Family Fun Is The Key To Twin State
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
by Bob Funkhouser
Rain showers the day before the Twin State American Saddlebred Association Horse Show began and overcast skies and drizzle the few days of the show did nothing to dampen the spirits of the trainers and exhibitors who took part in the 25th annual show that was held June 11-13 at the picturesque Deerfield, N.H., fairgrounds. Show manager Sue Arthur and her Twin State committee rolled out the welcoming mat giving everyone from Louisville quality entries to academy riders a chance to showcase their skills and enjoy a grass roots atmosphere.
A move in pizza party, Friday evening spaghetti dinner and the annual Saturday afternoon Belmont cookout – although the Belmont was held a week earlier this year – were highlights of the social calendar. The Lampropoulos family, Courtney Cahill, Sharon Alemian, Ken Logan and Bob Funkhouser organized the famed Belmont cookout which is sponsored by the show and again they feed ribs, steak tips, chicken, burgers and hot dogs to hundreds and this year’s event had a special meaning as organizers asked for donations to help the John Crider family as John and his children recently lost their wife/mother to cancer way too early. Exhibitors responded with great generosity.
Following the cookout the Battle Of The Barns Jog Cart Race was brought back by popular demand. Teams from different stables decorated their jog carts and lined up to race down the straightway of the warm up area. After a few heats, Kevin Tomasko and the Phoenix Stables group wore the crown
Although down some on horses, exhibitors went to the ring with gusto and gave judges Renee Lavery and Chris Picardi plenty of nice Saddlebred, Morgan, Hackney and open classes from which to choose the 2010 champions. Also part of the official family were photographer Ted Douglass, announcer Andy Bailey, ringmasters Larry Wahl and Barry Caisse, organist Nancy Roberts, steward Jo Hight, and videographer Peter King. Mary Wahl and her friendly staff kept everything moving in the show office.
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