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The Home Of Tradition Northampton 2002



When you speak of tradition in the world of Morgans, there is no richer tradition than the one found the last week in July each year in Northampton, Mass. July 22 - 27, 2002 marked the dates of the 63rd annual New England Morgan Horse Show. It also marked the 50th anniversary of the show calling Northampton’s Three County Fairgrounds its home.

Each year Morgan breeders, owners and fans mark their calendars for a trip to Northampton to take part in this event so steeped in Morgan history. They come from coast to coast. Some to show or watch their horses show, some to shop for their next Morgan purchase, and some just to be a part of the tradition. When it was all said and done nearly every one of the United States along with Canada was represented.

A week in Northampton came at the perfect time to unite the people and horses of the Morgan breed. It was a show where several legendary Morgan show horses came to show everyone all of the characteristics that make Morgan horses what they are. Although Northampton is all about the highest level of show ring competition in every discipline in which Morgans perform, this show also featured good old fashion fun. Whether it was the costume stick horse and leadline classes interspersed on Thursday’s Breeder’s Night or some good-natured fun amongst friends, Northampton is surely the place where friends of the Morgan horse gather to renew their friendships and enjoy all that is Morgan.

Over 800 horses converged on every available inch of the Three County Fairgrounds for a week filled with outstanding competition. Spectators were continually entertained by proven world champions, phenomenal young horses and a depth of competition rarely seen throughout all divisions. When the gates swung open, the stars shone brightly setting the stage for Oklahoma!

The weather is always one of the major concerns for a show of this magnitude. Mother nature offered a mixed blessing during the show. The week started off with a midsummer heat wave with temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 90s. Then just as it is prone to do, a cool front passed through on Tuesday afternoon with severe thunderstorms causing the last five classes to be postponed until the evening session which was held in the indoor arena. Due to tremendous work by show manager Fred Nava and grounds coordinator Mark Caisse, the track and grandstand ring were back in great shape by Wednesday morning and for the remainder of the show. The weather was also wonderful for the rest of the show with sunny, pleasant days and cool evenings.

The New England show committee with show manager Fred Nava and show chairman Molly O’Brien at the helm does an incredible job each year of maintaining the show’s traditions and memories while continuing to take the show to new heights. The success of this show is largely due to the time, effort and expertise that this group puts forth.

The week was indeed a showcase for Morgan champions in all divisions with spectators able to delight in several disciplines at the same time on the vast show grounds. From the grandstand ring to the infield hunt course to the indoor arena to the dressage arena to the infield carriage ring; exhibitors and spectators combed the grounds throughout the week on golf carts and on foot trying to see as much of the show as possible. All divisions from Park, Pleasure, Equitation, Western, Hunter, Classic, In Hand, Carriage, Dressage, and Jumping were well represented with large and quality filled classes.

While exhibitors and spectators enjoyed the current schedule implemented last year, it also left them more time to enjoy the numerous parties and get-togethers that Northampton featured. The activities started off on Sunday night with a barbecue for the Youth Of The Year contestants. A large crowd applauded this year’s winners who competed in a field of 33 under the direction of Youth Coordinator Erin Collins. Senior Youth Of The Year Rebecca Cooper and Reserve Senior Youth Of The Year Aimee Boyer will both have the chance to represent New England at the finals in Oklahoma City. Elizabeth Conner earned the Junior Youth Of The Year honors after wins in three of the four divisions while Molly Shanley was named Reserve Junior Youth Of The Year.

The Paddock Pub in the infield was the nightly stop for socializing and entertainment. Thursday night featured the well attended All American Futurity Breeders Night and a celebration that followed. The 2002 edition of the NEMHS Grand Ole’ Auction took place following Friday evening’s classes with over $40,000 raised. The grand finale came on Saturday evening at the Wrap-up Party which featured a barbecue buffet and live entertainment. There were also numerous parties hosted by stables throughout the week with nonstop good times and merriment.

The 2002 New England Regional Morgan Horse Show will stand as a lasting tribute to all who contributed to it this year and over the past 63 years. In addition to show manager Fred Nava, show chairman Molly O’Brien and the show committee, a host of other officials helped to make the show so successful; including, secretaries Linda Burke and Jewel Marsh; USA Equestrian Stewards Dorothy Potter and Helen Fenton; announcers Peter Fenton and Bill Carrington; ringmasters Col. James Marsh, Kent Moeller and Grace Yaglou; farriers Tim Keller and Rick Howe; veterinarian Jay Merriam; grounds and stabling supervisor Mark Caisse; security supervisor Curt Collins; organist Nancy Roberts; recorders Carole Hutchison and Robert Marsh; dressage coordinator Edith Root; sport horse coordinator Bill Hutchison; driving coordinator Susan Koso; course designer David Raucher; paddock superintendent Anne Blizniak; technical delegate Dorothy Billington; videographer World Champion Video; photographer Bob Moseder; and a host of others.

Honored with the task of pinning the 2002 New England Regional Champions were Phil Price, David Torrey, Anne Speck, John Lyndon, Shaina Humphrey and Ida Anderson.

The championship highlights of the 63rd annual New England Regional Morgan Horse Show follow. Complete results can be found on the Internet at www.saddlehorsereport.com.

The Park Saddle division at Northampton contained some outstanding competition with a host of exciting new faces challenging veteran champions for tricolor honors. As the call sounded for the traditional final class of the week at New England, the East Coast Park Saddle Championship marked a tricolor visit for one of the breed’s winningest show horses and sires. HVK Bell Flaire is the pride of his New England owners Barbara and Arthur Jones, and Northampton marked the grand stallion’s premier show for the season under the direction of Judy Whitney.

The world championship pairing of Raehurst Bonnielass and Ling Fu Wylie both enjoyed a stellar return to Northampton. For the Tug Hill Celebrity daughter it was a trip back to her Massachusetts birthplace and the site of her 1998 Junior Park Harness Championship victory, and for her rider it was a trip back to the site of numerous show ring triumphs of the 1980s and early 1990s. Together they formed a perfect winning partnership in their season opening show as they topped Friday night’s Amateur Park Saddle Championship. This team performed for Dragonsmeade Farm under the training of Larry Bolen and Cedar Creek Farm.

The Youth Park Saddle Championship featured the impressive new pairing of King-Lehr’s Bob A Loo and Lauren Cojocar taking their place in Northampton’s winner’s circle. This bold performing chestnut was well matched by his talented and determined rider to turn in the tricolor winning ride guided by Lynn Peeples.

The Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle competition was outstanding with the white trimmed CKH Double Diamond and Andrea Shahan making the winning passes in front of judge Speck as they carried home the tricolor honors for the third year in a row in this competitive division. This tall and elegant team earned top honors for Michael and Denise Shahan coached by Luman Wadhams. Marathon Elect

The awarding of the Loring V. Tirrell Perpetual Trophy in the Junior Park Saddle Championship marked yet another impressive title for the effervescent Born Yesterday. Wendy Sogoloff was in the irons of the expressive Tug Hill Commando son to earn the award for Cedar Spring Farm.

The Park Harness division was again filled with some of the great world champions of the day eliciting cheers from the crowd. Everyone was in their seats for the last class on Friday night for the East Coast Park Harness Championship. The elegant and animated Cedar Creek With Bells On enjoyed a memorable first trip to Northampton. Larry Bolen drove the four-year-old mare to the East Coast Park Harness Championship for owners Robin and Robert Veghte in one of the most discussed classes of the show. The HVK Bell Flaire daughter became the second Mendonhall Morgans, Inc. owned four-year-old in three years to add her name to the likes of Beamington, Bay State Gallant, Saddleback Supreme, Legacy’s Viking, HVK Courageous Flaire and HVK Bell Flaire as East Coast Park Harness Champion.

The Northampton audience got the chance to cheer on two of its favorites in unison as the legendary HVK Courageous Flaire was reunited with his adoring owner Heidi Kunkel for two grand Northampton performances. Following serious health problems in 2000, Kunkel returned to the show ring in winning fashion in Northampton last year on the lines of her captivating Stonecroft Byzantine, but this marked the first time Kunkel and Courageous performed together since Northampton 2000 in winning the Amateur Park Saddle Championship. Their performances were truly magnificent as the crowd cheered them on to victory in the Amateur Park Harness Championship perfectly prepared by Rick Stevens.

Saturday afternoon’s Junior Park Harness Championship featured an impressive win for MEM Just My Style with Percy McDaniel on the lines for Clint and Linda Barber’s Black Orchid Stable. The Grand National Champion performer showed off his harness heritage in stylish fashion being by Cedar Creek Harlequin and out of Star Lake Ellisa.

Following her splendid harness debut at Gold Cup, Sheza Bell took center stage in Northampton and earned quite a following with her winning performances. This elegant and athletic young filly comes by her talents rightly as her parents are a pair of Park Harness and In Hand World Champions, HVK Bell Flaire and Montbelle Rosalie. Judy Whitney presented this special filly, who is like her sire and dam owned by Barbara and Arthur Jones, to win the Two-Year-Old Park Harness tricolor.

The English Pleasure division featured many deep classes with world titled performers meeting many exciting challengers for some outstanding competition. The East Coast English Pleasure Championship brought this division to its finale on Saturday evening. An entertaining group of five entries competed for the tricolor in this class sponsored in memory of Dr. Stewart K. Harvey by his friends. One of the surprise entries in this division was 2001 Amateur English Pleasure World Champion Whispering Whammunition who again captivated the audience as he is truly the epitome of a pleasure horse. Michelle Nelson drew the riding assignment on Richard and Elizabeth Melanson’s prized stallion. Under the training of Michael Scanlon, they brought home the East Coast English Pleasure Championship.

The Ladies English Pleasure division was truly outstanding with 20 amazing entries competing in the two Wednesday evening qualifiers. A dozen lovely teams returned for Saturday afternoon’s championship with the perfectly matched team of World Champion FCF Coeur De Lion and Anne Benson earning the exciting tricolor finish for Jeffrey Smeed for the second year in a row.

The Amateur English Pleasure division was again one of the deepest and most entertaining divisions of the show. When the winning announcement came, announcer Peter Fenton directed the outstanding new pairing of HVK Man About Town and Kevin Schengrund to the winner’s circle as they were indeed the men about town in Northampton that evening. Luman Wadhams had this team perfectly prepared for the tricolor victory.

The Youth English Pleasure division featured a long and impressive lineup of entries. Gable’s Top Quark and Michele Lomba bested a field of 16 in Tuesday night’s qualifier and stayed sharp throughout to capture Saturday’s championship honors directed by Scott Travers.

A grand field of 11 entries started off the week in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 division. It was Oak Creek Rare Design and Laura Poulin who enjoyed a stellar victory in the competitive Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 Championship with Cindy Mugnier putting the finishing touches on the tricolor team.

David Rand prepared the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under Champion for the third year in a row with the third different rider. However, for the amazing Merriehill Hooligan it was a return trip down victory lane. In 2000 his rider was Christin Ramsey for the tricolor performance; in 2002 it was Christin’s younger sister Megan who was matched with the charismatic chestnut. In her first year out of walk and trot, Megan is up for the challenge of showing this great champion as she proved in winning the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under Championship.

There wasn’t a more excited person on the grounds than Ann Coney when her daughter Katie won the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 9-11 Championship for the second year in a row. This year Katie Coney was perfectly matched with Conundrum to earn top honors under the direction of Jean DeGutis.

The Walk-Trot Eight and Under English Pleasure Championship featured another memorable performance for W. Hayden MacDougall and Carissa Cartelli. They displayed poise and polish as they earned top honors for the second year in a row coached by Rick Stevens.

The Junior English Pleasure division featured a large group of fantastic youngsters. It was AKM Manhattan who rose to the top of the competition as the Man About Town LPS son made the tricolor victory pass as Junior English Pleasure Champion in his first show for trainer Luman Wadhams and owner Margaret McKnight Karrh.

The Pleasure Driving division featured a combination of veteran winning performers and youngsters challenging for their own place in the spotlight. In a continuing trend, this year’s open division saw an outstanding variety of entries from numerous qualifiers return for their chance at the East Coast Pleasure Driving Championship. This year it was one for the record books as three-year-old Tolstoy showed off his undeniable talent along with the good looks and tractability to make him the star in this division. David Rand showed great faith in the magnificent youngster as he took on the older and more seasoned horses with style to carry the East Coast Pleasure Driving Championship tricolor to the Ray Ramsey Family.

An even dozen top teams returned for Saturday night’s Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship with plenty of railside instruction offered to the pensive drivers angling for victory. In the end, it was an ecstatic Jerome Modell who collected the impressive tricolor on the lines of his handsome Gradell’s Wild Reflection. It was a memorable victory for the man who has done so much to promote the Morgan breed as he teamed up with a horse he raised to earn this sensational victory.

The Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Championship featured Boxfords Tia Maria and Blanche Bauer showing off their talents in their first trip to Northampton. The sleek Noble Flaire daughter and her talented young driver were perfectly matched for the victory by Mike Goebig as they garnered the tricolor.

New England’s Junior Pleasure Driving Championship featured an outstanding field of 11 youngsters vying for supremacy. It was SBS In The Mood who topped judge Speck’s card to win this impressive tricolor for Bill and Jamie Savage. Bill Savage was on the lines of the pert three-year-old daughter of two grand pleasure driving champions Troutbrook Alexander and SBS Putting On The Ritz.

The bright young stars of the future began to shine in Northampton’s Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving competition. MEM Bailamos has been gaining fans each year in Northampton since his tricolor weanling debut. He is a perfect combination of his family of World Champions, being sired by Futurity French Command and out of the daughter of Cedar Creek Harlequin and MKS Destiny’s Echo, as he was a commanding presence in his first show in the performance division. Rick Lane was on the lines of the grand youngster to best the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Championship for George Schott.

This year’s In Hand divisions featured a wealth of top competition with a blend of multi-titled horses and top youngsters ready to make their mark in the show ring. Pete and Sandy Hendrick’s select Queens River Farm breeding program has already established several horses of national prominence, however their current crop of youngsters seems to be taking the program to a new level. Queens Victorian Lady burst into the Northampton ring with her sights set on greatness. Combining all the best of her sire Mizrahi and her dam Queens Tiffany, this beautiful and talented filly quickly became the talk of the show on Monday morning. David Rand let the filly show herself off to her best advantage as she strutted her stuff and played to the crowd on the way to being crowned Junior Champion Mare and Grand Champion Mare.

KD Hot To Trot was just that is as she trotted and posed up a storm with Rick Stevens on the lead. This polished, chestnut Man About Town LPS daughter turned in a tail flagging performance on her way to being named Senior Champion Mare for Kimberly Dunn.

The gelding classes heralded in Tuesday morning’s competition with judge Phil Price marking the cards. The Junior Champion Gelding competition started things off with Vigilmar Thorn taking top honors back to Canada with Judy Martin and Curtis Childers presenting the typey bay.

Reserve World Champion Gelding SMS Imagine That showed off the type, style and ability that are paramount in a Morgan gelding with the Northampton ring as his stage. Anne Benson and Jason Wolfe had Jessica Smeed’s grand gelding in great order to pose for the Senior Champion Gelding and Grand Champion Gelding honors.

The stallions followed right behind the geldings with Phil Price again holding the cards. The Junior Champion Stallion competition featured Pondview EZ Spirit earning the top honors in his debut show. The brilliant son of Century Free Spirit and the top producing Baymeadow Prima Diva struck the tricolor pose with Jaisen von Ballmoos and Ann Anderson presenting for Patti Anne Berthelette.

The Five and Over Stallion competition featured a tail flagging return to the show ring for Born To Boogie as he announced his own presence loud and clear for all of his adoring fans. The legendary stallion was back to reinforce to the horse show world all the qualities that are truly Morgan. It is rare for a 12-year-old stallion to still show the same smooth lines, attitude, and athleticism as he did when he won his first world championship at age two, but Born To Boogie is rare indeed. Lynn Peeples and Born To Boogie were back in the spotlight as they once again triumphed in the Senior Champion Stallion and Grand Champion Stallion competition for a delighted Bryna Watson and Honeytree Farm.

The Specialty In Hand Championship featured Equinox Aristotle and Traci Brown capturing the tricolor from the classic section directed by Vintage Valley Stables.

The All American Futurity celebrated its 26th year with the in hand entries taking center stage during Thursday’s Breeders Night. Top honors in the weanling competition went to a spectacular bay colt sired by Futurity French Command and out of AFF Beulah named MEM The Patriot. Rick Lane presented this handsome show stopper to the victory for George Schott and Maine Event Morgans.

The All American Futurity Yearling competition followed with the largest class of the evening as 16 outstanding youngsters represented numerous breeding programs and bloodlines. Rick Stevens was on the lead of the winning entry as Starboard Blitzkrieg earned his second impressive victory of the week. The bay colt sired by Favorite Son and out of Liberation Bella Donna collected top honors for Thom Ozycz.

The second presentation of the Two-Year-Old Futurity Specialty In Hand saw DRF Sea Hawk step into the winner’s circle as he had in the specialty driving with Tim Morrell presenting for Carol Ramsey-Rice.

The Two-Year-Old Futurity In Hand competition featured an outstanding seven horse field with MEM Bailamos adding to his winning driving performances by striking the winning pose. The tall and handsome son of Futurity French Command and AFF Beulah became the second winning entry of that cross on the evening for trainer Rick Lane and owner/breeder George Schott.

The newly added Three-Year-Old Futurity Specialty In Hand saw the handsome Equinox Giovanni earn the victory with Anne Benson and owner Suzanne Segal presenting for the inaugural awarding of the tricolor.

The All American Futurity Three-Year-Old In Hand Championship closed out Breeders Night’s competition with yet another son of Futurity French Command finishing off a great night for his sire. CVH Celtic Command earned the tricolor victory with Bernard Parker presenting for Catherine Haynes.

The Classic Pleasure division at Northampton enjoyed another fine year with quality and quantity continuing at high levels. The East Coast Classic Pleasure Driving Championship featured a large field of top winning entries vying for the tricolor. It was the perfectly matched new combination of Phantom Of The Opera and Donna Nolan who rose to the top of the competition to earn the tricolor honors prepared by John and Sheri Lampropoulos.

Mary McKnight Cantey enjoyed a thrilling Northampton debut paired with the elegant Gulfwind Temptress. They bested the promising field to claim the Junior Classic Pleasure Driving tricolor honors cheered on by family and friends under the Luman Wadhams Stable banner.

The new team of Jill Chiecko and her proven world champion performer Southbrook Ultimatum enjoyed a thrilling drive to earn the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. Cindy Mugnier prepared them for the tricolor victory over an entertaining field of eight.

The East Coast Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship rounded out the division on Saturday night with last year’s winning junior horse entry Cinemax stepping up to the open division in tricolor fashion with owner Mindy Duran. They added to the tricolor haul at Luman Wadhams Stable.

Quality and quantity were the order of business in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle division. With 28 horses qualifying for the championship in the two preliminary classes, an amazing 22 entries returned for Saturday’s championship. Following the lineup judge Speck asked 10 horses to remain in the ring for additional work. After again performing all gaits both ways of the ring, the champions were crowned. After just meeting at the horse show, Raintree Valedictorian and Serena Chaves became a team quickly as they bested the field to earn the tricolor directed by Dottie Brittingham for Max and Barb Rudicel.

Elm Rock Chilli Pepper and Alexandra Lally claimed an impressive tricolor victory in the Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship directed by Jean DeGutis.

Kathy Gutting and her super sporty UVM Grandslamunition brought their winning ways to Northampton as they starred in a new division. They took on the Junior Classic Pleasure Saddle division with style to win the tricolor under the Broadmoor banner.

The Western Pleasure division was well filled with the impressive silver trimmed entries. Friday evening’s East Coast Western Pleasure Championship featured a pair of tricolor winning stallions jogging down Northampton’s victory lane. The white trimmed Equinox Sensation was in perfect synchronized motion with Dottie Brittingham as he garnered the crowd pleasing victory for John and Patricia Haviland.

Five-year-old HL My-My is enjoying a sensational season directed by Kathleen Peeples. The sleek, black HyLee The Rage daughter was the picture of elegance as she topped the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship for Holly Seavitt and Holly Lane Morgans.

World Champion Bear’s Braveheart and Joyce Thoma have formed one of the smoothest pairs to grace the winner’s circle. This team was in perfect unison for a trio of Northampton winning performances prepared by Kathleen Peeples. They closed out the week by capturing the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship.

After Erika Ramsey’s quartet of Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure Championships, it was time for a new winning rider to take over in 2002. Stephanie Fejes was prepared for the task as she presented May Lena’s Night Rhythm in polished fashion for the tricolor victory under the Chrislar Farm banner.

The Walk and Jog Western Pleasure Championship featured an impressive repeat win for Satin’s Jenny B and Taylor Johnston. They collected the tricolor following the qualifier win directed by Tammy Levesque.

The Junior Western Pleasure Champion featured the handsome Hygreet Dashing Spirit cashing in on the top honors for Chris Gallant directed by Tammy Levesque.

The Hunter Pleasure division was again filled with some excellent depth and quality. Saturday night’s East Coast Hunter Pleasure Championship featured World Champion Indian Creek Final Touch making his mark in his first season in the open division. This tall and long-strided five-year-old put the exclamation point on an incredible show for the hunter pleasure horses trained by Kathleen Peeples. Final Touch collected the tricolor accolades for his proud owners the Brown/Klein Family.

World Champion UVM Columbine displayed her unique combination of grace and athleticism to visit the winner’s circle in her three appearances under the riding talents of Kathleen Peeples. They added the Ladies Hunter Pleasure tricolor to the Waterford Farm banner for Katrina Wood.

Friday night’s Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship featured the awarding of the prestigious Bonnie Moore Messer Memorial Trophy. It was a memorable victory for the smooth performing team of KN Curiosity and Rebecca Hunzeker as they bested a beautiful group of 14 for the tricolor coached by Judy Nason.

It was MB Miracle and Laura Beth Nixon who had the winning style in the Youth Hunter Pleasure Championship. They performed for owner Ruth Leonard under the Driftway Meadows banner.

It was a memorable show for Tori Mattozzi and Bradvue’s Sudden Impact as they came to the forefront with a tricolor ride in their first show together. This well matched new pair was quickly formed and polished by John and Sheri Lampropoulos to carry home top honors in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 14-17 Championship.

The world champion pairing of Mirabel’s Isabeau and Sasha Klein defended their 2000 and 2001 Northampton tricolor performances with another bold and confident victory. This exemplary team joined an exclusive group of three-time Northampton champions as they earned the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under Championship for the Brown/Klein family directed by Kathleen Peeples.

The burgeoning Walk and Trot Hunter Pleasure Championship featured an identical tricolor repeat from the Walk and Jog Western Pleasure Championship. It was the polished team of Satin’s Jenny B and Taylor Johnston who earned another tricolor trip down victory lane prepared by Tammy Levesque.

The Junior Hunter Pleasure division featured another prominent showcase for the talents of Reserve World Champion Miss Belle Pepper. This stylish, bay impressed the audience and judge Torrey with her ground covering gaits and boldness to earn the Junior Hunter Pleasure Championship with Kathleen Peeples presenting for Taylor and Robert Severino.

The competitors in the Equitation division were world class from start to finish. Saddle Seat Equitation was center stage at Northampton this year with a number of the season’s top winning riders taking part in the competition. Saturday night’s Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship was the grand finale with judge Speck electing to work all seven riders in this deep and entertaining competition with a workout that tested the skill of all involved. Lauren Cojocar rose to the top of the competition as the workout showed her strength, style and horsemanship paired with her grand mount Trophy J’s Valentine. She earned the prestigious title of Northampton’s Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Champion directed by Kathleen Peeples.

The Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship went back to the Cricket Hill banner as Kim Olson made her presence known mounted on the superb Hollybrook Romeo. After being paired for just a week, Kim and Romeo were flawless on the rail and in the workouts to earn a trio of Northampton victories.

Caitlin Harrigan was a frequent visitor to Northampton’s winner’s circle to the delight of instructor Barbara Irvine. Paired with Rumor Has It, Harrigan showed poise and elegance to earn the eight rider Classic Saddle Seat Equitation Championship for the second year in a row. Harrigan proved her versatile talents by also earning the Stock Seat Equitation Championship aboard Marin Royal Command.

The newly added Walk-Trot Equitation Championship featured the second tricolor victory of the show for the impressive team of Katie Coney and Conundrum as they made the tricolor pass directed by Jean DeGutis.

The Hunt Seat Equitation Championship featured a great tricolor finish for Sara Heffernan and Lakewoods Astaire. Solid railwork and a precise pattern netted the victory over the 16 rider field instructed by Jamie Savage.

Northampton features a variety of classes for all disciplines of Morgans, no matter the specialty. The Roadster division is always an exciting division on the crowd filled track in Northampton. Saturday night’s East Coast Roadster To Bike Championship featured a crowning glory one of the crowd favorites of the last few years Blkorchid Live From NY. When the winning announcement was made, all announcer Bill Carrington had to say was “The winner is Live From New York”. The crowd erupted as Percy McDaniel tipped his hat to the high flying bay’s fans as he headed to the winner’s circle as the East Coast Roadster To Bike Champion for Clint and Linda Barber’s Black Orchid Stable.

The Road Hack division saw the stylish, bay Aquarian Supremacy earn the Road Hack Championship over an entertaining field of eight with Nancy Herrick presenting the popular performer.

Part of the beauty and splendor of Northampton is the Carriage division. Three championship divisions were offered with RB Solitaire and Paul Doughtery topping the A division for limit drivers; Section B for limit horses saw Jeff Morse present the champion RGR Star Trek Magic; and Section C open competition featured Martha Wetmore as the championship driver with Beta B Provacative after the Carriage Pleasure Driving Championship win in the show ring.

The dressage division at Northampton was the largest ever with nearly 170 rides scored by Ida Anderson. The Training Level Senior Rider and First Level Championships were won by Orcland Supreme Echo and Jennifer Silver; the Training Level Junior Rider Championship was won by the team of Stormhaven Hopscotch and Susan Adler; and WBM’s Commodore and Susan Joyal were the big winners in Second Level Championship.

The Hunter and Jumper classes featured Beginner Working Hunter Champion Meadowmere Courelation and Dee Loveless; Low Working Hunter Champion Wisperwin Kandyman and Kathleen Gates; Open Working Hunter Champion Heza Smooth Operator and Annie Wildermuth; and Schooling Jumper Champion Andrew Knott and Rum Brook Rhapsody.

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