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Many End the Season at the North Carolina State Fair Horse Show



by Kenny Mills

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Governor James B. Hunt Horse Complex was the site of the North Carolina State Fair Horse Show, October 18-21. Approximately 600 horses answered the call to the gate with entries up slightly from last year.

Perfect weather made it easy to enjoy a fantastic horse show or just sample great fair food. The fair gave many fair goers a chance to see Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackneys, and Roadsters in action. Each division was well represented with many repeat winners from last year. The show, managed by Glenn Petty, ends the show season for many North Carolina exhibitors. Many top horses from the southeast made their way to Raleigh to compete for the tricolors.

For some this is the last show of the year and that makes for an emotional ending to this horse show for many. This year's show was full of excitement, from junior exhibitor Jessica Holmes' expert guidance of CH The Showstopper to the tricolor in the Three Gaited Championship to Jason Harrell's tenth career tricolor victory in the Morgan English Pleasure Championship, and many more in-between.

Jimmy Robertson judged the Saddlebreds, roadsters, Hackney, Harness, academy, and Miniature horse divisions and Todd Trushel judged the Morgan and Saddle Seat Equitation divisions. The large number of entries led to many big classes and exciting competition. However many divisions were plagued by a lower number of entries. The pleasure divisions enjoyed large numbers while other divisions experienced low numbers including all the major stakes for the Saddlebreds and Morgans.

In addition to show manager Glenn Petty, other officials included William G. Whitley III, and Gene Holloway, ringmasters; Peter Fenton, announcer; Joyce Wilson, show secretary; Bob Moseder, photographer; Dale Stone, organist; Wayne Murray, farrier; and Horse Show Video, videographer. The show was host to many presentations and awards. William Rufty was presented with the Kentucky Colonel Award. Mr. and Mrs. James Floyd received the Southeastern Hackney Society Futurity High Point presentation, and Michael DeVoughn received the North Carolina Horse Council Boyd Elliott Award.

Five-Gaited

The Five-Gaited Championship brought close to an exciting three days of competition. When the five entries made their way through the gate, applause and cheers from the crowd filled the arena. Glider's Star and Matthew Shiflet came in off a win in the open qualifier, Highpoints Redwood, with Kathy Herlocker up, also came in with a blue from the Novice Five-Gaited class. Red Oaks Robin with Robert Gardiner, Our Wild Irish Rose with Christy Absher, and Juanitas Prize with Ed Gunn rounded out the class.

All five entries gave a good performance and earned their share of the applause, but when riders remounted and the card was turned in, it was Gliders Star and Matthew Shiflet taking home the tricolor for Kristen Bagdasarian. Coming up with a reserve in the championship was Kathy Herlocker aboard Highpoints Redwood. Red Oaks Robin, Our Wild Irish Rose, and Juanitas Prize earned the remaining ribbons.

Worthys Sunshine and Doris Crumpler turned in a powerful performance to take the blue in the highly competitive Ladies Five-Gaited class with Our Wild Irish Rose and Christy Absher taking home a reserve.

The amateur stake was one of the larger gaited classes with nine entries. When the results were in it was Will Cannon aboard Bel Cheval’s All That Jazz taking the tricolor back to Boones Farm and Stables, he also topped the class of eight in the amateur qualifier. Broadway Bluegrass with Rhonda Dunford rode home with a hard fought reserve.

It was Diamonds Hope and Megan McClure racking their way to victory in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship. Ross Berger aboard Casey O Grady took home the reserve after winning a blue in the qualifier.

Visa Gold and Shannon Harris were right on track to go home with the tricolor in the Five Gaited Pony Stake with a blue in the qualifier. The Dreamcatcher and Morgan Berger captured the reserve. Lewis Eckard had Lauren Elyse looking just right to take home the blue in the Five Gaited Junior Horse class.

Three-Gaited

The Grand National Three-Gaited Championship was full of top entries. When the card was in, it was the winner from the junior exhibitor class taking home the tricolor. CH The Showstopper, with Jessica Holmes, had no problem making the transition to open competition. Coming up for reserve in this championship was Gary Altizer aboard Periaptor’s Dancing Star who had won the open qualifier. The Jordan Heir, with Julie Burmeister, went home with the yellow ribbon and Hurricanes Last Dance with Robert Gardiner up, finished out the class. Morgan Wolin and CF Cool Night Out took home the blue in the Ladies Three-Gaited class under the direction of Steve and Julia Joyce of Castle Hills Farm.

When the amateurs trotted into the ring it was Tipitina and Dori Zandy going home with the tricolor. They also went home with the blue in the amateur qualifier. Carol Reedy and My Wicked Ways carried home reserve in the class of five. CH Attaches Spirit Commander, with LynEllen Gregory, rode to the top of the card in the junior exhibitor championship after taking home a reserve in the qualifier. The reserve champion was Woulda Coulda Shoulda with Aimee Austin in the irons.

When it was time for the three-gaited ponies to take the ring it was Callaways Topaz and Karen Brandt picked up tricolor. Brittany Volker and Recent Rumor earned a reserve. With only two entries in the Junior Three-Gaited class it was Tesh and Lewis Eckard going home with the blue. In the park division the open classes were not as large as the amateur division but were every bit as competitive. Marie Gwinn had Promise To Dance right on the money to take home the tricolor in the championship and also won the qualifier. Going home as reserve champion was Tomorrows Future and Bobby Burgess.

Six entries made their way through the gate in the amateur championship. In the end it was CH Harlems Black Magic and Beth Watson riding home with a victory. Jeanne Frazer had Sports Night on track to take home a reserve championship after earning a blue in the qualifier.

Fine Harness

The fine harness division offered a chance to see a multi-titled three-gaited champion making a return to the harness division. When the cards were turned in it was CH Devoted To The Cause and Leslie Cannon driving on to the tricolor with Gladys Knight and Randy Cole going home with the reserve. Gladys Knight had previously picked up a blue in the open qualifier.

Roadster

After winning the open qualifier, M.L." Chappy" Chapman drove The Gingerbread Man to the tricolor in the Road Horse To Bike Championship. Bo Lucas sped around the ring to pick up a reserve with The Kentucky Wild Cat. Johnny Wellington and Free Agent took the blue in the amateur class. Winning a blue in the Road Horse Under Saddle class was the Morgan entry Trijas Peter Pepper with Jason Harrell of La Mirage in the irons.

The Road Pony Championship had eight entries with Aisle Party and Harmon Family Stables trainer Roy Harris coming up with the win for Lester Harmon. M.L Gray guided Rare Wine to a reserve in the championship. In the amateur division it was Brooke Bodenhorst and Ferocia winning both the qualifier and the championship. Vivacious E.F. and Mary Daughtry took a reserve in the championship.

When it was time for the junior exhibitors to jog in, it was Wesley Hall and Powerstroke earning the tricolor after winning the AHHS roadster medallion class. Mandy Davis and Crescent City Connection earned a blue in the qualifier and a reserve in the championship.

The UPHA Road Pony Classic had Lewis Eckard and Seize The Moment taking the victory pass. M.L. Gray picked up the blue in the Southeastern Futurity three-year-old class. Shelton Pittman had Star Sweetheart looking just right to pick up a blue in the limit class. Cherry's Dreamtime and Crystal Harmon were victorious in the under saddle class for a trip down victory lane.

Hackney/Harness

Fitz's Mademoiselle pulled double duty this year, winning the Amateur Harness Pony qualifier with Sheila Lail and then winning both the amateur championship and the open championship with Gina Lail on the lines. So Lovely CH and Crystal Harmon earned a win in the open qualifier. Picking up a blue in the UPHA Harness Pony Classic was Sunset's Pride and Joy with M.L. Gray. Spring Fling and Shelton Pittman took a trip down victory lane in the limit class.

Roy Harris made another trip down victory lane on Saturday night picking up the tricolor in the Hackney Pony Championship with Belle Star for Lester Harmon. Crackerjack and Tommy Currie picked up a reserve after winning the amateur class. Don Robinson and Creation's Impressive picked up the win in the open qualifier.

Lots of Hackney babies could be found on the show grounds for the Southeastern Futurity classes. DRS' First Lady and Don Robinson took home the blue in the three-year-old class. M.L. Gray picked up the win in the Two Year-Old Stallion and Gelding class with Sunset's Black Devil. Cavalette and Bob Glasgow made it to the top of the card in the Two-Year Old Mare class, and M.L. Gray had Sunset's Traveler in shape for a victory in the Yearling Stallion and Gelding class. When it was time for the yearling fillies to take the ring it was Olivia Legacy and Larry Crisco picking up the win. Lee Hudson and Rhett made a trip down victory lane in the Weanling Stallion and Gelding class and Hudson made another victory pass with Miss Scarlet in the weanling fillies class.

Rounding out the Hackney division were the pleasure driving pony classes. Rita Camp and Heartland High Time made two trips down victory lane winning both the amateur championship and the qualifier. Jeb Boyd and Orion made their way to the winner's circle in the junior exhibitor medallion class. Butterfly Kisses and Ashley Moore picked up a win in the UPHA classic.

Pleasure

The Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship had 12 entries all working hard to earn the tricolor. In the end it was Marie Gwinn and Callaway's No Problem picking up the tricolor after receiving reserve in the qualifier. Make It Magic and Katherine Hansil earned a blue in the qualifier and then a reserve in the championship. CH Great Day's Token and Drew Hagens took home a blue in the junior exhibitor qualifier.

Nineteen entries answered the call to the gate for the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Adult Championship. Winning both the qualifier and the championship was Cartel and Kristen Bagdasarian. Matthew Cole and All I Do Is Dream picked up a reserve in the championship. Catie Hawley had CH In Neon ERB looking just right to take the tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship after earlier winning the qualifier. Simple Simon and Laura Cooper came in with a reserve. In the 13 and under division it was CH Harlem's Moon Shadow and Kate Bryan winning both the championship and the qualifier. Tara Grom rode Endolane Firecracker to a reserve in the championship.

CH Sapphire & Silk and Toree Lewis Hefner topped a class of nine to pick up a blue in the amateur owned and trained class. When the novice riders entered the ring it was Morgan Feimster and Instant Promise CF taking home the blue. Fancy Persuasion and Anna Stoddard earned a win in the walk and trot 10 and under class. Justine Janzen and Santana's Flaming Dawn took home a blue in the English Pleasure Pony Championship with Only Once and Amanda Blair coming up with reserve. In the 12 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class it was Candace Lovell and Ready For The World CF coming up with the blue.

In the show pleasure driving division it was CH Herculean and Shaye Coleman coming up with the tricolor in the championship and a blue from the qualifier. All I Do Is Dream and Ginger Hollingsworth picked up a reserve in the championship.

Eleven entries made their way through the gate in the Adult Country Show Pleasure Championship and in the end it was Deana Edwards and Couldn't Stand The Weather making their way to the top of the judges card. Giggles & Grins and Luanne Kilday picked up a win in the qualifier and a reserve in the championship. CH Texas Fiesta and Emily Henley earned a tricolor in the 14-17 championship with a reserve in the qualifier. Sky Max and Shannon Harris picked up a win in the 14-17 qualifier along with a reserve in the championship.

Will's Willy and Caitlin Amos earned the tricolor in the 13 and under championship along with a reserve in the qualifier. Have A Great Day and Kerri Beth Fersch rode off with a reserve in the championship. In the amateur owned and trained class it was Bonnie Santana and Debbie Palmer going home with the blue. Heather Jenson and Leatherwood's Almost Heaven made a trip down victory lane in the novice rider class.

In the country pleasure driving division it was The Kentucky Connection and Mariam Wright winning both the qualifier and the championship. Bankshire's Emerald Spring and Penni Lovell Miller also earned a top ribbon with reserve in the championship.

Tatum Faithful and Liquid Trust claimed the top honors in the Western Country Pleasure Championship and the qualifier. Best Impression and Amanda Baldwin received the blue in the junior exhibitor class.

Equitation

Erin Bolster earned the tricolor in the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship aboard Mr. Douglas Fairbanks along with a blue in the 17 and Under Pleasure Equitation class. Danielle Butler on Key's Midnight Dancer took the reserve championship.

Laura Byrd went home with two wins. She won the 17 and under class along with the blue in the UPHA Challenge Cup Class. Alexis Gainey, on Awesome Image, picked up a win in the Walk and Trot 10 & Under Championship. Winning the 10 & under qualifier was Katelin Wensley aboard Charresse.

A large academy section competed in their Sunday morning session. A variety of classes were offered for all ages; eight and under to adult. The divisions included walk and trot classes and walk-trot-canter classes. Many participated and many classes had to be divided. Many youngsters also made debuts in the lead line class.

Morgan

Jason Harrell won his tenth career victory in the English Pleasure Championship, this year aboard Treble's First Aflaire. Sam Garwood, Jr., earned a reserve in the championship along with wins in the amateur championship and the amateur owned and trained class. Mary Cannon and Artistry In Motion picked up a win in the ladies division. Connie Irvin earned a blue in the amateur to ride qualifier aboard K.E.W. Bold Dragon.

Mary Cannon had AFF Rooster Cogburn in top form to make a trip down victory lane in the junior exhibitor championship after a reserve in the qualifier. The Heartbeat and Candice Arnette came in for reserve in the championship. It was Jason Harrell and AFF Elusive Dream winning both classes in the junior/limit horse division. There were no entries for the Morgan park saddle class and the park harness class.

Glorious Answer and Jason Harrell topped the card in the Morgan Pleasure Driving Championship along with a win in the qualifier. Sam Garwood, Jr., and HPS Cool Commotion picked up a tricolor in the amateur championship. Hollybrook Indian Brave and Mary Daughtry earned a blue in the qualifier and a reserve in the championship.

Flintlock's C.O. and Nan Bowling earned a tricolor in the Classic Pleasure Championship along with wins in the qualifier and the ladies class. Ram Wham Bam Precision and Laura Cowan took the tricolor and blue winning both the qualifier and the junior exhibitor championship. In the limit class it was Sally Lawing and Providence Eternal earning a blue ribbon.

Cathy Minard and Fletcher Flash made two trips down victory lane winning both the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship and the qualifier. AFF Illusion and Sally Lawing picked up a reserve in the championship along with a blue in the limit class.

Ultra's Untouchable and Jason Harrell earned a win in the Western Pleasure Championship along with winning the qualifier. Chrissy Crotts and Hollybrook Magic Man picked up a reserve in the championship and the blue in the ladies class. They also won the amateur championship, and the amateur owned and trained class.

In the Hunter pleasure division it was RGR Moon Shadow and Tristanne Weber winning the championship, open qualifier, and the junior/limit class. Carlyle Criterion and Sally Lawing trotted to the winners circle in both the amateur championship and qualifier. In the junior exhibitor division it was Michael John Eure and QM Poseiden going home with the blue. In the Walk and Trot 12 and Under class it was Emory Sykes and JAJ Capriole's Sir Walter making their way to the winner circle.

For the complete show story, see the printed edition of Saddle Horse Report dated November 5th, 2001.

 

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