Skip to content

FASH Makes the Grade in 2006



 

by Courtney Church

ST.
PAUL, Minn. - There were plenty of changes this year for the Friends of the American Saddlebred Horse Show. The biggest change was that this show received an “A” rating. Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this show gets better and better every year. With 178 horses in attendance, Show Secretaries Louise Fahey and Jayne Mikkelson did a great job keeping things running smoothly.

 

This show also relies on a bevy of hardworking volunteers. They did a great job and one of the things that sets this show apart from all others is the tremendous hospitality that is offered. Flying E Stables offered a pizza party Wednesday night. Golf carts delivered the pizzas to each barn as they were setting up. FASH hosted an appreciation dinner for grooms on Thursday. Friday evening was the annual wine and cheese party sponsored by Westwood Farms. Saturday night featured the Globe Trotting Party. Many barns offered food and this year, with the Bob Jensen Stables sponsoring, there were decorations and a live band. As always the show office offered coffee, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, fresh fruit and horse treats.

There were several other major changes that FASH saw this year. Stephanie Peterson stepped into the role of president and show manager. Peterson had this to say, “We want to improve the level of competition in Minnesota and provide another great show that will attract new trainers and new exhibitors to our state.”

For the first time in the 26 year history of FASH, a show program was offered. The programs were sponsored by Stuart and Romy Ackerberg of Indigo Acres. The show committee also paid special tribute to Mother’s Day. The committee made cards from each horse featuring a button that read “Horse Show Mom.” Attention was paid to every detail and really made the exhibitors feel special.

Saturday evening also featured the Pro-Am class. This class was sponsored by Carlos Chavez. First place included a pair of custom jods from Chavez for both the professional and the amateur and $100. The winner this year was the team of Jared Ratzloff and Jessica Timmington riding Epiphany. This expressive mare is owned by Timmington and Doug Fiola. Reserve went to the team of Tom Thorpe and Toni Nastali exhibiting Nastali’s horse Getting Fancy.

The judges Lonnie Lavery, Paul Boone and Ellen Beard did a fantastic job. There were numerous unanimous decisions throughout the weekend. Terry Young was responsible for capturing the victory passes. Announcer Guy Warner kept the crowd entertained and informed. There were far too many volunteers and other officials and committee members to list, but they all did a great job and hopefully the numbers will continue to reflect that. If you are looking for a topnotch show with great stabling, a terrific ring, an abundance of hospitality and beautiful handcrafted pottery trophies, then consider making room on your schedule for this show.

Five-Gaited

The five-gaited division saw several horse and rider combinations sweep their division. Starting it off in the open stake and qualifier was CH Hank Heiron debuting under the Northern Tradition Farm banner. Bob Griffin was in the irons aboard Bonnie Kegley’s eye-catching entry for both wins.

 

The team of Roseridge’s Gold and Doug Lindstrom has proved to be a dominant force this year in the amateur division. This popular team racked their way to victory in both the qualifier and stake classes for owner Diane Lindstrom. As of this show, they remain undefeated this year.

Ethan Roetman piloted Callaway’s Northern Exposure to the win in the junior exhibitor qualifier and stake for Warren Beck and Hayburners Ltd. This team had plenty of blue ribbon rides last year and is picking up right where they left off.

The owner/trainer team of Robert Ratte and Tom Scott proved to be extremely successful. Ratte’s entry, Worthy’s Glory was the one to beat in the novice/junior horse class. Scott had this horse in top form for the win. Scott would also come back with another entry for
Ratte, New York Surprise, to claim the UPHA Classic.

Three-Gaited

The open stake was won by Lewie Lewie. This gelding, owned by Foster Farms, was ridden to the win by Natalie Payne. This pair also took reserve in the qualifier. Tom Scott was back on top of the judges’ cards for the Three-Gaited Open. This time he took the talented Kiss Of The Zodiac to the winner’s circle for Ro and Me LLC.

 

Highland Cavalier is a familiar name in the three-gaited division. Kelly Williamson has done a great job of piloting this horse to many wins for Bonnie Kegley. This weekend, however, it was Kegley’s turn to take the reins. She did so in fine fashion going home with the tricolor and blue in the amateur division. This team is directed by Northern Tradition Farm.

 

The junior exhibitor team to beat was Tip ‘O The Hat and Brittany Balagna. They also took reserve in the amateur stake. “Derby” and Balagna are trained and instructed by Centre Pointe. Lana Gilpin and the animated entry, Memories Jezzabelle, were at the top of the cards for the win in the novice/junior horse class. Lana presented this entry to the win for LVG Stables.

Fine Harness

Marcial Mendez of Westwood Farm took the tricolor and blue in the open division. He guided Jay and Jean Wood’s flashy entry Final Sweetheart to the winner’s circle both times. Maynard Lueth and Callaway’s Tidal Wave made the final trip around the ring in the amateur qualifier. Jay Wood, owner and trainer at Westwood Farm, and Another Filly were called out as the winners in the UPHA Classic. Another Filly is owned by Peter and Cathy Radintz.

Park

The open stake went to a team making their debut at the show. CH Majolica and Paula Beck reunited in the show ring after two years apart to tricolor approval from the judges. This team is trained by Cornerstone Stables. Todd Perkins brought in the beautiful gray Ghost Of Gypsy in the open qualifier. They left with the blue ribbon for owner Dede Disbrow. The team of CH Matching Spirit and Kelly Williamson were the ones to beat in the amateur class. They made their victory pass under the direction of Northern Tradition Farm for owner Bonnie Kegley. ZFE Saddlebreds debuted its newest horse, Attaché’s Rainmaker, at FASH. Cary Bartz, trainer, took this bold moving horse to victory lane in the novice/junior horse class.

Roadster

There may have only been one entry, but what a fine one it was! Lana Gilpin gave the crowd a real treat when she brought current World’s Champion Meadow Demon into the ring. Lana had a great time tearing up the track. The audience voiced their appreciation and approval. This entertaining duo tore out of the ring with the blue and the tricolor.

Hackney/Harness Ponies

Several more teams made clean sweeps of their divisions. Donna Beck presented the leg-waving Wait & See’s Raspberry to wins in both the Harness Pony Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. This team is in training with Jared Ratzloff of Cornerstone Stables. The winning Northern Tradition Farm-trained team of Heartland Victory Maker and Toni Nastali was called out as the winner of the Road Pony 52” and Under Championship and qualifier. The popular team of Sawyer Thommes and Blockbuster went to the winner’s circle for Hammerlund Mfg. in the AHHS Youth Medallion Roadster Pony Under Saddle class.

Pleasure

Worthy’s Sparkling Star and JoAnne Faulise caught the attention of the judges. They captured the blue and tricolor in the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake and qualifier. On My Way WRF and Tyler Volz were the unanimous champions in the novice horse class. Volz is instructed by his mother Cary Bartz.

The Park Pleasure Open Stake and qualifier winner, Epiphany, had many people talking. Jared Ratzloff debuted the mare to take the blue in the qualifier, while owner Jessica Timmington piloted her to the win in the stake. Both trainer and student competed together and won the Pro-Am class Saturday evening. Doug Fiola is also a co-owner of this exquisite mare. Any Dream Will Do and Holly Walgamuth heard their name called for first place in the amateur class. They took the blue home for Marsh Run Partners. Lana Gilpin had quite an eye-catcher with Perrier Party Girl. The judges thought so too as this combination left the ring winners of the novice/junior horse class for Dr. Sarah Carlson. Robert and Leslie Schaye’s new horse, Jack Nicholson, took the final trip around the ring in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic. Bob Griffin trains this horse and took him to the win.

Barb Hendrickson drove the sporty Pierre Cardin to victory lane in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. This horse, owned by Hendrickson and Beth Krueger, is under the watchful eye of Tom Scott. The qualifier belonged to the very popular teaming of Paper Heiress and Brendan Heintz. Paper Heiress JJW, doing double duty in harness and under saddle, is owned and trained by Westwood Farm. Jean Wood showed Paper Heiress JJW to the reserve in the Adult Show Pleasure Stake after Heintz rode this lovely mare for the blue in the 39 and over qualifier.

This year the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake featured the CH Cape Charles Traveling Trophy. There was hardly a dry eye in the house after Guy Warner read the speech. This trophy was established by the Ledo family and many other contributors in remembrance of “Charlie” who passed away late last fall. In the end, the tricolor belonged to True Passion and Jessica Lee Newcomb. The crowd voiced its approval of their winning ride under the direction of Bob Jorgensen Stables. True Passion is owned by Newcomb and her mother, Veronica Lee. In the 18-38 qualifier, it was Wild Attachment and Monique Janu claiming the win. This was the show ring debut for this new team that was paired up late last year.

 

The 14-17 stake tricolor and the blue in the qualifier went home with Reedann’s Photogenic and Angie Grossman riding for Bob Jensen Stables. Reedann’s Photogenic is owned by Marly Whiting and Mary Lou Bowen. The team of Jordyn Broten and her bay mare Gospel Song trotted out with the tricolor in the 13 and under stake, as well as taking the victory pass in the qualifier.

 

The junior horse to beat in both the stake and qualifier was Winter Pearl. This entry, owned by Dr. Luanne Wendland, was taken to the winner’s circle by Todd Hovland.

The country pleasure driving division was the property of one horse and driver. Sally Snyder Tesch drove Highpoint’s Supreme Thunder to the winner’s circle two more times for owner Manahan Stables.

There was another double winner in the country pleasure division. Samantha Conlin was in the irons aboard the bold Tantara’s Battle of Kings for the tricolor in the 18 and over stake and the 18-38 qualifier. This team is under the guidance of Bob Jensen Stables. The new combination of Chillante and Beth Otto were victorious in the 39 and over qualifier. Fresh off a blue and a tricolor in Des Moines, they look to have a promising season ahead of them. Valiant Stables trains this team.

The 17 and under stake was won by the sporty bay Highpoint’s Poinsettia and Chrissy Radintz. They are trained at Westwood Farm. The 14-17 qualifier was won by Erica Emerick and Callaway’s Seven Come Eleven. Erica is fresh out of the academy ranks, but she did a great job showing off her ringmanship skills under the direction of Valiant Stables. The winning combination of Angelina Ballerina and Cameron Gallenberg took home yet another blue ribbon in the 13 and under qualifier. Bob Jensen Stables trains this team.

Under the direction of Rum River Farm, The Swan Princess and Nancy Cowette Seward proudly wore the tricolor from the ring in the Open English Pleasure 18 and Over Stake. They also took the win in the Novice Rider 18 and Over class. In the 39 and over qualifier, Crimson Flower and Lori Enger took the final pass and the blue ribbon went back to Bob Jensen Stables. Jenny Carlsen piloted Penny Eckert’s cute pleasure entry, Sugar High to victory in the 18-38 qualifier. Kai Erickson did a great job riding Maggie Verver to earn the judges’ nod three times. They laid claim to the 17 and under stake, 11-17 qualifier, and Novice Rider 17 and Under class. Maggie Verver is owned and Erickson is trained by Hardwood Creek Farm. Garnering another blue ribbon for the weekend, it was Angelina Ballerina and Cameron Gallenberg winning the 10 and under qualifier. In the walk/trot class and stake, Madeline VanGuilder showed off great riding skills aboard Ribbon Red to win the first of three blue ribbons and one championship. In the novice horse class for riders 18 and over, Beth Krueger took Harlem’s High Time to the winner’s circle under the direction of Rum River Farm. This horse is owned by Krueger and her mother, Barb Hendrickson. In the Amateur Owner Trainer Rider class, opened to any breed, Maddie Hammerlund took home the hand fired pottery. She was aboard He’s Wild And Wonderful for Hammerlund Mfg.

Braveheart Of Silver Oaks and Kim Gallenberg were the ones to beat in the western division. They took home two blues and a tricolor. They won the Western Open Bridle Path, Western Country Pleasure and the Western Country Pleasure Stake. This chrome-trimmed chestnut and his blonde haired rider are instructed by Bob Jensen Stables. The trail class for any breed was won by Char Sondrall and her entry, Winsdown Diamond Dee. Rose Miller of Knowles Creek Farm is responsible for the training of this pair. Neil Thorpe and Toni Nastali’s black beauty Harlem’s Mojo were the last out of the ring in the Saddle and Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class. They brought the blue back to Northern Tradition Farms’ banner.

Sharon Vuinovich and her handsome bay, The Phinest were very fine indeed. They took home top honors in the Open Hunter Pleasure Stake. Earlier in the weekend Rio A Diva and owner Irene Doroff won the qualifier. This was one of the three blues for Rio A Diva and Doroff. The Hunter Country Pleasure class and AOTR class were won by Early Frost. Owner Anne Haines did a great job guiding her horse to both blues.

Equitation

Dorian Stulberg-Anderson is no stranger to the winner’s circle in the adult equitation division. She took the final pass in the 18 and over qualifier with True Shades Of Amber. Ashlinn Thommes dominated the juvenile equitation division throughout the weekend. Thommes took home three blues and one tricolor. Her wins included the 17 and under championship, 14-17 qualifier, the UPHA Challenge Cup 17 and Under class, and the USEF Medal class. Emily Collins made her long awaited debut aboard her horse, Ro and Me’s Chanti’s Prayer. They got the judges’ nod in the 13 and under class. This team is trained at Bob Jensen Stables. Madeline VanGuilder was a star in the younger equitation ranks. She showed Ribbon Red to the blue in Walk/Trot 10 and Under and the UPHA Challenge Cup Walk/Trot 10 and Under classes. She is instructed by Judy Jensen. The Open Hunt Seat Equitation class saw the return of Rio A Diva and Irene Doroff. Putting in a great performance landed them on the top of the judges’ cards. Alyssa Wick displayed beautiful equitation form to be declared the winner of the Morgan Saddle Seat Equitation 17 and Under class. She is instructed by her parents at Hardwood Creek Farm.

Morgan

Jay Wood guided Jane Steffenhagen’s horse Hylee’s Bella Donna to the winner’s circle in the Pleasure Driving Championship. Lyle Wick of Hardwood Creek Farm drove Born To Be Wild to the win in the Pleasure Driving Novice Horse class. This entry is owned by Sarah Moses.

Just as with the Saddlebreds, there were plenty of repeat winners in the Morgan division as well. Colleen Wick took the first victory pass aboard Flash Dawson. She won the English Pleasure Horse Open class for owner Arcola Farm. Hannah Johnson then took over and won the English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor class. Monnington Titian and Kristen Johnson were the last to leave the ring in the amateur class. They then came back to win the open stake.

The classic pleasure saddle horse stake for amateurs and junior exhibitors belonged to Cabot French Pepper and Nan Cecchittini. They also claimed the amateur qualifier for Richard Cecchittini. Alyssa Wick impressed the judges aboard Cherrydale Fantasia to be called out first in the junior exhibitor qualifier.

UMC Pomp And Circumstance and Inga Johnson wore the tricolor out of the ring in the Western Pleasure Open Stake. They also were pinned with the blue in the junior exhibitor class. In the amateur class, it was Hollybrook Dandy with Susie Weiss aboard for the honors. Shaker’s Dracula and his owner, Marjorie Veihl, garnered the approval of the judges three times. They won the Western Pleasure Horse Open class, the Hunter Pleasure Stake and the Hunter Pleasure Amateur class.

The Hunter Pleasure Open class saw the return of Rio A Diva and Irene Doroff. Again, the judges saw fit to place them first. Brittany Kuck put Westwood Symphony through his gaits for owner Janice Kuck. They were the winners of the junior exhibitor qualifier. The novice/junior horse to beat was Sweet Grass Sundance. Owner Beverly Hoel did a great job presenting this entry for co-owner Dr. Luanne Wendland.

This wraps up a fabulous “A” rated show. Complete results can be viewed and searched by clicking on Show Results (ASB) and Show Results (Morgan). 

More Stories

  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 1

    Here we are again, springtime. With the warmer temperatures and the greening of the landscape comes one of the most exhilarating times of the year for horsemen and women, foaling season! Hopes and dreams literally come to life. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More