COLUMBUS, OH - Gold cups were the rewards as quality horses met exhibitors for the AMHA Region 3 Gold Cup Regional Horse Show, held June 11-15, 2002 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. Show Manager, Marilyn Ackerman once again ran a smooth ship, with the help of her daughter, Joyce acting as Show Secretary along with an efficient office staff who were always willing to help. Dwayne Knowles, Peggy Alderman, and Sandy Chohany selected the winners of the prized gold cups and tricolors throughout the show.
A new schedule was implemented this year. Instead of the usual morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, each day held only a morning and evening session. This gave exhibitors a time to rest and enjoy the many things to do around the great city of Columbus. Numbers were slightly down at the show, but the quality seemed to make up for that.
Joyce Ackerman commented, "I think the 2002 Morgan Gold Cup went very well. While the numbers were slightly down, we had about 330 horses showing this year, the quality of the horses was as good as ever. The show featured exhibitors from more than ten different states and welcomed such national and world champions as Cabot Top Attraction, Sight Unseen, Up Hyre High Hope, JW Romantic Ways, Firewind Diva, Aljacks Miss Wham I Am, SpringMill Sequel, Cyderbay Sassafras, JW Sporting Victory and equitation champions April Darling, Susie Sessink, Kali Erin Hutchinson, Emily Garten, Brandi Orlando and many, many more past and future champions."
As usual, Gold Cup exhibitors enjoyed many activities outside of the ring as well. Exhibitors were kept well aware of pertinent information by way of a newsletter entitled The Gold Cup Gazette. This newsletter supplied information such as show office hours and telephones numbers, parking tips, and events in the area that could cause traffic delays, so exhibitors could plan accordingly.
Each morning the hospitality area near the show office was open for coffee and donuts to start each morning session. The silent auction held some terrific items from old, historic Morgan Horse magazines to a beautiful painting that was featured on the cover of the program. Thursday evening before the show, the annual wine and cheese party was held.
Friday evening following the last class held the much awaited progressive party. As always, the food was terrific and the fellowship even better, with Karaoke for all to enjoy - or maybe run the other direction! Whitney Stables was one of the many barns that took part in the progressive party. They exhibited a breath-taking ice sculpture of a horse rearing up from the shrimp that sparkled as the light shone on it - what a sight to behold!
High Point Awards were given to hardworking exhibitors with Brandi Orlando earning the junior exhibitor title and Amy Gatewood Buckle adding the amateur award to her busy week. The awards were presented to the winners before the final class on Saturday evening.
Ending the Saturday morning session, the stick horse class was truly something...probably the largest class of the horse show! The little riders aboard their stick horses seemed to just keep spilling into the ring. They trotted around in a large circle - some a little out of control, and some, well, just barely keeping up with the rest of the pack!! They each received a blue ribbon and a neat art set of markers and glitter pens.
Thanks to a hard working staff, show results were updated daily at www.morganhorse.com. "With over seventy rides in the Dressage division and entries in almost every class offered including a great turn out in the In Hand and Junior Exhibitor divisions, and a large hunter pleasure section, the 2002 Morgan Gold Cup was a great show, and we are planning on making 2003 even better!", said Ackerman.