Indy Charity Wants To Keep You Coming Back Again and Again
Friday, June 9, 2006
by Leeann Mione
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – With Phyllis Harris at the helm, the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show has been a consistently well-run and well-attended horse show for years. The last couple of years, however, have seen an even greater surge in the show’s momentum. That trend continued this year, but if possible, the quality was even better throughout the many different divisions.
More than 425 horses made the trip to show in the Pepsi Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and they put on a great show session after session. If there was one thing to be changed about the show it is the fact that the increased growth and interest from barns throughout the country has led to so many classes which in turn made each session between three and a half and four hours long.
“We will address the problems of the long sessions and the difficulties we face due to the Indy 500 race and the Memorial Day holiday which make the facility unavailable early in the week,” said Harris. “We are so appreciative to the barns that have been loyal supporters year after year and to the new barns that decided to make the trip this year,” she added. “I also want to thank the staff, especially Judy McManama who is the backbone of this show. She does so much more than just serve as show secretary.”
Harris’s skill at surrounding herself with hardworking and dedicated people was rewarded Saturday night when she received special recognition and Bill and Diana Whitinger, longtime supporters of Indy Charity, were presented with the Shining Star Award.
Linda Lewis and the horse show joined forces to sponsor the exhibitors’ party Friday evening, which drew a big crowd for great food and drink. Morning coffee hour hostesses were Donna Seedorf, Debbie Seedorf-Owens and Terry Hudson.
The combination of a friendly, hardworking staff that genuinely wants owners, trainers and exhibitors to return year after year is one of the key ingredients in the formula that guides Indianapolis Charity’s success each year. Other factors include a great facility, especially for young horses and young riders to get some valuable ring experience and good footing that kept thrown shoes to a minimum all weekend.
Harris was pleased with her show by the end and already looking forward to next year. But first, there was much heated competition in the show ring that showcased talented horses and riders that are sure to leave their mark on the industry this year and for many years to come.
Five-Gaited
After an 11-entry open qualifier, four horses hit the gate for Saturday evening’s final class, the Five-Gaited Championship. Indiana is one of the few shows that adds that special touch to the gaited stake by introducing each team individually. With organist June Brune playing “Back Home In Indiana,” last year’s junior champion, The Light O’ Love, was first into the ring with Martin Teater up for A.E. Nelson. Charmed Delight and Matt Shiflet were next in the ring for Kathleen Bagdasarian. Miss Genevieve and Steve Wheeler made the group nearly complete, showing for owners Alan and Ginger Failor. Final competitor Beringer Red, winner of the open class, hit the ring with Jenny Taylor up for Fred and Phyllis Rhue, and the battle began.
With four very different styles, all four horses had their fair share of fans and when they lined up to strip, the crowd made their choices clear. When Rick Wallen turned in his card, it was River Ridge’s Five-Gaited Grand Champion, Beringer Red, taking the title again to make it two for two. Miss Genevieve was the reserve grand champion.
My Chanel was right on target to win the ladies class with Dr. Owen Weaver up from Milligan Stables and when they returned in the Amateur Five-Gaited Stake, Weaver’s smile couldn’t have been bigger when her mare was named the grand champion. Starlet’s Commendable and owner Beth Kunkel turned in the reserve grand championship effort. The 10-entry amateur stake was one of the best classes of the division with a ring full of quality entries.
Anybody who knows Bill Marple knows that for him, winning at Indy is almost better than winning at Louisville. When Enzo was named the amateur champion amongst a field of seven competitive entries, Marple made his victory pass with hat in hand in front of the hometown crowd and left the ring to a huge ovation.
The Devil May Care moved up in the ribbons to take the title of Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Champion with Sarah Hinds up for Mary Jane Hinds. Cydni Simmons and Catch The Moon were right there to claim the reserve streamers for Burlington Saddlebreds after having won the qualifier under the direction of Tammy Devore.
Judy Megelich and Ventura’s Gold Card teamed up to take the blue in the novice rider class which featured a pair of hard-riding competitors.
According To Lynn had plenty of people talking after she put forth a strong effort to win the Junior Five-Gaited class with Mary Gaylord McClean in the irons under the direction of Rob and Sarah Byers. Following the tradition of seeing nice young stock at Indy Charity, the seven-entry class was full of quality.
Silver And Blue captured the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic with Jenny Taylor riding for Jan Henderson to follow up their win at River Ridge. The striking grey colt was matched against five other youngsters that have done their share of winning and the class was an entertaining one.
Mystic Pointe and Rob Byers had an even bigger field to compete against in the nice nine-entry limit horse class, riding for Beth Hipp Murphy.
Casey Morgan Tibolet was an extremely busy young lady at Indy Charity, showing several different mounts successfully under the direction of Cape Cod Farm. She teamed Heiress To Champagne to the blue ribbon in the Five-Gaited Pony class, then returned in the stake to take the tricolor. Revival Fire and Kelsey Herbert were the reserve grand champions from Cedar Wood Farm.
Three-Gaited
Thunder Cloud Nine and Todd Miles put together a strong team effort to win the Three-Gaited Championship after having topped the open class. Sunshine Way and Lisa Strickland were right there to take the reserve grand championship title for Julie Hambrick.
Pas de Deux and Rosemarie Fernandez have a long list of wins to their credit and they added two more at Indy. They kicked off the competition in good order by winning the first class of the show, the Ladies Three-Gaited class. They returned in the nine-entry amateur stake and finished as the grand champions among a talented group of competitors. Sir Andrew and Margo Coleman followed up their good show at River Ridge with the reserve grand championship at Indy under the direction of Jim and Jenny Taylor.
Freakness and Ellyn Dorsey made their team debut at Indy and what a debut it was. The flashy gelding and Dorsey looked like veteran teammates when they won the amateur qualifier in their only appearance. Dorsey rode under the direction of Lisa Strickland.
CH Steel In Love and Scott Pisarik turned in a strong effort together to claim the junior exhibitor championship tricolor after having won the qualifier. Pisarik was directed to his winning rides by Mark Hulse. Stonecroft Front and Center, with Chelsea Patterson, keeps getting better and better and they were right on target to take the reserve streamers back to Cape Cod Farm.
Heir Calendar Girl and Robin Haynes were directed by Marilyn Macfarlane to their winning effort in the novice rider class which showcased a strong group of six.
Rhythm Of The Son and Jim Lowry were the junior champions for the Priscilla Marconi Trust to continue their successful season so far.
Homebred youngster FER Feel The Rush and Chris Carrick topped the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic for Dr. Fernando Jara and Fernando’s Equine Ranch.
Five teams came through the gate for the limit horse class, and when Wallen turned in his card, it was Our Red BMW and Stephanie Sedlacko heading to the winner’s circle for Jean Graeff.
Manhattan’s Irish Cream and Emily Druckman continued their winning ways with a sweep of the three-gaited pony division under the direction of Diamond View Farm. It’s Murphy’s Law and Erin Taylor were the reserve grand champions.
Park
The park division was quite large and featured deep water throughout, although the open stake was the smallest with seven entries after a 12-entry open class. Hillside Sensation and Mike McIntosh teamed up for Pat and Laura Lockwood to top the big, competitive open class and then returned to claim the tricolor in the open stake.
Rachael North and Something Ventured competed in the amateur class then came back for North’s first open championship ride to take the reserve tricolor under the direction of Tammy Devore.
Undulata’s Jimmy Hollywood and Abby Campbell have been unstoppable in the amateur ranks and they followed up their River Ridge wins with both amateur park wins at Indy. The division was huge and extremely competitive with 13 entries in the qualifier and 11 in the stake. Stella Santana carried Owen Weaver to the reserve grand championship ribbon after a strong effort for Fox Grape Farms and Weaver.
Fine Harness
Open Fine Harness Champion Just Wicked and AJ Bruwer put it all together to win the Fine Harness Championship to follow up their wins at Milwaukee Spring for Shirley Rinehart. All Buttoned Up and Irv Udell came back after the amateur class to claim the reserve tricolor under the direction of Lynn Durant at Bell View Acres.
Tom Sworm Stables followed up a successful River Ridge show with numerous wins and top ribbons at Indy including Eleanor Pederson’s win in the amateur class with Gothic Bronze.
Surfer Boy also followed up success at River Ridge with the win in the junior class. Georgia Baker showed under the direction of George Knight.
Martin Teater showcased the talent of three-year-old Kent Brockman with a winning drive in the UPHA Fine Harness Classic for Catherine McNeese to close out the fine harness division.
Road Horse and Pony
DeLovely Farm captured the Road Horse Grand Championship title with Dutchmaster. Mark Turner had previously driven Dutchmaster to the blue ribbon in the six-entry open class for DeLovely. Wuddacomover and Merrill Murray turned in a powerful effort to take the reserve grand championship title for owner Timothy Holahan.
Triumphant lived up to his name twice at Indy with Jane Mueller driving. Gib Marcucci met the winners after they were named Roadster Pony Grand Champions in a competitive six-pony class. Triumphant also won the four-entry open qualifier. Desert Fox and Linda Park captured the reserve title under the direction of Steve Demjen with a strong effort and had previously won the amateur qualifier.
Hackney and Harness Ponies
Wait & See’s Whiz Bang carried Robin Haynes to the winner’s circle in the Harness Pony Championship and amateur class under the direction of Walnut Way. Creation’s Windstar was reserve grand champion with Lisa Antalek driving for Natalie Udell.
Forever Showtime and Gib Marcucci won the Hackney Pony Championship and topped three other teams for the win. The young pony came into the championship having won the UPHA Hackney Pony Classic for owner Gayle Burch. The Final Contender and Linda Lewis, following up their success at River Ridge, were reserve grand champions under the direction of Jim McIntosh. Kim and Fran Crumpler directed Marilyn Swimmer and Heartland Twice As Nice to the blue ribbon effort in the amateur class for Swimmer Insurance.
Jane Mueller was back in the winner’s circle twice more at Indy, but this time with her proven Early Edition. They won the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier amongst a top group of competitive ponies to win both for the second year in a row. Cherry Royale and Judy Kjellander took second in the championship under the direction of Kurt Hufferd of Indian Creek. Rich Campbell and Kathryn Nichols teamed up to claim the blue ribbon in the UPHA Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Classic with Crystal Creek’s Starlet. Nichols drove her homebred young pony to the title for Crystal Creek.
Pleasure
Mallory Greaves and Believe Her had their work cut out for them in the competitive 12-entry Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship but they turned in a strong team effort under the direction of Tammy Devore to claim victory. Linda Beltz and Champagne’s Irish Sea were right there to finish with the reserve grand championship title. Patrice Watson and Stonewall’s Stargate put together a team effort to win the 12-entry qualifier.
Worthy’s Independent Son, with Steve Wheeler on board, topped a nice group of competitors to take the title in the Park Pleasure Championship after riding hard for owner Carol McIvor. Beaujolais Nouveau and Brent Jacobs continued their show ring successes for Randy and Liz Thomas by finishing with the reserve ribbon. Music Of The Heir and Marilyn Macfarlane topped the eight-entry open qualifier to add yet another win to owner Robin Haynes’ total.
Dr. Mary Jensen looked on as Peter Archer rode The Wild Blue to the win in the Junior Three-Gaited Park Pleasure class that showcased eight sporty four-year-olds.
Steve Wheeler was back with another park pleasure winner, this time he rode to the winner’s circle with He’s The Real Deal in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Ann Miller. Six three-year-olds hit the gate to make the class a competitive one.
CH Lightnin’ Lil’s story is a unique and memorable one and she made this year’s Indy Charity a memorable stop on the way to Louisville by winning the very competitive 17-entry Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship with Nicolle Beltz Tolliver under the direction of Toni Knight at Biggins Stables. Lil and Tolliver had previously won the 17-entry qualifier.
King Of Pop and Natalie Udell put forth a strong team effort in the deep class and came up with the reserve streamers.
The junior exhibitors were split by age group and the older age group hosted nearly twice as many entries as the younger riders. The Mystery Machine and Rachel Kelley held back 11 other challengers in the 14-17 championship and 12 other teams in the qualifier to end up two for two. Armon Effinger directed Samantha Lemberg and Love Shack to the good reserve tie in the big stake class. The Grand Master and Thea Ervin were reserve in the qualifier.
CH The Bess Yet and Lizzie Edgar have been on a roll all season and they followed up their division sweep at River Ridge by doing the same thing at Indy. They won the seven-entry 13 and under stake and six-entry qualifier under the direction of Tom Sworm. Sultan’s Kingdom and Caroline Walker teamed up together to finish with the reserve streamers in the championship.
KE Flight Of A Star and Alexandra Clark were the ones to beat in the 12 and Over Walk and Trot Pleasure Any Seat class which hosted hardworking young riders. Clark rode for owner Janet Keesling.
Jessica Sexton took her turn in the winner’s circle to add another blue to the Cape Cod count. She rode Simply Enough to the win in the limit class and bested a very strong group of 15 for the hard-earned win.
Jane Mueller actually took a turn in the audience to watch one of her entries drive to the winner’s circle, rather than take her usual place in the buggy. Linda Fischer Wheeler drove Supreme Platinum to a sweep of the show pleasure driving division under the direction of Peter Palmer at Meadowlake. Selvaggio and Priscilla Marconi were the reserve grand champions in the eight-entry championship with a strong team effort.
CH The Billy Bob has already gained a reputation as one of the show ring’s most durable and versatile stars and Cheryl Friedman Allison was all smiles when he was named the winner of the Adult Country Pleasure Championship which hosted nine proven teams. CH Spike Leigh, also a proven veteran, carried Jackie Manzo to the reserve tie in the competitive championship. Jane Steinkamp and The Straight Guy and owner Jane Steinkamp went to the top of Wallen’s card in the equally competitive eight-entry adult class under the direction of Chuck Herbert.
Piano Man and Lori Jordan followed up their successes at River Ridge with a sweep of the junior exhibitor division to add two more winning ribbons to the Cedar Wood Farm tack room. With 11 entries in the championship and nine in the qualifier, the junior exhibitors faced big numbers and stiff competition. Callaway’s Glory Glory and Mallory Hartigan turned in a powerful team effort to be named the reserve grand champions from Country Meadow Farm.
I’m A Diva Too and Sally Grieme also faced a big group in their bid to claim a blue ribbon at Indy and they went straight to the winner’s circle when they were called out as the winners of the 11-entry limit class under the direction of Crumpler Stables.
David and Lois Vartanian moved from Florida to Indiana to be closer to family and they all gathered together at the Indian Creek stalls when Lois drove CH What A Keepsake to the win in the eight-entry Country Pleasure Driving Championship. Vartanian and What A Keepsake kept the momentum going after having won both classes at River Ridge. Highpoint’s High Adventure was just one of Grace Ann Walker’s entries at Indy that had a great show. From Devore Stables they put on a good show to take the reserve streamers for owner Betty Warren and had previously won the nine-entry qualifier.
In Your Honor and Autumn Hunt made their bid in the western division standings with a good show at Indy. After winning the nine-entry qualifier, they ended up as the Western Country Pleasure Grand Champions as well. The division featured a stellar cast of nine proven teams including Reserve Grand Champion The American Flag. Suzanne Bradshaw rode to the reserve tie. Sue’s Great Day and Marilyn Swimmer are veterans of the division with numerous wins to their credit and they added the title of Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Country Pleasure Champions to their long list.
The Saddle & Bridle Hunter Country Pleasure class showcased five teams, all with winning records but when Wallen’s card was turned in, it was Kansas City and Beth Oliver taking the blue ribbon. They also won the hunter country pleasure class to score a second blue prize for the weekend.
Equitation
The four-entry Saddle Seat Equitation Championship saw four poised young ladies come through the gate after their various qualifiers to compete for the tricolor and title of grand championship. Casey Tibolet continued her great show with the win in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal, then kept the momentum going by returning in the championship to take the win after a strong ride on the rail and in the workout. Tibolet’s win in the Medal came after completing the not-often-seen pocket workout called for by Wallen. Amber Lynn Lowry, another veteran equitation contender finished as the reserve grand champion under the direction of Shadow Run.
Shana Jo Brown, directed by Memory Lane Farm, was the winner of the 14-17 class. Abby Mutrux, part of the DeLovely contingent, was the winner of the 13 and under class.
Hunter Chancellor, daughter of Terri and Steven Chancellor made her mark on the walk and trot division with two winning rides from DeLovely. She won the UPHA 10 and Under Walk and Trot Challenge Cup then came back to win the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Equitation Championship. Abby Mutrux continued DeLovely’s winning streak with the win in the UPHA 17 and Under Challenge Cup. Jacquelyn Beck jet sets across the country with instruction on the West Coast from Anne Speck at Rancho Del Mar and instruction in Kentucky at Zubrod Stables. With Del Mar Charity Fair fast approaching, Beck had her skills in good order to take the win in the NHS Good Hands class.
Brooke Jacobs won the USEF Adult Saddle Seat Medal, directed by Brent Jacobs and Sarah Taylor won the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup, directed by Cape Cod.
Anna Hormann bested a strong group to take the win in the Saddle Seat Pleasure Equitation Championship under the direction of Bill and Nancy Becker. Hormann had already won the 14-17 class. Taylor Newton, from Sugar Knoll, was the reserve grand champion and also won the Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion.
Christina Collis, from DeLovely, won the 13 and under class and Kristen Gardner closed out the equitation division with her win in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup.
Morgan
PlayMor Farm brought a competitive group of Morgans to Indianapolis and went home with several wins and top ribbons including the Morgan Park Harness Stake win. Sammi Hazen rode Analyze That to the win for PlayMor Farm LLC. Indian Creek, also a powerhouse in the Morgan division at Indy, claimed the win in the Morgan Park Harness Stake. Will Huse drove Springmill Sequel to the win for Springmill Morgans in front of division judge Phil Price.
Ladies Champion HVK Drive Em Crazy continued the PlayMor win count with the English Pleasure Stake victory. Hazen was up for the winning ride, again for PlayMor Farm. Hylee’s Cock Robin and owner Greta Keranen were the reserve grand champions. Fire & Brimstone won the open qualifier with owner Vicki Higgins up.
Indian Creek already had a big week at River Ridge and their success continued at Indy. Key Criterion and Shelby Lamm were two for two at Indy, finishing as the Amateur English Pleasure Grand Champions and amateur champions. French Episode and Anne Maile took the reserve streamers back to the Memory Lane tack room to follow up their successful show at River Ridge.
Claridge Armani and Alexandra Lawson won the junior exhibitor class for owner Margaret Williams. KE Flight Of A Star, having already won the open seat walk and trot pleasure class, added another blue with Haley Knauss up for Keesling. Knauss was named the winner of the Morgan Walk and Trot English Pleasure 11 and Under class.
Kurt Hufferd, from Indian Creek, was on board NDT French Impressionist to win the junior class and to continue a successful season after winning at River Ridge. The Last Don and Donna Zimmerman kept their great season going under the direction of Jim and Jenny Taylor with their winning team effort in the Pleasure Driving Championship. They came into the championship as the winners of the amateur qualifier, repeating their wins at River Ridge. Dragonsmeade Virtuoso and Judy Kjellander were the reserve grand champions from Indian Creek. FCF Immortal Affair and Susan Kanke won the open class and Jack Rabbit Slim and new owner Jacqueline Clapp won the ladies class. After debuting at River Ridge, their Indy win made this their second win in a row.
Fateful Heart had a busy week at Indy, with numerous wins and top ribbons including the win in the Classic Pleasure Stake with Tiffany Sharp riding for Robert Klumpp. They also won the open and ladies qualifiers. In the junior exhibitor qualifier, it was Courtney McIntosh’s turn. She rode Fateful Heart to the blue ribbon to make it four for four in the classic pleasure division under the direction of Tom Sworm. The Vintage Touch and Stephanie Sedlacko were the Classic Pleasure Reserve Grand Champions for owner Judith Sanders.
FCF Capistrano and Kevin Bingaman went two for two in the classic pleasure driving division. They earned the tricolor and blue ribbons for Indian Creek Morgans.
Dean Scott, from PlayMor Farm, had Bear’s Braveheart in top form for the win in the Western Pleasure Stake and was followed in the ribbons by Cheryl Woosley and Ebony Dan D San, owned by Toni Smith. Woosley had already ridden to the blue ribbon in the ladies class and Olivia Lahr rode Ebony Dan to the blue in the junior exhibitor class.
AMHF Bal Du Masque, with Shanna Gish up, won the five-entry open class for Springmill Morgans to continue their good show. John Huse had previously qualified with the win in the amateur class. Haley Knauss and Genuine Jade won the Walk/Jog Western Pleasure 11 and Under class, then returned a short time later to win the Walk and Jog Western Equitation 11 and Under class to add two more wins to the Rosewood total.
The Hunter Pleasure Stake was the largest class of the Morgan division and Lowry Stables came away with the top two ribbons. Laine Vincent rode Walnut Ridge’s Solid Gold to the tricolor with a solid effort, followed by Crestfield Hi Command and Susan Brown, winner of the open class. Solid Gold and Vincent had already won the ladies class. Olivia Lahr continued her winning ways at Indy when she rode JLS Night Track to the blue in the amateur class that hosted six strong competitors and also won the six-entry junior exhibitor class for Rosewood Farm.
Believe it or not, Lahr wasn’t done yet. She also won the Hunt Seat Equitation On The Flat and AMHA Hunt Seat Medal On the Flat. Haley Knauss won the 11 and Under Hunt Seat Equitation class for yet another blue for Rosewood.
Sarah Lawson was the 17 and Under Morgan Equitation winner and bested a competitive group for the victory. Katarina Klumpp won the 11 and under walk and trot class. Lawson added another victory to her total when she was named the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal Champion.
Carriage and Friesian
Debbie Ecksten and Marko have consistently stayed at the top of the Friesian division and they followed up their good show at River Ridge with two more wins at Indy. They won the Friesian English Pleasure Walk and Trot Championship and qualifier under the Flat Rock Creek Farm banner. Hylke and Emily Abbot, directed by Mike McIntosh and Kathy Abbott Conflenti, were the reserve grand champions.
Ed Murray made an appearance at Indy on behalf of the McKibbage family and it was a winning one. He drove Ypke fan Nijskou to the win in the Open Carriage Driving class for Casey McKibbage.
This highlights the winners from the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show. Complete results can be seen by clicking on SHOW RESULTS.
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