unanimous victory in the English Pleasure Stallions displaying his style, presence and fluid movement.
The ultra-expressive Prediction continued her string of Oklahoma honors with two more scintillating performances this year. Scott Thacker had the DBA Street Talk daughter primed to earn the Open English Pleasure Reserve World Championship for the second year in a row. This followed her much applauded repeat unanimous victory in the English Pleasure Mares for Amy Wilson Scott's Tall Tails Farm.
Whispering Whammunition, the stunning 2001 Amateur English Pleasure World Champion with owner Elizabeth Melanson, was given a bold ride by Michelle Nelson to the cheers of his enthusiastic fan club. He was rewarded with the third place finish in the world championship following the reserve finish in the stallion class with his much revered beauty, type and style on center stage.
Tuesday's open qualifiers also featured an entertaining group of geldings. This was the site of the week's opening win for world champion Silversides Toy Soldier and Krista Dent. This game little dynamo was all show horse as Dent piloted him to the unanimous victory to begin what would be an unforgettable week for owner Mary Fisher. Wyatt DeHart had the fronty bay HVK Drive Em Crazy looking through the bridle on the way to the reserve finish in this competitive class for Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.
The English Pleasure Mares featured a sweep of the top two positions by DBA Street Talk daughters for the second year in a row. Prediction's winning performance this year was followed by the charismatic Cache. Kurt Hufferd called on the five-year-old bay and she responded with a fine performance for the unanimous reserve for Indian Creek Farm.
Sunday night's Amateur English Pleasure World Championship featured an all star lineup boasting tricolor winners from throughout the nation. This was the night that the South had the last word as Silversides Toy Soldier and Mary Fisher ascended to the world championship. It was their night to shine, and their brilliance lit up the ring. It was a special victory for Fisher and her mother Talmadge Silversides who bred the six-year-old and for trainer Krista Dent who has guided the crowd pleasing Hollybrook Wham Bam son. This rose adorned victory followed their winning ride for the second year in a row in the 16 entry Amateur English Pleasure Geldings.
Top riding Allyson Nord-Wandtke and her scintillating, black Heavens Mikala are always top competitors with tremendous ring savvy. They began the week in Oklahoma by capturing the Amateur English Pleasure Mares for the second year in a row over a lovely group of 10. They kept their momentum through the championship round to be named Amateur English Pleasure Reserve World Champions to close another memorable season directed by Mike Goebig.
Thursday's qualifying rounds of the amateur pleasure division started things off with the stallions first to do battle. The much heralded team of HVK Man About Town and Kevin Schengrund continued their winning streak in the Oklahoma coliseum. This captivating Noble Flaire son fronts up like no other and was well matched with his rider for the win directed by Luman Wadhams. The always entertaining Liberation Instant Replay and Jan Evans continuing a banner season with the reserve finish in this competition for the second year in a row under the Grove Pointe banner.
The 16 entry Amateur English Pleasure Geldings was the largest of the three qualifiers with some high powered competition. This class featured a memorable reserve ride for the veteran world champion Montbelle Skywalker and owner Lynn Muir under the colors of Merriehill Farm. They enjoyed a great ride in the gallant gelding's final show to collect an outstanding reserve finish to Toy Soldier and Mary Fisher.
The refined bay CEN Go French teamed up with the talents of Terry Jones Brennan for another strong Oklahoma finish. They garnered the reserve tie in the Amateur English Pleasure Mares behind Heavens Mikala and Allyson Nord-Wandtke. Go French performed for Judy Caldwell's Rancho Rio Grande directed by Ralph Stuart, III.
The competition in the English pleasure division was more spread around this year due to the addition of a new division, the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure division. A total of 20 horses filled the two qualifiers with most moving over from the amateur or ladies divisions to test the new waters. The world championship announcement was a dream come true for Simple Dreams and Elaine Galatz. The Tug Hill Celebrity daughter fit the division to a tee as she became the first to wear the crown as Ladies Amateur English Pleasure World Champion over a grand field of 15. They began the week on a winning note as Harold Angell directed them to the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Mares win for Vegas Valley Morgans. The super sporty Lookaway's Hot Ticket and Linda Stewart earned their own rose adorned victory pass with the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Reserve World Championship. Brian Stewart guided them to the reserve finish in the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Geldings as well for Lookaway Farm.
Monday's qualifying round also featured a monumental victory for world champion Aspenglow Genesis and owner Brenda Varney. Rick Stevens did a fantastic job preparing horse and rider for the memorable victory in the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Geldings. HVK Obsidian and Ling Fu Wylie added their good looks and style to the division as they collected the reserve prize in the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Mares under the Rock Walker Stables banner for Dragonsmeade.
Dragonsmeade has the honor of owning an imperial string of Morgan show mares. Their elegance, style and athleticism were showcased by Ladies English Pleasure World Champion Cedar Creek Soliloquy who continued a phenomenal show for Dragonsmeade, Cedar Creek Farm and rider Judy Whitney. Everything was coming up roses for this winning team as Scott Gunberg prepared his first world champion for victory under the riding talents of the lady who has ridden more Morgan world champions than any other. They started the week off with a good indication of things to come as they bested the field in the Ladies English Pleasure Mares. Anne Benson and FCF Coeur De Lion enjoyed another round of Oklahoma honors this year. They delivered the Ladies English Pleasure Reserve World Championship as well as the reserve tie in the gelding qualifier to Jeffrey Smeed.
The qualifying round in the ladies division saw the top placings in the gelding class reserved for New England entries. Rosalie Leary had the fronty Lilac Hill Under Fire cranked up for a captivating ride to earn the top honors. This pair performed for Ann Coney under the direction of Jean DeGutis. AMHF Absolut Celebration has been lightly shown, but she made her presence known in Oklahoma with her beautiful way of going to capture the reserve tie in the Ladies English Pleasure Mares. Joyce Swanson had the riding assignment on Louis Paul Lepine's Chandel Absolut daughter.
The Youth English Pleasure Finals featured a group of horses who matched the description of this class - as the horses are to perform to the specifications of the open division, but under the riding talents of the under 21 set. There doesn't seem to be a division that doesn't have Merriehill Hooligan as the very definition. The one of a kind chestnut continues to be the favorite of the fans and the judges as he proved by adding the Youth English Pleasure Finals Championship to his unmatched record of show ring accomplishments. Hooligan was reunited with his rider of the past two seasons Christin Ramsey for the first time since their 2001 World Championship victory to earn the tricolor honors directed by David Rand for Michael and Nancy Ramsey. A pair of game chestnuts who are veterans of many show ring accolades collected the tricolors from this competition. J. Travis Higgins and Fire And Brimstone stepped up in their first season out of the junior exhibitor division with a bold ride for reserve honors. They brought the title back to the Triumph Stables banner.
Friday afternoon's World Champion Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 competition featured the largest and certainly one of the most competitive groups of the week. Twenty-two entries answered the call to the coliseum with top performing horses and their talented young jockeys making great passes all around the ring. As expected it was quite an exciting class! However, with junior exhibitor entries no longer being stripped and the judges not electing to have a workout, it was a much quicker class than it has been the last several years.
There was jubilation at Hardwood Creek Stable as Cabot French Pepper and Alexandra Wille-Irmiter were ushered into the winner's circle in their final junior exhibitor performance. The white frosted Futurity French Command son added this impressive victory to his 1998 Open English Pleasure World Championship for owner Richard Cecchettini. This pair began the week with the reserve tie in an outstanding 15 horse 16-17 qualifier.
The Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 World Championship was a tricolor sweep for the heartland as FCF Immortal Affair and Stephanie Jones finished out their junior exhibitor career with the reserve world title. They stayed bright and in charge with the reserve victory pass directed by Phil Fountain for Dr. Robert Jones.
The grand lineup of top ten finishers in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 World Championship featured; Kiss N Tell and Etosha Moh, Rowenda French Twist and Caitlynn Ramsey, Hylee's Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans, Robert E. Lee and Christin Ramsey, Noteworthy's Nobel Heir and Erin Armada, Key Criterion and Sara McKay, Cedar Creek Legality and Caitlin Harrison, and True Gold and Katie Brempelis.
The qualifiers for the 14-17 world championship started off the week on a high note on Monday. The 14-15 class was first on tap with the chance to compete for an Oklahoma victory pass. Hylee's Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans made their first Oklahoma performance together a memorable one. Their synchronized performance garnered them top honors in a first season filled with great triumphs under the Moreland Farm banner. Following her well chronicled partnership with Merriehill Hooligan, Christin Ramsey moved over to a new world titled mount for this years junior exhibitor competition. She formed a sleek and stylish team with Robert E. Lee for the reserve tie prepared by David Rand.
The 16-17 riders were next to compete as 15 accomplished pairings rode hard for their chance in the winner's circle. Kiss N Tell and Etosha Moh were in command of the ring as they stepped down the straight-aways in style. The elegant six-year-old mare and her talented rider added the well deserved honors to the winning banner at Gerry Rushton Stables.
The Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under World Championship was just as high powered as that of the older riders. The winning announcement was a dream come true for Brittany Balletto as she and her perfectly matched R-Royale Topic were indeed the best in the world. They were greeted in the winner's circle by an elated Mark Bodnar, as he coached his first personal world champion in a class that he himself won in 1989 with Medomak King Cobra. Balletto and the Tedwin Topic son first captured the judges' attention in their winning ride in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 11 & Under, which comes in just their first season out of the walk-trot division. Zachary T. Howa had a show to remember with his two wonderful geldings. Mounted on the handsome and charismatic Rum Brook Immortal Mystic, he turned in a great ride to earn the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under Reserve World Championship over a field of 14 to the cheers of the Arcuri Stables box.
The Junior Exhibitor 12-13 English Pleasure featured a lucky field of 13 vying for a spot in the Oklahoma winner's circle, and the winning number belonged to 501, that's Marin Five-O-One. Christopher Rushton and Marin Five-O-One have been on a winning streak all season long, and Oklahoma was no exception. These two form a perfect partnership of boldness and determination as they proved in their victorious ride orchestrated by Missy Rushton-Hanover for proud owner Priscilla Moore. SBS Power Play and Nicole Evans represented the east with a top ride to command the reserve honors. They led off a memorable Monday afternoon for the Evans sisters under the direction of the Morrells of Moreland Farm. The 11 and under competition saw top riding Alyssa Wick team up with Mirabel's Dartanyan for the reserve finish to R-Royale Topic and Brittany Balletto.
The walk-trot riders had a busy Friday schedule as both their equitation and performance classes were jammed into the schedule within hours of one another. This schedule did not seem to bother DDM Nightwind and Rachel Keidan in the least. They were well prepared to handle the competition and the schedule as they earned their second tricolor of the day. In her first season competing, Keidan showed the promise of a bright future in earning the Grand National Walk-Trot English Pleasure 10-11 Finals win directed by Old Orchard Farm. Salem Shazam celebrated the ten year anniversary of his first Oklahoma triumph by teaming up with his rider Jordan Schucart for another tricolor celebration. Together they carried the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 10-11 Reserve Championship back to the Cedar Spring banner.
Stacia Klein had many reasons to enjoy her second trip to Oklahoma. Matched with her handsome Outrageous Courageous, Klein topped the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 9 & Under Finals to earn her second Oklahoma tricolor in as many years with Tim and Jean Arcuri directing her to the winner's circle. Carissa Cartelli proved she is as tough as she is cute as she piloted W. Hayden MacDougall to his second tricolor of the day. They added the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 9 & Under Reserve Championship to their sterling résumé coached by Rick Stevens for Fathers And Sons.
A bevy of outstanding competition took place in the young horse ranks and the classes kept railbirds talking throughout the show. The Four-Year-Old English Pleasure World Championship was a classic tricolor battle between the best from throughout the nation, but it came down to a tricolor repeat from Northampton. The scheduling of the world championship on Wednesday night made it the first of the week and scarcely gave the horses time to recuperate from their qualifying performances.
Luman Wadhams continued his winning ways with the youngsters as he had the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure World Champion mount for the second year in a row. AKM Manhattan and Wadhams first paired up for the Junior English Pleasure Championship in Northampton for new owner Margaret McKnight Karrh. The Man About Town LPS son turned in another stylish ride to best a very competitive field of 16 to send the roses and tricolor down to Florida for the second year in a row. Cindy Nord's string of world champions continued in 2002 as Turning PT Simply Divine added the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Reserve World Championship to her résumé. The Tara's Cherokee daughter began the week with a victory pass in the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Mares with Mike Goebig in the irons.
Monday morning's qualifiers featured an impressive lineup of 14 vying for top honors in the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings. The victory had international implications as Monnington Titian earned a return trip to Oklahoma's victory lane. With his breeders, the Bulmers from Great Britain on hand as well as his currents owners the Silvermans, Titian and Larry Bolen had plenty of support for their dynamic winning ride. AKM Manhattan and Luman Wadhams warmed up with the reserve finish in this entertaining competition for Margaret McKnight Karrh.
The Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Mares saw Venus Rising rise up with an excellent performance to garner the reserve finish to Turning PT Simply Divine. Kurt Hufferd offered the ride aboard Phil and Gloria Blevins' DBA Street Talk daughter for the second place ribbon along with one first place vote. The highest of honors and praise have been awarded to Haute Couture all season long, and he came to Oklahoma in the role of the favorite. This impressive High-Y Black Tie son lived up to all expectations and advance billing in his two Oklahoma performances. Missy Rushton-Hanover turned in two determined rides aboard Priscilla Moore's prized youngster to earn a matching set of world championship roses and tricolors. They captured the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure World Championship following the unanimous victory in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure World Futurity Championship. Boston Big Whammy received a lot of attention in his performance as Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Futurity Reserve World Champion. Forest Nealon had Brian and Elaine Davis' Tug Hill Whamunition son in top order in just his second show under saddle to collect the reserve tricolor streamers.
Mike Carpenter had a remarkable string of three-year-olds this season, and they each earned a spot in the Oklahoma winner's circle for their efforts. Carpenter was aboard Luanne Piccione's dashing white trimmed Just Jack FM to garner top honors in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings. Bill and Shirley Haas' elegant Rare Obsession was Carpenter's mount for the reserve honors in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Mares. When the championship round came, Nikki Rae Woodworth was called on to present Rare Obsession. Their partnership resulted in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Reserve World Championship.
World Champion Futurity's Miss Munitions seems to light up on the Oklahoma stage. Stan Bodnar prepared the feminine bay for her second trip of the week to the winner's circle as she topped the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Mares for Gaeton and Cindy Lorino's Cingate Morgans. David Torrey had his young mount on target for an outstanding performance as Tamarisk On Target earned the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings Reserve Championship for an excited Vita Zodin and Tamarisk Morgans. PLEASURE DRIVING
The Pleasure Driving division in Oklahoma featured the nation's top contenders vying for high honors throughout. The youngsters as well as the veteran competitors were an outstanding blend of proven champions and rising stars. Each time the gate swung open it was a new ball game with the drivers and their horses ready to give their all to bring home the victor's spoils.
As in most of the open divisions, the Pleasure Driving World Championship was a wide open affair with the reigning World Champion moving on to dominate in a new division. This set up for a great group of competitors for Sunday night’s grand finale in this division with a wide array of horses showing back from the ladies, amateur and junior as well as open qualifiers with many having a legitimate shot at the title. As the Sunday evening session neared its climax, the sounding of the horn welcomed 12 entries into the ring for the Open Pleasure Driving World Championship with a large crowd of spectators cheering on their favorites.
The fast-paced action of the class made it seem like there were far more than a dozen horses in the ring. Each trainer was angling for position to make that winning pass before the three judge panel. Following the much applauded railwork, the horses were lined up for conformation inspection. Again the cheering sections voiced their opinions on their favorites. After a brief consultation, the judges decided a workout was necessary to select the winner of this prestigious title. With a World Grand Championship title on the line, judges Wilson, Alderman and Schwartz sent three entries back to the rail. Fleeting Heart and Bill Grundmeyer, Sandcastle Spittin Image and Jim Lowry, and Festival Calypso and Tim Arcuri headed back to the rail with the horses responding brilliantly to the momentum of the crowd.
Following the workout, these three mighty bays formed their own line to await the tricolor announcement. The winning laurels of the Open Pleasure Driving World Championship were bestowed upon the charismatic Festival Calypso with Tim Arcuri providing the winning drive. They were met in the winner's circle by an ecstatic Stephanie Connor who enjoyed watching her stylish partner perform for the highest honors in the land. The seven-year-old Immortal Command son stepped up with a Sunday night performance to remember as he strode through the spotlight with the champion's tricolor and blanket of roses.
Sandcastle Spittin Image was a bold presence with Jim Lowry on the lines to be named Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion. Owner Donna Zimmerman shared her sparkling amateur horse and watched proudly as he took on the open division with flair. The expressive Fleeting Heart completed the workout trio as Bill Grundmeyer drove her to the third place finish in this intense competition. The dynamic Serenity Masterpiece daughter began the week with an impressive victory in the Grand National Pleasure Driving Mares for the second year in a row for Kurt and Teri Rumens' Fire Run Farm.
Rick Stevens had Winterset Thyme N' Agin wearing the harness in regal fashion to claim the unanimous victory in the Pleasure Driving Stallions. The five-year-old HVK Bell Flaire son earned a trip down victory lane for owner/breeder Clare Simpson. Mary Brannon gave French Episode a bold drive for reserve honors for Jerry and Peggy Hutcheson.
The week started out with the Grand National Pleasure Driving Geldings where the buoyant HVK Acclamation turned in a stylish drive with Anne Benson on the lines. The fronty Robin Morris entry earned his second Oklahoma title over a nice field of entries. David Earehart had the fancy, black Night Odyssey cranked up for an eye-catching drive for the reserve tie.
The Amateur Pleasure Driving division continues to be one of the most competitive divisions at every show throughout the country. An amazing group of world title holders gathered together in Oklahoma to decide this years Amateur Pleasure Driving World Champion. The intense competition at the west coast shows carried through to Oklahoma with all of the top five coming from the west. It was a crowning glory for Nicoria and Priscilla Moore as they were the marquee attraction in this crowd pleasing competition. Missy Rushton-Hanover guided the handsome white trimmed Futurity French Command son and his poised driver to the winner's circle for the highest honors. The reigning championship team of Aristocraticallee and Lisa Howa turned in a brilliant yet mannerly performance to capture the Amateur Pleasure Driving Reserve World Championship. They began the week with an emotional victory in the 11 entry Grand National Amateur Pleasure Driving Geldings as the gallant bay came back from an illness earlier in the day to show his true Morgan heart in a victorious performance under the direction of Tim Arcuri.
Former Open Pleasure Driving World Champion FCF Capestranno has taken the amateur division by storm this season paired with Bill Crawford. This bold pairing strode down victory lane in an outstanding Grand National Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallions with Nicoria and Priscilla Moore following in reserve. Capestranno and Crawford turned in a strong bid in the championship and were awarded the third place tie under the direction of Rock Walker Stables.
The Grand National Amateur Pleasure Driving Mares were first to qualify for Saturday night’s world title. An ecstatic Toni Maunder was the winning driver teamed with the multi-titled Ryan's Pure Silk Lady. They carried the top prize back to Triumph Stables for Morgans of Briar Oaks. The captivating Equinox Musique was beautifully paired with Wendy Gagliardi for the reserve award. They turned in a stylish drive prepared by Bernard Parker for Catherine Haynes.
The Grand National Amateur Pleasure Driving Gentlemen's Finals featured 11 masculine teams vying for top honors. It was I'll Tell You What and Neil Galatz who had the last word in this entertaining competition. They added the tricolor accolades to the Vegas Valley Morgans banner directed by Harold Angell. Their impressive show also included a strong reserve finish in the earlier Amateur Pleasure Driving Geldings. Jack Gatewood teamed up with the elegant Cedar Creek Vizcaya to earn their second Oklahoma tricolor in as many years. They added the Amateur Gentlemens Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship to an outstanding week of competition for DanTree Farm with expert direction from Cedar Creek Farm.
The Amateur Ladies Pleasure Driving Finals was the time to shine for Sandcastle Spittin Image and Donna Zimmerman. The five-year-old Pot Of Gold son was perfectly matched by his owner as they drove away with tricolor honors with Jim Lowry directing. Ridgerock Regent continued his stellar Oklahoma career with another tricolor award. This time it was Wendy Linder who teamed up with the white trimmed Nobility son to capture the Amateur Ladies Pleasure Driving Finals Reserve Championship directed by Judy Whitney for Legendary Morgans.
Refinement and elegance were on center stage in Friday night’s competition in the Ladies Pleasure Driving World Championship. The ability of this beautiful group to perform was somewhat marred by an abundance of timeouts. Each time the class would be called to order, another timeout would be called for resulting in a lack of flow. None of this seemed to bother Cobridge Maximum Affair and Melissa Cribley Wahl as they turned in a very polished and professional drive to capture the tricolor victory pass in the spotlight. This victory followed a unanimous win in the Ladies Pleasure Driving Mares with a crowd pleasing drive for Marilyn Esteb's Stone Pine Morgans. Festival Calypso began his memorable week of competition paired with Stephanie Connor as they returned to Oklahoma's victory lane with the Ladies Pleasure Driving Gelding victory. They were right back in the spotlight on Friday night as they picked up the Ladies Pleasure Driving Reserve World Championship to add to their tricolor string.
The Ladies Pleasure Driving Mares was a memorable class as it marked the conclusion of the phenomenal show career of Dancity Gracious Remark. This dynamic mare has been a mainstay in Oklahoma's winner's circle throughout her career under the training of Robert Hughes and Rock Walker Stables. The elegant, white trimmed performer has been a three time winner of the Grand National Ladies Pleasure Driving Mares for Dragonsmeade with both Iann Fu Longenecker and Ling Fu Wylie handling the reins. Iann Fu Longenecker shared the final drive with Dancity Gracious Remark as they collected the reserve honors and the appreciative applause of their fans.
The Ladies Pleasure Driving Geldings saw last years expressive winner L'Cima Exclusive garner the reserve finish this time around. Terri Travers was at the whip of the fancy bay who was prepared for this entertaining class by Anne Benson.
The older age group of junior exhibitors enjoyed a fantastic group of horses and their capable drivers. It was PT Stormin Norman who stormed the division with his boldness and style paired with Whitney Hazen. They turned in strong performances on the way to a spotlight drive in the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 14-17 World Championship following the 14-15 qualifier win. Noteworthy's Nobel Heir and Erin Armada closed out their stellar junior exhibitor partnership in the spotlight. They were named the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 14-17 Reserve World Champions with one of their trademark powerful performances. This followed their victorious drive in the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 16-17 for the second year in a row under the direction of Rock Walker Stables.
Gable's High Water was strutting his stuff with an outstanding performance teamed by Laura Locher. They picked up the reserve award in the 16-17 qualifier directed by David Young. The flashy and confident team of CBMF Simple Pleasures and Heather Aller strode up for the reserve ribbon in the 14-15 age group. Tim Roesink put this eye-catching combination together for a successful first season.
The youngest exhibitors had their own division filled with multi-titled horses and accomplished young drivers. It was an unforgettable moment in the spotlight for Zachary T. Howa as he guided Elm Hill Ben Star to the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 13 & Under World Championship. Zachary duplicated the world title won by his brother J.R. with the grand black gelding in 1999. It was a truly memorable victory for the Howa family and the winning Arcuri Stables team. Alexandra Meyer and her newest partner Cedar Creek Ungaro closed out a great debut season by capturing the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 13 & Under Reserve World Championship. Mary Cockriel and Bob Kellert have put the finishing touches on this bold yet adorable pairing.
The Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 12-13 featured an impressive victory by a young lady who literally grew up in the Oklahoma winner's circle. Blanche Bauer has been a game and talented rider and driver since she was first teamed with ER Best Of Life. This year, her newest partner is the extravagant Boxford Tia Maria, and together they drove away with the unanimous victory prepared by Mike Goebig. They were followed in the initial round by Elm Hill Ben Star and Zachary T. Howa.
There was a big celebration at Tara Farm following the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 11 & Under. Carl Johnson and Brief Encounter's unanimous victory was the cause for the merriment. Grandmother Frances Pugh was justifiably proud of Carl's big win coached by Ken and Diana Swanson. The boys from the South brought home the big honors as J.T. Brannon navigated HVK Top Drawer to the reserve finish for Jerry and Peggy Hutcheson directed by Mary Brannon.
The competitive Grand National Pleasure Driving Youth Finals featured a big win for Jessica Smeed and her handsome SMS Image That. They bested the field of 10 with trainer Anne Benson leading the cheers. Cyderbay Sassafras was back on victory lane again this year in Oklahoma. This time it was a new division, driver, trainer and owner who teamed up with this dynamic chestnut for tricolor honors. J. Travis Higgins was on the lines to collect the Youth Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship for owner Margaret Van Meter and trainers John and Belle Hufferd.
A large and varied field of young performers made the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Championship an interesting class to watch with all sections of the country well represented in the 11 horse field. The Sunday night grand finale featured the dynamic, bay Pondview Tres Bien earning his second set of roses and tricolor in as many trips to Oklahoma. He came into the arena looking through the bridle and flagging his tail, and made the final pass as the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Champion. Bill Grundmeyer guided him to the world title and the crowd's applause for Kurt and Teri Rumens and Fire Run Farm. From the opposite coast On Line made a stunning transition to the pleasure division as both tricolors were swept by Futurity French Command sons. Mike Carpenter had Linda Langlois' crowd pleasing youngster in top form to garner the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Reserve World Championship to close out a marvelous junior career.
The preliminary round of four-year-old competition saw a trio of impressive groups perform with a total of 22 participants. Many of these horses were kept under wraps for the whole week until they finally got their chance on the Friday morning schedule. The Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares were first to compete, and it was the charismatic French Crystal who stole the show. Tim Arcuri had the Cedar Creek Harlequin daughter in high gear to earn the victory pass for Sue Loomis and Chehalem Morgans. Kurt Hufferd teamed up with the lovely RLH Simply Striking to capture the reserve honors for Richard and Linda Hawkins.
The Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallions were next on tap, and it was the high headed Bocelli whose style and good looks sent him to the head of the class. Robert Hughes guided the Beethoven son to the victory pass for the Design Group. Pondview Tres Bien and Bill Grundmeyer started off with a strong showing to pick up the reserve ribbon for Fire Run Farm.
Rock Walker Stables earned a matching set of blues with their four-year-olds on Friday morning. Rock Walker was the winning driver in the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Geldings with the white stockinged SLB Triple Play. The Nobility son turned in a bright and stylish drive to capture the honors for Dan and Jan Unrein of Chimera Morgans. Willowick Will To Wynne and Mary Brannon added to their triumphant season as they collected the much applauded reserve finish for Darlene Stodolski.
The Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Champion seemed to be named with this moment in mind. VVM Wrapped In Roses was indeed wrapped in roses and a tricolor as Harold Angell drove the bold performing Vegas Valley Morgans entry down victory lane. The son of HVK Courageous Flaire and VVM Lalique comes rightly by his ability to wear a harness as he earned the title over an impressive 11 horse field following his initial performance as Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity Reserve World Champion.
The lovely DreamMaster J'st Sharper started off her week in world championship style in hand, and finished it off earning the tricolor and roses in harness. Gerry Rushton's string of youngsters were phenomenal throughout, and this Sharp Shooter daughter was the toast of a grand group of 14 as the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity World Champion for Bill and Connie Myers.
Following Pondview Tres Bien's rise to fame last year, David Rand was right back with another amazing three-year-old performer this year. Tolstoy captured the attention and the headlines this season with his victorious campaign. David Rand was on the lines of the winning Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion and Gelding entry for the second year in a row as the War And Peace son captured top honors and the audience's applause for Raymond Ramsey. By the time this handsome and talented bay returned on Sunday afternoon, he performed for new owner Jack and Carol Gatewood and DanTree Farm as the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion.
The stylish and elegant Futurity's Miss Munitions was one of the brightest young starlets in Oklahoma again this year. She took control of the ring with presence and polish to earn top honors in the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares for Gaeton and Cindy Lorino's Cingate Morgans, LLC. Mike Carpenter's string of top performing three-year-olds were back in action in harness. The sleek Rare Obsession again followed Miss Munitions with the reserve ribbon for Bill and Shirley Haas. Man Oh Man CPM showed off his precision and style as Carpenter guided him to the reserve tie in the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallions and Geldings for Dan and Leslie Kelley.
GLB Bell Of The Ball enjoyed a memorable season filled with much applauded victories. However, she was truly the bell of the ball in Oklahoma as Gerry Rushton drove her to the unanimous Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Championship. The bold and brilliant daughter of world champions HVK Bell Flaire and Fletcher Music Lee began the week by capturing the audience's attention with the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares victory for Lorraine Bumb. Whispering Charisma showed off her style and charisma as she collected the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Reserve World Championship. Michael Scanlon was on the lines of the tall and refined Cedar Creek Harlequin daughter for owner/breeder Florence Scanlon.
Gaeton and Cindy Lorino of Cingate Morgans and trainer Stan Bodnar have proven to have a knack for bringing home victories from Oklahoma's two-year-old pleasure driving competition. In addition to having a top horse, you have to have a little bit of luck. It should come as no surprise that this team's 2002 winning model is none other than Cingate Mr. Lucky. The Brentwood Command son was all show horse as he bested a promising 16 horse field to capture the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity World Championship. This win was preceded by the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Geldings victory where Mr. Lucky became the fifth Cingate owned two-year-old to capture Oklahoma glory. Deer Creek Tiffany was a force to be reckoned with as Stacy Hennessy presented the bold Black Tie Affair daughter to the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity Reserve World Championship for Craig and Jennifer Sommers.
Pondview EZ Spirit had the winning spirit in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallions. Ann Anderson returned the Patti Berthelette entry to the winner' circle following his in hand tricolor performances. This Century Free Spirit son was the first of two offspring of the grand mare Baymeadow Prima Diva to grace the winner's circle with Pondview Tres Bien to follow. Cliff Swanson had a promising young talent in JJF Oohs and Aahs who earned the reserve finish in the 11 entry mare section for Craig Ponzio. Dan Ramsour had Futurity Ultimate Impact primed for an impact in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Geldings. They earned a strong reserve with their performance for Bill and Kathy Papola and Baccarat Farms.
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