Dixie Cup - A Tricolor Mother’s Day Weekend Tradition
Thursday, May 18, 2006
by Diana Davidson
CONYERS, Ga.- The Dixie Cup maintained its traditional Mother’s Day Weekend dates as exhibitors gathered on May 11-13 at the Georgia International Horse Park. The show featured many families enjoying the show ring competition with horse show mom’s cheering on their children and many enjoying their own time in the show ring. The Dixie Cup show committee and its many volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that Dixie Cup exhibitors enjoyed a full complement of classes along with plenty of fun.
This marked the sixth year since Saddlebred, Hackney pony, roadster and open classes were added to the 27-year-old Dixie Cup Morgan Classic to form The Dixie Cup. In these years, the show has seen its list of exhibitors grow by leaps and bounds. In spite of a glitch in the calendar this year that overlapped several other shows on the same dates, a large contingent of stables from throughout the southeastern states of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee were joined once again by faithful Dixie Cup exhibitors from Broadmoor in Pennsylvania.
Everyone enjoyed the cooler than normal weather at the superb facility, as well as the fine Southern hospitality offered at the Dixie Cup. The exhibitors from all breeds enjoyed the camaraderie and made many new friends and renewed acquaintances as the show went on. The show featured two action-packed sessions a day plus a third session for academy on Saturday afternoon. In spite of some long days of showing, everyone still found time for visiting, working horses, golfing, shopping and dining at many of the local restaurants or those in nearby Atlanta.
In addition to some world-class competition in the show ring, Dixie Cup also featured many other highlights. Friday night featured the always-lively exhibitor's party at the Cherokee Run Golf Clubhouse, with over 300 in attendance welcoming Euchee Matthews into The Dixie Cup Hall of Fame (see separate story). There were also numerous stable parties held during the show including several birthday, pre-Mother's Day and impromptu celebrations.
Dixie Cup has been conscious in its effort to make a difference. Its donations to and efforts on behalf of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Horse Council and Georgia International Horse Park have certainly made a difference over the years. This year's show was held for the benefit of the Georgia Horse Council and the Rockdale Special Olympics with many of their members in attendance during the show.
The triumvirate of show co-chairs Barb Goda and Tony Lee along with Show Manager P.D. May were justifiably proud of this year's show and the strong support they have received from the ever-expanding list of Dixie Cup exhibitors. Rick Adams, Evelyn Anderson, Jim Beckemeyer, Jill Bertolani, Hariette Dye, Sarah Gallant, John Goda, Jr., John Goda III, Nikki Joseph, Vickie Maness, Shirley May, Sid Perryman, Angela Sibley, Taylor Vickers, Tricia Waclena, Allison Wright, Bob and Paula Yeska and Diane Wright round out the great group of committee members who volunteer their time to help make Dixie Cup the successful and enjoyable show that it is.
T
he list of Dixie Cup show officials also included; Dodd Vickers (announcer), Casey McBride (photographer), Bob Yeska and Austin Carter (ringmasters), Paula Yeska and Patty McDonald (secretaries), Jane Blue (USEF steward), Stanley Orr (farrier) and Dr. Ray Wright, DVM (veterinarian). The show ring judging duties were handled by Renee Lavery and Larry Bolen.
The 2006 Dixie Cup featured many memorable show ring performances highlighted below with full results in this issue as well as on the Web site at www.saddlehorsereport.com.
MORGANS
The Morgan division featured numerous multi-titled entries, along with some promising new combinations, opened the season competing for top honors at Dixie Cup. The world championship team of CN's Stylish Debut and Allyson Wandtke started the new season by repeating their victories of a year ago with the Park Saddle Championship as well as the open blue for her mom Cindy Nord. Wandtke also had a nice cheering section as young sons Pete and Zach were on hand to watch their mom show. Mike Goebig also directed Rhoda Hoenmans’ Whitemud Dixie Dance King to a victorious debut in the Junior/Novice Park Saddle. Kathy Gutting and CBMF Undeniable returned to Dixie Cup to carry home the Amateur Park Saddle blue for the third year in a row, as well as the reserve tricolor under the Broadmoor banner.
The Friday Farm team included a trio of park horses as Mallory Eldred was aboard GFF Riverdance to earn the Park Saddle Reserve Championship. JW Authority earned the Park Harness Championship for the second year in a row. P.D. May was on the lines for the tricolor as well as the amateur victory. Barb Goda also presented him to the Three and Over Geldings blue. Goda also introduced Gillfree Power Play to the winner’s circle in his ring debut. She guided him to the Junior/Novice Park Harness win, while Sarah Dye Gallant followed up with the open blue.
Mary Brannon followed up a stellar season debut show at Citrus Cup with another impressive show at Dixie Cup for Willowick Farm. Willowick Will To Wynne followed up his dynamic saddle debut at Citrus Cup with another impressive tricolor performance here. Kathryn Cox piloted Darlene Stodolski’s prized chestnut to the Amateur Park Saddle Championship. Darlene Stodolski was also proud of Will’s half-sibling Willowick Southern Style who earned the UPHA Hunter Pleasure Classic win as well as the reserve tricolor in the open championship with Mary Brannon aboard. Their dam, Cherrydale Chardonnay, also produced the sparkling chestnut Willowick Center Stage who earned her time on center stage as the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic winner. Mary Brannon guided the elegant filly sired by Hollybrook Stage Rage to the title for Willowick Farm.
The $1000 English Pleasure Challenge closed out the Morgan competition on an exciting note on Saturday night. In the end, it was the sleek, black Sunny Acres Sinful who collected the winning check, champagne and Corcel sheet. Tom Johnson was aboard for the tricolor ride that followed owner Nancy Vidler’s winning performance in the ladies class. Pat Dills and Marin Five O One teamed up to bring the English Pleasure Reserve Championship back to the Broadmoor banner for the second year in a row with a solid performance. Hall Of Fame inductee Euchee Matthews and DJE Answer To Destiny continued their blue ribbon streak in the open qualifier.
Kathy Gutting enjoyed a repeat performance at Dixie Cup as she guided Black Tie Optional to the Amateur English Pleasure blue and tricolor with the Broadmoor gang cheering them on. Jackie McGeary and SCMF Czarina finished off their southern swing with the reserve placings directed by Tom Johnson.
The Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Championship featured a tricolor sweep for Friday Farm. October Firedancer and Alyssa Johnson brought home the championship honors for the second year in a row and also added the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal to their list of accomplishments. They were followed in reserve by the winning qualifier team of Faithfullee and Shannon Connard, with trainer Barb Goda cheering on both of her talented pupils.
Dwayne Knowles introduced a bright new star at Dixie Cup in Extremelee. The sharp three-year-old chestnut, a product of the Shingle Branch Farm breeding program and sired by Astronomicallee and out of the same dam as World Champions Aristocraticallee and Airegantlee, earned the Junior English Pleasure blue and tricolor.
The Grand National Championship team of On Target and P.D. May hit the target as they trotted away with the Open Pleasure Driving Championship encouraged by the Friday Farm team. Janet Morgan and RJM Roulette made it three years in a row as they earned the Amateur Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor with a pair of outstanding drives under the Broadmoor banner.
Dixie Cup was the site of the performance debut of Ray and Diane Wright’s Warlock’s Fleur De Lis. John Goda III drove the elegant filly to the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship. Following a blue ribbon debut a year ago, Mis Isabella and Mike Barlow made a winning return to Dixie Cup. Owner Marsha Shepard was on hand to watch her stylish filly win the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving blue.
The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship featured another 2006 tricolor performance for Raindrops Good As It Gets and Alicia Davis. This expressive bay mare continued her winning ways earning the championship as well as the qualifier blue in this competitive division for Davis and co-owner Jean Rothe. Kaye Bedell enjoyed a fabulous start to the season as she continued her winning start from Citrus Cup at Dixie Cup. She captured the Classic Pleasure Saddle Reserve Championship aboard Futurity Interlude, and added a pair of victories with her newest partner AKM Armageddon. Mary Brannon directed them to the Classic Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor with a pair of stylish drives.
Ray and Diane Wright cheered on daughter Allison as she gave the white-trimmed Warlock’s Ablaze N Glory a polished drive for the Classic Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship. Mary McQuown and RRG Queen Of Hearts teamed up for the winning ride in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle, performing for Laurie Wood.
Fatal Attraction anchored the Friday Farm show string as she has for so many years. Melinda Dennis guided the flawless performing mare to the Western Pleasure Championship, following matching blues in the open and ladies classes. Trainer Cynthia Yoder and owner Marie Cavender teamed up for a winning show with Sir Black Ty N Tails, including the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship, Open Western Pleasure Reserve Championship, and the junior/novice blue. Stablemate Barbet Pistolero and Andrea Morrison jogged away with the Amateur Western Pleasure Reserve Championship as well as the qualifier blue.
Stephanie Fejes and PTR Raz Ma Taz enjoyed a flawless start to their second season together as they matched up for the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure blue and the tricolor as well as the Western Equitation blue coached by Dwayne Knowles.
Melinda Dennis earned her first of two Saturday night tricolors as she rode her bold performing Warlock’s Amelia to the Hunter Pleasure Championship. They earlier sped away with the Road Hack blue. June Davis and Waseeka’s Bold Queen Anne enjoyed a winning transition to the hunter pleasure division as they collected the amateur championship along with matching blues in the amateur and ladies qualifiers. Hylee’s Dancing Heir and Nichole Mitchell were the reserve team in the amateur division.
Kelly Meyers and owners Sue and Paul Smith enjoyed a blue ribbon week with their entries. Symphonee Wired For Sound showed off his good looks as the Open Hunter Pleasure blue ribbon winner, as well as the Three and Over Stallions In Hand winner. Symphonee There’s Trouble and Kelly Meyers performed for the Novice English Pleasure win. Kelly Meyers also showed her youngster CSM Shock Wave to the Two and Under Geldings In Hand win.
Christina Garner and Chestatee Sentinel teamed up for the blue ribbon and tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure, and also earned the Hunt Seat Equitation blue. The Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship featured JMF Super Cool and Sadie Moody.
Emilie Wells and Century Le Baron earned a pair of matching blues in the Morgan Walk-Trot Pleasure and Saddle Seat Equitation classes coached by Renee Jones. Stablemate Emily McCallister and MMFM Scarlet earned their own set of blue ribbons in the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation and pleasure classes.
The 2006 Dixie Cup started off with the Morgan In Hand classes. The breeding program of Lyniece Talmadge’s Grande “L” Morgans earned the first blue ribbon of the show as LNT Lady Juanita Roberts posed for the Two and Under Mares blue. Peter Falso was on the lead of the charismatic bay. Falso was back a few classes later to introduce LNT King Arthur to the winner’s circle. The yearling son of Talmadge’s handsome stallion Belalugosi garnered the Two and Under Stallions blue.
SADDLEBREDS
The 2006 Dixie Cup came to a tricolor close with the Five-Gaited Stake where as the clock passed 11:30 p.m. Timely 'N Stylish and Bill Schoeman made their way down victory lane performing for Lori Schmidt. The Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship saw Tanya Schilling and Carmel Delivery turn in a powerful performance for the tricolor. Following a polished win in the junior exhibitor qualifier, Andres Herrera and the sleek youngster Azabache Charm captured the reserve tricolor for the R Farm team. Crystal Harmon Cates and the bold performing Saber put together a brilliant ride to earn the Amateur Five-Gaited blue for Lester Harmon.
Alianca and Tori White teamed up to earn the Five-Gaited Pony blue and tricolor prepared by Tim Henry. White also visited the winner’s circle when she rode Salute To Champagne to the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 13 and Under blue.
The Happy Valley Farms breeding program was on center stage at Dixie Cup as a select group of their young stars made their presence known. Spirited Conversation created quite a bit of conversation as Carl Irwin directed this youngster to the Junior/Novice Five-Gaited blue. Wildly Chic was just that in her move to the three-gaited division. Carl Irwin presented the fancy chestnut to the junior/novice blue and returned on Saturday night for the Three-Gaited Stake victory. I’m So Smooth enjoyed his show ring debut as Carl Irwin drove the fronty youngster to the Junior/Novice Fine Harness blue.
The Harlem Bay and Brian Reimer continued their tricolor season as they added the Three-Gaited Reserve Championship to Mary Alice Gall’s ribbon collection. The Open Three-Gaited class saw Mikhail turn in a bright performance to collect the blue ribbon with Pieter Snyman in the irons for Nelson Gaker.
Rosemary Gonzalez and Prince Of Soul were in tune at Dixie Cup once again this year. They successfully defended the Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Stake following a blue ribbon ride in the amateur qualifier directed by Mary Jo Schmidt. The five-entry championship saw Natalie Sanchez and Sky High Money team up for the reserve tricolor finish under the Fairhope Stables banner. Kristen Thomas and her brilliant new partner Cabernet’s Will Command started off a winning show with a blue ribbon ride in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited prepared by Anne Judd for Sailwind Stables.
The $1000 Three-Gaited Park Challenge was the perfect stage for A Perfect Affair to showcase his show ring brilliance and style. Euchee Matthews guided him to the prize money, tricolor, champagne and Corcel sheet. This victory followed the qualifier blue for owner Christy Parker. Bill Schoeman gave Cloverleaf Skybird a strong comeback ride to earn the Three-Gaited Park Reserve Championship.
Brenda Oakes was the jubilant winner of the Amateur Three-Gaited Park blue and tricolor. She teamed up for the wins aboard Ms. Amber Merchant under the direction of Mary Jo Schmidt. The Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Park Stake saw Peyton Gunby and Callaway’s Anthem turn in a polished ride to carry the tricolor back to Tina Gunby Smith and Mountain Laurel Saddlebreds. The impressive qualifier winning team of Majestic Worries and Emma Price captured the reserve tricolor directed by Brian and Susan Reimer.
The young offspring of Don’t Worry continued to impress. Brian Reimer was in the irons No Time To Worry for a sensational saddle debut to capture the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Equigene Corp. to the delight of Debbie and Clem Smetana.
The open park pleasure division saw Out Go The Lights and Cynthia Kueker continue their outstanding season. The fronty bay was in perfect form to earn the blue and tricolor under the Horseshoe Farm banner. Judine Kerr’s sporty Cloverleaf Armageddon captured the reserve tricolor guided by Bill Schoeman.
Radiant Event and Erika Clements put on a pair of stellar performances to capture the Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Park Pleasure blue and tricolor prepared by Christy Parker. Shelby Reimer and the fixey Plumyumi stepped up for the reserve honors for Kim Burnsworth.
In Bold Print enjoyed a fabulous transformation into the fine harness division with fine harness master Mike Barlow. Following a pair of impressive wins at Pro-Am, they marched into Dixie Cup to carry home the Open Fine Harness blue and tricolor for Melissa Scrushy. Anne Judd gave the versatile performing Vertical Horizon a strong drive to collect the reserve tricolor in the competitive five-entry stake for owner Paul Richardson.
Barbara Matthews enjoyed her trip to Dixie Cup where she finished off with the Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship with CH Five Minutes More. This victory continued their streak in 2006 that began with wins at ASAC and JD Massey. Matthews also teamed up with CH Harlem’s Jamaican for the Open English Pleasure AOTS win.
Pat Borders and Callaway’s Hard Copy rode away with the Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Reserve Championship in this competitive division. The qualifier featured a big win for Mystic Affair and Doris Marr directed by Lisa Heres Rosenberger.
Shelby Reimer and colorful partner Columbia Buckaneer carried home the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure tricolor as well as the 14-17 blue. It was a tricolor sweep for Brian Reimer Stables as Johnny Cash and Evanne Floyd earned the reserve tricolor.
The Show Pleasure Driving Stake featured a memorable win for Callaway’s Feature Story and Buck Davis. This victory earned the final points to earn this veteran performer his CH title to the delight of everyone at Quail Hollow Farm and Buffalo Creek. The stylish pairing of CH Harlem Heat and Lib Jones earned the qualifier blue as well as the reserve tricolor in this competitive division.
Emma Grubb started off a victorious show with Glider Supreme in the ASHAF Youth Show Pleasure Driving Challenge directed by Christy Parker. She also closed out the Friday evening session by riding A Muse Me to the five-gaited pleasure tricolor. Reserve honors went to Blue Crush and Key Tucker. The qualifier featured Madeira’s Sunset News and Crystal Harmon Cates earning the blue in their only performance of the show.
The Adult Country Pleasure Stake featured Hula Popper and Susan Hanna coming up with a stellar victory following the limit blue directed by Lisa Heres Rosenberger. They were followed in reserve by the winning open qualifier team of CSF Priceless Special and Ashley Zimmerman.
Kristen Weisblat and Telemark’s Choice were the toast of Avalon Stables as they captured the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Stake as well as the 14-17 blue. Emma Price and College Town combined forces for the reserve tricolor for Christy Parker. The 13 and under class saw Summertime Glory and Ashley Lauren Brandies earn a trip to the winner’s circle for Patricia Garbutt.
Deidre Davis filled in admirably for Melissa Scrushy on the lines of the veteran champion CH Mr. Gary Cooper as he earned the Country Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor directed by Mike and Kathy Barlow.
Galahad’s Gold Mine and Jean Johnson continued their winning ways as they jogged away with the Country Western Pleasure blue and tricolor. Sallie Turner Tonguet and Heir Cooled matched up for a polished ride for the reserve tricolor directed by Tina Gunby Smith. Nancy Fortner and her multi-titled Piney Flats jogged away with the Shatner Western Pleasure blue in their first performance of the season.
Canaan Land and Jennifer Crafton carried top honors in the Country Hunter Pleasure qualifier and stake to owner Susan Birkinshaw. Morgan Gunby rode Cha Ching Cha Ching to the reserve tricolor for Allie Walker.
ROADSTER/PONY
Following winning performances at ASAC and JD Massey, Highway 66 was in top form at Dixie Cup for Tip Top Stables. John Songer was in the silks for the Roadster To Bike blue and trainer Brian Reimer took over the lines to speed away with the Roadster To Bike Stake victory. Top Star Willie and Paul Misiewicz represented the colors of Avalon Stables as they captured the crowd-pleasing amateur win on the way to the reserve tricolor.
Shannon West was the winning jockey in the Roadster Under Saddle as she rode I Would If I Could across the finish line for the blue ribbon for Tina Gunby Smith. It was Smith herself who had the winning silks in the Roadster Pony Stake. She drove the veteran champion Aisle Party to the tricolor finish in this crowd-pleasing class. Arlie Fiveash and Unexpected Lovin stepped up with a bold drive for the reserve honors. Mary Daughtry enjoyed her first trip to Dixie Cup that included a blue ribbon drive in the Open Roadster Pony class with Vivacious EF.
Shelby Reimer and the well-named So Irresistible repeated their Pro-Am victory in the AHHA Youth Medallion Road Pony and also added the amateur/junior exhibitor blue for Tip Top Stables. Anne Judd was on hand to cheer on her dynamic Seamair Fashion Model to the Junior/Novice Road Pony blue with Mike Barlow. The Road Pony Under Saddle featured Heartland Masterpiece and Tori Newberry besting the entertaining field to earn the blue ribbon for Ann Reeves.
The Harmon family pony string was unbeatable at Dixie Cup. The always lovely So Lovely CH and Crystal Harmon Cates earned the Harness Pony blue and tricolor, while Kingsley Accolade did likewise in the Hackney Pony classes. The grand Heartland Supremacy topped the competitive Pleasure Driving Pony qualifier and championship in winning style. The perfectly matched team of Ali and Gwen Stableford earned the reserve honors in the pleasure driving competition, while Sallie Turner Tonguet and Believe It added the Hackney Pony reserve honors.
EQUITATION
Saturday night’s Saddle Seat Equitation Championship featured a stellar victory for the magnificent pairing of Kristen Thomas and Cabernet’s Will Command. They displayed winning style and skills to earn the tricolor and 14-17 blue prepared by Anne Judd. The reserve tricolor went to Lindsay Dasher following the USEF Saddle Seat Medal win coached by Lynn Pace.
Kristin Panos carried the UPHA Challenge Cup and blue ribbon back to Fairhope Stables. Evanne Floyd turned in the winning ride in the competitive Pleasure Equitation Medallion, paired with Mountainview’s Manhattan Beach. Katie Chatham repeated her victory in the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 and Under aboard Ivy Raymond and coached by Barb Goda.
Caitlin Pumpelly showed off her well maintained riding skills as she earned the Adult Saddle Seat Equitation blue and tricolor directed by Lynn Pace. Dixie Cup was the site of the team debut of Isabella Bertolani and The Excelsior as they claimed the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation blue and tricolor under the Impossible Dream Farm banner.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Open English Pleasure competition featured two winning performances by the magnificent Friesian Rommy. Ali Tousley was aboard for the blue ribbon and tricolor under the Avalon Stables banner. Amber Pitts and Mamba teamed up for the reserve tricolor. Kelley Donegan was all smiles as trainer Mary Jo Schmidt met her in the winner’s circle following her winning ride aboard Upcoming Storm in the novice rider class. Tara Evans and All Heart MTA were the winning team in the novice horse competition.
CSF Supreme Memories and Melissa Heres Rosenberger were greeted by proud mom/trainer Lisa Heres Rosenberger following their impressive win in the Open English Pleasure Walk-Trot Stake. Long John’s Hi Light and Nancy Leslie earned the qualifier blue as well as the reserve championship.
The Saturday afternoon session belonged to the up and coming riders in the academy division. The prized blue ribbons in the well-attended competition went to: Sarah Medicus, Megan Barajas, Elizabeth Carr, Dylan Hines, Samantha Piorannunzi, Kaylee Norman, Jamie Hopkins, Michelle Hellem, Barbara Hopkins, Alexis Landreth and Kelsey Bishop.
Complete results may be viewed by clicking on Show Results.
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