Mother Nature was fierce as the Mid America Spring Horse Show kicked off the 2002 show season for the Midwest last month. The spring show took place at the Ledges Facility in Roscoe, IL., but the chilly weather had many wondering which season it was.
Despite the cold front, selected official Paul Cates, photographer Linda Wollaber, exhibitors, and spectators managed just fine -- as long as the arena doors remained closed. Cates, from Manor, TX., had a full slate throughout the three day show as exhibitors in all divisions proved ready for competition.
Lance Hayes and Dusty Beau swept up the final tricolor, for Mike Bletsoe, in the Open Five Gaited Stake. Callie Davidson made a successful trip to Mid America sliding into the Amateur Five Gaited Stake tricolor with Electraglide.
The pretty, Amber Returns and John Willis, for Dana Rowland, swept up the Open Three Gaited Stake. I'll take the Stars was right on the money for top the honors in the Three Gaited Amateur Stake for rider Jenny Karnes. Neva VanEss had a winner with Karen Kronman's equine, Reedann's Phirestorm, in the Park Full Mane and Tail Stake.
Saturday began some championship classes with one of the first being Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure, where Annie Roberts aboard Stand Up and Shout took the tricolor. Melissa Donovan's So Fizzical, ridden by Janene Steggeman, won the Five Gaited Country Pleasure Stake. Hometown Luck took the victory for his happy owner, in the Three Gaited Country Pleasure Adult Championship. The demure, Demi Decker and Kent Klonglund picked up the Country Pleasure Driving Championship. Candi Hyman was thrilled as she rode There Will Be Talk, snatching the win in the Country Western Championship.
The snappy Colin Powell and Kurt Antonacci added another Mid-America victory to their list, after winning the Adult Show Pleasure Championship, a new division for this duo. After a four horse workout, Reedman's Phlambeau and Lisa McClaren made a fine 2002 debut, picking up top honors in the Junior Exhibitor Three Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. Jo Musser and the handsome Corky's Asset took home their first 2002 tricolor in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship.The impressive pair of Santana's Last Dance and Jonelle Chovanec made the victory pass in the Five Gaited Show Pleasure Championship.
Early in the show, the 17 and Under UPHA Pleasure Equitation Challenge Cup Class was marked with some exceptional riding by Austin Eversman. Eversman later nailed the workout in the championship class. On Friday afternoon, the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup Class convened and Sarah Larson snapped up this win. Meaghan McQueen moved to the winner's circle in the 11 and Under division of the UPHA class.
Mandy Martin demonstrated how it's done, winning the 17 and Under UPHA Challenge Cup. Marissa Ginzel topped the competition in the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Championship, with her exceptionally talented mount, Ginzel. This team should be one to shine this season. In a truly interesting Pleasure Equitation Championship, Austin Eversman's name was called out first, after a fantastic workout.
Among the Stars was back in the winner's circle with Janet DiVecchio at the lines for the Hackney Pleasure Pony Driving Amateur Championship.