Excitement Cascades Into The Far West Regional
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
by Diana Davidson
REDMOND, Ore. - The 48th Far West Regional was the showcase for an exciting week of Morgan competition on June 21-25. The Deschutes County Fairgrounds located in scenic central Oregon again boasted some of the finest competition west of Oklahoma as horses from the western United States as well as Canada vied for the AMHA Region 8 Championships at Far West. The breathtaking scenery, high desert climate, and outstanding show ring competition have made Far West a favorite for many west coast exhibitors.
The competition was perfectly placed with the panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains surrounding Redmond as the backdrop for the Far West Regional. The chamber of commerce must have ordered the weather with sparkling sunny, warm days and cool, clear evenings. The weather was ideal for many exhibitors who combine the horse show with a summer vacation enjoying a variety of tourist activities in Redmond and the surrounding area. They have the chance to take in over 200 classes of outstanding show ring competition and also use some of their time to play golf, go river rafting or fishing, or simply enjoy being a tourist.
The fairgrounds feature a spacious coliseum with an attached warm up area, an outdoor ring, and many barns throughout the grounds filled with new portable stalls. Exhibitors were well prepared for navigating the large fairgrounds with golf carts and scooters being the travel modes of choice by many. The five-year-old facility continues to make improvements to host a horse show of this caliber. Prior to the show, a new contract was signed between Far West and the fairgrounds for another five years.
The 2005 Far West Regional marked a new beginning as show manager Stacy Rutledge and secretary Kelly McFaul took over from Far West mainstays Sally Plumley and Edrah Spielman respectively. During the Saturday evening session show chair Ann Robitaille came to center ring. “I would like to thank the owners, trainers, and sponsors for coming and making it such a great week. I hope you all had a good time. My sincere thanks also go to our officials and volunteers. After 15 great years under the leadership of Sally and Neil Plumley, this was a transition year filled with lots of challenges. Sally handpicked Stacy Rutledge to take over the management, and on behalf of MHAO we would like to thank her for all of her efforts," Robitaille commented as she honored Stacy Rutledge with a bouquet of flowers. Rutledge thanked everyone for their help and urged everyone to step up and take an active role in Far West and promoting the Morgan horse.
Stepping up to the plate and promoting the Morgan horse was certainly the theme of the show. The climax was the highly anticipated $12,000 Amateur English Pleasure Championship that closed out the show on Saturday night. The historic class was made possible due to the foresight and generosity of a group of dedicated Morgan owners and trainers. The results were spectacular with nine multi-titled entries vying for the coveted title with Man In Command and Stephanie Connor rising to the top of the competition.
This class was the grand finale of an outstanding week of show ring competition. The spirit of cooperation and participation rose to the top in many ways. The week featured a great amount of sales activity with several top winning horses as well as young prospects going home with new owners. Far West also featured a great social scene with many barn parties throughout the week. The days began with complimentary coffee and donuts. The AMHA/USEF Rules Forum took place on Friday afternoon under the direction of Forest Nealon. The Friday evening session came to a close with another memorable edition of the annual Far West exhibitors’ party. The Region 8 Championship Dog and Pet Show was a Saturday highlight as was the Youth Of The Year Contest won by Christine Fowler.
In addition to Stacy Rutledge, Ann Robitaille, and Kelly McFaul, the list of Far West officials also included; Carol Lee Hyde (announcer and music), Casey McBride (photographer), Adele Maurer (ringmaster), Joan Shelton-Palalek (steward), Bill Hazen (paddock manager), Bob Covington (barn manager), and Carole Bradford (center ring design). Kathleen Peeples and Ken Swanson marked the cards in the nearly 200 classes that made up the Far West show ring action while Nancy Thacher scored the dressage competition, and Ann Taylor officiated in the reining, trail and hunter over fences competition.
The 2005 Far West Regional was certainly another memorable week in central Oregon for all in attendance. Highlights of the Far West Regional show ring competition follow. Complete results can be seen on this web site by going to Statistics and clicking on Show Results.
English Pleasure
The 2005 Far West Regional came to a fitting climax as the gate opened for the final class of the show. When the announcement was made earlier this year of a historic $12,000 Amateur English Pleasure Championship, a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm was generated. The class drew a fabulous field of nine top flight teams as the gate swung open for the competition. The entries represented stables from Oregon, Washington and California as well as owners from those three states in addition to Kentucky and Minnesota. The competitors trotted into the ring with strong encouragement from their cheering sections - Upper Echelon and Alexandra Wille-Irmiter, HVK Obsidian and Ling Fu Wylie, Monnington Titian and Susan O'Hara, Versace and Karie Miller, French Flambeau and Shannon Connor, Mantic Top Gun and Carol Bradford, Boston's Big Whammy and Cassie Stevenson, Baccarat's Noble Cause and Teri Rumens, and Man In Command and Stephanie Connor.
Judge Kathleen Peeples had the call of the class and the historic competition ensued. The horses and riders all stepped up for a class of this magnitude with a good size audience enthusiastically cheering them on. After one final trot, the entries were then lined up with the riders all sensing a feeling of accomplishment for taking part in this class. As the final card was signed, it was time to greet the champions.
As the winning announcement was made, the man of the hour was Man In Command as a beaming Stephanie Connor rode her expressive gelding to the winner's circle following a great performance. Tim Arcuri greeted the victorious pair as they were awarded the winner's purse of $6000 for their historic performance. Karie Miller took over the reins of the multi-titled Versace to command the reserve championship finish and a check for $3500 for the Lee/Woolley family. The team of HVK Obsidian and Ling Fu Wylie were awarded the yellow streamers and $2500 for their dynamic third place finish. The crowd saluted each of the entries for their part in this historic class, and the Morgan industry owes thanks to all of the owners and trainers whose foresight and generosity made this class possible.
The Open English Pleasure Championship was another Saturday evening highlight. WSG Shady Lady and Debi Jeppesen turned in a bold and stylish performance to earn the tricolor honors for Dragonsmeade with the Fu family on hand to cheer them on. Joan Bowers was in the irons of Baccarat's Midnight Lace to earn the reserve tricolor finish in the competitive five entry competition for Avona L'Carttier.
The open division qualifiers began with Versace earning her first trip of the week to the winner's circle with Keith Nelsen aboard in the gentlemen’s class. Karie Miller then warmed up for Saturday night with the winning ride in the open qualifier for the Lee/Woolley family. Anne-Marie Bumb's handsome MSV Rock Star enjoyed a winning season debut in his only performance of the show as Garn Walker guided him to the stallion/gelding win. Holly Gellner matched up with the bright chestnut Sunshade Mr. Kahler for the novice blue for Jim and Karen Avichouser.
The Ladies English Pleasure competition was chock full of top winning horses paired with talented riders. Kiss N Tell made a pair of stellar showings to add the blue from the nine entry qualifier as well as the tricolor to the Rushton Stables banner. Stacy Hennessy provided the winning rides for Bill and Connie Myers. Susan O'Hara is enjoying her first season on the west coast and under the direction of Forest Nealon and Illahee. O'Hara put on a polished performance with her dynamic Monnington Titian to collect the Ladies English Pleasure Reserve Championship as part of a tricolor week.
Thursday's Amateur English Pleasure class featured a fine field of eight with many preparing for Saturday evening's grand finale. Upper Echelon and Alexandra Wille-Irmiter were center stage as they put on a fantastic show in their season debut to post an impressive victory under the Rushton Stables banner.
Katie Cook and LCS Striptease followed up their victorious team debut at Diamond Jubilee with another pair of victories at Far West. Stacy Hennessy and Gerry Rushton directed them the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 blue and tricolor. Cecily King and her handsome partner WIZ Showsonsation followed up with the reserve honors.
The Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under Championship again featured the awarding of the Mtn Laurel Maximilian Perpetual Trophy named for the late great Lee/Woolley family champion. Stacia Klein was excited to win the trophy and the championship for the second year in a row aboard her handsome partner Outrageous Courageous. They matched up to win the qualifier as well as the championship to the delight of proud mom April Klein.
The Rushton Stables banner was filled with blue ribbons and tricolors from the English pleasure division. The lovely GLB Perfect Harmony made two outstanding shows to earn matching victories in the Junior English Pleasure Championship and the four-year-old qualifier. Stacy Hennessy guided the daughter of Futurity French Command and Fletcher Music Lee to the honors for Lorraine Bumb and Silver Creek Stables. Tina Strickler was matched with the Tug Hill Celebrity daughter QVM Mon Cheri for the reserve honors. They performed for Quincy Valley Morgans under the direction of Keith Nelsen Stables.
Following a victorious 2004 season in driving and in hand, Mantic Excalibur added the saddle division for 2005. Joan Bowers was aboard the handsome colt for the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure victory.
Pleasure Driving
The pleasure driving division featured some outstanding and entertaining competition including performances by Grand National and World title holders and more who look certain to earn their own. The open division featured Grand National Champion Total Request following up his winning season debut in Monterey with the Open Pleasure Driving Championship as well as the stallion/gelding blue. Tim Arcuri was on the lines of the Futurity French Command and AFF Beulah son for Tom and Stephanie Connor.
The mare class featured the elegant Dragonsmeade Divine Miss M making the victory pass with Robert Hughes on the lines for Dragonsmeade. Reserve World Champion Burkland Rafinesque earned a trip down victory lane in his west coast debut as Craig Clapp guided the Paradise Morgans' entry to the gentlemen’s blue in their only performance of the week. Thad Brill and Designer Genes were the stylish blue ribbon duo in the novice class.
The names Festival Calypso and Stephanie Connor are synonymous with ladies pleasure driving. The world championship team continued their Far West tricolor streak as they earned the Ladies Pleasure Driving Championship once again this year. The qualifier featured the only workout of the week as Festival Calypso and Stephanie Connor were pitted in a head to head battle with GLB Bell Of The Ball and Stacy Hennessy by judge Ken Swanson. The Thursday night highlight saw Stephanie Connor and her dynamic bay earn the top honors with Stacy Hennessy and the dazzling Lorraine Bumb entry following in reserve as they would again on Saturday. It was a crowd pleasing competition from start to finish.
Pondview Tres Bien and Kurt Rumens enjoyed their return to the winner's circle as they added the Amateur Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor to a winning week for Fire Run Farm. MLF Sharper Image and Craig Sommers enjoyed two fine drives of their own as they earned the reserve honors under the Gerry Rushton Stables banner.
The Hazen family could not have been more proud of the brother-sister duo of Austin and Anna McLallin as they battled it out for the tricolors in the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Championship. Austin enjoyed a fabulous debut show with his handsome partner On A Mission MEM as they earned the tricolor following the qualifier blue for proud mom Cathy Hazen. Anna was matched with grandmother Jacqueline Clapp's HVK Reverberation to follow up with the reserve honors with a family celebration to follow.
The young horse competition featured an impressive field of promising performers including some memorable debuts. FRF Bridalveil returned to the site of her show ring debut as 2003 Junior Champion Mare to make her performance debut. The high-headed DBA Street Talk daughter was the pride of Fire Run Farm as Bill Grundmeyer guided her to the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship as well as the four-year-old blue. Robert Hughes gave Paul and Danica Brisco's Boston Dylan a pair of bold drives to garner the reserve honors.
Last year's Junior Champion Mare, Flairetation earned a stellar victory in her performance debut. Forest Nealon guided the charismatic HVK Bell Flaire daughter to the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving blue in her only performance of the show for George and Glendel Campbell.
FRF Quintessa was a stylish new presence in the winner's circle as the half-sister to World Champion FRF Seattle Reign announced her presence in her show ring debut. Bill Grundmeyer introduced Bonnie Trimble's brilliant filly to the winner's circle for the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor. New Oregon residents Bill and Kathy Taylor were on hand to cheer on their elegant Flintwood Fascination as the reserve champion with Gerry Rushton on the lines.
Park Saddle
Joan Bowers and Mantic Boogie Belle earned the lion's share of park saddle victories at Far West. The dynamic Born To Boogie daughter visited the winner's circle in the four-year-old and ladies qualifiers and returned for matching tricolors in the junior and ladies championships. GLB Coppertone Girl and Belle Bradford stepped up for the ladies reserve honors for the second year in a row for Old Dawson Ranch.
Barbara Tardy was all smiles as she matched up with her handsome Cedar Creek Ungaro to carry the Amateur Park Saddle blue and tricolor back to the Blackridge banner in their season debut. Kris Skaug gave her athletic Jarad Dawson a game ride for the reserve honors directed by Belle Bradford.
Anna McLallin and Marathon's Electrafire have moved up from the walk-trot ranks this season with determination. They turned in a pair of crowd-pleasing performances to garner the junior exhibitor and youth blues for their proud family at Hazen Training Center.
Park Harness
The Friday evening session closed with The Real Deal enjoying another tricolor finale at Far West. The Grandiose son began his streak of three Regional Park Saddle Championships at Far West last year, and returned with a bold performance to add the park harness title to his résumé. Gerry Rushton guided him to the open blue as well for owners Bill and Connie Myers.
The audience had the chance to cheer on the charismatic Intrepid Dynasty as he followed up his world championship debut with two victorious drives at Far West. Craig Clapp guided the son of HVK Bell Flaire and Intrepid Immortal Beloved to top honors in the four-year-old and junior championship competition for the Lee/Woolley family. Boxford's Bravura continued his blue ribbon season as Stacy Hennessy guided the handsome bay to the three-year-old blue and returned as the reserve junior champion for Ted and Elaine Olsen.
Former world champion Arboria Victor's Pride made her show ring return at Far West following a few years off for maternal duties. The fiery chestnut made a dynamic return to the winner's circle as Sandy Sessink took over the lines for Roy and Janie Coats for the Ladies Park Harness Championship victory. HVK Constantinoble was bright and polished with Stephanie Connor as they added the Ladies Park Harness blue as well as the reserve tricolor to the Arcuri Stables banner.
Far West was also the site of Iann Fu Longenecker's debut with the charismatic Dragonsmeade Fusion. The bold performing HVK Bell Flaire son was perfectly matched to carry the Amateur Park Harness blue and tricolor back to Dragonsmeade to the cheers of the Blackridge team.
French Intuition is enjoying his show ring return as Jennifer Hazen matched up with her beloved gelding to add the Youth Park Harness blue to the Hazen Training Center banner.
In Hand
The In Hand division started off the show ring action on Tuesday evening setting the stage for a tricolor show. A small but extremely impressive lineup of horses performed for those who came to view the action. The impressive young offspring of DBA Street Talk began a winning show with Bill Grundmeyer leading FRF Backtalk to the three-year-old geldings blue for Fire Run Farm. The first tricolor of the show was hung on the Hazen Training Center banner as the reigning Reserve World Champion Gelding, HVK March Flaire began a great show for the Hazens and owner Jacqueline Clapp as he posed for the Senior and Grand Champion Gelding honors as well as the five and over blue. Stacy and David Rutledge's sleek Ultra's Knight Of Request posed for the reserve tricolor honors with Forest Nealon on the lead of the son of Nobility and Ultras Formal Request.
The In Hand Mare classes followed as Crown Queen Of The Road made breeder/owner/trainer Nancy Eidam quite proud as she earned the Yearling Fillies blue and topped the Junior Champion Mare competition. The Fortress Crest Morgans breeding program featured two-year-old winner FCM Kasual Soulmate who was also named Reserve Junior Champion Mare with Michael Pereillo presenting.
Tom and Stephanie Connor were on hand to watch their magnificent Bell's Masterpiece make her west coast debut with Tim Arcuri on the lead. The reigning Reserve World Champion Mare was the picture of beauty and style as she posed for the Four-Year-Old, Senior and Grand Champion Mare honors to begin a memorable week for the Connor and Arcuri families. Tracemark Touch Of Gold added to Beverly Olson's tricolor ribbon collection as Bill Grundmeyer showed the Pot Of Gold daughter to the Reserve Senior and Reserve Grand Champion Mare honors.
The stallion competition brought the Tuesday evening session to an exciting finish. Dream Catcher Chandler made owners Barbara and Robert Fink's dreams come true as Denny Hansen presented the son of The Scandinavian to the yearling blue and the Junior Champion Stallion honors.
The Far West audience and most especially new owner Jacqueline Clapp had the thrill of cheering on World Champion Liberation First Star in his west coast debut. Bill and Sammi Hazen had the impressive son of Century Free Spirit and Liberation First Star in top order as he showed off his charismatic style and athleticism on the way to the Five & Over, Senior and Grand Champion Stallion honors.
Reserve World Champion Boxford's Bravura earned his first trip of the week to the winner's circle in the Three-Year-Old Stallions. Gerry Rushton and Stacy Hennessy presented Ted and Elaine Olsen's charismatic bay to the Reserve Senior and Reserve Grand Champion Stallion awards as well.
Western Pleasure
The Open Western Pleasure division featured a pair of picture perfect performances by World Champion Grand Cru Beaujolais. Keith Nelsen presented Debra Woolley-Lee's gorgeous stallion to the tricolor as well as the qualifier blue. When they jogged to the winner's circle in the championship, it was announced that Beaujolais would be performing for new owner Sandra Nelson and Madison Avenue Morgans as Keith Nelsen enjoyed a final victory pass. Garn Walker has Corrick happily performing for owner Connie Melendy as they showed in their victorious performance in the amateur 50 & over. It was Garn Walker's turn on Saturday night as he guided Corrick to the Open Western Pleasure Reserve Championship to finish off a great week of competition.
The Hazen family is delighted with the success of their trio of new horses who all earned victory passes at Far West. The handsome Pondview Picante jogged away with the stallion/gelding blue with Sammi Hazen aboard for Cathy Hazen who also enjoyed top rides in her long awaited show ring return. Holly Gellner and Futurity's Tessa Mark topped a competitive field of eight to garner the blue ribbon and medallion in the mare class.
The outstanding quality in the western pleasure division prepares competitors and spectators for what it will be like in October in Oklahoma. DLH Dakota Blues knows all about what it takes to win in Oklahoma as he proved with a phenomenal week paired with delighted owner Julie Chan. Their polish and consistency shone through as they jogged away with the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship for the second year in a row. They also earned matching blues 17 entry ladies and 17 entry ladies amateur classes as well as the reserve ladies championship directed by Garn Walker Stable.
World Champion Futurity's Such A Twist and Kathy Papola returned to the site of their team debut a year ago to earn a pair of tricolor ribbons. Ron Smith greeted the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship team in the winner's circle. A day earlier, they also carried the Amateur Western Pleasure Reserve Championship back to Baccarat Farms.
Chelsea Norris and Kane Creek Novel Idea earned their second tricolor of the week as they collected the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 14-17 Championship under the direction of Carmen Hobson. Natalie Nelsen matched up with Grand National Champion KN French Commandante to earn the seven entry qualifier blue as well as the reserve championship. Keith Nelsen also guided the Lee/Woolley family entry to the gentlemen’s blue for the second year in a row.
Kelly Armijo and Mirador Magellan matched up beautifully to earn the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 13 and Under blue and tricolor under the Glori Stables banner. Anna McLallin added to a tricolor show with the reserve performance with Winsation's Bojangles. Whitney Hazen also turned in a steady ride with Bojangles for the youth win.
Iris Rankin was all smiles as she paired up with Redfield Aladdin to make the victory passes with the Walk-Jog Western Pleasure blue and tricolor. Kelley Rankin also directed Aladdin to the 13 entry amateur blue. Tu-Kan's Rambunctious and Sara Cleland were the adorable reserve team in the walk-jog division.
Garn Walker was the winning cowboy in the Junior Western Pleasure Championship for the second year in a row. Metolius returned to Oregon, the state from which his name comes, to jog away with the tricolor following the blue ribbon ride in the 12 entry four-year-old class. Jennifer McFall and the refined bay Movado were a stylish presence as the reserve team for Sandra Nelson and Madison Avenue Morgans.
Daryl Hopson introduced a pair of impressive three-year-olds to the winner's circle. Treble's Mucho Uno has an unforgettable look in addition to a memorable name. Daryl Hopson guided the promising Tug Hill Commando son to the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure victory for Treble's Morgan Manor. Nancy Jewell owns the lovely Bear's Covergirl who earned a trip to the winner's circle in the 10 entry novice class with Daryl Hopson guiding the way.
Hunter Pleasure
The Open Hunter Pleasure Championship went back to Dragonfire once again this year as Lightyear continued his tricolor season with Jennifer McFall aboard for Melissa Hart. The smooth striding gelding was also in perfect frame to top the open qualifier.
Futurity's Helen C is making quite a name for herself as Julie Adams rode the bold bay to matching reserve tricolors in the open and ladies championships for Futurity Farm.
World Champion UVM Columbine is making her show ring return this season for new owner Sandra Nelson and Madison Avenue Morgans. Earl McFall stepped into the irons for the winning ride in the eight entry Hunter Pleasure Mares.
Carmen Hobson rode a pair of bold, bay performers to the winner's circle. STM Victory's Sharpshooter earned matching medallions in the stallion/gelding and ladies qualifiers. Hobson switched over to Kane Creek Smokescreen for the novice victory.
The World Championship team of Melissa Walker and GPM Genesis B returned to Far West to add to their ribbon collection. They closed out the show with matching tricolors in the Amateur and Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championships after proudly carrying home top honors in the amateur 50 & over class. The classy new team of French Touch and Carol Fletcher stepped up for the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship performance under the Illahee banner.
Julie Chan seems to enjoy large classes as she won some of the biggest classes of the show in both the hunter and western divisions. Teamed with her bold performing En Excess NKS, Chan made the victory pass in the 16 entry amateur class and returned for top honors in the ladies amateur class to add another pair of medallions to the Garn Walker Stable banner.
The competitive Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 14-17 Championship saw the impressive team of Orrwood's Special Edition and Katie Teevin put on a bold showing to earn the tricolor following the blue ribbon ride in the youth qualifier under the Keith Nelsen Stables banner. Alisha Fowler and her new mare CHC Blue's Shining Star earned a stellar victory in the 14-17 qualifier and returned to carry the reserve tricolor back to Illahee for David and Stacy Rutledge.
Talk Of The Town LPS and Lauren Gorfinkle continued their tricolor steak as they earned the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under Championship for the second year in row. They earned the tricolor as well as the qualifier blue to the delight of their friends at Garn Walker Stable. Ali Emmons and Futurity Nickelodeon had a smooth ride of their own to earn the reserve tricolor honors for the second year in a row.
Tu-Kan's Apple Blossom and Sara Rawson enjoyed a show to remember as they earned a pair of wins for the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure blue and tricolor. They were followed by the versatile pairing of Tu-Kan's Rambunctious and Sara Cleland.
Sandra Nelson and Madison Avenue Morgans enjoyed a tricolor debut show for Dragonfire Nefertiti. Jennifer McFall guided the sleek WH Zimbabwe son to a polished performance to earn a grand victory in the Junior Hunter Pleasure Championship. Joan Bowers had the reserve champion for the second year in a row. This time it was the lovely three-year-old winner Mantic Sweet Valentine who earned the honors. Melissa Brown guided Mirador Marco Polo to the winner's circle after a blue ribbon ride in the four-year-old class for Bill and Lori Crawford.
Equitation
The equitation divisions provided some excellent competition for riders in all seats from the youngest leadliners on up. Versatile Christine Fowler showed style and determination aboard Ultras Knight Of Request to garner top honors as the Saddle Seat Equitation Champion coached by Forest Nealon and Sara Mooney. They began the week with the blue ribbon rides in the UPHA Challenge Cup and 14-17 qualifier.
Alex Mooney was a crowd favorite as she matched up with her new partner Cedar Creek Tour De Force to earn the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under blue instructed by Debi Jeppesen. Cecily King put WIZ Showsonsation through his paces on the way to the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal honors.
The Hunt Seat Equitation Championship featured an extremely competitive 11 entry class with judge Peeples selecting five riders to perform individual workouts. Bethany Brill and Fortuneaire teamed up for a stellar tricolor victory to the delight of instructor Carmen Hobson. They earlier earned matching medallions in the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal and 14-17 qualifier. Christine Fowler added the reserve championship with RLN Duchess to her tricolor week.
The well matched combination of Ellen Lowden and QVM Gorgeous George were greeted by Sandy Sessink in the winner's circle following their winning ride in the Hunt Seat Equitation 13 & Under. The top score in the AMHA Dressage Medal belonged to Tyler Long aboard Longacres Fortune Cookie.
Sara Rawson and Tu-Kan's Apple Blossom earned another blue and tricolor for their confident rides in the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation with Tu-Kan's Rambunctious and Sara Cleland again following in reserve.
Chelsea Norris rose to the top of the competition to jog away with the Western Seat Equitation Championship aboard Kane Creek Novel Idea. They followed up with the AMHA Western Seat Medal victory as well coached by Carmen Hobson. Natalie Nelsen and her world champion partner QVM Collector's Edition stepped up to the 14-17 division with a blue ribbon ride in the qualifier on the way to the reserve championship.
Kelly Armijo and Mirador Magellan added the Western Seat Equitation 13 and Under blue to their wins on the week. Meanwhile, Ryan Armijo along with Dustin Silver and Kaitlyn Atkinson enjoyed their time in the show ring in the leadline class.
It was a crowning glory for Iris Rankin and Redfield Aladdin as they jogged to top the Walk-Jog Western Equitation Championship following the qualifier win. They were followed once again by Sara Cleland aboard Tu-Kan's Rambunctious.
Alisha Fowler teamed up with MCG Rumor Has It to slide away with the AMHA Reining Seat Medal. Jessica Geissinger struck a winning pose with SMS Annalark for the showmanship 14-17 win.
Classic Pleasure
The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship closed out the division on Saturday evening with the well matched new combination of Rendition Sterling Image and Susan O'Hara garnering the top honors. They carried the tricolor and roses back to Illahee following their blue ribbon ride to start the week in the open qualifier. Futurity Diamond Rio and Martha Woodland enjoyed their annual trip to Far West as they added the reserve tricolor honors to the Keith Nelsen Stables banner.
Pacific Rim Take Aim and Judi DiGioia enjoyed a victorious season debut as they topped the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallion/Gelding competition directed by Arcuri Stables.
Goldencrest Aleksis and Inge Johnsen enjoyed a trio of Far West victories. They repeated their victory from a year ago in the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship. This followed blue ribbon rides in the mares and ladies classes for Johnsen Tree Farm. Miss Sierra Dawson and Wendy Kroljak teamed up for the ladies reserve tricolor.
Shogun Lord and Cecily King paired up to carry the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure 14-17 blue and tricolor back to Lou and Liz Goldman and trainer Nancy Eidam.
Alex Mooney's smile said it all as she debuted with Cedar Creek Tour De Force to earn the Classic Pleasure Saddle 13 & Under blue to the delight of her large and enthusiastic fan club.
World Champion PT Stormin Norman has taken on a new division with his usual bold style. Matthew Baker was the winning driver as Norman stormed away with the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. Whitney Hazen started off by driving her world championship partner to the junior exhibitor blue. Gordels Paramount Command and George Campbell teamed up for the reserve tricolor finish for an amazing fourth year in a row. This well-matched team also posted matching victories in the gentlemen’s and stallion/gelding classes once again this year coached by Forest Nealon.
Deb Stevenson and her world titled partner RDF Hi-Voltage continued their winning streak with the Classic Pleasure Driving Mares victory under the Illahee banner. Windhelm Ulysses and Ray Forbes earned a trip to the winner's circle in the Open Classic Pleasure Driving.
Beverly Olson had a fantastic time driving her lovely Tracemark Touch Of Gold to a trio of victories. They earned the Ladies Classic Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor as well as the junior blue directed by Bill Grundmeyer.
Miscellaneous
Far West features a wide array of classes to suit the versatile Morgan breed. The show started off with the dressage competition on Tuesday in the Juniper Outdoor Arena. The top scores went to Rogue Hills Woodsman, Cobridge Durango, Fortuneaire, Park Place Elaina, Idleknot Courageous, Futurity's Tessa Mark, and DVF Kingsway.
The reining competition started things off in the outdoor arena on Wednesday morning with JMF White Night and Liz McNealy sliding away with the Reining Championship for the second year in a row. They also posted top scores in the open and non-pro classes. The versatile PT Cruiser and Corey Resh brought the reserve tricolor back to Carol Dombrowsky. Garahlee Val's Sky and Karlie King earned the winning score in the novice class while Black Hat Knight Raven and Lisa Murphy topped the maiden class.
HDEF Miss August and Sondra Edwards slid away with the youth reining blue and came back to show their versatility on the way to the Junior Exhibitor Trail victory. The challenging trail competition finished off with Holiday Kate-Lin and Susan Poe navigating to the tricolor following the amateur blue. PT Cruiser and Corey Resh picked up their second reserve championship of the day. ECF Mirage and Gina Bressler collected the open blue for the second year in a row for Kathleen McCall. Jean Sauer added on to Beverly Olson's ribbon collection as she guided Rogue Hill's Curtain Call to the novice win.
Lico's Maximillian and Whitney Vail made a clean sweep of Wednesday afternoon's hunter earning a quintet of blues. Wilmar Will Command and Kristin Van Dusen earned a return to the winner's circle in the Hunt Seat Road Hack.
HFM Judgement Day and Clay Maier enjoyed a large cheering section as they turned in a trio of winning performances for Mary Rynerson. They finished off with the Carriage Driving Championship after earning matching blues in the reinsmanship and American Heritage classes. Morningside Cassandra and Doug Coats continued to impress with their array of equipment as they finished off with the reserve tricolor. Sutton's Dark Twist and Liz Goldman earned a pair of carriage qualifier blues in the fault and out as well as the dressage driving classes. Don Curtis and Okan Crescent maneuvered to a trio of blues in the gambler's choice, cones and double jeopardy classes. The Bronze Promise showed off his polish with Erin Silver for the Disciplined Rail victory.
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