by Leeann Mione

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – If there is one thing the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show does right, its to make everyone who comes feel welcome. Whether they bring one horse or 30, anyone and everyone affiliated with the show wants you to know you are welcome. Call it Midwest down home hospitality, call it a desire to please, call it whatever you want, but anyone who’s gone to a horse show that doesn’t do it right, knows that it makes all the difference in the world.

People are willing to overlook or put up with a lot if they are treated right. The beauty of this horse show however, is that people really didn’t have to "put up" with anything. From the minute they arrived, their wants and needs were taken care of as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This feel good atmosphere has always been a trademark of the Indy Charity and longtime manager Phyllis Harris, now co-chair with Michele Carvin, and secretary Judy McManama have always been a big part of that. This year, Peter Fenton was named as show manager and he was only too glad to help the horsemen have the show they wanted.

Shanna Gish, of Indian Creek Morgan Farm had this to say about Fenton and the show. "It’s always been a great horse show but with the addition of Peter [Fenton] this show has only gotten better. He really has a horseman’s touch; keeping the footing ok, he’s a great paddock guy, he constantly is asking if everything is ok and being proactive if he thinks it can be better." She added by saying, "the weather’s been great and it’s really been a grand horse show."

Armon Effinger echoed those sentiments. "Pete just hit the ground running. He and Dewey worked from the very beginning too make sure everything was right.He checked the footing, he made the schedule work, he really wanted us horsemen to be comfortable and have whatever we needed."

Todd Miles helped lead DeLovely Farm to 27 blue ribbons and he also praised Fenton’s job as manager. "I think Peter helped make this a great show. He just has a knack for it. He’s a real horseman’s manager and is always concerned about what we need. He’s constantly asking "What can I do for you?"

Fenton certainly drew accolades for his hard work along with the other members of the staff that were so instrumental in helping this year’s show turn out so well.

Nelson Green judged all divisions except Academy and he truly worked to be quick and efficient and keep the schedule proceeding on time. Sessions were often over earlier than expected because things outside and inside the ring ran so well. Janet Keesling was the academy judge and she had a full slate of classes Saturday afternoon with the show ring stars of the future.

David Owens served as the official announcer and Mary Lynn Whitley was the USEF steward. Her husband William Whitley was the ringmaster and is arguably one of the best ringmasters in the business. Terry Young was the official photographer and Richfield Video served as videographers.

June Brune was the organist and Greg Mominee only had to replace a few shoes as official farrier.

The show benefits the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and to date has given $188,000 to the organization which helps fulfill wishes for terminally ill Indiana children. The Shining Star award has long been an Indiana Charity tradition and this year’s recipient was Terry Hudson (see separate sidebar this issue).

Friday was designated as Naomi (Nemo) Ress Day in memory of Ress who passed away February 14th. A special poem in her honor was printed in the program (see separate edit this issue) and a reception was held Friday evening.

Hospitality at Indy doesn’t just mean honoring special people or events. It is a constant outpouring of assistance and good will and one of the most dedicated Indianapolis Charity supporters, exhibitors and sponsors is Donna Zimmerman and her husband Ron. Once again this year, they were responsible for providing $50 in cash for random winners in each championship class at the show.

Pink Ducks were sold to raise money and a 50/50 raffle was also held. Steve Crabtree went home $1400 richer after winning the raffle.

Donuts in the morning, great food at the Friday night party that drew a big crowd also helped not only owners, trainers and exhibitors feel good but the caretakers and those that are the first ones there in the morning working to make it all come together.

There are times that the weather at Indy can be an issue, as it was last year, but this year, after some big storms early in the week, it probably couldn’t have been more perfect for the rest of the show. Afternoons were sunny and warm and the rain stayed away.

The Pepsi Coliseum and covered warm up ring certainly offer plenty of protection from the weather if needed, but this year they only needed to be a place where some of the top horses in the country could show their stuff.

Whether it was the three-horse workout in the eight-entry gaited stake or the four-horse workout in the amateur park class or the 22 entry show pleasure adult class, there were examples each and every day, each and every session of why this horse show is rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most competitive.

There were so many show ring highlights and they are highlighted here.

The Five-Gaited Stake was a great class with eight strong entries and it culminated in a workout between three horses who were picked by Nelson Green to head back out on the rail.

Callaway’s Melosa, with Todd Graham up for Royal Winds Farm, joined Merrill Murray with Courageous Lord for Bill Carrington and Marsha Shepherd and Out In Dixie with owner/trainer Armon Effinger for a second look.

When Green’s card was turned in, it was Effinger and Out In Dixie named as the grand champions. Graham and Callaway’s Melosa were the reserve grand champions.

In addition to the tricolor and accolades, Effinger also received the L.S.Dickey and Valley Horsemen Trophy which was presented by Marty Mueller’s daughter Sherri Smith and L.S. Dickey’s granddaughter Ruth Marshall.

Bono made his second show ring appearance of the season at Indy and his season debut with Linda Fischer riding from Grey Ridge Farm. They topped a talented group of ladies to take the title and exit with the pink ribbon as the UPHA Pink Ribbon Ladies Five-Gaited Champions in their only appearance at the show. Maguire Hall debuted with her new mount, Callaway’s Kit Carson, to finish with the reserve streamers under the direction of Randy Cates and Casey Crabtree.

Hall, in fact, had a very busy and successful week at Indy and she represented Merlin Farm in the winner’s circle when Shame On You was named the Amateur Five-Gaited Grand Champion in the 12-entry class. Ellyn Dorsey and Most Definitely Diamonds keep getting better and better and they put together the reserve grand championship effort under the direction of Lisa Strickland.

Cross Creek was represented yet again in the gaited division when Zara Spook and Christy Bennett won the Amateur Five-Gaited qualifier. Beth Kunkel, showing from Armon Effinger Stables, exited with the red ribbon in the qualifier.

Freaky Links and Angela Darrow made a successful bid for the tricolor and title in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Stake to follow up a red ribbon performance in the qualifier. Scott Matton met Darrow for the presentation. Callaway’s Independence Day and Victoria McCune were right there for the reserve tricolor from Cross Creek.

Brittany McGinnis was just one of the many winners from DeLovely who showed multiple mounts at the show and she headed down victory lane with Stravinsky when judge Green named them the blue ribbon winners in the junior exhibitor qualifier.

The tremendous quality and depth of entries in the gaited division continued with the young horses.

A really nice group came through the gate for the junior horse class and when the card was turned in, it was Walterway’s Pardon Me named as the winner with Merrill Murray up for Larry Hartsock. Jenny Taylor, one of the hardest riding ladies in the business piloted All Mighty to the reserve for Tim and Marty Shea.

Todd Miles and The Nashville Predator topped the talented three-year-olds in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic and picked up the blue for DeLovely Farm. Chris and Jean Nalley continue to put nice young horses in the ring and Tiffany Wheeler rode Don’t Tempt Me to the reserve from Autumn Hills Farm.

Jenny Taylor headed to the winner’s circle with Callaway’s Gabrielle in the limit class for Vernon and Sarah Wise and represented Memory Lane Farm with the victory. Callaway’s Set The Bar followed in the ribbon count with Chuck Herbert in the irons for owner Sarah Rowland.

Moon Charmer has world’s titles and numerous wins in the five-gaited pony division and Belle Owen continued that list with the wins in both the Five-Gaited Pony Championship and qualifier. Adam and Desiree Clauson directed I’ve Got My Game On and Cheyenne Mabey to the second place finish in both classes for Cheyco Farm.

After not having a Three-Gaited Stake last year, two very nice entries stepped up this year to take a run at the $1000 prize money. Bubble Bath and Walden Bullard, from George Knight Stables were victorious for owner Michelle McCune. Melissa Moore teamed Evening to the blue ribbon in the limit class before earning the reserve streamers for Larry Nunley in the stake.

Jim and Fay Lowry directed their group to a great week in both the Saddlebred and Morgan divisions including Fay’s winning ride with Stonecroft Nightlight in the Ladies Three-Gaited class for Dwaine Kinderknecht and Karrie Graham. Morgan Wolin and Audrey Hepburn earned their share of applause when they were selected as the reserve champions from Cedarwood Farm.

The amateur riders faced very deep water in their stake and qualifier and they did a great job of showing off their talented mounts in an effort to claim the blue and tricolor ribbons.

Steve and Tiffany Wheeler directed Laura Dozer-Elliott and Angel Innocence to the winning effort in the amateur stake and stablemate My Original Sin gave Autumn Hills the one-two finish. Owner Linda Lowary rode to the reserve grand championship to follow up her winning ride in the amateur qualifier. Gossip Girl has been a popular and successful competitor in the amateur division and owner Meg Knowles rode to the red ribbon in the qualifier under the direction of Mayo Moctezuma.

The junior exhibitor’s were split by age group and world’s champions graced the ring in both groups. For the 14-17 riders, Show Baby Show and Christina Collis were the champions and grand champions and they were followed in the ribbon count in both classes by Callaway’s Rosemary and Thyme with Ashley Baird for MBA Equestrians.

Hunter Chancellor and I’m McDreamy took both wins for the 13 and under riders. The Great Gaspar and Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes were the 13 and under reserve grand champions and reserve champions from Cross Creek.

Mark Utoft guided Simply Stella to the win in the talent-filled junior horse class and not long after it was over the mare ended up with a new owner. Kathy Capsuto-Walker and business partner Paula Schmidt selected the four-year-old for Escalade Stables. Utoft’s win continued a great start to the season for former owner Deborah Jahn of Seven Oaks Farm. Lisa Strickland rode Hilheiry Duff to the red ribbon in the nice class for Mimi Bahcall.

Twice Nightly and Steve Wheeler topped the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic for C.Jean and Chris Nalley and add another win to their total for the week. Undulata’s Just Plain Nuts picked up the red ribbon with Jim Lowry riding for Margaret Strano.

Manhattan’s Irish Cream has been a powerhouse in the three-gaited pony division and Tammy Devore guided Dylan Hines to both winning rides at Indy to add two more titles to Irish Cream’s long list. Audrey Lowry and Another Hot Summer Night have been solid and consistent and they finished with both reserve titles for Jim and Fay Lowry.

The park division has long been increasingly deep and competitive and that was certainly true at Indy, especially for the amateur riders who had big, tough classes both times out.

In the Three-Gaited Park Stake, a great group came through the gate and put on a great show, just as they had done in their open qualifier. Jim Lowry continued Lowry Stables great week and he teamed Tom Lewis to both wins for Deske and Boos. Coco Loco made quite an impression in the park division with Mark Utoft riding and Nelson Green named them the reserve grand champions for Fritz and Candace Meili.

Nancy Trent had plenty of reason to be happy with her entry Fashionista. Andre Van Schalkwyk rode for Trent and exited with the open reserve ribbon under the direction of Mike Hylton.

The amateur park classes were arguably two of the best classes of the show with a well-decorated group of competitors including numerous world’s champions. In the 18-entry qualifier, Green called for a workout to get a better look at his top group and sent CF Burn Out, Hollywood Electra, Crimson Blue and Big Man On Campus back out on the rail for a four horse workout. The list of those not selected for the workout is just as impressive as the list of those who were and in the end Cindy Siders rode Burn Out for the win for owner Rita Wheeler of Biggins Stables. Kristian Taylor White rode Electra from DeLovely Farm to take the red ribbon.

Crimson Blue, with Brittany Baird and Big Man On Campus with Scott Hagan were third and fourth, respectively.

Burn Out took the title in the 15-entry stake to make it a clean sweep for Ciders and Wheeler but this time they were followed in the ribbon count by the proven team of Crimson Blue and Brittany Baird, directed by Pat McConnell for MBA.

Chelsea Patterson put Stonecroft Front And Center in the top spot to claim the win in the junior exhibitor class under the direction of Cape Cod Farm. Caroline Boyer put reserve champions Hale Boppette and Taylor Boyer in the ring for Roselane Farm.

Merlin Farm assistant Chris Brannon rode Lakeview’s Why to the blue ribbon in a nice junior/novice class to pick up the win for Lakeview Farms. Mary Jane Fredrickson and Storm Heir were selected as the reserve champions for 926 Park Lane.

Voulez Vous has been on a roll all season so far and added another title to the Nalley-Wheeler win list with the victory in the Fine Harness Stake. CH Revolver and Dr. Robert Pugh have also been having a great year in the division and they picked up the reserve tie in the stake after claiming the red ribbon in the amateur class under the Grey Ridge Farm banner. Hi On Heir and Sally Jackson turned in the blue ribbon effort to earn the win in the amateur class which included several world’s champions.

Mooi Mooi and owner/trainer Jennifer Townsend put Four Willows Farm in the winner’s circle when they were selected as the winners of the junior horse class. Steel The Moment and John Biggins were next in line for a ribbon for Dr. Homer and Linda Beltz.

Chantilly Lily topped a trio of sporty three-year-olds to win the UPHA Fine Harness Classic with Reese Richey in the viceroy for the Bundy family. HS Daydream’s Believe In Me and George Knight claimed the red ribbon for Hagan Saddlebreds, Inc.

Raising The Bar couldn’t be denied after winning the Open Road Horse To Bike class with Mark Turner and they returned in the Road Horse Championship to take the tricolor for DeLovely Farm. John T Bert N Me put together the reserve grand championship effort with Holly Russell driving for owner Virginia Powell to follow up their reserve in the open class.

Newlyweds Maureen Lydon and Rich Campbell weren’t newlyweds yet when Quill won the under saddle class with Holli McDowell to help lead Majestic Oaks to a very successful week.

The team of owner Beth Jones and trainer Connie Smith had a successful show with several wins and reserves by the end of the weekend including Jones’ winning drive with Heartland Sundust in the Roadster Pony Championship. They faced a great group in the stake after earning the reserve in the amateur qualifier.

Stat had his own competitive group to battle in the open qualifier and Maureen Lydon drove to the open win before returning to take the reserve tricolor in the stake for Dr. Robert Pugh. Dun-Haven Majestic Motion was in great order at the age of 17 to be named the open reserve champion with Rick Wallen showing for Denise Steinhauer. Toni Nastali and Heartland Victory Maker kept the wins coming for Majestic Oaks as they headed to center ring for the blue ribbon presentation in the amateur class.

Old Memories and Kirstie Buerkley won the AHHS Roadster Pony Youth Medallion class and they were followed in the ribbons by the Infinity Stables-trained team of Turbo Blue and Brett Van Gorden for Ann Boyd.

Heartland’s Rich & Famous won the UPHA Hackney Roadster Pony Classic with Connie Smith driving for Beth Jones. Matt Schuckert and his group will soon be relocating to Kentucky but they came to Indy Charity first and had a very good week. Schuckert drove Silver Oak’s Sirphistication to the red ribbon in the classic for owner Bruce Ekstrom.

Boogity Boogity was the limit champion for Ashlyn Farms, LLC with Lydon in the bike and were followed by You Raise Me Up and Schuckert for Rick McQuown.

Adding a second medallion win to the Majestic Oaks total, Heartland Wonderful Miss carried Megan Todd down victory lane in the AHHS Roadster Pony Under Saddle Youth Medallion for Creekridge LLC. Thyen’s Gem and Nicole Laroussa teamed up for reserve from Moctezuma Stables. Laroussa rode for Jim and Mary Yonker.

Dun-Haven Phenomenal not only earned the title of Harness Pony Grand Champion with a first rate performance, but did it on the occasion of owners Carl and Kathryn Nichols’ 43rd wedding anniversary to make their day even more special. Impress My Daddy and Georgia Blevins put on a good show to take the reserve tricolor under the direction of Matt Schuckert.

Dun-Haven Truly Awesome and Carl Nichols went to the winner’s circle in the amateur qualifier and represented owner Paul Richardson in the winner’s circle. Perry Grieme and Romeo’s Miss Mariah, directed by Kim Crumpler, followed with the red ribbon. Leather And Lace closed out the division with the win in the UPHA Harness Pony Classic for David Estis from Debonaire Stables.

Darrel and Sandy Kolkman’s pony Heartland High Tech won the Hackney Pony Championship with Lydon driving to add another tricolor to the Majestic Oaks total. Linda Lewis and The Final Contender have a long list of accomplishments in their career together under the direction of Jim McIntosh and they exited with the reserve tricolor.

Carl Nichols was called upon to drive yet another pony and this time it was Kay Marschel’s Heartland Moonglow that went to the winner’s circle. Nichols and the pony topped the amateur class followed by The Final Contender and Lewis.

Connie Smith guided another nice young pony to the winner’s circle for Beth Jones when Heartland Globetrotter was selected as the UPHA Hackney Pony Classic Champion. Bruce Ekstrom’s Heartland Newsflash kept the top ribbons coming for Ekstrom with the reserve placing.

Amateur winner Heartland Showboat and Kelsey Herbert were unstoppable on their way to center ring to pick up the tricolor in the Hackney Pleasure Driving Championship under the direction of dad and trainer Chuck Herbert.

Cherry Royale has a long list of wins in the division and now teamed with Caroline Rainbolt-Forbes, they added another title to that list by winning the pleasure driving medallion class before finishing as the pleasure driving reserve grand champions under the Cross Creek banner.

Mary Narko had a good show under the direction of Bell View Acres, including her nice reserve with Extremely Supreme in the amateur pleasure pony driving class. Donna Zimmerman, not only had a great week with her Morgan entries from Memory Lane Farm, but also had the winning UPHA Hackney Pleasure Driving Classic Champion. She drove Heartland Smooth Operator to the blue ribbon.

Tabitha Zimmerman drove Heartland Direct Hit to the reserve in the AHHS Pleasure Pony Driving Medallion class for her dad Fritz Zimmerman and she showed under the direction of Ann Thibo.

David Estis was the winning driver in the Hackney Country Pleasure Driving class and he added another blue to the Debonaire total with Kilbro’s Ranier. Estis drove the winning pony for owner Tracy Reed. Madeleine Evans teamed Copy Write to the red ribbon for owner and trainer Susan Evans.

Despite blowing a tire shortly after coming in the ring, Bruce Ekstrom and Halstead’s Viking marched down the rail and headed to the presentation area to pick up the ribbon as the Hackney Horse Stake Champions from Debonaire Farm. Shelburne, with Stan Bodnar driving, was reserve for Bent Tree Farm.

Eighteen adult riders had their work cut out for them in their Adult Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship but they handled the crowd and the pressure well and put on a good class for the crowd. Nelson Green actually made pretty quick work of selecting a winner and he chose section one winner Walterway’s Believe In Me. Corbin Smith was all smiles as she headed back to Mark Utoft Stables to be met by Fritz and Candace Meili and Mark and Toni Utoft.

CH Chandler was in top form with Lisa McClaren to be right there for the reserve grand championship title under the direction of Julie Anne Wroble and Tom Pettry of Country Meadow Farm. Their reserve followed up a reserve in the section one adult qualifier.

What About Phil won the section two adult class with owner Sarah Crane riding from Autumn Hills. My Pepper Ann and Brittany Baird took the red ribbon in section two for owner Toni Nastali.

The junior exhibitors also faced a great group in their Saturday morning championship class. Although not as large as the adult division, it was a proven and multi-titled group that came through the gate in hopes of earning the tricolor.

The Champagne Tiger and Christy Bennett just couldn’t be denied and they followed up their win in the qualifier by heading for the victory pass in the championship. Randy Cates and Casey Crabtree were the winning trainers. Suki Snowlet and Calee Dillon turned in a strong effort to exit with the reserve streamers for Mary Dillon from DeLovely Farm to go with their blue ribbon from the qualifier.

There just wasn’t a hole anywhere in the park pleasure division in terms of quality. Nice class after nice class kept the crowd entertained and Nelson Green on his toes.

Eleven hardworking entries competed in the Park Pleasure Stake and their veteran trainers did a great job of presenting them to their best. When it was all over however, it was the Reese Richey-trained The Belleheiress named as the grand champion Sofia Dueno who is to be teamed with the mare next year. Lisa Strickland and Prime Time Player stepped up to take the reserve tricolor for Saddlewood Farm.

The open class was also a competitive class but this time it was the Knollwood Farm-trained entry Steel ‘N A Dream named as the winner. Scott Matton rode for G.P. Rom LLC. Infinity Stables assistant Wendy Sogoloff was on board High Point Memories to take reserve for Willowind Saddlebreds.

Jim Lowry headed to the winner’s circle again when Certain Style won the junior horse class. He rode for owners Bonus Time Farm LLC. Prime Time Player and Strickland finished as the reserve champions.

Hagan Saddlebreds claimed ownership of the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic Champion. Walden Bullard piloted HS Fixation to the top spot from George Knight Stables. Giovanni’s Primo and Tiffany Wheeler put together the reserve champion effort for John and Dorothy Lenore.

he decision was made to split the Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship. Section one hosted 12 entries and it was the blonde mane and tailed Catalyst Commander who prevailed to win with Maguire Hall showing under the direction of Cates and Crabtree. Their section one win followed their win of the biggest class of the show – the 22 horse Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure qualifier. Ms Betty Grable was in top order with Morgan Wolin to exit as the reserve grand champion under Chuck Herbert’s direction.

Imagine My Surprise and Ashley Wilson followed up their reserve finish in the huge qualifier by earning the triocolor in section two of the adult championship. Stonecroft Serengetti and Kristen Pettry won the big limit class and followed that up with the adult reserve grand championship for section two.

Abby Mutrux had a huge week with both of her mounts and finished with four wins by the end of the show. She and Worth The Trip were the junior exhibitor grand champions amongst a really nice group and came into the championship having won the 13 and under qualifier. Thunder Gone Wild, owned and trained by DeLovely, was right there for the reserve streamers in the championship. Caitlin Cooper rode for DeLovely and not only picked up the reserve in a great championship class, but won the 14-17 qualifier earlier in the week.

Rebecca Boorstein rode Stonecroft I’m Radiant to the red ribbon in the older age group qualifier to add another top ribbon to the Lowry Stables total. Macey Miles rode for owner The Bowers Group to earn the reserve in the 13 and under class with The Heir To The Kingdom.

Trainer Autumn Harrier directed I’m Big-N-Rich, with owner Hannah Stilwell, to the reserve finish behind Stonecroft Serengetti in the limit class.

It was a happy ending for A Cinderella Story in both the Show Pleasure Driving Championship and the section two qualifier. Karrie Graham drove to win the champiuonship class which was very competitive with 15 entries, and the nine-entry qualifier as well. Just Special and Katherine Rainbolt took the second place tie in the big championship class to add to the top ribbons for Rainbow Princess Farms.

Sally Jo Briney turned in a masterful drive with Sweatin’ Bullets to win the first section of the Show Pleasure Driving qualifier and was followed in the ribbons by Jan McGlaughlin for Jane Mueller. Mueller herself had driven Open Arms to the national championship title at Kansas City last year and McGlaughlin’s drive on Saturday would prove to be especially poignant. Jane Mueller passed away Saturday, June 6th in Decatur, Ill.

An absolute legend not only in the Saddlebred and Hackney industries, Mueller was also passionate about many things including the Mueller Museum, traveling the world, basketball and of course the many, many champion horses and ponies she owned over the years including CH Onion, two-time winner of the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship. Jim Koller rode to the world’s title in 1994 while Mueller was co-owner with Carl Fischer.

Cocktail Ring and Joellen Fisher Blount were directed by Melinda Moore, of Arrowhead Farm, to the red ribbon in the second section qualifier.

Blount wasn’t done winning yet. She switched gears and mounted up to pilot Cheetah’s Admiral to the top spot in the 12-entry Adult Country Pleasure Championship in their season debut at Indy. They had already won the adult class earlier in the week.

Kristen Pettry and her proven contender Concrete Blonde were reserve in the championship and qualifier under the direction of Country Meadow Farm.

Dylan Hines and Protector won the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship to top a really nice group and claim the tricolor under the Devore Stables banner to add to their good week at Indy and Sing My Song claimed the reserve grand championship for co-owner Mike Smith, showing under the Zubrod Stables banner.

Rita Wheeler had another winner at Indy with My Christmas Eve. Loretta Mulberry rode to the blue in the junior exhibitor qualifier. Ashley Baird teamed Kabu to the reserve in the 10-entry competitive class.

Kathy Capsuto-Walker and Tremendously Charming were tremendously successful at the show. They topped a strong limit class to take the blue ribbon for Escalade Stables. My Point Of View and Mary Narko exited the ring as the reserve champions for Susan Narko.

Brendan Heintz drove Supreme Platinum for owner Lisa Antalek, from Bell View Acres, to win the Country Pleasure Driving Championship and they were equally as successful in the qualifier. CF Night At The Castle and Brittany Baird added another nice reserve in both the championship and qualifier to the MBA banner with their team efforts.

Super Rooster had a lot of competition in the western country pleasure division which was full of quality entries. Lisa McClaren rode him to the top of the class and topped 11 other teams for the win in the championship and in the qualifier.

Highly Charmed and owner/trainer Joan Todd were solid and consistent and finished with both reserve titles. Another pair of owner/trainers claimed the final top two ribbons in the division. Sally Pavel and Impressive Surprise won the Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class and Natasha Epperly guided Mr. Threadman to reserve in the class.

Kristen Pettry and CH Callaway’s Scoop The News put Northern Tradition Farm in the winner’s circle when they won the Hunter Country Pleasure Championship. Staffordshire and Corey Coovert were the reserve grand champions for Roselane Farm and had claimed the reserve tie in the Saddle & Bridle Hunter Country Pleasure class earlier in the week.

Showing from Country Meadow Farm, A.F. Colour Creation and owner Megan Novak won the Hunter Country Pleasure class and followed that up with the win in the Saddle & Bridle class.

All six young ladies in the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship did a great job on the rail before all six were asked to perform the workout. Nelson Green had a great group in front of him and when his card was turned in, it was the DeLovely team of Faye Wuesthofen and Kiss Of The Zodiac. In this, their first season together, Wuesthofen and Zodiac have already compiled an impressive list of accomplishments. Eleanor Watkins is also one of the equitation division’s multi-titled competitors and has added numerous wins and top ribbons to the Zubrod Stables count. She rode Worthy Am I to the equitation reserve grand championship. Both girls finished in the same order in the 14-17 class. Hunter Chancellor has proven herself to be quite accomplished in the equitation division and with CH Can You Hear Me Now won the 13 and under class. Hallie Sansbury and Linus Van Pelt picked up the 13 and under red ribbon for Patricia Dozer. Sansbury was instructed by Kathy Boggs and Erin Boggs Richey.

Maisie Benfield, riding Jacqueline Beck’s Pinstripe Dancer, bested the group to win the Walk and Trot Equitation Championship and add the win to the Zubrod Stables total. Bonnie Zubrod, Cindy Zubrod Boel and Renee Zubrod were the team that put Benfield in the winner’s circle. Ava Stachowski and With Authority, from Memory Lane Farm, followed in the ribbon count as the reserve grand champions.

Benfield and Payton Walker, instructed by Tammy Devore, took the win and reserve, respectively in the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup.

Belle Owen continued her great show with the win in the UPHA Challenge Cup and the Good Hands class with Chanti’s Prayer. Owen is now qualified to head to Illinois for the Good Hands finals at the Mid America Mane Event Horse Show and to the American Royal for the challenge cup finals. Jordyn Broten rode He’s The Real Deal for Marsha Mears and she followed as the reserve champion in both classes under the direction of Zubrod Stables and is also qualified to head to both finals.

Morgan Wolin, riding CF Cool Night Out, and Sarah Jane Smith, riding Something Is In The Heir, finished first and second respectively in the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup which showcased the talents of five hard riding adult equitation riders. Wolin rode from Cedarwood Farm and Smith rode from Cape Cod Farm.

Brittany McGinnis was right on the money to take the tricolor in the Pleasure Equitation Championship. Showing from DeLovely for Fish Creek Stables, McGinnis rode Soli Deo Glori to the win after winning the Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Medallion earlier in the week. Sarah Tumm, teamed Heir Brained Scheme to the reserve tricolor in the championship and also took the reserve in the medallion class from Zubrod Stables. Fellow Zubrod Stables rider Jamie Weisbach won the 14-17 qualifier with Oh Gee Whiz for co-owner Eric Weisbach.

DeLovely teammates Abby Mutrux and Courtney McGinnis took the top two spots in the 13 and under class. Mutrux won it with Blackboard and McGinnis was reserve with Amandari. Mutrux also earned her fourth win of the show by taking the title in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup. Alexia Stumler was the reserve pleasure challenge cup winner with the Stephens College owned Who Needs Mama. Stumler was instructed by Cindy Zubrod Boel.

Beth Jones not only had wins with her ponies, but Connie Smith also put her Friesian Wytse Krist in the winner’s circle twice with a sweep of the Friesian Walk/Trot/Canter English Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Jannie Giles took time out from showing off all the tricks Leo can do, to earning a reserve in both classes for Black Horse Manor. Judy Houk rode Daimler B to the win in the amateur class under the direction of Kathy Conflenti.

It was yet another Friesian that topped the group in the open western pleasure division. Owner and trainer Jennifer Hazen, riding Joshua Of The Friesian Connection, went to the winner’s circle in the Open Western Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Toni Nastali continued the great week she was already having with Heartland Victory Maker by taking both reserve ribbons with Harlem’s Mojo under the direction of Pat McConnell.

Hylke continued the Friesian win count by winning both the Open Walk/Trot English Pleasure Championship and qualifier with Kristina Mulry riding for Charles Mulry and was directed by Conflenti. Avery Campbell rode She’s High Fashion to be named the reserve grand champion and reserve champion from Zubrod Stables.

The Morgan division was not as large as the Saddlebreds, but the Morgans that made the trip to the Indiana State Fairgrounds were some of the best in the industry and several top Morgan barns came to Indiana to compete.

Jennifer Hazen brought the PlayMor Farm group and led them to a good show including CBMF Clear Victory’s win in the Park Saddle Stake. Donna Zimmerman, winner of several world titles, was asked to show for PlayMor. Kurt Hufferd and Shanna Gish led the group from Indian Creek to a great week and Hufferd drove Springmill Stardust to the win in the Park Harness Stake for Springmill Morgans.

Karen Shields and Key Criterion won the Morgan Amateur English Pleasure Stake for the second year in a row and they were met in the winner’s circle by trainer Glenn Bouvier. He also directed them to the win in the amateur class earlier in the week. Junior exhibitor champions HVK Flashback and Rebecca Boorstein were the reserve grand champions for Equilateral Enterprises. Jim and Fay Lowry directed the reserve team. MEM Attache, winner of the junior/novice class, finished with the red ribbon in the amateur qualifier with owner Shelby Lamm, showing from Indian Creek. Stablemate Gradell Wild Sunrise carried Ethan Burns to the blue in the Walk and Trot English Pleasure 11 and Under class for Indian Creek.

Stonecroft Tribute and Donna Zimmerman won the Morgan Pleasure Driving Championship after winning the amateur qualifier to add two more wins to the Memory Lane Farm total. Indian Creek Warbird, the junior horse champion, and Kurt Hufferd were named the reserve grand champions for Indian Creek, and Hufferd-trained MEM The Patriot won the open qualifier with the trainer himself driving for Springmill Morgans.

Steven DeBolt drove Mac The Knife to the reserve in the open class for co-owner Tom Caisse. HVK Command Performance, also with DeBolt driving, was reserve in the junior horse class for Kohler Stables owner Herbert Kohler.

C’est La Vie and Donna Zimmerman topped a nice group on the way to the winner’s circle in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Open class before taking on the competition and coming out on top in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stake.

Century Mardi Gras, with Eva Busboom up, was next in line for a ribbon in the stake from Lowry Stables. Trainer Susan Evans, of Candlewood Stables, directed Madeleine Evans and Dreammaster Irish Emperor to the reserve ribbon in the open qualifier. Audrey Lowry won with Cabot Carte Blanche in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle class and she was followed in the ribbons by Ashley Burns and Gradell Wild Sunrise.

Jim Bayman and Indian Creek Quantico were met my Shanna Gish in the winner’s circle when Nelson Green named them the Classic Pleasure Driving Grand Champions for Indian Creek Morgan Farm. Stonecroft Neoclassic and Donna Zimmerman exited with the reserve tricolor. The teams finished in the opposite order in the qualifier.

Trainer Jennifer Hazen teamed Heyday Royal Spirit to three of the five wins possible in the hunter pleasure division. Showing for Polly Quinn and Nancy Eidan, Heyday Royal Spirit and Hazen topped the Hunter Pleasure Stake, open class and ladies class. BMF Take Down The Flag, also trained by Hazen, won the amateur class before finishing with the reserve streamers in the stake.

Stone Pine Sebastian earned the final ribbon in the hunter pleasure division and that blue ribbon went back to Infinity Stables. Addie McGeary rode for Jaklee Farm LLC.

AMHF Bal Du Masque and John Huse teamed up to win the Western Pleasure Championship and the amateur class and their wins added two more to the Springmill Morgans and Indian Creek Farm totals. Shanna Gish made it a clean sweep when she rode Bal Du Masque to the blue in the open class. Heyday Royal Spirit and Hazen were the reserve open champions.

Audrey Lowry wasn’t done earning top ribbons yet. She finished out her great week as the 17 and Under Saddle Seat Equitation Champion with Cabot Carte Blanche. Ashley Burns and Gradell Wild Sunrise picked up the reserve to add another top ribbon to their total from Indian Creek. Taylor Jackson, from Candlewood Stables, won the 11 and Under Walk and Trot Hunt Seat Equitation class with WFR Forever Amber.

Big, competitive classes with world class competition have become a standard at Indiana Charity and this year, that couldn’t have been truer. World’s champions and grand champions graced the ring in class after class and with Louisville fast approaching, those that came and conquered at the Pepsi Coliseum, most likely have their eye on the prize on the green shavings of Freedom Hall.

This year’s show was truly a great horse show. So many elements came together to make it one of the best. First time Indianapolis Charity manager Peter Fenton perhaps summed it up best by saying, "I think this is as competitive a horse show as I’ve been to in a long time. It is right on the brink of going through the roof. A year from now, look out. It’s going to be absolutely one of the best of the best."

He continued by saying "The facility is great.Its as good as any in the industry. Good horses showing against each other and great competitive classes really make it so enjoyable. I can say I didn’t have one single problem. Let me say also, I couldn’t have done it without barn manager Dewey Bass. There wasn’t one thing I asked him to do that he didn’t just take the ball and run." He ended by saying,"It was fun, competitive and the camaraderie was outstanding."

Indy Charity is a show not to be missed whether you want to see great Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackneys, Roadsters and Friesians or whether you just want to enjoy the hospitality and a warm summer day in the Indiana sunshine. Hats off to everyone who volunteered, the staff, the exhibitors, owners and trainers who came together to make this one the one to beat.