Jubilee Highlights Labor Day Weekend
Friday, September 15, 2006
by Diana Davidson
Labor Day is a time for all Americans to celebrate hard work done well. For many Morgan exhibitors, Labor Day weekend is reserved for a trip to Springfield, Ill., for the Jubilee Regional Championship Morgan Horse Show. Throughout its 42 years, Jubilee has provided Morgan enthusiasts a myriad of ways to celebrate the Morgan breed. This year’s Jubilee was indeed a grand celebration for all of the hard work done well by the show management, committee and officials, along with all of the participants.
From the disciplines competing throughout the show, to the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, to the Street Party, to the crowning of the UPHA Classic Finals Grand Champions, Jubilee featured many occasions to celebrate. The Illinois State Fairgrounds welcomed over 300 horses for the AMHA Region 5 Championship on Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Faithful exhibitors from throughout the Midwest and many surrounding areas ventured to Jubilee again this year. Several first time participants joined them from near and far.
Rushton Stables made the trip to Jubilee from California, as they added a number of top champions to the competition. “Coming to Jubilee was a great experience! The level of competition was wonderful, and the numbers in most of the classes were just what we were looking for. The atmosphere and camaraderie topped off a great week. We enjoyed getting to show in the UPHA Classic Finals, and it was fun to show OC [CCR’s Outrajus Corajus] to a crowd, many of whom had not seen him in person before. While the timing is tough coming from California, we came away from it thinking we would do it again,” added Stacy Hennessy.
This year's show was held under the direction of Jubilee President Mark Bodnar. The 2006 Jubilee marked the beginning of a new era for this Midwest mainstay as it welcomed UPHA Manager Of The Year Fred Nava to the helm. Bodnar and Nava were pleased with the success of this year’s show.
Bodnar commented, “I feel that the show ran really well. Fred Nava and the office staff did a fantastic job their first year and were very popular with exhibitors. We were fortunate to have some new barns travel a long way to come to the show and we appreciate the support. We are already thinking of new ways to make next year’s show even better.”
“It was a great experience to be part of the Jubilee Horse Show this year. I look forward to working with the Jubilee directors and exhibitors, and the challenge to exceed their expectations and make a great show even better!” Nava enthused.
The week was filled with many events to keep exhibitors and spectators busy and entertained. A welcome breakfast was held on Wednesday morning sponsored by Hylee Farm and Stoneledge Farm. The show ring competition started on Wednesday morning with the In Hand and Dressage classes held during the day. The performance classes began in the coliseum on Wednesday evening, with two performance sessions per day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Thursday evening session featured the crowning of the 2006 UPHA Classic Finals Grand Champions. This year’s champions–Dragonsmeade Maxmara in Park Harness, TE Ammunition in Pleasure Driving and MEM Scan-Del-Less in Hunter Pleasure – earned the winner’s share of the prize money. The total prize money awarded in the Classics was over $30,000, including an added $3,000 in each of the finals from the proceeds of the 2005 Morgan Classics Benefit Sale. This was added to the prize money from the Dabora Inc. corporate sponsorship, along with the entry fees to form the grand total paid out to the competitors.
The Jubilee Hall of Fame induction ceremonies took place on Friday evening. Jane Steffenhagen was honored for over 50 years of dedication in breeding and exhibiting Morgan horses, while the grand Morgan stallion Thunderbay enjoyed his return to the Jubilee spotlight for his induction (see separate story). Another memorable edition of the Jubilee Street Party followed the Friday evening session with a celebratory mood in the air. The show finished off with two championship sessions on Saturday including the $4,000 Amateur Western Pleasure Jackpot where Troika’s Black Russian and Ling Fu Wylie jogged away with top honors.
In addition to putting on a fine show for exhibitors and spectators, Jubilee gives back to the community. The Jubilee proudly supports numerous local charities including the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery for abused and neglected children as well as the Boy Scouts of America. Representatives of both were in attendance at the show and received sizable checks on Saturday evening in center ring from Show President Mark Bodnar.
In addition to President Bodnar and Manager Nava, the Jubilee is proud to have a large group of dedicated volunteers and officials. The team of Jubilee officials welcomed some well-known new members this year including announcer Peter Fenton, USEF Steward Kent Moeller and Show Secretary Linda Burke assisted by Pam Turner. Official photographer Howard Schatzberg, farrier Steve Zindars assisted by Derek Rushing, ringmaster John Frye, paddock announcer Doug Irvine, organist June Brune and veterinarian Karl Luthin were among the returning Jubilee officials.
A single judge system was used again at this year’s Jubilee with the exception of the UPHA Classics where the MOS Three Judge System was composed of Dwayne Knowles, Kathleen Peeples and Harold Angell. In the other divisions Dwayne Knowles (Stallions and Mares In Hand, Futurity, English Pleasure, Park Saddle, Pleasure Driving, Park Harness, Classic Pleasure Saddle, Roadster and Miscellaneous), Kathleen Peeples (Geldings In Hand, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Classic Pleasure Driving, Hunter/Jumper, Equitation, Carriage and Miscellaneous) and Susan Posner (Dressage and AMHA Dressage Medal) officiated.
The show ring highlights of the 2006 Jubilee Regional follow with complete results also available by clicking here.
Park Saddle
The park saddle division gained the attention of the audience with a host of new entries visiting the winner’s circle along with some world-titled talent making the return trip. Gerry Rushton Stables closed out a victorious week in Illinois by bringing the final tricolor of the show back to California. World Champion GLB Bell Of The Ball showed off her winning style under saddle to a host of new fans as she added the Park Saddle Championship to the blue ribbon and flowers in the ladies class. Stacy Hennessy guided Lorraine Bumb’s dynamic daughter of HVK Bell Flaire and Fletcher Music Lee to the honors. Misty Pleiness and her white-trimmed MEM Like No One Else turned in a bold showing to carry the reserve tricolor back to the Crystal Farms banner.
Kohler Stables made their annual trip to Jubilee as they qualified several eye-catching entries for Oklahoma. Steve DeBolt was in the irons of Boxford Gambling Man to collect the winner’s prize in the Open Park Saddle class in their only performance of the show for Kohler Stables.
Lynn Miller and Ultra's Dark Shadow successfully defended their tricolor performance of a year ago as they carried the Amateur Park Saddle Championship back to the Lowry Stables banner once again. Kathryn Cox teamed up with Willowick Will To Wynne to add the reserve tricolor to an outstanding debut season under saddle for owner Darlene Stodolski under the direction of Mary Brannon.
The reigning Amateur Park Saddle World Championship team of Erotic Dancer and Dawn Fire enjoyed their season debut at Jubilee. They were in blue ribbon form as they carried the qualifier victory back to the Peeper Ranch banner in their only performance of the show.
Hylee’s Goldsmith added to a Hall of Fame week for breeder/owner Jane Steffenhagen as Danielle Hendricks rode the handsome bay to the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle blue under the direction of Kenny Guell.
The Junior Park Saddle Championship featured a memorable victory for Set To Dance and Shirley O’Gorman as they displayed style and perseverance on the way to the tricolor honors for Sally Sliman. Tim Roesink saddled the elegant One True Love for the reserve tricolor following a victorious ride in the Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Park Saddle for Laura Braddock.
Cedar Creek Arabella proved to be the crowd favorite at Jubilee. Judy Harris guided the charismatic HVK Bell Flaire daughter to the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle for Larry Bolen and Cedar Creek Farm.
Park Harness
Proven champions and those with tricolor aspirations were the order of business in the park harness division. The open division featured World Champion Will-O-Way Moment In Time continuing his tricolor return tour with David Earehart guiding the way for owners Fred and Frances Ellett and family. The charismatic stallion posted a pair of impressive performances to garner the Jubilee Open Park Harness blue and tricolor. SpringMill Sequel made a bold return to the open division with a pair of consistent drives by Kurt Hufferd. They claimed the reserve honors in this exciting competition for SpringMill Morgans LLC.
The world championship combination of Bellisimo and Judy Whitney Harris added a winning new dimension to their partnership. They posted an outstanding performance to carry the Ladies Park Harness blue ribbon honors to Barbara and Arthur Jones. Jacqueline Clapp and HVK Constantinoble teamed up for a stellar drive of their own to add the reserve honors to the PlayMor banner.
World Champion HVK Port Rush is the newest member of the PlayMor Farm string. Recently paired with Cathy Hazen, the handsome bay trotted away with top honors in the Amateur Park Harness qualifier and championship directed by Sammi and Bill Hazen. Will-O-Way In Due Time and Celia Salmon added the reserve tricolor to the Liberty Stables banner following a blue ribbon drive in the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness.
World Champion Spiceolife Present Tense returned to the site of his UPHA Classic Finals Championship of a year ago. The spectacular chestnut maintained his all-star billing as Diane Conrady manned the lines on the way to the Junior Park Harness Championship and four-year-old blue for David James Walker. Boxford Bravura enjoyed a tricolor return to the harness division as Stacy Hennessy directed Ted and Elaine Olsen’s athletic entry to the reserve honors.
Sally Sliman’s youngsters enjoyed a memorable trip to Jubilee as Watch Me Dance got things rolling with the Three-Year-Old Park Harness win. Tim O’Gorman directed the Simply Maserati sired youngster to the top honors.
The UPHA Park Harness Classic Finals Championship was one of Thursday night's main attractions. The UPHA Classics program was one of the first to offer substantial prize money to young performers and has over the years paid out millions of dollars to Morgans, Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies along with their owners and trainers. This year’s prize money featured an added $3,000 in each of the finals held at Jubilee through the proceeds of the 2005 Morgan Classics Benefit Sale. This was added to the prize money from the Dabora Inc. corporate sponsorship along with the entry fees to form the grand total paid out to the competitors.
The Park Harness Classic Finals competition was indeed a time for the youngest performers to shine as the tricolors went home with a pair of promising two-year-olds. The Dragonsmeade Farm breeding program was in the spotlight as Dragonsmeade Maxmara (Mizrahi x Dragonsmeade Valkyrie) put on a brilliant showing to garner the top honors. It was also a great achievement for his young trainer Whitney Bodnar who added the victory to his two previous UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic Finals wins over the past few years. Song Of The South (Grandiose x Futurity’s Ice Dancer) followed her winning performances from Circle J and Morgan Medallion with the Finals Reserve Championship at Jubilee. Gerry Rushton drove his well-traveled youngster to the reserve finish and also carried home the Jubilee Futurity Two-Year-Old Park Harness top honors.
The two-year-old crop from Dragonsmeade Farm produced a pair of winning park harness entries at Jubilee. Judy Whitney Harris guided Dragonsmeade High Drama (HVK Bell Flaire x Cedar Creek Soliloquy) to the victory pass in the Two-Year-Old Park Harness to add to a memorable Thursday evening session for the Fu Family’s Dragonsmeade Farm.
English Pleasure
The English pleasure division was one of the largest of the show and featured some new combinations along with some of the season's top winners. The Jubilee audience had the pleasure of watching one of the division’s all-time greats perform as CCR’s Outrajus Corajus enjoyed two sensational performances during his first trip to Illinois. Owners Dick and Nan Cecchettini were on hand to watch him collect the top honors and the audience’s approval as the English Pleasure Champion and the stallion/gelding winner with Stacy Hennessy in the irons. HVK Buckingham picked up the reserve tricolor with Kurt Antonacci putting his riding skills to good use on Jaye Alles’ Noble Flaire son.
The sparkling chestnut Paradigm Tokyo Rose followed up her winning saddle debut at Gold Cup with a blue ribbon ride at Jubilee for new owners Frank and Carolyn Gibbard. Tim Roesink guided the Nobility daughter to the English Pleasure Mares victory.
Dawn Fire continued a great return to the show ring following maternity leave. She followed her tricolor return at New England aboard Boogie Nights with winning rides at Jubilee with each of her three mounts. Fire and KGA Picasso capped a tricolor show with a polished and consistent ride to capture the Amateur English Pleasure Championship. The well-matched new team of Monnington Titian and Kirsten Johnson continued their tricolor season by adding the reserve honors to the Hardwood Creek banner.
The amateur qualifiers featured a pair of blue ribbon performances for Lowry Stables. The amateur mares saw a blue ribbon repeat for IGF What's The Question and Lynn Muir as they returned to the site of their debut of a year ago to again turn in a brilliant winning ride. Rebecca Sebastian and CN Grand Style continued their outstanding premier season as they bested the field in the amateur stallion/gelding class with a stylish ride for Bonus Time Farm LLC.
The ladies division featured a large and competitive field as well with a host of the season's top winners. When judge Knowles signed the championship card, it was the elegant Futurity's Miss Munitions and Becky Krupp whose number topped the card. They collected the tricolor for Lake Holiday Farm under the direction of Lowry Stables. Merriewold Diplomat continued a tricolor debut season as Katie Mair guided Marie Frank’s sporty gelding to the reserve honors.
The ladies qualifier featured a new face in the winner's circle as C’est La Vie turned in a consistently solid performance with Ronda Collins in the irons to best the field of 12.
Collins also enjoyed coaching her young riders to sweep the tricolors in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Championship. It was a one-two sweep in the qualifier and championship with Emily Orthwein and Cedar Creek Ungaro taking the victory passes with a pair of stylish rides. The new combination of KHF Bleeding Heart and Anne Kate McLain were hot on their heels in reserve in this large and competitive field.
The Youth English Pleasure featured a blue ribbon victory for Nemours Courageous and Tiffani Earehart who continued their partnership following many equitation and performance blues throughout their junior exhibitor career.
Sara Heidenreich showed off her versatile riding skills earning top honors in all three seats at Jubilee. Matched with MJK Assets N Attitudes, the petite powerhouse trotted to the winner’s circle in the Walk-Trot English Pleasure directed by Mary Carlton.
Merriehill Farm’s impressive string of junior horses included a pair of stellar saddle victories for Merriehill Times Square. Stan Bodnar guided the fronty bay Tug Hill Whamunition son to the Junior English Pleasure Championship as well as the four-year-old blue. Cum Laude Nell collected the reserve honors in both outings with a pair of bright showings in just her second show under saddle with Shirley O’Gorman presenting for owner Diane Garrow.
TE Ammunition closed out a memorable show with the Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old English Pleasure victory with Stan Bodnar in the irons for Tazewell Enterprises.
HDP War Dancer took her turn in the winner’s circle in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure performing for Damian and Melinda Hyde.
Nancy Allen and her sporty STA Dance About Town matched up for the victory pass in the Limit English Pleasure.
Pleasure Driving
The pleasure driving division saw a number of the season's top competitors battling for top honors, while some surprise entries to the division also attracted quite a bit of attention. What’s My Line continued his victorious five-year-old season as he added the Jubilee Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier blue to earlier titles from North Star and New England for Epona Morgans LLC with Stan Bodnar handling the lines. Jubilee marked the season opener for the Grand National Championship team of HVK Winter Rose and Jennifer Hazen. They enjoyed a tricolor show ring return as they drove away with the Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship for PlayMor Farm.
The Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship featured a tricolor repeat from a year ago as Judy Kjellander and Dragonsmeade Virtuoso teamed up to bring the tricolor back to Kings Point Inc. and the Indian Creek banner following a blue ribbon drive in the amateur stallion/gelding qualifier. Beth Fancsali and BLFM Best Evidence enjoyed a pair of stellar drives as well to collect the Amateur Pleasure Driving Mares blue as well as the reserve tricolor.
KH Show Byz made a pair of dynamic trips to the winner’s circle this year at Jubilee. John Hufferd was on the lines of the fancy Stonecroft Byzantine son to collect the limit and gentlemen’s top honors for Pamela Blossom.
JP’s Livin On The Edge enjoyed another tricolor stop at Jubilee this year as Rebecca Devos took over the lines for the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving qualifier and championship victories. Tyler Hufferd matched up with JLH Coming Up Roses for the reserve honors with a pair of stylish drives.
Following their purchase at New England of Reserve World Champion Dragonsmeade Carnaros, John and Nancy Hendricks eagerly awaited his first performance under their ownership. They enjoyed a jubilant Jubilee debut as Tim Roesink and the And The Beat Goes On son earned rave reviews as they collected the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship and the four-year-old blue. They had some top-flight competition as World Champion MEM The Patriot and Kurt Hufferd performed for the reserve honors in both outings for SpringMill Morgans LLC.
The UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic Grand Championship was the first of the three UPHA Finals taking center stage on Thursday evening. The nine horse field featured an impressive group of youngsters vying for the approximately $10,000 in prize money. When the cards were tabulated a pair of Oklahoma winners each had a first, second and third place tie from the judging panel on the way to tricolor honors. TE Ammunition had the firepower to edge out HVK Sweet Obsession on two of three cards to earn the title.
It was a tricolor repeat for Merriehill Farm as the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic Finals Championship top honors went back to the green and tan banner for the second year in a row. Bonnie Adams and Tazewell Enterprises are the owner and breeder of TE Ammunition who earned the great achievement with Stan Bodnar on the lines. HVK Sweet Obsession and Tim Roesink garnered the reserve tricolor and the applause of their fan club. Owner Barbara Lindauer followed up her blue ribbon Northampton debut with another impressive victory pass at Jubilee in the ladies class on the lines of her dynamic filly.
Jim Lowry’s winning ways with the youngsters continued from Louisville onto Jubilee. After a tricolor start to his debut season under saddle, Kriskroft Keynote made a winning transition to the harness competition with a stylish victory in the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving for Dorothy Safanie.
The trip from California did not take any of the sparkle off of GLB Amazing Grace as she stepped up with a stylish performance to top a grand field of nine youngsters in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving. The daughter of Stonecroft Byzantine and GLB Perfect Harmony took her place on center stage with Gerry Rushton guiding to the honors for Lorraine Bumb.
The Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Championship also went back to the Rushton Stables banner with a bright young performer. Paul and Dolores Nickel were on hand to cheer on their handsome Kingsgrove Dynasty to the honors with Gerry Rushton on the lines.
Whitney Bodnar had another sporty youngster in the Jubilee Futurity Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion Fox Hollow Talk About Me. The dynamic Whispering Whammunition son collected the top honors for Byron and Joann Holston’s Fox Hollow Morgans.
In Hand
The show ring action in the main coliseum at Jubilee got underway on Wednesday morning with the in hand classes. The Mares In Hand started things off followed by the gelding and stallion divisions. The competition featured tricolors being won by a blend of exciting new competitors and proven champions with many enjoying their first in hand performance of the year at Jubilee.
Brian Hadley had the winning hand with the young fillies as Winden Mai Tai collected the first blue ribbon of the show. The charismatic filly sired by Shanghai posed for the Weanling Fillies win for proud owner/breeder Tami Johnson. Hadley was right back in the winner’s circle in the Yearling Fillies with Briar Oaks Rock My World. Denny and Toni Maunder bred and own this promising Liberation First Star daughter.
Following her spectacular driving debut at Northampton, SpringMill New Harmony showed the Jubilee audience that pretty is as pretty does. She is a perfect blend of her sire Nostradamus and dam Treble’s Unchained Melody as she showed in sweeping the Two-Year-Old, Junior and Grand Champion Mare honors with Kurt Hufferd leading the way for SpringMill Morgans LLC. The elegant Whitmorr American Beauty also hailed from an excellent six-horse two-year-old class. Tim Roesink gave the Ultras Special Agent daughter the tricolor lead as Reserve Junior and Reserve Grand Champion Mare for Mary Morrette.
Last year’s Junior Champion Mare, Ah La Lucie enjoyed another victorious showing at Jubilee. It was another winning performance for the get of Ultras Special Agent as Bert Earehart presented to the Three-Year-Old and Senior Champion Mare honors for Blue Heron Wildlife Sanctuary. HVK Resa struck the winning pose in the Four-Year-Old Mares and followed up as the Reserve Senior Champion Mare for Brenda Matusik under the training of Diane Conrady.
The geldings were next to command center stage in the In Hand competition on Wednesday with Papa D's Donnatello posing for Jubilee top honors again this year. Brian Hadley was on the lead of the flashy HVK Grand Entrance son to collect the Two-Year-Old and Junior Champion Gelding honors for Michael Grabowski.
Brothers David and Bert Earehart each posted a blue ribbon on their facing banners from the gelding division. David and World Champion Miramax collected the top honors in the Three-Year-Old Geldings for Fred and Frances Ellett and the Liberty Stables banner. Meanwhile, Bert added the Four-Year-Old Geldings win to his Copper Leaf banner with GMH Gladiator for Blue Herron Wildlife Sanctuary.
HVK March Flaire made his presence known in his first in hand outing of the season. The Reserve World Champion Gelding was all show horse as Sammi and Bill Hazen guided the handsome bay to the Five & Over, Senior and Grand Champion Gelding honors for PlayMor Farm. John Hufferd got quickly reacquainted with the white trimmed Raintree Picasso as they gathered the reserve tricolor titles in the Senior and Grand Champion Gelding competitions for Susan Crone.
The stallion classes rounded out Wednesday's in hand schedule. Deborah Donoho was the justifiably proud owner and breeder of the Weanling Colt winner Benediction. This blue ribbon victory also marked the second of the morning by a weanling sired by the promising young sire Shanghai. Handled by Renee Page, Benediction returned a few days later to add the Jubilee Futurity Weanling Colts title as well as more new fans.
Latours Magic Virtuoso stepped to the front of the line in a nice field of Yearling Colts. John Hufferd handled the Beethoven colt for the blue ribbon as well as the Reserve Junior Champion Stallion honors for Brenda Matusik.
2005 World Futurity Yearling Colt Champion Cingate Lucky Star started off on the same path to Oklahoma again this year as he posed for the Jubilee Junior Champion Stallion honors for the second year in a row. Whitney Bodnar was on the lead of the handsome son of Astronomicallee to collect the Two-Year-Old Stallions and Jubilee Futurity Two-Year-Old Stallion/Gelding top honors as well for Gaeton and Cindy Lorino’s Cingate Morgans.
Selvin Torrez and his clients enjoyed their first trip to Jubilee that included a blue ribbon finish for Whitemud Summer Stars, owned by Elizabeth and Charles Wyandt, in the Three-Year-Old Stallions as well as several other top ribbons.
PlayMor Farm continued the legacy of their late stallion Liberation First Star at Jubilee with his impressive son MSV Shooting Star. In his only show of the season, he showed off his style and brilliance to the tune of the Four-Year-Old, Senior and Grand Champion Stallion honors. This marked the third 2006 Regional Grand Champion Stallion victory earned by Bill and Sammi Hazen for PlayMor Farm (Mizrahi earned the titles at Gold Cup and New England Regionals).
Following his much-heralded show ring return at Northampton, Will-O-Way Moment in time continued his victory tour at Jubilee to the delight of his loyal fan club. He turned it on for the crowd once again as David Earehart guided the pride of the Ellett family to the Five & Over Stallions win as well as the Reserve Senior and Reserve Grand Champion Stallion awards.
The Jubilee In Hand Futurity classes rounded out the in hand competition later in the week. Every week it seems like John Hufferd brings out new and different young in hand horses with the same look of eagles. From Northampton to Louisville and now add Jubilee to the list. This time the weanling star was bred and owned by Springfield’s own Margaret Van Meter who was delighted with her well-named MSV Miss Belle (Minion Millennium x Aljaks Miss Wham I Am) as she posed for the Jubilee Futurity Weanling Filly top honors. In the yearling competition, Hufferd had last year’s Jubilee Futurity Weanling Filly winner Ultras Special Intention (Ultras Special Agent x Ultras Miss Isabelle) at attention to pose for the Jubilee Futurity Yearling Filly honors for Jaye and Walt Alles.
The Cingate Farm breeding program was back on center stage in the Jubilee Futurity Yearling Colts for the second year in a row. This time it was the stretchy chestnut Cingate Instant Karma (HVK Bell Flaire x Futurity’s Miss Munitions) who claimed the top honors guided by Whitney Bodnar.
Classic Pleasure
The classic pleasure division featured large and competitive classes throughout. The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship featured a tricolor repeat for the world titled team of Dawn Fire and Boogie Nights. They paired up to once again carry the tricolor back to Peeper Ranch following a blue ribbon ride in the open qualifier. Carolyn Gibbard and About Last Night made a tricolor transition to the classic division as they collected the reserve championship with a stylish performance guided by Tim Roesink.
Cabot French Pepper and Nan Wille-Cecchettini enjoyed another trip down victory lane as they earned top honors in the ladies qualifier under the Hardwood Creek banner.
Elizabeth Lowry and Cabot Carte Blanche celebrated a winning transition to the classic division with an impressive victory in the competitive junior exhibitor class with proud parents Jim and Fay Lowry cheering them on.
Mandate and Allison Harding added the Limit Rider Classic Pleasure Saddle blue to their first full season together as Cheryl Woosley guided them down victory lane for Margo Harding.
Cingate Shoot The Moon and Greg Fancsali were perfectly matched as they earned a pair of trips to the winner’s circle. They added the Junior Classic Pleasure Saddle and Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Classic Pleasure Driving top honors to the Merriehill Farm banner.
World Champion Airegantlee and Mari Sanderson brought their winning ways east as they added Jubilee’s Classic Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier blue to their streak of victories under the Rushton Stables banner. IGF Coeur Et Ame enjoyed a tricolor return to the Classic division as Becky Krupp matched up with the perky gelding for the ladies blue as well as the Classic Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship for Lowry Stables.
Libretto’s Bravado and Janelle Schroeder added the Junior Classic Pleasure Driving blue to their world titled résumé for Cadence Farm under the Peeper Ranch banner.
World Champion Merriehill Stonewall Will and his newest partner Joshua Rohrs added another blue ribbon to their string of victories as they earned top honors in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving under the Triumph Stables banner.
Danielle Wich and Stonesong Work Of Art took a turn on victory lane as they collected the Limit Driver Classic Pleasure Driving blue for Leroy and Doretta Umnuhs.
Western Pleasure
The western pleasure division at Jubilee featured a large group of multi-titled performers making a return trip to the winner's circle. Friday night’s Open Western Pleasure Championship saw last year’s two tricolor entries return for more top honors. This time it was a reversal of the top two finishing entries as last year’s reserve champion Tracemark Tapestry earned top billing. Kristie Strom’s entry was the picture of elegance as Andy Marlett presented to the tricolor honors following a repeat blue ribbon performance in the mare class. The world titled team of Bear Brook Supreme Bar and Sammi Hazen collected the reserve tricolor this time out following a precise performance to earn the ladies blue for PlayMor Farm.
The stallion/gelding blue was also hung on the PlayMor banner as Dean Scott guided the handsome Pondview Picante to the win. Jordy Johns introduced another promising PlayMor entry to the winner’s circle as Grand Cru Maker’s Mark collected the blue ribbon in the limit class.
Jubilee instituted its well-publicized $4,000 Amateur Jackpot Championships in 2004 with the class being randomly drawn at the horse show in 2004 (English pleasure) and in 2005 (Hunter pleasure). It was decided to select the division in 2006 ahead of time, and this year it was the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship that drew the distinction. A large field of multi-titled entries answered the call on Saturday morning with tricolor aspirations. It was the world championship team of Troika's Black Russian and Ling Fu Wylie who carried home the winner’s share to Dragonsmeade Farm with a smooth and steady performance. They started off with the qualifier blue under the Peeper Ranch banner. Whitney Hazen drew the riding assignment with Bear Brook Supreme Bar to add the reserve amateur tricolor to the PlayMor banner.
The world championship pairing of Merriehill The Lion King and Alyssa Rumsey continued their victorious transition to the western division at Jubilee. They jogged away with the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure blue and tricolor under the Triumph Stables banner. They were followed in both outings by the sleek bay Lone Star Bill and Caitlin Novotny performing for Bradford and Janie Denning.
Sara Heidenreich had a smile as big as her cowboy hat as she rode Fairhaven Federal Express to the winner's circle in the Walk-Jog Western Pleasure to the delight of the Crystal Farms cheering section.
Worked In Gold has been pure gold all season for trainer Jeffrey Bessey and owner Francis Beers. From Gold Cup to New England and now add Jubilee to the list of victorious stops for this team. The copper chestnut continued to add new fans as he jogged away with the Junior Western Pleasure Championship, following matching blue ribbons from the four-year-old and gentlemen’s wins. Hylee Galaxy’s Wild Irish and Dan Lynch put together a polished performance to add the Junior Western Pleasure Reserve Championship to a winning season for Jane Steffenhagen.
The Merriehill Farm breeding program showed its versatility with Merriehill Jamaican Judy jogging away with the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure win guided by James Gruenberg.
Hunter Pleasure
The hunter pleasure division featured competitive classes throughout with many top champions earning Jubilee victories. Fresh from top performances at New England, Merriehill Isa Boo added to an impressive debut season in this division. Jessica Cavanaugh was aboard the white trimmed Epona Morgans LLC entry to collect the Open Hunter Pleasure Championship as well as the qualifier blue. Mary Carlton directed Stacey Heidenreich’s fancy Bell South to the reserve tricolor honors.
Following last year’s memorable jackpot win in the amateur division, Baby Ruth MHF returned to Jubilee for another tricolor performance. This time Jessica Cavanaugh directed the polished chestnut to the ladies tricolor for Burce, Susan and Nicole Peterson. The Lowry Stables hunter pleasure entries added to their excellent season at Jubilee. Fay Lowry drew the ride on the bold striding Arboria Ben Hur for the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship following a blue ribbon ride in the limit class for Barb Pionk.
The Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship featured an impressive victory for the white-trimmed Z’s Majestic Sensation and owner Nancy Johnson Tobiasz. Fay Lowry had earlier ridden the smooth striding bay to the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Geldings win. Leslie Linville is enjoying her return to the show ring with her handsome new black gelding Grand Cru Valentino. They finished out the week with the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship coached by Belle and John Hufferd.
Laine Vincent and her lovely chestnut mare Walnut Ridge’s Solid Gold added a pair of matching blue ribbons to the Lowry Stables banner as they collected the ladies mares and amateur mares wins for TVT Morgans. UVM Delaney and Leslie Barnard teamed up to turn in the winning ride in the competitive amateur stallion/gelding class with Jonalyn Gwinup directing for William Julien.
The third installment of the UPHA Hunter Pleasure Four & Under Classic Finals Championship featured a promising field of 11 vying for top honors and prize money of approximately $11,000. In keeping with their outstanding string of prize winning youngsters, Triumph Stables again collected the winner’s share. Belle Hufferd directed the impressive four-year-old MEM Scan-del-less to the top honors for Joy and Dennis Rumsey. Mary Carlton made an impressive catch-ride with Lucky Strike to add the reserve tricolor to a memorable night for Dragonsmeade Farm. Both of these promising youngsters added to their tricolor tally later in the show.
Alyssa Rumsey put her world titled riding talents to use with her young mare as she directed MEM Scan-Del-Less to the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure Championship as well as the 14-17 blue. Meanwhile, Triumph stablemates Rachel McClain and Stone Pine Sebastian followed as the reserve champions after taking the victory pass in the youth class.
Lucky Strike added his third Regional Junior Hunter Pleasure Championship this season, with a different rider each time. This time Mary Carlton was aboard the handsome bay to earn the tricolor honors following the four-year-old blue for Dragonsmeade Farm performing under the Peeper Ranch banner. World Champion EKL Command The View and Fay Lowry collected the reserve tricolor for Robert and Catherine DeGregorio.
The Merriehill Farm hunter string also included the three-year-old qualifier blue ribbon winner LLL Trotsky performing with Jessica Cavanaugh for Boris and Emelia Tabakoff. The outstanding young horse competition also featured the elegant Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure winner Cabot First Confession who made the victory pass with Katie Mair aboard for Lynn and Steve Burch.
The Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under blue also went back to the Sterling Training Center banner. The winning team of NKS Vision Quest and Jessie Sammut were greeted in the winner’s circle by Katie Mair.
Pert Sara Heidenreich and Fair Haven Federal Express enjoyed a stellar show in the hunt and western divisions. They added the walk-trot blue to the Crystal Farms banner for the second year in a row.
Equitation
Although many of the junior riders went back to school before Jubilee, the classes were quite competitive in many instances with riders gearing up and bidding for last minute qualifications for Oklahoma.
The Saddle Seat Equitation Championship closed out the division on Saturday night with riders from Crystal Farms dominating the top two spots in the seven-rider competition. For the second year in a row, Trophy J’s Valentine was the winning mount as he carried World Champion Sarah Shimmer to the honors this time out. They also added the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal and the 14-17 age group blue to their record of achievement. Top equitation mounts are worth their weight in gold, and Coalition X-Static matched up with his second rider in as many years for the Classic Saddle Seat Equitation blue. Kali Hutchinson is his partner this year as they stepped up with another fine ride on Saturday night for the Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Championship as well.
Bailey Bartley is enjoying an outstanding first season out of walk-trot again paired with Amabayus. Instructor Sandy Sessink was quite proud of her young student as she used her skills to best the field in the UPHA Challenge Cup.
Sarah Koshak put on a blue ribbon exhibition to collect the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under victory aboard Ultras Superlative.
The youngest of the Crystal Farms riders also enjoyed a stellar show at Jubilee. Cameron Kay showed off her style and perseverance as she rode away with the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation win in a field of six.
Lauren Cook enjoyed a victorious return to the hunt seat equitation division at Jubilee matched with the multi-titled Ha Ho Windstar. They had all the right moves to sweep top honors in the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal, 14-17 qualifier and the Hunt Seat Equitation Championship directed by Belle Hufferd. Ha Ho Windstar did double duty as he also carried Miranda Hengy to the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation win coached by Bre Schultz. Krystle Pennington matched up with Blue Flag Whimsy for the Hunt Seat Equitation Reserve Championship after starting the show with the Fitting & Showmanship win under the Gwinfield banner.
Ali Denzel earned a trip to the winner's circle as she piloted LLL Mihael to the Hunt Seat Equitation 13 & Under win coached by Julie Pickering. Melendy Cash Bonus carried Maggie Croy to the AMHA Hunt Over Fences Medal as she qualified for a trip to Oklahoma.
Alyssa Rumsey added the Western Seat Equitation blue to her winning week aboard Merriehill The Lion King under the Triumph Stables banner.
Olivia Lahr matched up with JL’s Night Tracks to jog away with the AMHA Western Seat Medal coached by Cheryl Woosley.
Sara Heidenreich and Fair Haven Federal Express successfully defended the Walk-Jog Western Seat Equitation prepared by Crystal Farms.
Miscellaneous
Jubilee’s regional status ensures that it has a full compliment of classes for all disciplines. It was Friday night’s Parade class that brought out a big cheering section for the festivities. No one wanted to miss the debut of World Champion HVK Pavarotti and Steve DeBolt in this most flamboyant division. With sparkling silver, flashy sequins, electric presence and magnetic athleticism, many railside spectators commented that this was what a Parade class is all about. HVK Pavarotti and Steve DeBolt were rewarded for their impressive preparation and performance with a large ovation and a blue ribbon for Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.
There were quite a few world champions performing in new divisions at Jubilee. Perhaps, no transformation was as great as that of French Intuition. Jennifer Hazen and her beloved gelding enjoyed a grand return to the show ring as Shrek and Donkey came to life as they visited the winner’s circle in the Costume class. It took them over an hour to return to their barn from the ring as they had to make numerous stops along the way to visit with fans, young and not so young.
The Roadster division featured some crowd-pleasing action with Frank Gibbard matching up with his new partner Primary Investment GP in tricolor action. The sporty chestnut and his game driver warmed up with the amateur blue in their team debut carrying the Grove Pointe colors under the direction of Tim Roesink. Last year’s tricolor entry Nouveau Riche and Andy Marlett raced away with the Roadster To Bike Reserve Championship this time out for Shannon Robins.
Tim Roesink and Sting buzzed around the ring in high gear for the Open Roadster To Bike blue in their only performance of the week for Kourt Jester Morgans. Roesink also sped away with the Roadster Under Saddle blue as he carried the Cochran Auction Service colors to the winner’s circle with the catch-ride aboard fast-hustling HVK Tempest.
Roadshow Erin Go Braugh and Lonnie Leavitt represented the carriage competition as they drove away with dual blues on the way to the High Point Carriage Driving Award.
LR Ami Sultan carried the Road Hack blue to the Mears Morgans banner for the second year in a row with a bold ride as Celia Maerten did the riding honors this time out.
The Dressage competition featured High Point Awards for Bonner River Della Diva (Training Level) and Senator Sharcoal (First Level & Above) as well as winning scores for Bonner River Savannah and Striking Viking Elite ASF in Wednesday’s rides.
The hunter/jumper division saw STA Zephyrius start off the Saturday morning session with the Regular Working Hunter Hack win ridden by Kelly Nadler. Melendy Cash Bonus and Kelsey Robinson earned dual blues in the Low and Regular Working Hunter, while Fawn McDaniel rode Cash Bonus to the Handy Working Hunter win. Rowenda Irish Mist and Sarah Zenisek leapt to a pair of wins in the Jumper competition.
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