Fall Fun In The Bluegrass
Thursday, October 12, 2006
by Lauren Camp
LEXINGTON, Ky.- Beautiful sunshine rained down on the Kentucky bluegrass during 2006 Kentucky Fall Classic. Held on the exquisite grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park the show featured over 105 classes and was host to 450 horses. This show is also the home of the Bluegrass Futurity and the new ASHA regional championships. The expert judging skills of Richard Obenauf were employed as class after nice class entered the ring. Judging the UPHA classes and the futurity were Judge Obenauf as well as Ricky Harris and Rob Wilson. Randy Waller helped out by judging the academy classes as well. Doug Shiflet caught all the winning photos as Richfield videoed the winning rides.
Show Secretary Beth Snider made sure all the entries were in order as show Manager Scarlett Mattson kept everything running smoothly. Organist Gene Wright played a great selection of tunes while ringmaster Kent Moeller kept all the entries safe.
The Kentucky Fall Classic features a wonderful schedule with the classes beginning around lunchtime and ending around four in the afternoon. This allowed exhibitors and their families time to enjoy everything that the Kentucky Horse Park has to offer, including the American Saddlebred Museum, which showcases the history of our breed as well as a wonderful gift shop and informative videos. All in all the Kentucky Fall Classic was a tremendous success, as always.
Five-Gaited
Racking away in top form aboard the high-headed Twice Charmed, Melissa Moore picked up the tricolor ribbon for owner North Corporate Properties LLC in the Five-Gaited Jackpot Stake on Saturday afternoon. Reserve honors belonged to Redd Crabtree and Have You Ever for Leatherwood Farm.
Tracy James guided the Silver Brook Stables entry of It’s More Than Likely into the winner’s circle in the Ladies Five-Gaited Stake under the direction of Debbie Foley. Taking home the reserve ribbon were Lucrative and Karla Kucera.
CH A Champagne Affair and Barbara Gaynor were in top form to claim the tricolor in the Amateur Five-Gaited Championship under the direction of John and Renee Biggins. Reserve honors belonged to Bring Out The Champagne and Jan Attinger.
The elegant team of Swish and Carol Hillenbrand was perfect for the blue ribbon in the Amateur Five-Gaited qualifier. Stepping up for the reserve ribbon was the expert pair of CH Amusing and rider Amy Dix Rock. Lauren Pope teamed up with the always-exciting New York Showtime to capture the blue in the highly competitive Amateur Limit class.
Heirrison Ford was a striking vision in grey with Jillian Schaffer in the irons under the direction of Don Harris to take home the tricolor and the blue in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship and qualifier. Reserve championship honors went home with Stonecroft Rumor Has It and catch rider Ali Judah for owner Jennie Garlington. Reserve honors in the qualifying class belonged to Will Harris and She’s Bedazzled ADW.
I’m Royalty Too and Rob Byers looked absolutely fabulous for the blue ribbon in the Limit Five-Gaited class for Louis and Rose Marie Fernandez. Reserve honors belonged to No Fear and Kim Crumpler for Perry and Sally Grieme.
Joe Elam and I’m Something Wicked have been impressing spectators all season. They racked away with the top honors in the Junior Five-Gaited Stake class for Riverdreams LLC. Travel In Style and Don Harris picked up the reserve honors for owner Belcourt Farm.
Debbie Foley and And I’m Stickin To It were racking fiends and never laid an ear back in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic to claim the blue ribbon. Taking home the red ribbon were Callaway’s Deal Breaker and Louis Louw for owner David Nierenberg.
The petite, but powerful, Callaway’s Exception To The Rule and Alexa McWilliams came home with the blue ribbon in the Five-Gaited Pony class under the direction of Rob Byers. Reserve honors belonged to Champagne In Winter and Alyssa Lopez under her mother/trainer, Dena Lopez’s, expert direction.
Three-Gaited
Making a touching retirement from the show ring, Caramar and Melissa Moore graced the winner’s circle one final time in the Three-Gaited Jackpot Stake for owner Live Oak Stables. The red ribbon belonged to CH Caramac’s Norma Rae and Stacey Bare.
Odyssey Mann and Katy Drew made a great show for the top honors in the Ladies Three-Gaited blue ribbon for owner Diamond 5 Farm under the Premier Stables banner. Stacey Bare picked up the reserve honors aboard CH Caramac’s Norma Rae.
Stacie Herron and Lost Token trotted away with the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship tricolor after picking up the Limit Three-Gaited Amateur Rider blue as well, under the direction of Biggins Stables. Reserve honors in the championship belonged to CH Royal Messenger and Michelle Groomes, who also stepped up for the reserve in the qualifying class. Top honors in the qualifying class belonged to CH In My Heart and Dirk Peterson for the Locksley Limited Company LLC.
Nathan Stein had Callaway’s Buttons And Bows trotting high into the winner’s circle in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Championship and in the qualifier. This team is trained by Premier Stables. Reserve championship honors belonged to busy catch rider Ali Judah aboard the David Rudder-owned entry of Kalarama’s Twister. Reserve qualifying honors went home with Micaela Evans and Tipitina.
George Knight guided Charming Babette into the top honors in the Limit Three-Gaited class for owners Osborne/Partlow. La Matrera and Lance Williamson were reserve in this class for owners Hollett Farm & Stables LLC.
Suddenly Single and Redd Crabtree trotted into the winner’s circle in the Junior Three-Gaited class to claim the blue ribbon for Helen/Charles Crabtree Stables Inc. Chalecon and James Wallen stepped up for the reserve honors for proud owners Terese Smith.
After a big win at Louisville, Jackie Tanner and Punch Baby were still on top of their game in the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic to take home the blue ribbon for owners Sarah and Joe Benza. Kalarama’s Personality Plus and Tiffany Wheeler were reserve for owners Gary and Marsha Garone.
The young Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited horses took center stage with My Bravada and Tracy James, for Beverly Hansom, taking home the top honors. Undulata’s Cherry picked up the reserve ribbon with Ed Cockriel for Edward R. Bennett.
Alyssa Lopez and her three-gaited pony Callaway’s Kiss And Tell never put an ear back, claiming top honors in their class. Reserve honors belonged to Taylor Young and S.S. Catch My Act.
Park
Shannon Hafer trotted away with the tricolor ribbon in the Three-Gaited Park Jackpot Stake aboard the sharp-eared Highpoint’s Grandee. This pair also claimed the top honors in the Three-Gaited Park qualifier. Stepping up for the reserve championship honors were Morgan Reiser and Stonehedge Supreme Contender for owner Caroline Stuart. Coming away with the reserve honors in the qualifying class were Rosey Dollface and Larry Gardinier for Granite Hill Stables.
Susan Hall guided Caramac’s Counterclaim to the victory in the Amateur Park Championship, with My California Girl and Betsy Thomas stepping up for the red ribbon. High stepping away with the blue ribbon in the qualifying class were Misdee Wrigley and Kalarama’s Co-Ed. Betsy Thomas and My California Girl trotted away with the reserve in this class as well.
Ivy Johnson and A Rhythm Nation were in top form to pick up the blue in Junior Exhibitor Park class in their only appearance.
The Kentucky Fall Classic featured a Five-Gaited Park class with Rob Byers guiding the Bruce and Pam Milligan entry of High In The Sky to the blue ribbon win. Stepping up for the red ribbon were Sarah Hodgsdon and Victory’s Lady Fox for owner Rick McQuown.
Fine Harness
The six-time World Grand Champion Callaway’s Copyright and John T. Jones graced the winner’s circle in the Fine Harness Jackpot Stake. The ever-so-elegant Gothic Revival and Joan Adler trotted away with the reserve championship honors.
Kelly Mount and Simbara’s Sweet Lorraine were looking lovely in the Ladies/Amateur Fine Harness to take home the blue ribbon. Stepping up for the reserve were One’s Dizzy Lizzy and Jackie Hammond.
Redd Crabtree showed off his own young stock in the Junior/Novice Fine Harness class, taking home the blue ribbon with the flashy Headhunter, owned by Crabtree Farms. Trotting away with the reserve were the ever-smiling Gerald Moores and Periaptus Infinitus for owner Galanos Farm.
Juan Rigoberto and An Earth Angel captured the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness blue ribbon with a stunning drive.
Roadster
Speeding away with the championship honors in Roadster To Bike Jackpot Stake were Beth Nevitt and Wrapped In Glory for owner Bill Hemminger. Reserve honors went away with the leg pumping John T Bert N Me and Holly Russell under the guidance of Connie Smith. This team trotted away with the blue ribbon in the Limit Road Horse class earlier in the week. Stepping up for the reserve in that class were Git R Done and Melinda Moore.
Guided by her father, Jimmy’s, excellent direction, Jennifer Robertson directed Rum’s Last Shot to the victory in the Amateur Road Horse Championship and qualifier. Taking reserve in both classes were Little Richard and Kim Crabtree, trained by Melissa Moore.
The exciting Where Are We Now sped away with the blue ribbon in the Roadster Under Saddle class with Melissa Moore in the saddle for owner Aurora Farms. The Big Show and Alison Walker put on a big show for the reserve ribbon in this class.
Hackney
The leg-pumping little pony Turbo Blue sped into victory with John Maloney in the bike for the championship honors in the open road pony division. This team also took home the blue in the Open Road Pony qualifier. Reserve belonged to Sixty Minutes and George Komer for owners Abbott/Komer. The red ribbon in the qualifying class belonged to Chris Gantley and Kate Spade.
Amadeus and Debbie Gabbert drove away with the championship honors in the combined Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Road Pony Championship. Reserve honors in both the championship and qualifier went to Buckwheat and Ann Fitzpatrick under the direction of Chad Graham. Qualifying blue ribbon honors belonged to the perky pony Heartland Carolee and Devon Garone.
AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony winner were the Stephen/William Kildow entry of Kilbro’s Must Be Dreamin and Casey Bray. Reserve medallion honors belonged to Heartland Well Chosen and Brandon Hubbard.
Alyssa Lopez was a busy girl this week after her three-gaited and five-gaited pony classes, and she graced the winner’s circle again aboard Kathy Capsuto’s speedster Heartland Little Gem. Power Of Attorney and Sarah Bushell stepped into the reserve place under the direction of Chad Graham.
Connie Smith guided the Beth Jones entry of Shooting Star into the winner’s circle in the Road Pony To Wagon class, a unique and new way to see the road ponies exhibit their speed.
Seamair Sensation was indeed sensational in the Open Harness Pony class with Sharon Lewis in the viceroy. Reserve honors belonged to the refined Heartland Flirtation and Jimmy Robertson for Caroline Kramer.
Maureen Lydon had the Bent Tree Farm entry of Heartland Ooh La La looking hot to trot for the Open Hackney Pony class. Reserve honors went home with Heartland Center Attraction and Connie Smith for owner Beth Jones.
Ed Frickey made a nice catch drive for Kim Linke, winning the Hackney/Harness Pony Pleasure Driving Championship with Heartland Celebrate Celebrate. Reserve honors belonged to the high-stepping Autumnwood’s Rumor Has It and Beth Jones. The blue ribbon in the qualifier went home with Hawkeye’s Seven Eleven and Sharon Lewis. Reserve qualifying honor belonged to Kenhurst VooDoo Doll and Dr. Bing Crosby.
Show Pleasure
Jo Ann Griffin and Gotta Be Gold went two for two in the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship and in the novice qualifier. Linda Beltz and Champagne’s Irish Sea stepped into the reserve honors in the championship. Qualifying blue ribbons went home with Admiral’s Gifted Miss and Ashley Dickinson. Reserve belonged to Brooke Jacobs and Callaway’s English Toffee. All The Moves and Lindsey Sowell stepped into the novice reserve spot earlier in the week.
John Biggins guided the Marty Reynolds entry of Steal My Thunder in the Open Park Pleasure class. Reserve ribbons belonged to Lenore’s Prairie Whoopster and Steve Wheeler for John and Dorothy Lenore.
UPHA Park Pleasure Classic blue ribbon honors belonged to Amy Dix Rock and her That’s Exactly Right. The red ribbon went home with Steve Wheeler and He’s The Real Deal for owner Ann Miller.
The elegant entry of CH Lightnin’ Lil and Nicolle Beltz Tolliver were on top of their game in the Adult Show Pleasure Championship taking home the tricolor ribbon under Toni Knight’s direction. Reserve championship honors went to the Shelley Fisher-trained entry of CH Uncle Abe and Piper Granger. This pair also took home the red ribbon in the qualifier. CH Just Special lived up to the name looking truly special with thrilled rider/owner Carol Hillenbrand in the qualifying class as they rode away with the blue ribbon under John Conatser’s direction.
Kelsey Olson and the sporty CH So Audacious went two for two in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship and in the 14 and under qualifier under the direction of Rob Byers. Reserve championship honors belonged to Anna Hormann and Jabez. The red ribbon in the younger qualifying class went home with Jordan Mattingly and Sports Night. Will Harris came out victorious in the Show Pleasure 15-17 qualifier under Mike Felty’s direction aboard Steel Appeal. The Tammy Devore-trained entry of Cydni Simmons and All About Charm was looking good to claim the reserve in the qualifier.
Thundersnow and Erin Obenauf were on top of their game in the Novice Show Pleasure class to take home the blue ribbon. Stepping up for reserve were Andi Bitker and First For Victory.
Kathy Capsuto and the high-headed Dancing Up A Storm were two for two in their new division to capture first in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. Reserve championship honors went home with the team of Last Cat Standing and Candace Meili. The red ribbon in the qualifier belonged to Mystic Pointe and Barrett Clifton.
Country Pleasure
Tate Bennett made a beautiful show aboard the William Woods entry of Gold Kiss in the Adult Country Pleasure Championship. The reserve championship honors belonged to the pleasurable Haunting and Sarah Russell. Making a striking show CH The Billy Bob and Cheryl Friedman Allison took home the top honors in the qualifying class. The red ribbon in the qualifier belonged to Prodigy’s Pride and Raegan Birdwell for the RSM Farms LP.
The absolutely adorable new pair of The Petite Princess and Mollie Kregor took home the championship honors in the junior exhibitor championship, trained by Rob and Sarah Byers. The Jo Cornell entry of Sing My Song and Kristen Smith stepped up for the reserve in both the championship and qualifier. The blue ribbon in the qualifying class went home with Dance Card and Kelly Hill.
Novice Country Pleasure top honors belonged to Thingamajig and Melinda Wilson. Son Town and Stephanie Smith stepped up for reserve.
Ms. Greta Garbo and Moe Anson were the perfect team taking home two blue ribbons in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. Reserve championship honors went home with Oman’s Native Rebel and Debra Bauer. You’re Looking Swell Dolly and Betty Warren took home the red ribbon in the qualifying class.
The Country Western Pleasure Championship and qualifying top honors belonged to Highly Charmed and Kim Newell. Reserve in both classes went to Gunsmith and Kristin Solien.
Equitation
Ali Judah was in top form to take home the tricolor ribbon in the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, after a fabulous win in the 17 and Under Saddle Seat Equitation qualifier. Reserve honors in the championship class belonged to the new team of Natalie Armstrong-Grunnan and Carboness PHF under the direction of Zubrod Stables. Claiming the reserve honors in the qualifier was Lindsay Haupt, also under the direction of Zubrod.
The USEF Medal class blue ribbon went home with Natalie Armstrong-Grunnan after a picture perfect ride. Reserve honors belonged to Ellen Medley Wright.
The UPHA Challenge Cup 17 and Under blue ribbon belonged to Carolina Jonsson. The UPHA 10 and Under top ribbon was won by Foster Roberts, with Angela Mangine stepping up for reserve.
Maggie Schuh performed at her best in Pleasure Equitation Championship to take home the tricolor ribbon after earning reserve in the Pleasure Equitation 17 and Under class. Reserve championship honors belonged to Kelly Morrell. Toria Heck was in top form for the Pleasure Equitation 17 and Under class to carry home the blue ribbon.
Futurity
The Bluegrass Futurity is one of the things that makes the Fall Classic so special. Mosette (Sir William Robert x Sadie’s Lady) has been a winner and crowd-pleaser ever since she won the All American Weanling Cup. She stepped high into the winner’s circle in the Bluegrass Futurity Two-Year-Old Fine Harness class with Bret Day on the lines for owner C. Thomas Galbreath. Reserve honors belonged to Brookhill’s Kool As Ice (Periaptor x CH It’s A Beautiful Day) and Rob Tanner for the O’Brien Family Trust.
Max Ciampoli showed the Paul/Rebecca Deickman entry of The Lady Chablis (Gypsy Santana x Celine Dion) to the blue ribbon honors in the Bluegrass Futurity Weanling class. Bill Waller and I’m Grande (I’m The Prince x Steel Hearted Woman) were reserve for the Happy Valley Stables.
As a virtually endangered breed, it’s disappointing but not unexpected that Hackney Horse National Futurity entries were light. However, Ed Murray and his youngsters represented the breed well. His winners included Finder’s Keepers (weanling) and Gold Treat (two-year-old).
Miscellaneous
Style Racking is a class not usually seen on the Kentucky circuit, and was a treat for the Fall Classic crowd. Matt Shiflet and Oscar De La Hoya showed to the blue ribbon in the American Saddlebred Style Racking class. Reserve ribbons went home with Melanie Stivers and Doubletree’s Admiral.
Perdita Rose and Erin Obenauf were in top form in the Open English Pleasure for Zubrod Stables. Millie Price showed the Shadow Run LLC entry of Lenore’s Royal Flush to the reserve honors.
Academy
Kentucky Academy State Champions included the following riders: Tessa Livers, Mackenzie Herskamp, Christine Oser, Connor Borgmeier, Patti Williams, Samantha Morrell, Allison Cusick and Shelby Erickson.
This concludes the highlights of the KY Fall Classic. Complete results can be seen and searched by clicking here.
|