Though a much smaller fraternity, the Hackney world comes together at Louisville to also crown its finest. It was an odd mix this year with some outstanding young ponies making the biggest news. The pleasure driving sections continue to show the largest participation.
Seven young ponies made up the Amateur Junior Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving World’s Championship. Receiving two out of three votes in the Monday morning class was Heartland Celebrate Celebrate with Angela Utecht. Trained by Rich and Beth Campbell this Heartland star has been on a blue ribbon tear this year which has included the Mid-West Futurity class at the Illinois State Fair and the UPHA Classic at Midwest Charity. Securing reserve votes across the board was the consistent Delorean L E with Anna Marie Knipp.
Numbers took a huge leap in the Adult Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving World’s Championship as three divisions separated the 32 total entries. Gaining attention early on was California's best, Pacifico’s Standing Ovation. The vibrant pony earned a unanimous decision and driver Debbie Tomin was at the whip for her thrilling victory pass. In a short time this pony came from obscurity to stardom. Under the direction of Billy Jarrell, multi-world titled Bristol Fashion and Betty Jarrell were proud to be named the reserve world’s champions.
There were 12 entries in division two and an elegant appearance made by Heartland Entitled and Sandra Surber landed two first place votes and a blue ribbon for the Bruce Dixon-trained pair. Reserve went to another California team -- the high stepping Harry Potter and owner Sarah Asch. Joy Ann Lazarus coached the reserve team.
The judges were not quite as consistent in the third division as 11 nice ponies made the decision making a tough task. As it turned out, Heartland Supremacy collected two seconds and a world’s championship victory pass with an elated Crystal Harmon Cates. Roy Harris trains the pony but Crystal was greeted by her overjoyed and well-deserving father Lester Harmon, the ponies owner. Another well-deserving pair, Cascade and Sharon Chrisman, happily exited with a big reserve.
The best from the three qualifying divisions came together for the world’s grand championship on Friday morning. Another undoubtedly smooth but showy performance granted Pacifico’s Standing Ovation and Debbie Tomin a world’s grand championship. Tomin was again all smiles and very proud of her fantastic week and her last drive with the newly crowned world's grand champion as he had been sold to Bob and Nancy Anderson with Hollow Haven Farm as their agent. This tricolor went back to the Richlon tack room where Debbie and her husband, trainer Bill Tomin, were guests of the Laverys. Putting on a good show for reserve was division two world’s champions, Heartland Entitled and Sandra Surber for Yvette Scandling. This Dixon trained entry gave California the one-two punch. Making the cut and coming back strong, High Life Pride and Karen Frickey finished third. Other ribbons went to Heartland Supremacy, Harry Potter, Bristol Fashion, Wild Wind and Cascade.
The junior exhibitor pleasure pony class was split as well. Once again, the judges were right on the money all three tied Rumor Has It first. The talented Ali Rosburg collected the top honors with Ruth Gimpel at her side for Pixie Dust & Steel. Alyssa Lopez, daughter of Dena and Dave Lopez, was in control for a reserve world’s championship with Goin’ My Way. Yet another unanimous decision was in store in the second division. Seamair’s Dear Sir and a proud Max Kaplan exited last as they strutted their stuff down victory lane for the Mike Roberts team. Pat Wessel directed Super Spy and Cayla McKibbage to the reserve world’s championship.
Not letting their guard down for a second, a dapper Max Kaplan and a high going Seamair’s Dear Sir captured a crowd-pleasing victory for the second time of the week. Allysa Lopez and Goin’ My Way maintained great stamina for reserve while Rumor Has It and Ali Rosburg accepted a third place finish. Last year's world's grand champions King Creole and Scooter Scheurich IV tied fourth, followed by Heartland Rare Treat, Super Spy, In A Heartbeat and Perfect Rhythm.
Stepping up the excitement, the Kentucky County Fair Hackney Pony Championship helped to get things started on Sunday evening. Driving for Jerry Cummins, Betty Featherston was behind the lines of Patent Pending for a unanimous win. Finishing second in the somewhat light five-pony class was Pony Vista’s Turbo Zass and Monford Greer.
Making it easier on the judges, only three showed up for the Three-Year-Old Hackney Pony Stake. Despite the low turnout, quality was indeed present and it was the surely up and coming Romeo’s Warrior L F to capture top honors. This was not the first win of the year for trainer Rodney Hicks and owners Milford, Marjorie, and Wally Kenney. Heartland Elegant Dancer and Kathy Buente received a first place vote but finished second and Kingsley Acclaim and Lambert Jr. Schut put forth good effort for third.
The chestnut pony from Iowa, Heartland Newsmaker, certainly made the news at the Kentucky State Fair with a unanimous win in the four-year-old class. Beth Campbell was behind the lines for owner/breeder Darrel Kolkman. Heartland Twice As Nice received high marks for the reserve world’s championship with Randy Harper driving for Karen and Ed Frickey.
For whatever reason junior cob-tails didn't return as only three showed back in the Junior Hackney Pony Championship. Nonetheless, Heartland Twice As Nice made a powerful performance, earning a victory pass for Randy Harper to enjoy. Owners Ed and Karen Frickey happily cheered on the winners. Jimmy Miller drove Ms. Sterious for Calais Meadows to the reserve world’s grand championship. Rick Wallen respectfully took the yellow ribbon with Heartland Spectacular for Bonnie Kegley.