JD Massey Classic - Back On The Road To Glory
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Officials:
Judge: Nelson Green
Academy Judge: Lisa Pyburn
Ringmaster: Dan Shirley
Announcer: Peter Fenton
Organist: Dale Stone
USEF Steward: Glenn Petty
Paddock Master: Peyton Hamilton
Farrier: Jerry Blankenship
Veterinarian: Ginger Reagan, DVM
Photographer: Sandra Hall
Videographer: Horse Videos
Show Secretaries: Cheryl Feimster and Beth Viering
Horse Show Manager: Ray Cloninger
Assistant Horse Show Manager: Dan Shirley
by Katherine Hansil
CLEMSON, S.C. - The 74th annual J.D. Massey Classic was held April 18–21, 2007, at the T. Ed Garrison Arena in Clemson, S.C. The show, which benefits the Clemson/Calhoun Rotary Club and the J.D. Massey Classic Horse Show Scholarship for the Veterinary Technology Program at the Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, S.C., offered a full schedule of classes for the Saddlebreds, Hackneys, roadsters, equitation and academy. Barns came from all over the Southeast, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois to compete. The facility, boasting four permanent barns and a great set up for temporary stalls, was a sellout.
For the past several years this show has been on the path to bringing back its former glory and this year was no exception. The barns were full and the classes abound with quality horses. There were favorites from 2006 like CH Sweet Virginia and Barbara Woods, CH Justa Rascal and Megan McClure, CH Tigerlee and Ali DeGray, CH Candle Dan and Carl Nichols, Audrey Hepburn and Dr. Morgan Wolin, CH Royalty In Black and Allie Wellington, Exit 80 and Jeb Boyd and Cappuccino and Brenda Kelly. There were many new teams too that wowed the crowd with outstanding performances like Ostentatiously and Brittany McGinnis, Mastercraft’s Namesake LF and Stephany Monteleone, Sunken Treasure and Drew Taylor Hewitt, Fog and Lewis Eckard, Tax Man and Peggy Whitley-Councilman, Ellen Medley Wright and Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic and Callie Smith and Miss Majesticness.
You can’t forget the great young classes where in every division there was something to talk about whether it was Mark Wilson’s explosive three-year-old The Road Less Traveled in the UPHA Fine Harness Classic or Todd Miles presenting the elegant More Than Enough for Lynda Norman and, of course, the string of young stock Joan Hamilton sent down from Kentucky that Larry Hodge and Neil Visser presented. Peter Fenton said it right on Saturday afternoon after the academy division came to a close. “This is the best horse show I have been to all year and I have been to quite a few.” Parker Lovell’s thoughts were along the same line when she commented that it would be hard to top this group of horses anywhere in the country.
Assistant Manager Dan Shirley was also pleased with the 74th edition of the show. “As President of J.D. Massey Horse Show, I would like to thank all that attended this year and look forward to seeing everyone back for next year which will be our 75th year. We are hoping for a big turnout.”
The show was not all horses either as the efficiency of the classes allowed everyone time to explore the Clemson/Pendleton area. There were great restaurants all around, you had time to visit the Clemson campus or walk through the gardens. The show held a super exhibitors’ party on Friday evening after the show with great food and dancing music. On Saturday after the academy session, lunch was sponsored for all the riders and instructors.
The show ran smoothly all week long until tragedy occurred with a wreck in the Amateur Roadster To Bike Championship. The atmosphere changed after that but the show must go on and it did. With each class, the exhibitors and spectators found joy in presenting and cheering for their horses realizing that accidents happen and thankful it was not any worse than it was. Even with the somberness, the show ended on a high note with thrilling performances from Our Charming Lady and Mary Orr, winners of the Three-Gaited Championship and Red Hawk Red Hawk and Bill Schoeman, winners of the Five-Gaited Championship.
Wednesday Evening
Wednesday evening’s session was the first of show and it kicked off with the Open Fine Harness class. Four top entries made the gate call. With a great parade trot, the stunning Just Wicked earned the trip down victory lane with Kim Cowart on the lines for Sharyn Lackey. Garnering the red streamers were The Tango Dancer and Ruth Gimpel for Pixie Dust & Steel.
The amateurs were next through the gate in their highly competitive three-gated park qualifier. Tax Man has been a star for owners Peggy and Jeff Councilman for the past several years with both Melinda Moore and Lance Williamson presenting. Tonight he began a new path, entering the amateur division with Peggy Whitley Councilman in the irons now under the direction of Kalarama. Councilman said she made the decision to show him conservatively and get to know him in the show ring but you would not have known that as they made pass after pass full of excitement and earning them the trip to the winner’s circle in their debut. Local favorite CH Justa Rascal and Megan McClure love the show ring and showing off for the crowd and once again they did not disappoint as they had a commanding performance to earn the reserve title.
Next in gate was the Show Pleasure Driving class. Topping the competition was the unrivaled CH Candle Dan. It was at the this show last year Carl Nichols and CH Candle Dan debuted in this division and there has been no stopping them since then as they have been undefeated since the championship class in 2006 at J.D. Massey. Earning the reserve title were CH Harlem’s Babe Ruth and Susan Whittington under the direction of Carol Addison.
The tempo picked up with the Roadster Under Saddle class next. The awesome Vivacious is the total package with both speed and confirmation. Dr. Holly Ackerman was the irons piloting this great horse to the winner’s circle. Capturing the reserve title was the muscled High Velocity with Lindsey Greenwald.
Taylor Shiflet added the first blue to the Harrison Shiflet Stables banner with her winning ride aboard Bella Belle for Kathy and John Singleton in the Open Park Pleasure class. Reserve honors went to the toppy My Southern Charm and Brent Jacobs.
The elegant three-gaited entries made their first appearance of the night with their amateur riders. Fresh off wins at Pro-Am, Enough About You and Lynda Norman had a spectacular showing to pick up the blue. Reserve honors went to the Ray Krussell trained CH The Super Nova and Dr. Morgan Wolin.
The high-stepping Hackney ponies were next to grace the ring in their open qualifier. Capturing the blue was Limited Edition with Abel Vega on the lines for Golden Creek Farm. Earning the reserve honors was Mark In Time with Lewis Eckard presenting for Bent Tree Farm.
Ronnie Graham and Steve Deutsch went head to head next in the Open Roadster To Bike. Speeding away with the blue was Postmaster Mike with Graham for owner Fish N’ Fun Farms. With green and white silks a blur, Steve Deutsch drove Eclipse to the reserve.
Things slowed down a bit with the Country Pleasure Driving class making the next gate call. In her debut in this division, Harlem’s Worldly Lady made a pleasurable show with Helen Rosburg catch driving for Fish N’ Fun Farms to win the class. Always having a great time, Anita Simpson graciously accepted the red ribbon after a great show with Really Worth It.
The competitive Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class entered the ring next. Near the end of the season last year, Kim and Peter Cowart selected Stonewall’s Stargate for Stefanie Sanchez. In their debut show in 2006, they earned the championship title at the North Carolina State Fair. This night they started 2007 right were they left off, in the winner’s circle with a pleasure perfect performance. The flashy Our Silver Charm with George Anne Nash under the direction of Julia and Steve Joyce garnered the red streamers after turning in a solid performance.
The well-filled Open Three-Gaited class was next up with five graceful and powerful entries making the gate call. Can You Hear Me Now had a fabulous performance as he marched down the rail with Todd Miles. Miles presented the 2006 Junior World’s Champion of Champions to the win for the Steven E. Chancellor family. The lovely Audrey Hepburn with her fine chiseled head earned the reserve title with Ray Krussell in the irons for Dr. Morgan Wolin.
Lib Jones and Neon Deon put together a great drive, earning the next title on the list, Open Harness Pony. This team is trained by Lisa Heres-Rosenberger. Reserve honors went to Cascade and Sharon Crisman.
The tremendous Amateur Five-Gaited entries hit the ring next with a huge amount to talent. Tonight the win belonged to Carlswald Prince’s Dominoe and Wendy Troyer after they put together a great performance with much approval from their Boone’s Farm cheering section. Another favorite, Breaking News and Megan McClure were on fire as they captured the red streamers with Meet Mr. Big and Phyllis Brookshire in for a strong third.
The dazzling western entries were the next to enter the show ring. Topping this class was Luanne Kilday’s O Ain’t I Something with a nice performance. Marie Gwinn and Monsignor garnered the red streamers.
In the Junior Fine Harness the blue went to Radiant Renaissance. This neat entry by Belle Reve’s Renaissance Man and out of Simply Radiant was presented by Larry Hodge for Joan Hamilton. Earning the reserve title was My Blues Brother and Jon Walker for Susan and Kent Raker.
Fourteen entries made the gate call for the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class and all 14 turned in pleasurable performances. The standout CH Sweet Virginia with Barbara Woods was in top form to earn the blue in this competitive class. Fresh off wins at Raleigh Spring Premier, A Chance To Dance and Marie Gwinn captured the reserve title. Callaway’s Show Me When and Brooke Jacobs earned a strong third.
Ruth Gimpel was on the lines to earn the next title with the high stepping speedster Seize The Moment in the Open Road Pony for Pixie Dust & Steel. Legolas and Mark Wilson earned the red ribbon for Bent Tree Farm.
The Open Five-Gaited closed out the evening session with the compact, leg-waving Red Hawk Red Hawk with Bill Schoeman up for Lori Schmidt. The young Charming Dreams with Steve Joyce captured the reserve title for Zandyland Farm.
Thursday Morning
The excitement picked back up on Thursday morning with the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Park Pleasure class continuing the show. Coming off a win in Raleigh a few weeks ago, Just Like That made a repeat winning performance as trainer Midge Hunt piloted her to the winner’s circle for owner and breeder Kim Blackwell and Michael Jennings. Reserve went to Designed-bred Destined with Leslie Tickle in the irons for owner and breeder Redwing Saddlebred Farm.
In the Carolina Owned Three-Gaited class Mary Orr was the irons to capture the blue with Our Charming Lady. Owned by Donna and Jack Finch this talented mare with her swan-like presence is being prepared for Donna to show in the future but for now the honor belonged to Orr. Rance Boozer was aboard Diamond Merchant to capture the reserve ribbon under the direction of Jon Walker.
Up next was the UPHA Road Pony Classic. With green and burgundy silks flying, Lisa Waller expertly drove her father’s new pony Babylon to the win.
The competition continued with the Junior Three-Gaited Park Pleasure entries. Topping this great class were The Pool Boy and Lewis Eckard. This neat horse by CH Harlem Town is owned by Susan Orton. Neil Visser scored the reserve title with Making A Move, who is also a grandson of Harlem Globetrotter, for Joan Hamilton.
Picking up the pace, the Novice Roadster To Bike was the next to enter the ring. The on the list of great young roadsters from Pixie Dust & Steel, Roar Of Thunder earned the trip to the winner’s circle with Ruth Gimpel at the lines. Taking home reserve were Sue’s Bad Moon and Steve Joyce for J.R. Martin.
The young horses were back to compete for the Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited class. Winning this was Kalarama’s Hottie. Larry Hodge was in the irons of the (SA) Tornaado bred chestnut for Joan Hamilton. Maria Gilman garnered the red streamers in her first appearance with the blazed faced Walterway’s Church Me for Barbara Woods.
Kalarama continued their success this morning by adding another blue to the banner with the win in the Open Three-Gaited Park class. Larry Hodge was back to expertly pilot the beautiful Meadowlark Jubilee to the blue for Joan Hamilton. The toppy Cocktail Ring earned the reserve with Todd Miles for Joellen Fisher Blount.
The Carolina horses were back for their five-gaited qualifier. Winning the class was Riva’s Periaptor and Steve Hanks for Morgan Feimster with Harlem’s Blaze Of Glory and Trieste Felder earning reserve for Glen Mosser.
In a very competitive Novice Rider Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class the winning ride went to Dr. Melinda Snyder aboard Emanating for the Johnny Lucas and Sons Stable banner. The Harrison Shiflet trained The Irish Tempest with Jessica Epley captured the reserve.
The expressive Junior Three-Gaited Park horses were in next to spotlight their talents. The Kalarama owned and bred Kalarama’s Superman topped the nice class with Neil Visser up in this youngster’s first show ring appearance. Reserve honors went to My Classique and Jerry Hutson for Genece and Terry Kom.
The young horses continued to dominate the ring with the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited class next. Debuting for owner Lynda Norman, More Than Enough was a sight. By Attaché’s Royal Assets and out of a Talent Town mare, this filly captured the blue with Todd Miles. The chiseled Star Material colt Walterway’s Valedictorian garnered the red streamer for Barbara Woods with Maria Gilman presenting.
The Roadster To Wagon exploded into the ring, thrilling the crowd. Racing to a blue ribbon finish were Humdinger and James Rosburg. Susan Whitaker did not let the guys get all the glory as she earned the red ribbon with Road Kill.
The Friesians closed out the morning session with the beautiful Tessa Van De Underway and Ashley Walker earning the blue ribbon for Pam Jackson. Reserve honors went to Hoer Bossing II with Kelsey Baird for her proud mom, Cheryl Baird.
ottieHO
Thursday Evening
Thursday evening’s session kicked off with one of several debuts from DeLovely. After the close of the 2006 season the Wright family purchased Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic for Ellen Medley Wright to team up with as she moved into the senior division. It is a well-matched picture and in their first appearance together they captured the blue in the UPHA 14-17 Challenge Cup.
The amateurs were next in the ring with their fine harness horses. Doris Crumpler was on the lines catch-driving Le Femme Nikita and marched all the way to the winner’s circle for Patience and Tom Erich under the direction of Johnny Lucas and sons. Brenda Brewer had a confident drive, earning the red steamers with The Chocolate Drop Kid.
The young stars were back competing for the top honor in the very competitive 12 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class. Because of a last minute complication Judy Brown was unable to make it to Clemson, which opened the door for Melissa Heres-Rosenberger to show CSF Supreme Memories. Rosenberger was thrilled to have the opportunity to show this great horse again and after a super performance they were called to the winner’s circle. The petite Stephanie Bracknell was aboard her multi-title CH Much More Radiant to garner the reserve for the Cash Lovell Stables banner.
The Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Park class was next up with another very competitive class. The talented Ali Judah put a great ride on Tornaado’s Storm Warnings in their first appearance together. They marched around the ring confidently winning the class for owner Terri Dolan. Reserve went to the new team of The Protector and Dylan Hines showing out of Impossible Dream Farm.
The amateurs were back taking the pace up a notch with their roadster ponies. Coming from his sixth year in a row winning the amateur championship at Raleigh Cappuccino was fresh and bright with owner/driver Brenda Kelly. They kicked it up a notch in their last road gait and after an awesome performance they met trainer Steve Gassen, in the winner’s circle. Reserve went to the sporty Rant N Rave KV and Karen Voerg.
Sporting a new white coat Allie Wellington was a standout aboard the black beauty CH Royalty In Black to win the Three-Gaited Pony class for the second year in a row. These wins were all that more special to Wellington since it was at this show in 2005 that Rachel Machamer’s winning performances caught her trainer’s eye and shortly after the pony was purchased for Wellington. Capturing the reserve ribbon were the Lisa Heres-Rosenberger trained Simbara’s Audacity and Alexis Landreth. A strong third went to the new team of Cameo’s Carte Blanche and Caroline Anderson. This team has been working hard and is proving to be a top contender in the division.
The junior exhibitors continued to dominate the evening as they were up next with the five-gaited show pleasure mounts. Topping the competitive class was Sunken Treasure and Drew Taylor Hewitt. This team debuted earlier this season at Raleigh, sweeping the division with two solid performances. Tonight they turned in another great show, looking like they have been together for sometime. Reserve honors went to the hard-riding Grant Shiflet aboard Callaway’s Up A Creek.
The blues kept coming for Cash Lovell Stables teams as Alexandra Foster topped the AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony with Wait & See’s Postmaster. Reserve honors went to Bud Lite and Ali DeGray in their first performance together. It was fun to have these two drivers in the same class together since the Fosters purchased Wait & See’s Postmaster in 2006 from Pixie Dust & Steel after DeGray had a successful season with him.
The ladies graced the ring next with their elegant three-gaited horses. The incomparable, multi-titled Audrey Hepburn was in top form with Dr. Morgan Wolin for the win. Betty Valenti debuted earlier this season on the Sunshine circuit with Smoke Gets In Your Eyes with great rides. Tonight they looked like they had been together for longer than a few months as they garnered the red streamers.
The young riders were back to compete in their 10 and Under Walk and Trot Equitation. Cagle James had a polished performance aboard Seattle Song under the direction of Lewis Eckard to capture the blue. Earning the reserve was Courtney McGinnis riding CH Callaway’s Coraleen.
The tempo picked up as the amateurs were back with their roadster to bike entries. James Rosburg has teamed up with The Dream Thief, who was the 2006 USTA Classic Reserve Champion with trainer Ruth Gimpel, for the amateur division this year. With his familiar red, black and white colors flying this team earned the top spot in a class filled with quality. Where’s Reuben and Debra Clark were on their game as they took home the reserve title. Doris Crumpler was on the lines to earn a strong third with her impressive Quite Irresistible.
The junior exhibitors were back in the ring, this time with their three-gaited pleasure ponies. Winning the blue were Walterway’s Mighty Hifaultin and Tiara Terra. Reserve honors went to the bright Santana’s Flaming Dawn and Camille Cowart.
Management made the decision to split the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited class into age groups with the 13 and under riders competing first. In their first appearance of the season Heathermoor’s Prince and Camille Cowart topped the class with a bold performance. Reserve honors went to the multi-titled CH The Showstopper with Margaret Morrison. The 14-17 riders were next with proven champions from 2006 and early 2007 like Keeper Of The Stars, Kalarama’s Loose Lips and CH Mahvalous Asset making the gate call along with new teams like Brittany McGinnis with Ostentatiously and Jenna Norton and Callaway’s Paisano. The anticipation was high for the debut of Ostentatiously and McGinnis and they did not disappoint as they had a magnificent performance for the win. With a smooth performance CH Mahvalous Asset and Caitlin Leith earned the reserve title.
The junior exhibitors were back to the ring once again this time with the five-gaited ponies. Topping this class with the high-stepping Miss Outta My Way and Ivy Johnson. Small Packages and Camille Cowart garnered the red streamers.
The pace slowed down a bit as the western horses made the gate call with all their silver adornment and outfits sparkling. The flashy Monsignor with Marie Gwinn decked out in purple and rhinestones topped the Saddle & Bridle’s Shatner Western Country Pleasure class. Reserve honors went to Callaway’s Son Of A Son and Alicia Patrick.
Wow, the junior exhibitors had busy evening as they made their way to the ring with their five-gaited horses. It was a who’s who class with greats like CH Dusty Beau, Leatherwood’s Hats Off and CH Tigerlee but when the work was done and card turned it is was CH Tigerlee who was called to the winner’s circle. CH Dusty Beau and Rebekah Cloninger had a flawless ride to claim the reserve title.
The junior exhibitors had a chance to kick it up a notch with their road ponies next. Caitlin Leith took over the controls of her brother’s pony, Zildjian, this year after Conner broke his foot. Leith looked like she had always been behind this champion as she stayed up on the rail showing all of his speeds. With her new fuchsia and coral silks, she flew into the winner’s circle where she was greeted by trainer Heather Boodey. Reserve honors went to the new team of Lone Star and Lindsay Jones for the Cash Lovell Stables banner.
The session was brought to a close with the Ladies Five-Gaited class. With five competitive teams making the gate call it was a duel to the end. Julie Burmeister piloted the high-headed Ima Star-Buck through all his gaits and into the winner’s circle for her parents Valerie and Jerry Horoshuck. Capturing the reserve title was the bold moving Worthy’s American Society. Maria Gilman was aboard this grand chestnut for proud owner Cheryl Sotrop.
Friday Morning
The morning began with eight ponies making the gate call for the Amateur Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony. The magnificent Mastercraft’s Namesake LF was bright as he marched down the rail and into the winner’s circle for Stephany Monteleone. Reserve honors went to the young star Holly Go Lightly with Helen Rosburg.
The amateur owned and trained classes are strong in the Carolinas. Winning the show pleasure class was the multi-titled CH Five Minutes More with Barbara Matthews. Reserve honors went to Callaway’s Hard Copy and Pat Borders.
The ponies were back in the ring competing for the Hackney Pony Championship. Moving up a notch to claim the tricolor was the high-stepping Mark In Time with Lewis Eckard presenting for Bent Tree Farm. Earning the reserve was Golden Creek’s entry Limited Edition with Abel Vega on the lines.
The young stars of the 12 and under walk and trot pleasure division were back to vie for their championship tricolor. Just as was in the qualifier, it was the team of CSF Supreme Memories and Melissa Heres-Rosenberger winning the tricolor for Judy Brown. Picabo Street and Drew Love had a comeback ride to capture the reserve championship honor for the Ingleside banner.
The novice riders made the gate call next with their country pleasure mounts. Winning the blue ribbon was the new team of A Promise Keeper and Pam Quick. Reserve honors went back to Kentucky with Starmaker’s Triton and Hollie Skufca.
The senior equitation riders made their first appearance of the day in the USEF Medal. The well-matched team of Kristen Thomas and Cabernet’s Will Command earned the top spot with a smooth class under the direction of Bill Rodgers. Reserve honors went to Jackie de la Parte.
Winning the next class was the handsome Harlem’s Knight At The Apollo with Luanne Kilday in the Amateur Owned and Trained Country Pleasure. Garnering the red streamers were Highpoint’s Fancy Cat and Toree Lewis-Heffner.
The Three-Gaited Pleasure Pony Championship had a repeat from the qualifier with Walterway’s Mighty Hi Faultin earning the tricolor with Tiara Terra. Reserve honors went to Santana’s Flaming Dawn and Camille Cowart. This marked another chapter in this great pony’s career as it was her last appearance with Cowart. She will now carry Alex Ennis to the show ring as Ennis graduates from the academy division riding out of Ingleside.
The Hackneys were back to compete for the Harness Pony Championship. Again it was the fluid Neon Dion called to the winner’s circle with Lib Jones on the lines. Earning the reserve was the great Cascade with Sharon Crisman.
Callie Smith debuted next with Miss Majesticness in the UPHA 13 and Under Challenge Cup. With a great ride this team is really coming together under the direction of DeLovely, garnering the blue ribbon.
The mighty Friesians were back for their under saddle class. Once again it was Ashley Walker called to the winner’s circle riding Tessa Van De Zuiderwaad. Reserve honors went back to Kentucky with Arneo F and Alex Nelson.
The country pleasure teams were back to compete for their driving championship. Harlem’s Worldly Lady made her entrance into the division earlier this week winning the qualifier. Once again with Helen Rosburg catch-driving she topped the class. Garnering the red streamers was Ro-Day-O and Annette Greene.
Almost always one of the best classes of the show the Novice Five-Gaited class was in next. Lewis Eckard really has Fog together for new owner Becky Rankin. This young gray put on an exciting performance for the win. Reserve went to Native Classical Dancer and Kathy Cook.
The young stars of the equitation division were back next for their UPHA Walk and Trot Equitation. These riders were cute as a button but as polished as well as they direct their horses around the ring. Moving up a notch from Friday, Courtney McGinnis came back to claim the blue for the DeLovely banner. Cagle James captured the reserve title under the direction of Lewis Eckard.
A lone entry in the USEF Adult Amateur Medal, Brooke Jacobs showcased her talents both on the rail and during the pattern aboard Callaway’s Show Me When, earning the blue ribbon.
Three trailblazers burst through the gate next for the Roadster Under Saddle Championship. With her blue silks a blur, Holly Ackerman piloted Vivacious all the way down victory lane after yet another outstanding performance. Reserve went to High Velocity and Lindsey Greenwald.
The session closed out with the Limit Western Country Pleasure with top honors going to Callaway’s Son Of A Son and Alicia Patrick. Capturing the reserve honors was the flashy Heir Cooled and Sallie Turner-Tonguet.
Friday Evening
The cool evening session began with the NHS Good Hands. Just last night the new team of Ellen Medley Wright and Kalu’s Can’t Stop The Magic debuted together with an outstanding performance. Now with the first time out of the way, the team was even more polished to earn the qualification for the finals. Kristen Thomas riding Cabernet’s Will Command garnered the red streamers.
Fourteen teams made the call for the Adult Country Pleasure qualifier and with all the great teams there was no room for a mistake. In a great catch-ride Phillip Galbreath presented Upstate to the win for Julia and Steve Joyce. The wonderful CH Riva Diva captured the reserve title with Donna Finch. A strong third went to another Joyce trained team, Strike Up The Lights and Dori Zandy. Zandy was in the irons for Lesley Orr.
Picking up the pace the junior exhibitors were in next competing for the tricolor with their road ponies. With a huge smile Caitlin Leith piloted the talented Zildjian to the winner’s circle for the top honor. The new team of Lone Star and Lindsay Jones once again captured the reserve title for the Cash Lovell Stables banner. They are off to a great start this season with a grand champion title from Raleigh and now a reserve grand champion title this week.
Cash Lovell Stables added a tricolor to their banner in the next class with the winning ride for CH Santana’s Night Moves and Meredith Macy. Debuting just a few weeks ago at Raleigh this team has really put the whole package together. Hanna Norwood earned the reserve title with Roger Lever’s Undulata’s Man Of Hour Dreams.
One of the best classes of the show was up next, a six horse UPHA Fine Harness Classic. The explosive The Road Less Traveled lit up the ring as soon as he marched through the gate. Mark Wilson was behind this talented colt who is by It’s Hammertime and out of an Attaché’s Absolute mare. Reserve honors went to another great horse Pi’ece De R’esistance. This long-necked star with chiseled head put on a show with Ruth Gimpel on the lines for Patricia Bonati. Kathy Capsuto captured a strong third with Kalarama’s Star Bright.
It was the amateurs’ turn to shine next with their park horse championship. It was the night for CH Justa Rascal and Megan McClure as they proudly paraded around the ring to earn the top honor. Peggy Whitley was thrilled with her ride aboard Tax Man. This team captured the reserve title. Earning a strong third was CH Promise To Dance and Marie Gwinn.
It was a great night for Cash Lovell Stables with Drew Taylor Hewitt adding another tricolor to the banner with her performance with Sunken Treasure. This team topped the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. Grant Shiflet was in the irons for the reserve title with Callaway’s Up A Creek.
The glitter of the western horses was impressive in their championship. Taking home the tricolor was O Ain’t I Somethin’ and Luanne Kilday. Reserve honors went to Monsignor and Marie Gwinn.
Luanne Kilday jumped off her western horse to be up on the rail for the next class and with good reason as her son, Jeb Boyd, drove away with the winning drive in the Youth Roadster To Bike with Exit 80. Rebekah Cloninger and her fairly new Royal Count had a great drive for the reserve title.
The 14-17 riders were next through the gate with their country pleasure horses. Topping the competitive field was the undeniable Kalarama’s High Roller and Ali DeGray. Reserve went to The Rest Is Magic and Kasey Krings under the direction of Christy Absher-Johnson.
The five-gaited ponies were back to vie for their championship honors. It was Miss Outta My Way and Ivy Johnson making the victory pass under the Jerry Hutson Stable banner. The cute team of Small Packages and Camille Cowart earned the reserve title.
In the Junior Three-Gaited class Callaway’s Compatible earned the blue ribbon. Leslie Tickle was in the irons of this CH Caramac bred mare for Platinum Stock Farm.
Back for more speed the junior exhibitors showed off their talents in the AHHS Road Pony Under Saddle Medallion. Trainer Hollie Davidson was ecstatic with her team’s, China Princess and Kinsey Broome, winning performance. Broome was in the irons for Dustin Deaton. Heartland Masterpiece and Tori Newberry earned the red ribbon for Ann Reeves.
The 13 and under three-gaited show pleasure was stacked with competitive teams but there seems to be no stopping CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time and Allie Wellington this season. Fresh off a sweep at Raleigh, this flashy horse was better than ever, taking Wellington all the way to the winner’s circle. CH Discover and Jenna Palmeri did not let them get there easily though as they had a pleasure perfect performance earning the reserve title.
The Hackneys were back this time for the Amateur Road Pony Championship. The new pony from Krussell Stables is The Wizard and he stole the show on Friday night. With Dr. Morgan Wolin on the lines they moved up a few notches to claim the tricolor for owners Larry Schultz and Barbara Friedman. Reserve honors went to the amateur trained Rant N Rave KV and Karen Voerg.
It was the 14-17 year-old riders’ turn to compete in the show pleasure division next. The fancy Mo Rhythm and Christine Freeman turned in a great ride to earn the top honor under the direction of Maria Gilman and Don Judd. The new DeLovely team of Winsdown’s New Vision and Kaitlyn Whatley garnered the red streamers.
The pleasure classes continued, this time with the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. The undeniable CH Candle Dan once again marched to the winner’s circle with Carl Nichols on the lines. CH Harlem Heat and Lib Jones moved up a notch to claim the reserve honors.
It was an Allie Wellington night as she once again earned the call to the winner’s circle, this time in the Three-Gaited Pony Championship. Wellington was aboard CH Royalty In Black to add another win to their list, making it four classes, four wins so far for 2007. Cash Lovell Stables has had busy spring with all of its new teams and the new team of Cameo’s Carte Blanche and Caroline Anderson is one of those. This team moved up a notch to captured the reserve title with previous owner Anna Drew Jackson cheering them on from the rail.
It was a tremendous performance from Stonewall’s Stargate and Stefanie Sanchez as they moved from gait to gait with ease in the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. This multi-titled horse looked superb with Kim and Peter Cowart directing Sanchez all the way down victory lane. Racking into reserve were Our Silver Charm and George Anne Nash.
Bella Belle and Taylor Shiflet topped the next class through the gate, Three-Gaited Park Pleasure Championship, for Kathy and John Singleton. Brent Jacobs presented My Southern Charm to the reserve championship title.
The evening closed out with the exciting Junior Five-Gaited class. The pretty liver chestnut Pour Some Sugar On Me captured the title with Todd Miles up for proud owner Deborah Butler. Earning the reserve title was the sporty Spirit Of New York PSF with Smith Lilly in the irons for Mr. and Mrs. Sam Bowling.
Saturday Morning
Saturday morning belonged to the up-and-coming riders of the show ring. A large group of riders turned out to compete in the academy division from the riding programs of Boone’s Farm, Breakaway Farm, Cheryl Baird, Carolina Moon, Cash Lovell Stables, Chestnut Lane, Crosswinds, Deerfield, Edgewood, Felder Stables, Mercer Springs and Becky Teater. Winning top ribbons in their classes were: Raine Hines, Katie Matthews, Denese Patch, Melinda Tedder, Nikki Krings, Areanna Torrens, Natalie Swimmer, Janie Donaldson, Kayla Wilson, Abby Traywick, Nicole Price, Sydney Rowell, Sydney Croley, Barbara Hopkins, Rozlyn Hill, Sara Latta, Olivia Knox, Sara Austin Moore, Summer Blackwelder, Jazmine Jones, Jessica Jones, Alex Cedrone, Donna Wesslen, Tiffany Knox, Taylor Cooley, Emily Knapp, Audrey Sigmon, Anna Grace Whitworth, Laura Plant, Megan Wilson, Cashlyn Lovell, Tatum Tucker and Libby Bowen.
Saturday Evening
On Saturday evening the weather was just about perfect and the show was ready to begin with the last session of championship classes. The next generation were the first to enter the ring with their leadline exhibition with Abby Ainslee and Payton Nicole Shiflet showing off their talent. The Saddle Seat Equitation Championship graced the ring next. After the rail work and pattern work was completed Ellen Medley Wright captured the top spot. Reserve went to Kristen Thomas.
The fine harness horses came back with the amateurs and professionals vying for one title. Kim Cowart had Just Wicked looking just perfect as he paraded around the ring with his lofty trot. This stunning black horse owned by Sharyn Lackey garnered the tricolor streamers. Ronnie Graham was on the lines with another great catch-drive with The Tango Dancer earning reserve for Pixie Dust & Steel. The amateur champion Le Femme Nikita with Doris Crumpler earned the top third spot for Patience and Tom Ergish.
Management made the decision to add a Ladies Five-Gaited Championship. Topping the class was Ima Star-Buck and Julie Burmeister for Valerie and Jerry Horoshuck. Reserve went to Shamrock’s Free Step and Janelle D’Amato.
In one of the largest classes of the show, 16 entries were on the schedule for the Adult Country Pleasure Championship. CH Riva Diva is always bright and giving her rider 100 percent. This night she was in top form with owner and rider Donna Finch and the pair earned the top spot. Luanne Kilday and her amateur-trained Harlem’s Knight At The Apollo captured the reserve title with the new team of A Promise Keeper and Pam Quick in for third.
The junior exhibitor five-gaited horses burst through the gate next for their championship. CH Dusty Beau and Rebekah Cloninger put together a super ride without a foot or ear out of place to win the championship title. Reserve honors went to the bright Leatherwood’s Hats Off and Ali Deutsch. Ali Judah put on a show with the young Tee’s Merlot for a top third for Joan Hamilton.
Thrilling the crowd next were the road ponies in their open championship. Six talented ponies made the gate call. The outstanding Seize The Moment was a star tonight just as earlier in the qualifier, capturing the championship win with Ruth Gimpel at the lines again for Pixie Dust & Steel. Surprise Me and Jessie Pettie moved up to garner the red streamers.
In the 13 and under show pleasure championship Allie Wellington commanded the spotlight once again with her charismatic CH It’s Yabba Dabba Doo Time. The team was in top form to earn the tricolor. Moving up a notch and looking better than ever Wind Cruzer and Callie Smith received the reserve for the DeLovely banner.
Eight great entries hit the ring next for the open park championship. Once again Meadowlark Jubilee was stunning for the win with Larry Hodge in the irons for Joan Hamilton. Reserve went to the sporty Rina Hugo. Lisa Heres-Rosenberger presented this nice entry for Pinetree Stables. Bongo and Erica Savary garnered a strong third for Amy Roberts.
Nine great Hackneys were back to compete for the Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Championship. Mastercraft’s Namesake LF and Stephany Monteleone had a repeat performance, earning their second victory pass of the week. Holly Go Lightly looked better than ever, receiving red streamers with Helen Rosburg at the lines. The junior exhibitor team of Wait & See’s Postmaster earned the third spot with Alex Foster.
The 13 and under riders in their country pleasure championship followed. Topping the class once again were CH Santana’s Night Moves and Meredith Macy. Earning reserve were Undulata’s Man Of Hour Dreams and Hanna Norwood for Roger Lever.
Gracing the ring next were the elegant, high-stepping three-gaited horses with their amateur riders. It was a magnificent class stacked with eight competitive horses, each performing to their top potential. When all the work was done it was Enough About You and Lynda Norman earning their second trip of the week to the winner’s circle. Reserve honors went to another great horse, CH The Super Nova, with Dr. Morgan Wolin in the saddle. In third were the multi-titled CH Undulata’s Perfect Gift and Mary Jane Kirkpatrick with the new team of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes and Betty Valenti rounding out the top four.
Grant Shiflet is following right in his grandfather, father and brother’s footsteps and becoming quite the horseman. He piloted Uwharrie’s No Dice to the winner’s circle in the 14-17 show pleasure championship for Barbara Baker under the direction of his grandfather, Claude Shiflet. An excited Stephanie Breeden accepted the reserve title with her sporty Titlest Hot Shot under the watchful eye of Sharon and Gab Chrisman.
Next on the schedule was the Amateur Roadster To Bike Championship. While the class was at speed an accident occurred and the class was dismissed and the card was not tied. This incident is further explained in a separate news article.
After the break the Road Pony Under Saddle Championship entered the ring with four teams back to compete for the honor. Moving up a notch for the win was Heartland Masterpiece with Tori Newberry in the irons for Ann Reeves. Reserve honors went to the powerful Perfect Offering and Jake Butts for Sharon Anderson.
The junior exhibitors continued on in their three-gaited championship. Once again it was Ostentatiously and Brittany McGinnis called to the winner’s circle with a grand performance. Jackie de la Parte rode well aboard the expressive Keeper Of The Stars to garner the red streamers. The 13 and under team of Heathermoor’s Prince and Camille Cowart rounded out the top three.
Fourteen entries were back to contend for the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. Always bright and always doing her job to perfection, CH Sweet Virginia did not disappoint as she carried owner and rider Barbara Woods down victory lane. Marie Gwinn and A Chance To Dance were vibrant to earn the reserve title and their stablemate Miraculous Odds and Lauren Camp took home a strong third.
Give her a horse and she will ride it to the top should be Ali Judah’s motto. This young lady seems to always put a horse in its top form and in the right place in a ring. She once again piloted the talented Tornaado’s Storm Warnings to the winner’s circle for owner Terri Dolan. Kalarama’s Shiraz and Sarah Longworth had a comeback ride to claim the reserve title.
The showdown in the Open Three-Gaited Championship was up next. Our Charming Lady was the talk all week after her performance in the Carolina owned class with Mary Orr. Tonight she was just as magnificent, adding glimmer of hope to what had become a somber evening. Orr asked the mare for all she could give and she delivered, marching to the winner’s circle for Donna and Jack Finch. Reserve honors went to another spectacular horse Can You Hear Me Now with Todd Miles in the irons for the Steven Chancellor family. This great horse will be seen in the near future with Hunter Chancellor in the 13 and under division. One of the nicest things of the night to witness was Todd Miles waiting for Orr at the gate to congratulate her on a great win.
The 14-17 riders were back for their country pleasure championship. Phi Phalutin’ RR and Amy Hein had a comeback ride to claim the top spot even though Hein had not been feeling well all week. The Rest Is Magic and Kasey Krings had a great show for the reserve title. A shaken Ali DeGray rode Kalarama’s High Roller to a top third.
The Amateur Five-Gaited Championship had some of the best horses around. CH Breaking News and Megan McClure were steady and on fire tonight to earn the right to make the victory pass. Carlswald Prince’s Dominoe and Wendy Troyer racked away with the reserve title while Meet Mr. Big and Phyllis Brookshire rounded out the top three.
The roadsters were back to compete for the open title with conservative but competitive drives from all three teams. Earning the tricolor was Roar Of Thunder and Ruth Gimpel for Pixie Dust & Steel. This talented and fast racer is being prepared for the USTA class this year. Friend and competitor Ronnie Graham raced away with the reserve title with the Fish ‘N Fun entry, Postmaster Mike. Eclipse and Steve Deutsch rounded out the top three.
The evening closed with the five-horse Five-Gaited Championship. After gaits were performed and conformation inspection done, Judge Green turned in his final card and called Red Hawk Red Hawk to the winner’s circle. Bill Schoeman showcased this young stallion during the entire class for his partnership with Lori Schmidt. Charming Dreams, another young horse, has matured over the winter as she is getting ready for owner Dori Zandy to show. In the meantime, trainer Steve Joyce has been in the irons and expertly showed her to the reserve title. Don Judd was aboard Worthy’s American Society to earn the top third for Cheryl Sotrop.
This concludes the highlights of the JD Massey Classic Horse Show. Complete results may be seen and searched by clicking here.
|