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Jubilee . . . An Occasion For Celebration!




by Diana Davidson

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.
- The 2005 Jubilee Regional Championship Morgan Horse Show provided Morgan enthusiasts a myriad of ways to celebrate the Morgan breed. 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 Grand Champions, to attending the AMHA Rules Forum, to a Classical Theatrical Dressage demonstration, to watching the future of the breed in the Morgan Breeder Sweepstakes - The Jubilee had it all.
   

The Illinois State Fairgrounds welcomed over 350 horses for the AMHA Region 5 Championship on August 31 - September 3. Exhibitors from throughout the Midwest and many surrounding areas ventured to Jubilee. This year's show was held under the direction of second year president Mark Bodnar along with longtime show manager Lenard Davenport. Both were delighted with the success of the show with numbers and quality at high levels as Jubilee was again proud to host the Morgan Breeder Sweepstakes and the UPHA Classic Finals.
   

The week was filled with many events to keep exhibitors and spectators busy. A welcome breakfast was held on Wednesday morning sponsored by Eagle Bluff, Hylee Farm, and Woodland Oaks Farm. The show ring competition started on Wednesday morning with the In Hand and Dressage classes held during the day. Following the pinning of Grand Champion Stallion, the drawing was held to determine the $4,000 Jackpot Amateur Championship with the hunters earning this year's exciting opportunity.
   

The performance classes began in the coliseum on Wednesday evening. A dessert party sponsored by the show followed two full sessions on Thursday. The Thursday evening session also featured the crowning of the 2005 UPHA Classic Grand Champions.
   

The first of two 2005 Jubilee Hall of Fame induction ceremonies took place on Thursday evening. The great Morgan ambassador Duke Remington became the second equine inductee while Doris Norton took her place in the Jubilee Hall of Fame on Saturday evening (see separate story).
   

Friday's schedule featured a day session of classes followed by The $70,000 Morgan Breeder Sweepstakes party and competition in the evening (see separate story). Another memorable edition of the Jubilee Street Party followed the Sweepstakes with a celebratory mood in the air. The show finished off with two championship sessions on Saturday.
   

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, manager Davenport and a large group of volunteers, the team of Jubilee officials included; Sandy Backer who stepped in for show secretary Barbara McDannald, announcers Mary Loy and Dick Brown, farrier Steve Zindars, ringmaster John Frye, paddock master Doug Irvine, USEF Steward Jean Kraus, and official photographer Howard Schatzberg.
   

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 John McDonald, Euchee Matthews and Gerry Rushton; and the Breeder Sweepstakes where Conky Price and Bonnie Sogoloff joined the other three judges. In the other divisions Euchee Matthews (Gelding and Futurity In Hand, English Pleasure, Park Saddle, Pleasure Driving, Park Harness, Classic Pleasure Saddle, Roadster and Saddle Seat Equitation), John McDonald (Stallions and Mares In Hand, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Classic Pleasure Driving, Hunter/Jumper, Hunt and Western Seat Equitation and Miscellaneous), and Fatima Pawlenko-Kranz (Dressage and AMHA Dressage Medal) officiated.
   

The show ring highlights of the 2005 Jubilee Regional follow. Complete results can be found at Show Results.

 

Park Saddle
    

The Park Saddle division featured a combination of proven winners and first time visitors to the winner's circle. Many of the competitors were gearing up for more Oklahoma excitement at Jubilee. The expressive daughters of Simply Maserati carried home top honors with memorable Jubilee performances. In the open division it was Mantic Diva who displayed the winning style with Phil Fountain in the irons to earn the blue and tricolor honors for Peeper Ranch. Kurt Antonacci gave EKS Showboat a bold ride for the reserve championship finish for John and Karen Fogle under the direction of Diane Conrady.
    

The defending world champion in the division, Bellisimo and Judy Whitney Harris were in top form to earn the Ladies Park Saddle blue in their only performance of the show for Barbara and Arthur Jones. The three-year-old blue also went back to the Whitney Stables banner as Ernesto Chavolla guided the handsome Nobility son TES Annuity to the victory pass for Thomas Schubert.
    

Patchwork Simply Amazin' was all that her name implies and more as the stunning black Simply Maserati daughter swept top honors in the Junior Park Saddle Championship as well as the four-year-old qualifier. Jenny Taylor perfectly presented the pride and joy of breeders Janet and Eugene Siddle. BJL Courageous carried the reserve tricolor honors to owner Barry Laub with Kurt Antonacci presenting the bold HVK Courageous Flaire son for trainer Diane Conrady.
    

Lynn Miller and her athletic four-year-old Ultra's Dark Shadow turned in a pair of stellar rides to carry the Amateur Park Saddle blue and tricolor back to their cheering section at Lowry Stables. Following a blue ribbon ride in the junior exhibitor class, the ever-game Charlestown Michael and Emily Visides returned to earn the Amateur Park Saddle Reserve Championship prepared by Showcase Stables.

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 HVK Vibrance making his victorious return to the harness ranks. Phil and Gloria Blevins were on hand to cheer their dynamic stallion on the blue and tricolor with Thomas L. Caisse on the lines. The Blevins had twice the excitement as Boxford Bulls & Bears captured top honors in the Junior Park Harness Championship as well as the four-year-old qualifier with John Warner presenting.
    

The UPHA Three-Year-Old Park Harness Classic Championship was one of Thursday night's main attractions. Five exciting young performers answered the call of the class and it was the exceptionally gifted Spiceolife Present Tense who maintained his all-star billing as the unanimous champion. Diane Conrady again manned the lines of the spectacular chestnut for David James Walker. Judy Whitney Harris turned in the reserve tricolor drive with the sporty bay WS Commanding Spirit with a bold drive for Charles Connor.
    

The young horse competition remained strong throughout as Reserve World Champion Jack Rabbit Slim enjoyed a stellar season debut. Kurt Hufferd guided the charismatic Priscilla Marconi entry to the three-year-old blue. Judy Whitney Harris had another promising young performer in Dragonsmeade Wild Note, a daughter of And The Beat Goes On who topped the two-year-old class for Dragonsmeade Farm.
    

The world championship combination of Sheza Bell and Judy Whitney Harris continue to define the ladies division as they topped an outstanding field of four for the blue ribbon honors for Barbara and Arthur Jones.
    

Just a little over three months ago Sasha Klein had never shown a harness horse. Since her victorious debut with FZM Encore at Southern States Regional, Klein has earned quite a bit of experience with a total of four Regional victories including her most recent Junior Exhibitor Park Harness victory in a competitive class at Jubilee with outstanding instruction from Lynn Peeples.
    

It was a victorious return to the site of his UPHA Classic Championship a year ago for Evolution. Donna Zimmerman teamed up with her magnificent stallion to earn a pair of impressive victories for the Amateur Park Harness blue and tricolor directed by Jim Taylor. Out of harm's way following Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans resident Geoffrey Longenecker traveled to Jubilee to make his eagerly awaited debut with Great Joy. It was a joyful occasion for the Longeneckers of Saralin Farm as they earned the reserve honors.

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. Lyn Talmadge's gorgeous stallion Belalugosi was in high order to garner the Open English Pleasure Championship as well as the stallion/gelding blue with Mary Brannon presenting. Mary Carlton gave Martha and Bryn Edwards' RLH Striking Resemblance a bold ride to garner the reserve honors in the seven entry field following a blue ribbon ride in the mare class.
    

The ladies division featured a large and competitive field as well with a host of the season's top winners. When judge Matthews signed the championship card, it was JP's Livin On The Edge whose number was on top. Caren Earehart rode the bold chestnut to top the field and collect the flowers. The always elegant Futurity's Miss Munitions and Becky Krupp teamed up for the reserve tricolor performance for Lake Holiday Farm. The qualifier featured a new face in the winner's circle as the white trimmed Hylee's Showtime made a heads up performance with Michelle Wich to collect the blue for LeRoy and Doretta Umnuhs.
    

The Amateur English Pleasure Championship again capped the show ring competition at the Jubilee with the largest class of the division. When the winning announcement was made, it was World Champion Silversides Toy Solder and an elated Mary Fisher Davila who rode to the top of the competition in their first show of the year together under the direction of Phil Fountain. Elizabeth Burick certainly was in high spirits as she and Merriehill High Spirits were awarded the reserve championship prepared by Jim and Jenny Taylor.
    

The results from the qualifiers were quite different. John Green had the opportunity to tip his hat once again as Roadshow Steppin Out added another Jubilee blue to his collection with a crowd-pleasing victory in the amateur stallion/gelding competition. The amateur mares featured a blue ribbon debut for the new team of IGF What's The Question and Lynn Muir. The sporty chestnut four-year-old and her new owner were perfectly matched for the victory by Lowry Stables.
    

Lauren Cook enjoyed a memorable show in both hunt and saddle seat. In just her first season teamed with Gable's Top Quark, Cook added the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Championship to the Triumph Stables banner. Brittany Balletto matched up with Merriehill Farm's big, bold Futurity Chicago Whitesox to capture the reserve tricolor honors.
    

Alyssa Wick gave Molly Brackett's Wendigo's Tenderfoot a polished ride to carry the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure blue back to the Hardwood Creek banner. The Youth English Pleasure featured a blue ribbon victory for BellSouth with Meredith Lazar in the irons for Stacey Heidenreich under the Crystal Farms banner. Lyssa Bomgaars and Old Oak Rare Edition continued their victorious campaign as Ann Slomkowski guided them to the Walk-Trot English Pleasure win.
    

Jim Lowry's impressive string of four-year-old olds featured Comiskey Park returning to the site of his show ring debut a year ago. This time the mounty bay carried his second Regional Junior English Pleasure Championship of the year back to Phil and Pat Baker as well as the four-year-old blue. Jessica Cavanaugh and Cadence Jasmine put on a picture perfect showing for Cadence Farm to carry home the reserve honors.
    

Cavanaugh was also in the irons of three-year-old winner as the personality plus Merriehill Destiny Bay earned the blue ribbon for Christy Rafn. The limit blue went back to the Liberty Stables banner as MJK Fire N Ice earned the victory pass for Margaret Keeler.

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. The open division saw the charismatic HVK Winter Rose make a smooth transition back to the driving ranks as Tim Roesink presented the Bonnie Howard entry to the blue ribbon and tricolor. The six entry championship featured three-year-old winner Merriehill Destiny Bay stepping up with the big kids to put on an entertaining show for the reserve tricolor for Christy Rafn with Whitney Bodnar presenting.
    

The Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship was one of the most competitive classes of the show again this year. Eight top flight teams answered the call of the class. Judy Kjellander showed off her driving talents for her hometown fans as she guided her handsome four-year-old partner Dragonsmeade Virtuoso to the tricolor. NAS Rickenbacker and Nancy Murdock closed out with the reserve tricolor following a blue ribbon drive in the amateur stallion/gelding class with a bright performance directed by Phil Fountain.
    

The Amateur Pleasure Driving Mares featured a sharp win for Jacqueline Clapp and her lovely Cobridge Maximum Affair in their first performance following their move to Kentucky. The Hazen Training Center banner also featured the Ladies Pleasure Driving blue as Jennifer Hazen piloted the multi-titled Ridgerock Regent to the win.
    

Following a winning season under saddle, Reserve World Champion Almost Famous made a winning return to the driving division with two blue ribbon performances. Tim Roesink started off on the lines of the Man In Motion son for the six entry limit blue, and Bill Silber finished off with gentlemen's win.
    

Tyler Hufferd and JT Brannon are following in the footsteps of their horse trainer parents as they renewed their friendly show ring rivalry at Jubilee. Tyler Hufferd was matched with Merriehill Liza Jane by the Bodnars for a pair of victorious drives to earn the junior exhibitor blue and tricolor. JT Brannon and the always sharp Willowick Will To Wynne stepped for the reserve honors for Darlene Stodolski.
    

The Merriehill Farm string of winning youngsters in the pleasure driving division featured a quintet of junior horses earning top honors in various divisions. Tommy Bolt PGA was a bold presence in the winner's circle in the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship. Stan Bodnar directed the impressive entry of the Dodson family's Lake Holiday Farm. Following a win in the four-year-old class, the sporty white trimmed CN Grand Style showed off his style for the reserve tricolor presented by Jim Taylor for Ann Maile. 
    

As the stakes got bigger, the domination continued for the youngsters under the direction of Merriehill Farm. The UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic Grand Championship saw Merriehill Times Square ring in a unanimous victory with young Whitney Bodnar earning this title for the second time for Merriehill Farm. World Champion MEM The Patriot and Kurt Hufferd added the reserve tricolor from the eight horse field to a tricolor show for John and Patti Huse's Spring Mill Morgans.
    

Willowick Center Stage took her place on center stage in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving as Mary Brannon guided her promising filly to the honors.
    

The Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Championship featured a bright new star in KH Show Byz, a Stonecroft Byzantine son who garnered quite a following in his tricolor victory with Max Ciampoli on the lines for Pamela and Chuck Blossom. Jay Wood guided Jane Steffenhagen's top winning Hylee's Bella Donna to the reserve honors.
    

Whitney Bodnar had another sporty youngster in the Jubilee Futurity Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion TE Ammunition, a dynamic Tug Hill Whamunition son owned by Tazwell Enterprises. Tim Roesink and One True Love brought the reserve honors back to Laura Braddock.

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.
    

The first blue of the show went back to the Grove Pointe banner as LBJ Have A Heart posed for the Weanling Fillies blue with Tim Roesink on the lead for Jim and Laura Braddock. Diane Conrady directed the expressive Voila to the Yearling Fillies blue to follow last year's weanling victory for owner Deborah Donoho.
    

The two-year-olds carried home the tricolors from the Junior Champion Mare competition as Ah La Lucie posed for top honors with Rick Peterson. She started off a winning week for the get of Ultra's Special Agent in her victories for Becky Gaszak-Shafstall. Denise and Donald Wetmore cheered on their promising War And Peace daughter, Hope And Glory to the reserve honors presented by Jim Lowry.
    

Last year's impressive Jubilee Junior Champion Mare, Candelabra returned to show off her new mature look with Phil Fountain on the lead. The Continental Vision daughter collected the Three-Year-Old Mares blue and went on to be named Reserve Senior and Reserve Grand Champion Mare for Deborah and Michael Zahn.
    

Hylee's Seven Roses continued a blue ribbon season for proud owner Jane Steffenhagen at Jubilee. Glenn Bouvier had the brilliant Hylee's Galaxy Seven daughter in top order to garner the blue ribbon in the Four-Year-Old Mares.
    

Two-time World Champion Mare Long Acres Broadway made her presence known as she repeated her Jubilee victories of a year ago in what was her debut for Indian Creek Farm. Kurt Hufferd was on the lead of the Tug Hill Whamunition daughter to collect the Five and Over, Senior and Grand Champion Mare honors.
    

The geldings were next to command center stage in the In Hand competition on Wednesday with Papa D's Donnatello topping the yearling class. Brian Hadley presented the HVK Grand Entrance son to the honors for Michael Grabowski.
    

The SpringMill Farm breeding program has enjoyed a stellar season with their impressive young stock. SpringMill Medicine Man added to the string as he posed for the Two-Year-Old, Junior and Grand Champion Gelding honors presented by Kurt Hufferd. Damian Hyde was on the lead of JDS Required By Law to garner the Reserve Junior Champion Gelding honors for Debbie Lemay.
    

Both of the Senior Champion Gelding tricolors went back to the Diane Conrady Stables banner. It was Treble's Tornado who captured the top honors following a win in the five and over class for Jaye Alles. He returned to pose for the Reserve Grand Champion Gelding with Kurt Antonacci presenting. BJL Ransom made his presence known with Andy Marlett presenting as he posed for the Four-Year-Old Geldings blue as well as the Reserve Senior Champion Gelding honors for Barry Laub.
    

The Stallion In Hand classes rounded out Wednesday's daytime schedule. Merriehill Farm started off a banner show with a blue ribbon presentation by Epona's Intoxicato in the Weanling Colts. Mark Bodnar guided the fronty What's My Line son to the victory for the Alexander-Peteler Family and Epona Morgans. Whitney Bodnar had the winning lead in the next class as Cingate Lucky Star had the good looks and attitude to go along with his name. The son of Astronomicallee returned to carry home the Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Stallion honors to Cingate Morgans.
    

The stars were all aligned in the Junior Champion Stallion competition as the Liberation First Star son MJL Rochallor was named the reserve champion with John Hufferd presenting for James and Mary Jo Lovett. Diane Conrady added another blue ribbon to her banner as SMS Independence Bay earned a trip to the winner's circle in the Two-Year-Old Stallions for Dennis Mong with Kurt Antonacci presenting.
    

Judy Whitney Harris has an impressive look-alike son of Nobility in TES Annuity. The fronty bay made quite an impression to earn the Three-Year-Old, Senior and Grand Champion Stallion honors for Thomas Schubert. The Reserve Senior Champion Stallion also came from the three-year-old class as Bellafonte collected the tricolor for Barry Laub and trainer Diane Conrady.
    

A pair of Forevermore sons did their late sire proud as they earned the blue ribbons in their age groups. Shanghai added to his blue ribbon collection as Tami Johnson collected the Four-Year-Old Stallion honors with her full brother to World Champions Another World and Noteworthy. Renee Page followed with the blue ribbon presentation of JLH Bellasarius in the Five and Over Stallions.
    

The Jubilee In Hand Futurity classes rounded out the in hand competition later in the week. Whitney Bodnar was on the lead of another impressive youngster as TE Ammunition collected the Futurity Two-Year-Old In Hand Championship for Tazewell Enterprises. The Hylee Farm breeding program introduced another promising youngster sired by Hylee's Galaxy Seven as Hylee's At Last was named the reserve champion for Jane Steffenhagen.
    

The yearlings were split into two classes as Voila took another trip to the winner's circle as she added the Futurity Yearling Fillies In Hand title for Deborah Donoho. Jackie Sweeney was back for the reserve honors once again for Jane Steffenhagen on the lead of Hylee's Jane's Addiction.
    

The Jubilee Yearling Futurity Colts/Geldings featured a victorious close to the show for Cingate Lucky Star as Whitney Bodnar once again guided the crowd-pleasing Cingate Morgans entry. Papa D's Donnatello added to his success early in the week as Brian Hadley presented the Michael Grabowski entry to the reserve honors.
    

The Jubilee Futurity Weanling competition closed out the in hand division on Saturday evening. Jaye and Walt Alles enjoyed a tricolor sweep in the fillies as Stephen Smith led Ultra's Special Intention to the top honors with Brian Hadley presenting Alleswell On Broadway to the reserve.
    

The Futurity Weanling Colts saw the fronty Key Biscayne son Kat Man Do earn a trip to the winner's circle with Michael Slomkowski on the lead for Katherine White.  Epona's Intoxicato closed out the show with the reserve tricolor for Epona Morgans.

Classic Pleasure
    

The Classic Pleasure division featured large and competitive classes throughout. The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship closed things out in top fashion as Dawn Fire and her new partner Boogie Nights paired up in victorious fashion to carry the tricolor back to Peeper Ranch following a blue ribbon ride in the ladies class in their team debut. Becky Krupp gave Auhl Turned Out a bold ride to carry the reserve tricolor back to Lake Holiday Farm.
    

Marilyn Hackett and JW Enjoyabelle enjoyed another trip down victory lane as they earned top honors in the adult qualifier. A competitive group of junior horses saw Cherrydale Sudden Impact and Cortney Lucchesi combine to earn the blue ribbon for Rick Peterson.
    

Fire And Brimstone took his place in the winner's circle once again this year as Vicki Higgins rode the game chestnut to the AOTS win. Tyler Hufferd teamed up with All Hail To The Chief to earn a pair of Jubilee blues in the junior exhibitor saddle and driving classes for Julie Spanbauer.
    

World Champion Intrepid Immortal Beloved showed her winning style under saddle as well as in harness. Shelley Silber drove the elegant chestnut to the ladies as well as the limit driver blues. She then gave daughter Amanda McHatten the chance to show and win the blue ribbon in the limit rider class after several years out of the show ring.
    

Dennis Errett was the elated winning driver in the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship as he guided the smooth performing Plum Haven Minuet to the tricolor for Peeper Ranch. Iann Fu Longenecker piloted Cedar Creek Zanzibar to a stylish drive for the reserve honors following the junior victory for Cedar Creek Farm.
    

World Champion FCF Capestranno made a winning transition to the classic division as Russell Quilhot drove him to the adult blue in their only performance of the week for Indian Creek Farm. Allen Breyer and BPM Prairie Lily showed their versatility as they added the AOTS blue to their carriage victories.

Western Pleasure
    

The western pleasure division at Jubilee featured a group of smooth and steady performers jogging to the winner's circle. Bear Brook Supreme Bar enjoyed a tricolor return to the Midwest as Sammi Hazen rode the sparkling stallion/gelding winner to the open championship victory. Tracemark Tapestry was the picture of elegance as Andy Marlett presented the Kristie Strom entry to the reserve championship honors following a blue ribbon performance in the mare class.
    

The world championship team of Troika's Black Russian and Ling Fu Wylie carried home the roses to Dragonsmeade Farm in the ladies class with a smooth and steady performance guided by Phil Fountain.
    

Jill Eide and Where The Sidewalk Ends added another impressive title to their outstanding season as they jogged away with the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship over an outstanding field of entries to the delight of their fan club. John Huse and AMHF Bal Du Masque added the reserve honors to a tricolor season for SpringMill Morgans.
    

The amateur qualifier saw the well matched pairing of HDD Wild Thing and Haley Coplen add the blue ribbon to a winning season. The junior exhibitor competition featured Hylee's Fanflaire and Kali Erin Hutchinson team up for a polished ride to emerge with top honors prepared by Crystal Farms.
    

Haley Knauss had a smile as big as her cowboy hat as she rode Genuine Jade to the winner's circle in the Walk-Jog Western Pleasure to the delight of trainer Cheryl Woosley.
    

Dragonsmeade Farm introduced a new young star in Jubilee Junior Western Pleasure Champion Lucky Strike with Phil Fountain doing the honors on the handsome three-year-old. The sparkling, black Tanzania and Belle Hufferd collected the reserve tricolor following a blue ribbon performance in the three-year-old class for Dennis and Joy Rumsey.
    

Jordy Johns and the colorful BPM Estralita De Oro continued their winning season as they carried the four-year-old blue back to proud owner Kristen Breyer. Johns also guided Iron Forge Dress Blues to the winner's circle in the limit class for Sherrill and Pruit Helm.

Hunter Pleasure
    

The Hunter Pleasure division featured competitive classes throughout with many top champions earning Jubilee victories. World Champion Shaker's Maribeles showed her winning style as Mary Carlton returned to the winner's circle to collect Jubilee's open blue and tricolor for Judy Fox. Anne Mears and her entries made the long trip back to Jubilee from Wyoming and went home with the reserve championship as well as the limit blue thanks to bold performances by HVK Proud Nobility with Mallory Mignot aboard. This team also topped the junior competition with wins in the four-year-old qualifier and junior championship, where Century Oak Gallivant and Mary Carlton picked up the reserve tricolor for Bob and Muriel Herrick.
    

The second installment of the UPHA Hunter Pleasure Four & Under Classic Championship featured a promising field of eight vying for top honors. In keeping with their phenomenal string of youngsters in other divisions, Merriehill Farm is right there with their hunters as well. The eight horse field saw Merriehill sweep the tricolors with a pair of young athletes. Cingate Morgans continues to produce winning young stars and Cingate Lucky Strike earned the distinction as their first hunter pleasure champion. Jessica Cavanaugh rode the bold striding bay to the tricolor following the three-year-old class win. Stan Bodnar donned the britches and hard hat to pilot the white trimmed LLL Mihael to the UPHA Finals Reserve Championship for LLL Enterprises.
    

The ladies championship saw FCF Valparaiso and Jennifer Cooley continue their tricolor season under the Lowry Stables banner. LR Ami Sultan added the reserve tricolor for Mears Morgans with Mallory Mignot presenting. In the qualifying round, it was the bold performing team of Manchester In Demand and Misty Pleiness who earned top honors in the competitive ladies gelding and amateur stallion/gelding classes under the Crystal Farms banner.
    

Following the selection of the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship as the $4,000 Amateur Jackpot Championship in a drawing on Wednesday afternoon, everyone geared up for the Saturday evening competition. The field of eight was competitive from start to finish with many of the Midwest's top winning teams vying for the winner-take-all purse. When the winning announcement was made, it was a crowning achievement for Baby Ruth MHF and Nicole Peterson. The bold striding chestnut mare and her well matched rider carried home the tricolor and winning check to their fan club at Merriehill Farm. They began the week with matching blue ribbons in the amateur mares and ladies mares classes. It was a tricolor sweep for the chestnut mares as the defending world championship team of Shaker's Maribeles and Judy Fox collected the reserve honors.
    

Sara DeGregorio and Paradigm Power Surge added to their tricolor season as they topped the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure Championship after collecting the blue ribbon in the youth class prepared by Lowry Stables. Sasha Klein closed out a stellar show with all of her entries as she gave the bold striding Indian Creek Final Touch a game ride for the reserve tricolor following a blue ribbon performance in the 14-17 qualifier.
    

Laura Stern and LCS Strategically Speaking stepped up from the walk-trot division with a polished transition to the junior exhibitor ranks this season. They collected a crowd-pleasing victory in the 13 and under qualifier for Linda Groat and Lawrence Stern under the Showcase Stables banner.
    

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 over a competitive field of seven.

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 six rider competition. Holly Carlton, newly matched with the grand equitation horse Trophy J's Valentine, showed poise and polish to earn the tricolor following dual blue ribbon rides in the 14-17 age group and UPHA Challenge Cup. World Champion Sarah Shimmer showed skill and patience with her young mount MEM Like No One Else to capture the reserve tricolor following an impressive win in the AMHA Medal.
    

Hannah Johnson earned a trip to the winner's circle for her performance in the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under. Smart riding Lyssa Bomgaars continued her stellar season aboard Old Oak Rare Edition with her first of two victorious rides under the Showcase Stables banner in the five rider Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation. Megan Place added her own blue ribbon to the Crystal Farms banner as she presented Coalition X-Static to the Classic Saddle Seat Equitation win.
    

Sasha Klein showed her talent and versatility moving from pleasure to harness to equitation as she matched up for a polished ride on the rail and a flawless workout with WSG Mystic Impression for the Hunt Seat Equitation Championship under the direction of Kathleen Peeples. Ashley Wright matched up well with her new partner Kane Creek Oregon Reign to earn the reserve tricolor honors under the Crystal Farms banner. Lauren Cook enjoyed a pair of winning rides as she brought the AMHA Medal and 14-17 qualifier blue back to the Triumph Stables banner.
    

Olivia Lahr earned a trip to the winner's circle as she piloted JL's Night Tracks to the Hunt Seat Equitation 13 & Under win coached by Cheryl Woosley. Kelsey Robinson qualified for a trip to Oklahoma as she collected the AMHA Hunt Over Fences Medal. Sara Heidenreich and Fair Haven Federal Express showed their versatile winning style with blue ribbon victories in both the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation and Walk-Jog Western Seat Equitation prepared by Crystal Farms.
    

Crystal Farms had a stronghold on the Western Seat Equitation competition as well with Kali Erin Hutchinson earning the qualifier blue aboard her new partner Hylee's Fanflaire. Meanwhile, Sarah Shimmer showed off her style in a new division as she matched up with Vegas Santa Fe for the AMHA Western Seat Medal victory.

Miscellaneous
    

Jubilee's regional status ensures that it has a full compliment of classes for all disciplines. The Roadster division featured some crowd pleasing action as Nouveau Riche and Andy Marlett raced away with the Roadster To Bike tricolor following a blue ribbon performance in the under saddle class for Shannon Robins. Tim Roesink introduced a promising new road horse for Kourt Jester Morgans as the game Futurity French Command son Sting buzzed around the ring in high gear for the bike win and finished off with the reserve tricolor. Bill Silber was back on the lines of Primary Investment GP to add the Amateur Roadster To Bike blue to a winning show for Kourt Jester Morgans.
    

Danielle Lemke enjoyed a comfortable ride on her EZ Boy as they collected top honors in the Trail competition. Jill Eide earned another Jubilee blue as she had the winning pose in the Showmanship class. LR Ami Sultan and Mallory Mignot added the Road Hack blue to the Mears Morgans banner with a bold ride.
    

The Dressage competition featured Training Level blues for Senator Sharcoal and Marilyn Weber, Striking Viking Elite ASF and Laura Gerrity, and Bonner River Savannah and Denise Alban Kern. The top scores in the First Level went to Islamorada and Julie Inghram in two tests as well as Cindras Peekaboo and Leigh Kennedy.
    

The carriage competition featured a clean sweep for BPM Prairie Lily and Allen Breyer on the way to the High Point Carriage Award. In the hunter/jumper division Kelsey Robinson enjoyed winning rides aboard Melendy Cash Mare and Melendy Cash Bonus, while LR Amie Savior Faire and Mallory Mignot jumped to a pair of blue ribbons as well.

 

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  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More