Officials
Judges: Raymond Shively and Cindy Mugnier
USEF Steward: Mary Lynn Whitley
Announcer: Wyatt Lilly
Ringmaster: William Whitley
Paddock: Dan Shirley
Organist: Jane Frye
Photographer: Bob Moseder
Videographer: Horse Videos
Grounds: Steve Wilson
Farrier: Wayne Murray
Manager: Ray Cloninger
Assistant Manager: Joyce Wilson
Horse Show Secretary: Barbara Woodlief
Entry Secretary: Sue Imbaratto
by Katherine Hansil
RALEIGH, N.C. - The Southeast show circuit heated up in Raleigh, N.C., during the Raleigh Spring Premier. Barns came from up and down the East Coast to compete, most for the first time of the year, and they did not disappoint as the horse and rider teams were in top form and ready for the start of their show season. Much celebration was done as new teams made their way to the winner’s circle for the first time like CH Santana’s Night Moves and Meredith Macy and Fort Chiswell’s Spanish Dancer and Ashley Linkous and also as seasoned champions continued their reign like CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time and Allie Wellington and CH Social Worth and Pam Austin. Ribbons were not all that was celebrated as a few exhibitors also had birthdays during the show like Drew Taylor Hewitt and Anna Hansil. A few barns even had out their Easter decorations with the holiday only a week away, turning the show into a hopping good time no matter how you looked at it.
Held at the James B. Hunt Horse Complex that includes a grand indoor arena and covered warm up along with five permanent barns, Raleigh Spring Premier not only has a great place to show but also a great atmosphere with tons of hospitality. During the week coffee and doughnuts were offered along with a welcome party during Thursday’s show and an exhibitors’ party on Friday held offsite with music and great food. After Saturday evening’s championship performances, the show was brought to a close with the Tail’s End party featuring yummy desserts provided by Ingleside Farm.
Five-Gaited
Closing out the week was the thrilling Open Five-Gaited Championship. This crowd always loves this class and even after a long week and especially long Saturday with three sessions, the crowd always gets behind their favorite. This year the tricolor went home with Callaway’s Four Leaf Clover and Smith Lilly. Lilly presented him for Karen Thornhill not only to the championship win but also the qualifying win. Double reserve honors went to the expressive gray named Fog. Recently purchased by Becky Rankin Fog was presented to both reserve titles by Lewis Eckard.
Attaché’s Crown Royal loves this ring. It was at this very show two seasons ago when he gained his following with Mary Orr in the irons. Now he is back with his owner Vickie Byrd in the irons and they looked better than ever together. In their only appearance this week they topped the competitive ladies qualifier. Reserve honors for the second year in a row went to Shamrock’s Freestep and Janelle D’Amato.
In the competitive amateur division, Meet Mr. Big and Phyllis Brookshire turned in two winning rides to sweep the division. For the second year in a row in the qualifier the Fairfield South team of Liquid Thunder and Rick Daigle captured the red streamers. Moving up a notch with a solid performance, Kathie Constable was thrilled with her reserve championship title aboard Talk About Attitude.
Last year the team of CH Dusty Beau and Rebekah Cloninger debuted together to sweep the junior exhibitor division. This year they returned and repeated their wins for the Drowning Creek banner. The new team of It’s More Than Likely and Adrienne Fitch burst on the scene, capturing both reserve titles under the direction of Mary Ann Harris. In the five-gaited pony division the talented and game Little Lord Huntley and Andrea Wolkoff put on a show to sweep the division.
Sir Attitude and Lewis Eckard added another blue to the Drowning Creek banner with their win in the Novice Five-Gaited. This stallion is owned by Jansal Saddlebreds. Reserve honors went to The Witness with new trainer Rick Felder presenting for Jennifer Garison. Late last fall Terry and Rick Felder leased G&I Broodmare from the Garison family and opened their Felder Stables in Fayetteville. It was a successful first week showing out of their new home base.
Watch Out Now is another success story from Sue Nifong’s breeding program. Full brother to Golden Market this talented chestnut is making his own name for himself as he entered his junior year with ease, winning the junior five-gaited with Smith Lilly in the irons. Suzy Shiflet was aboard the flashy Tornaado Man, earning the reserve title for Lineshare Farm.
Three-Gaited
With Detached’s move to the Florida circuit, the door was opened to crown a new open three-gaited grand champion after his two-year reign. Earning the top honor this year was Luxury Tax with Rick Felder presenting for Edwina Hutto. Earlier in the week this team earned the reserve in the open qualifier. Winning the open qualifier was Gypsy’s Stella and Gary Garone as Garone readied this neat horse for Melissa Swain in the junior exhibitor division.
Winning the ladies class was the neat mare Callaway’s Compatible, by CH Caramac and only a four-year-old. Leslie Tickle was in the irons for the win for Lora Johnstone. Reserve honors went back to Georgia with Party Til Dawn and Jennifer Spurlin. Mercer Springs added another blue to their banner with a winning performance for Callaway’s Born With Style. Smith Lilly was in the irons aboard this 2006 reserve world’s champion for owners Bill Beckley and Robin Vuillermet.
Last year I’m Sky High and Rick Daigle debuted to earn the open reserve grand championship title. This year they are back in the amateur division. With two stunning performances this team swept the amateur division. Earning double reserve titles was Force Majeure and Julie Simmons.
CH Mahvalous Asset and Caitlin Leith have worked hard over the winter to prepare for the competitive ranks of the junior exhibitor division. With two outstanding performances they swept the division for the Ingleside banner. New to the division and only together for a short time in 2006 in the park division, Gypsy’s Stella and Melissa Swain turn in two solid rides for both reserve titles.
Allie Wellington and CH Royalty In Black were magnificent as they marched around the ring showing with grace and power. This team kicked off their season sweeping the three-gaited pony division. Earning the qualifying blue was Callaway’s Viscount and Katherine Randall under the direction of Linda Shelhart. In the championship the new team of Cameo’s Carte Blanche and Caroline Anderson had a comeback ride to earn the reserve championship title.
Three-Gaited Park
The sporty Beaujolais Nouveau stepped up winning the Open Three-Gaited Park Championship with Brent Jacobs for owners Liz and Randy Thomas. Looking well-suited for his new division Bongo was a star with Erica Savary in the irons for Amy Roberts, capturing both reserve titles. Winning the qualifier was the high-headed Cat Attack with Steve Gassen presenting for Sammye and Johnny Lucas in their only appearance.
CH Promise To Dance and Marie Gwinn moved up a notch to claim the championship title in the amateur division after an earlier reserve in the qualifier. Switching spots with this team was Woulda Coulda Shoulda and Aimee Austin, debuting in this division to garner the reserve championship and qualifying blue.
Debuting here last year, Kalarama Shiraz and Sarah Longworth topped the qualifier in their only appearance. This year Longworth piloted this amazing horse to add two titles to their list of wins as they swept the junior exhibitor division. Katie’s Dream and Britt Mitchell had a comeback ride to capture the reserve championship honor under the direction of Robert Lucas. Reserve in the qualifier went to the Drowning Creek team of My Mountain Heirs and Rebekah Cloninger presenting for Dr. and Mrs. Brian Outen.
Smith Lilly was back to the winner’s circle to capture the Junior Three-Gaited Park title with Cat’s My Daddy for Hawley Tool Sales. Reserve honors went to South Bound Saurez and Marcelino Ramirez for the Summers Family Trust.
Fine Harness
The 2006 Junior Fine Harness winner The Chocolate Drop Kid has matured over the winter. Owner Brenda Brewer was on the lines this week under the direction of David Barger to sweep the open division. Earning both reserve titles were Spanish Tap and Claude Shiflet for Nick Antich. Suzy Shiflet was on the lines to win the junior class with Lineshare Farm’s Heir To The Moon. The 2006 open qualifier winner Le Femme Nikita moved into the junior exhibitor ranks with Patience Ergish on the lines to win the ASHAF Youth Fine Harness Driving Challenge for her proud parents, Patience and Tom Ergish.
Roadsters
Quite Irresistible and Doris Crumpler put on a show as this neat horse flew around the ring with great power while in top form. Trained by the team at Johnny Lucas & Sons Stables this team swept the open division in their debut together.
In the competitive under saddle division, the still new team of Royal Count and Rebekah Cloninger swept the division with High Velocity and Lindsey Greenwald earning both reserve titles.
Ponies
The outstanding Heartland Yankee Strutter was in top form with Marsha Garone in the bike to sweep the open road pony division for Caroline Morrison. Harry Daughtry was behind the consistent Vivacious EF earning both reserves for wife Mary. Earning double wins in the amateur division was the talented Cappuccino with Brenda Kelly on the lines. This marks an amazing sixth year in a row this pony has won the amateur championship for Brenda Kelly with her daughter, Holly Gassen, on the lines some of those years.
The junior exhibitor division was hugely competitive. Winning the qualifier was Zildjian. This powerful pony began the season with Caitlin Leith on the lines instead of her brother, Conner, since Conner has a broken foot. This team opted out of showing back after another pony collided into Zildjian in the qualifier. Hawkeye’s Chatter Box and Allie Wellington also had a great show in their only appearance to earn the reserve in the qualifier. Winning the championship was the new team of Lone Star and Lindsay Jones. This pony was recently purchased from Jeoff Bodenhorst. Reserve in the championship went to David Barger’s Knollandaire with Sarah Sessoms on the lines.
The under saddle classes were just as competitive as Jake Butts piloted the mighty Perfect Offering to the qualifier. This team, under the direction of Cash Lovell Stables, returned to capture the reserve championship title for grandmother Sharon Anderson. Winning the championship and moving up a notch was the Steve Gassen-trained John Glenn and Courtney Bebber.
Sweeping the harness pony division was Edwina Hutto’s Sunset’s King James with Ann Rogers on the lines. Reserve in both classes went to DRS First Lady and Janelle D’Amato. Austin Powers and Betsy Boone moved up a place to capture the Hackney Pony Championship for Middendorf Farms with Unique Rhythm and Bo Lucas in for the championship reserve. Winning the qualifier in their only appearance was Bent Tree Farm’s Mark In Time with Gina Lail on the lines. Sweeping the pleasure driving division was the sporty Wait & See’s Postmaster with the always well-dressed Alexandra Foster on the lines.
Pleasure
Someone should go back and count the number of times the consistent performer has been to the winner’s circle in this arena. No matter how many times, and it is a lot, CH Social Worth and Pam Austin added another two to the list as they swept the adult five-gaited show pleasure division. Sean Lassett turned up the tempo with his grandmother, Jean Myers’s, CH Callaway’s No Problem as he returned in the championship to garner the reserve title. Earning the reserve title was Holy Hannah and Tony Miller. Miller and this neat horse just began their career together a year ago and they have worked hard over the winter and it has paid off as they proved they are contenders for the division.
The new team of Sunken Treasure and Drew Taylor Hewitt debuted this week, making a big splash. Taylor had a lot to celebrate… a new horse and her birthday. It was a great week for her has she confidently showed Sunken Treasure to the winner’s circle both times in the junior exhibitor five-gaited show pleasure division. The flashy Desert Supreme Kid and Amanda Tompkins earned both reserve titles under the direction of Suzy Shiflet.
Topping the competitive Park Pleasure Championship was Lisa Austin’s CF Not Tonight Chief with Erica Savary in the irons. Reserve championship honors went to the powerful My Southern Charm with Alexandra Lilly presenting for Werk Way Stables. Winning the qualifier and returning for a strong third in the championship was She’s All That Country and Jan Gunn. Reserve in the qualifier went to My Tee Time and Andy Everett. Winning the junior class in their debut performance together was the elegant Heads Will Turn with Barby Thornton in the irons. Reserve honors went to The Pool Boy and Susan Orton. Winning the Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure was the Supreme Heir-bred Just Like That with Midge Hunt presenting for Dr. Kim Blackwell. Reserve went to Our Gentleman Jack and Leslie Tickle for Mercer Springs Farm.
Marie Gwinn was back to the winner’s circle, sweeping the adult show pleasure division with A Chance To Dance under the direction of Boone’s Farm. Reserve in both classes went to the new team of Reedann’s Phine By Me and Marion Bryan. The Mercer Springs team of Fort Chiswell’s Spanish Music topped the novice rider class with Ashley Linkous in the irons for Caroline Maddy Bernstein.
Topping the 14-17 division in both the qualifier and championship was the Kristen and David Cater trained team of Memories Of Memphis and Caroline Rose with two outstanding performances. With a comeback ride CH Harlem’s Moon Shadow and Jesse Lynch captured the reserve championship honors. Reserve in the qualifier went to the Mary Ann Harris trained Irish Charisma and Madison Bissette.
For the second year in a row CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time and Allie Wellington have captured the 13 and under championship. This year they added the qualifying blue to the list as they began their season two-for-two. Reserve in the championship went to The Chesapeake Bay and Austin Hazelwood as they successfully moved up this year from walk and trot show pleasure. Earning reserve in the qualifier was the Heads Up team of Albelarm Anchor Man and Bronwyn Frank. This team also earned reserve in the novice rider qualifier.
Sultan’s Savannah Anna moved up a notch to claim the Show Pleasure Driving Championship under the watchful eye of Marsha and Gary Garone. Winning the qualifier and returning for the championship reserve was CH Harlem’s Babe Ruth and Susan Whittington. Winning the junior exhibitor championship was Callaway’s North Wind and Melanie Bennett for the Heads Up banner. Earning reserve and the win in the ASHA Youth Pleasure Driving Challenge was Worthy’s Just Once and Alexandra Foster. Reserve in the driving challenge went to Irish Jasmin and Tyler Burkett.
CH Much More Radiant and Stephanie Brackett were in top form to capture the wins in both the championship and qualifier in the 12 and under walk and trot pleasure division. From Ingleside Farm, Drew Love rode Picabo Street to garner both red streamers. Scotty’s Lace and new rider Lissie Vining returned to win the Three-Gaited Pleasure Pony Championship after an earlier reserve. Winning the qualifier and the reserve championship title was the team of A Winter Night and Madison Garison.
Country Pleasure
With the a comeback ride the awesome CH Riva Diva was piloted to the winner’s circle by Donna Finch in the Adult Country Pleasure Championship. Reserve honors went to the amateur owned and trained qualifying winner Harlem’s Knight At The Apollo with Luanne Kilday. VHF Bay All Day and Marie Gwinn won the qualifier with Night Of The Party and Amy Johnson in for reserve. Night Of The Party and Amy Johnson also earned a reserve in the novice rider class. Highpoint’s Fancy Cat and Toree Heffner earned the reserve in the amateur owned and trained qualifier. Wicked Whispers and Joseph Webb earned the blue in the novice rider qualifier under the direction of Kristen and David Cater.
With two perfect performances CH Wing’s Main Attraction and Adrienne Fitch swept the 14-17 country pleasure division. Reserve honors in the championship went to the new team of Irish Cappuccino and Amy Rawlings under the direction of Randy Cole and Becky Teater. Hasani and Jennifer Roberts had a great ride, garnering the reserve in the qualifier and returning for a strong championship third.
The new team of CH Santana’s Night Moves and Meredith Macy swept the 13 and under country pleasure division. Reserve in both classes went to the Midge Hunt trained Undulata’s Man Of Hour Dreams and Hanna Norwood. This young horse is owned by Roger Lever.
Moving up a notch to win the Country Pleasure Driving Championship was Ro-Day-O and Annette Greene under the direction of Carol Addison. Capturing the qualifying win and returning for the reserve championship honor was Really Worth It and Anita Simpson.
Luanne Kilday’s newest western horse, O Ain’t I Somethin’, had a great week to go three-for-three, winning the western championship and qualifier and also the Saddle & Bridle’s Shatner Western Country Pleasure. Winning three reserves was the flashy Monsignor and Marie Gwinn. Natalie Cole and Synnova Hayes topped the Limit Country Western Pleasure. Heir Cooled and Sallie Turner-Tonguet made the trip from Georgia to garner the limit reserve. Symbol’s Supreme Eclipse and Holly Henson swept the hunter division. I Walk Along and Janelle D’Amato had a comeback ride for the reserve championship honor. The reserve in the qualifier went to Cosmic Sunfire and Judith Gandarillas.
Equitation
Kyle Gagnon was in top form aboard Sultan’s Savannah Anna to win the coveted Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. Gagnon also won the NHS Good Hands and was reserve in the USEF Medal this time aboard Callaway’s Meriwether. The Dora Huie-instructed Lindsey Bryan earned the reserve in the championship as well as the 14-17 qualifier and UPHA 14-17 Challenge Cup. Winning the 14-17 qualifier and reserve in the NHS Good Hands was Kimberlee Meserve riding Hatcher’s Pride. Emma Nichols was polished aboard CH Worth A Scene to win the USEF Medal and UPHA 14-17 Challenge Cup under the direction of Liz McBride-Jones.
Brooke Jacobs topped the USEF Adult Medal riding Callaway’s Show Me When. Sara Roberson from Heads Up earned the reserve ribbon aboard Stand And Watch.
Kim Mueller debuted aboard Tip Rogers to win the UPHA Challenge Cup Pleasure Equitation under the direction of Ingleside Farm. Elizabeth Dirth from Cater Stables earned the reserve ribbon. Dirth returned riding New York Times Square to win the Saddle & Bridle’s Pleasure Equitation Medallion with Mueller in for reserve.
Winning the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Equitation was the Liz McBride-Jones instructed Caroline Brown. Cagle James returned to win the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup with a comeback performance under the guidance of Lewis Eckard. Reserve in both classes went to the John Whalen-instructed Vanessa Patch riding CH She’s An Asset.
MORGANS
Park
In their single appearance the talented Fire Pink’s Cozzette with Chet Sowle won the Park Harness Stake for Beth Johnson.
English Pleasure
Topping the English Pleasure Championship was LRF Patrick Henry with Krista Dent in the irons for Marshburn/Tettertorn. This neat horse also captured the open qualifier. Reserve in the championship went to the Hollybrook Walking Tall and Jeff Summer for June Davis. This team also won the limit qualifier.
Krista Dent was back to the winner’s circle in the ladies class with Kay Williford’s Bear Brook Noble Bar. Flintlock’s Testarosa and Christy Jaeger Clark were reserve. This team also won the junior horse qualifier.
WS Our Celebrity Belle went two-for-two, sweeping the amateur division with Debbie Hemingway in the irons. Captivation Of Foxridge and Emory Sykes moved up a notch to claim the reserve championship while Total Recall and Kristin King earned the reserve in the qualifier. This team also won the junior exhibitor championship and reserve in the junior exhibitor qualifier. Winning the junior exhibitor qualifier was Arboria Invictus and Leah Ling. Battier and Anika Frank topped the 12 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class under the direction of Heads Up.
The celebrated champion Hollybrook Indian Brave swept the open pleasure driving division with Mary Daughtry on the lines. Reserve in the championship went to Face The Nation and Dan Redman. This team also won the reserve in the amateur qualifier. Sweeping the amateur classes were CBMF Ruling Class and Holly Johnson. Tara’s Rolling Stone and Ken Swanson had two perfect drives to win both the championship and qualifier in the junior division for Frances Pugh.
Classic Pleasure
Stonecroft Endless Love and Betsy Buchanan turned in two pleasure perfect rides to sweep the championship and open qualifier. Ram Wham Bam Precision and Laura Austin captured both reserves. Earning both victory passes in the junior exhibitor division was Glorious Answers and Natalie Tetterton.
Stonecroft Endless Love and Betsy Buchanan were back to the winner’s circle two more times to sweep the driving division as well. Hollybrook Independence and Cathy Minard captured both red streamers.
Western Pleasure
Winning an amazing four classes, Ryan’s Starbeam earned the western amateur championship, amateur qualifier and ladies qualifier with Kristin King and the open qualifier with Anne Ebbert all for Caprice Soltice Zourmaras. Winning the open championship and reserve in the open and amateur qualifiers and amateur championship were Salem Total Eclipse and Elizabeth Abernathy. JJF The Big Easy topped the limit class with Anne Ebbert presenting for the Kings.
Hunter Pleasure
FRF Center Stage had a successful week with Emory Sykes winning all four classes in the hunter division. JJF The Big Easy and Kristen King captured the reserve in the amateur championship and open qualifier. Tara’s Bellagio and Aimee Austin earned the reserve in the open championship and amateur qualifier for Frances Pugh.
Academy
Saturday afternoon belonged to the academy riders with a large and strong group of competitors from riding programs all over the Carolinas and Virginias. Earning top ribbons in their divisions were: Cynthia Holly, Tiffany Hager, Melinda Tedder, Lisa Jackson, Brandi Crouch, Alexandra Allen, Kayla Wilson, Abby Traywick, Jessica Marchi, Diana Raynor, Kristy Montgomery, Chelcie Rawls, Megan Holst, Donna Bush, Monica Walsh, Cashlyn Lovell, Braylee Rose, Blake Crim, Ruth Major, Natalie Swimmer, Tori Hedrick, McKenzie Bryant, Sydney Rowell, Nicole Price, Ciara Horton, Kelsey Warhover, Taylor Terrell, Stephanie Ryan, Alex Ennis, Lindsay Jones, Amber Burner, Tiffany Knox, Chris Hawley, Alex Cedrone, Kate Garwood, Madeline Long, Amy Cedrone, Meg Raynor, Kelly Wooten, Tatum Tucker, Carver Semans, Libby Bowen, Anna Hansil, Allison Daley, Ashley Stewart, Laura Plant, Madison Hunt and Whitney Winslow.