Skip to content

The Jubilee Regional Catches Political Fever



by Erin Thomas and Linda Hagan Kvanbeck

With the Presidential election right around the corner, and the Republican party in the middle of their convention in New York, the whole nation is gearing up towards the November elections.

The 40th Annual Jubilee Regional Horse Show took advantage of this prime opportunity to encourage Morgan horse enthusiasts to do a little voting of their own. On Friday evening, before the evening session, Indian Creek Farm hosted a meet and greet for AMHA Region 5 Director Candidate Ling Fu Wylie. Wylie is a well known member of the Morgan community. Along with her family they breed and raise Dragonsmeade Morgans. AMHA President Sherry Cole took a moment to talk about Ling and how beneficial she would be on the board of directors. Throughout her Morgan career, the former equitation rider, has had strings of show horses throughout the country, but also had the opportunity to keep Morgans in her back yard. The Dragonsmeade banner has shown horses from park saddle to western pleasure and every discipline in-between. According to Cole, Wylie appeals to all Morgan owners. She understands the demands of top performing show horses, and appreciates being able to look out her window at newborn babies running in the field with their mothers.

Current region 5 Director Mark Staehnke was also on hand at the reception to give the opening speech and explain why it was so important that Morgan owners, breeders, trainers, and especially exhibitors vote in the upcoming election. The hope of the current directors is that the committees will be filled with active Morgan owners who show their horses. Staehnke along with Sherry Cole encouraged the large crowd to vote on their own. They stressed how important it was to not give away your proxy, but to use it to express your own opinion. After the motivating speeches by both Staehnke and Cole, Wylie was on hand to answer any questions, and to make herself available to the crowd. The Indian Creek Farm provided everyone with a wide assortment of cheeses and wines, and a crowd was still lingering outside the Indian Creek stalls when classes began at 6:30.

Friday Evening was also a time to honor the first two members of the newly founded Jubilee Hall Of Fame. Doris Ryan and Mr. Breezy Cobra were the first inductees in 2004. (see separate story)

As if Friday Evening wasn't full enough, spectators had a chance to witness some big money winners in the UPHA Classic Championships. Three judges were called to the ring for the three championships with Tim O'Gorman joining show judges Richard Boule and David Young. Each of the winners in the Hunter Pleasure, Pleasure Driving, and Park Harness Championships trotted away with $5,000 in their pockets.

After the Friday evening show ring excitement concluded the traditional Jubilee Street Party got underway. Music, as always, was provided by Merriehill Farm until the wee hours of the nights. Crystal Farms provided the beverages, and every barn in-between Merriehill and Crystal Farms had a different treat to offer hungry exhibitors and spectators.

2004 saw the Morgan Breeders Sweepstakes return to the New England Regional Horse show. Although the number of entries at Jubilee stayed consistent with past years even without the Sweepstakes, the Jubilee Show Committee had an entire session to fill. So the 2004 regional show added some classes to the already diverse prize list, including Ladies Championships for the English Pleasure and Hunter Horses and also spread the classes out and changed the schedule around somewhat.

There as also an added draw to an already eventful show as the Show Committee donated $5,000 to the one of the amateur championships. Following the Wednesday morning session Show Manager Lenard Davenport pulled the named of an amateur championship out of a hat. The 2004 Amateur English Pleasure Championship was given a purse of $5,000, with $4,000 going directly to the winner and the remainder divided up among the next six placings. The money came directly from the show committee specially for the 40th anniversary. The decision was made at the 2003 November meeting as an attempt to keep the show growing and hopefully draw in more exhibitors. President Mark Bodnar confirmed that sponsorships for 2004 were up from last year and that as long as the show keeps making money he intends to put the profit back into the horse show. Whether they will continue with the Jackpot class will depend on how much the show profited this year.

Jackpot classes, added championships, Hall Of Fame inductees, Street Parties, and Meet and Greet Parties can't take place without a dedicated show committee. 2004 was Mark Bodnars inaugural year as president of the Jubilee Regional Horse Show and he pulled it off with a bang. Show Manager Lenard Davenport, show secretary Barbara McDannald, and a dedicated team of directors helped to make the 2004 Jubilee a delight to attend. Howard Schatzberg was in center ring capturing the blue ribbon moments, and Marcie Cockriel was on hand to make sure everything ran according to USEF Rules and Regulations. The show ring highlights of the 40th Annual Jubilee Regional follow with complete results also in this issue as well as on our website at www.saddlehorsereport.com.

In-Hand

Wednesday morning in the coliseum started off with a very competitive In Hand Mares division. 2003 World Champion Mare Long Acres Broadway made her winning debut for the Quilhots of Indian Creek Farm at Jubilee. This stunning mare was expertly handled by Kurt Hufferd to the title of Senior and Grand Champion Mare. Broadway, whose pedigree is a who's who of Grand Champions is by Tug Hill Whamunition and out of Mantic Mardi Gras. She started off her winning streak by placing first in the 5 and over class. Reserve in both the Senior and Grand Champion Mare divisions went home with the lovely UVM Faith with Diane Conrady handling for David Walker.

Phil Fountain handled Candelabra to the tricolor honors in the Junior Champion Mares division. This Continental Vision daughter took the her first victory pass in the two-year-old class for owner Debra Zahn. John Hufferd handled the Reserve Junior Champion Ryan's Chance to Dance sired by Stonecroft Byzantine and out of Morgan Flairchild for Champions Way.

Damian Hyde modeled the elegant Reserve Grand National Champion HDP Warrior Princess to the first place spot in the four-year-old mares division for Tina Lessnau. Hylee Farm began a blue ribbon show with HyLee's Seven Roses, the daughter of  HyLee's Galaxy Seven and HVK Irish Wild Rose, who posed for the three-year-old blue with Jackie Sweeney showing for Jane Steffenhagen. Voila and Renee Page dominated the weanling fillies class for owner Deborah Donoho.

Whitney Bodnar showed the Dodson family's impressive Call Me Alice to the first place spot in the Yearling Fillies class on Wednesday afternoon and then returned on Saturday evening to claim the Jubilee Futurity top honors. Call Me Alice, who is by Stonecroft Masquerade and out of Rum Brook Veronica, trotted away as the Jubilee Futurity Yearling Filly Champion for Lake Holiday Farm. Maynegate Touche, a showy daughter of The Master's Touch claimed the reserve yearling futurity honors with Renee Page handling for Barry Laub.

John Hufferd showed Linda Church's fancy MSV Miss Judy to the tricolor honors in the Jubilee Futurity Weanling Fillies In Hand Championship on Friday evening. Miss Judy is by Minion Millennium and out of the World Champion Aljak’s Miss Wham I Am. Reserve went home with the well named Hoot's Belles and Whistles handled by Mark Bodnar for Katherine White. World Champion Dragonsmeade Virtuoso and Judy Whitney-Harris trotted away undefeated in the geldings in hand division. The sporty Beethoven son posed for the blue in the three-year-old class and then went on to secure the Senior and the Grand Champion Gelding honors for Dragonsmeade Farm. Reserve in both the Senior and Grand Champion Gelding competition went to the winning four-year-old CCR's Zirconia. Bert Earehart handled the CCR’s Outrajus Courajus son to the titles for Gary, Nina and Lindsay Errington. Damian Hyde was on the lead of the winning Five and Over Gelding Sting as the Futurity French Command son posed for Jim and Carole Bradford.

KH Show Byz made a splash in the junior geldings division. This Stonecroft Byzantine son is out of the mare Merriehill Bodacious and was handled by Max Ciampoli to the tricolor as well as the two-year-old win for owner Pamela Blossom. This young gelding also trotted away with top honors in the Jubilee Futurity 2 year old In Hand Championship. Jay Wood showed the smooth and showy Hylee’s Bella Donna to the reserve futurity honors for owner Jane Steffenhagen. Mark Bodnar handled Fox Haven Bold By Design to the blue ribbon in the yearling geldings division as well as Reserve Junior Champion Gelding honors for Fox Hollow Morgans.

Mary and Michael Penn couldn't be prouder of the homebred Pincreek's Noble Vision. This stunning Nobility son has a ring presence far beyond is three years of age. Steve DeBolt had the honor of handling this young stud at the 2004 Jubilee Regional and under the Boxford banner, this young champion could do no wrong. “Buddy” as he is referred to by his family trotted away with the Senior and Grand Champion Stallion honors after winning the three-year-old stallion qualifier. The typey five and over winner, Aspenglow's Insurrection also collected the Reserve Senior Champion Stallion awards. The Tara's Cherokee son was handled by Phil Fountain for Kathleen Jensen.

John Hufferd introduced the promising young design Balenciaga as the Reserve Grand Champion Stallion for breeder and owner Louise Brandon Shane. Balenciaga, sired by Hollybrook Stage Rage and out of the legendary Schaparelli, trotted away with the blue ribbon in the yearling colts before returning to be named the Junior Champion Stallion as well. Pierre Loiselle showed Bonnie Lee Future Flaire to the reserve honors in the Junior Champion Stallion class for owner Mona Bonham. This young colt also collected to honors in the Two-Year-Old Stallions under Loiselle’s guidance.

There was much celebrating for Tami Johnson and Melissa and Randall Messina after breeder Johnson handled Winden Reign to the first place spot in the weanling colts for new owners Melissa and Randall Messina. The son of Johnson's Shanghai proudly posed on Friday night as the Jubilee Weanling Colt champion as well. Pensive Flash Magic and Diane Conrady collected the reserve futurity honors for Lani Prater.

Renee Page showed her own SMS Independence Bay to the Jubilee Futurity Yearling and Colts and Geldings Championship. The Thunderbay son posed for the tricolor followed by Fox Hollow Bold By Design with Mark Bodnar on the lead.

Park Saddle

Kimberly Caisse and HVK Vibrance were the last to the leave the Jubilee Arena for the 2004 show. As always the Park Saddle Championship concluded the Saturday evening session along with the 2004 show. The dynamic duo of Vibrance and Caisse earned the tricolor honors in the Park Saddle Championship for Phil and Gloria Blevins and their Shipyard Point Morgans. Vibrance started off by winning not only the Open Park Saddle qualifier, but the Open Park Harness qualifier as well with Steve DeBolt at the whip. The Park Saddle Championship was a hard fought battle with World Champion Bellisima and Judy Whitney-Harris collecting the reserve honors. Barbara and Arthur Jones own this HVK Bell Flaire son who trotted away with the blue ribbon in the Ladies Park Saddle class earlier in the week.

Lori Skover has sat back and watched Judy Whitney-Harris show her homebred Key Biscayne to world titles throughout his junior years, but nothing can compare to Skover's thrill of riding this animated young park stallion. Lori and Key Biscayne trotted away with the Amateur Park Saddle Championship on Friday evening to the delight of the Whitney Stables crew. Dawn Fire and Manic Diva started off the week by winning the Amateur Park Saddle qualifier on Wednesday evening with a bold performance. These two took the Jubilee arena by storm on Friday evening as they trotted away with the Amateur Park Saddle Reserve Championship for the Peeper Ranch.

James Lowry and Ultra’s Dark Shadow took two championship victory passes at the 2004 Jubilee Regional horse show. Not only did this athletic filly trot away with top honors in the Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Park Saddle Championship but she also topped the Junior Park Saddle Championship for owners Jim and Lynn Miller. Judy Whitney-Harris was in the irons of her own JW Town Miss for the Junior Park Saddle Reserve Championship. The elegant Man About Town LPS daughter took a first place victory pass in the Three-Year-Old Park Saddle to begin the week. MEM Heart and Soul made a spectacular showing in his only class of the week as Tim Roesink guided him to the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle blue for Kourt Jester Morgans.

Park Harness

After an undefeated run in the In-Hand division Steve DeBolt and Pincreek's Noble Vision decided to take the park harness world by storm. As gorgeous as the Nobility son is in hand he seems to radiate ability and confidence when harnessed. He trotted away with the Open Park Harness Championship title after winning the three-year-old blue just hours after his Grand Champion Stallion victory. As mentioned earlier Steve DeBolt filled in at the lines of HVK Vibrance for the victory pass in the Open Park Harness qualifier for Phil and Gloria Blevins. The Ladies Harness blue also went back to Boxford as Kim Caisse paired up with Kohler Stable's Boxford Gambling Man for the winning drive.

Jim Lowry had Donna Zimmerman’s Evolution in top order for another impressive victory in the UPHA $5,000 Three-Year-Old Park Harness Classic Championship. This impressive HVK Courageous Flaire son dominated the ring and is an absolute thrill to watch. It was a sweep for the HVK Courageous Flaire sons as Diane Conrady drove BJL Courageous to the reserve finish. She earlier guided the animated bay to the Jubilee Futurity Three-Year-Old Park Harness Championship for owner Barry Laub.

Judy Whitney-Harris was on the lines of Sheza Belle for the victorious drive in the Junior Park Harness Championship. This talented pair also took the victory pass in the four-year-old qualifier for Barbara and Arthur Jones. The game and talented MEM No Inhabitions and Shanna Gish followed up with the reserve honors in both outings for Maine Event Morgans.

Diane Conrady was back at the lines of another talented young harness horse. This time she drove Spice O Life Present Tense to the title in the Jubilee Futurity Two-Year-Old Park Harness Championship for David Walker.

Kurt Hufferd was at the whip for the debut performance of SpringMill Renaissance. The young entertainer sired by The Master's Touch drove away with the top honors in the Two-Year-Old Park Harness for the Huse family of SpringMill Morgans.

The springy Willowick Will To Wynne made a winning transition as JT Brannon was on the lines for the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness win. These two trotted away with the blue ribbon for owner Darlene Stodolski under the direction of Mary Brannon.

English Pleasure

The English Pleasure Division at the Jubilee is always a highlight of the show season for exhibitors in the region. More than any other show, the English Pleasure horses come out in force with both quality and numbers to make the classes exciting and challenging to pick the winner.

The Open English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings winner SCMF Winged Glory ridden by Larry Bolen for Cindy Sheldon came back to own the $500 Grand Championship in a deep, competitive class. Larry and this dynamic gelding are a handsome pair, perfectly in sync. HVK Steuben, every inch the epitome of a Morgan mare under saddle, captured Reserve Champion after winning the open mares ridden by Steven DeBolt for Kohler Stables. Jane Steffenhagen’s HyLee Grace Under Fire with Glenn Bouvier took third – “Gracie” is a dark beauty with four white socks accenting her natural talent.

When Erin Thomas and I divided up the show coverage, she asked me to take the English pleasure division since she was showing her fancy gelding Think About It MEM in the ladies and amateur classes. It wasn't exactly that she was expecting to win against the likes of exotic Nicoria with Amy Gatewood, game Roadshow Steppin' Out with John Green or elegant Futurity's Miss Munitions with Becky Dodson Krupp. But win she did, taking first in the ladies class, with Miss Munitions claiming second with a lovely ride. Becky and Miss Munitions came back to win the Ladies Championship, with the exciting Town Hall and Lynn Muir taking reserve.

Think About It MEM and Erin Thomas went on to a big win in the $5000 Adult Amateur Championship with a classy ride on Saturday evening. Amy Gatewood and Nicoria turned in a beautiful ride for reserve after winning the amateur stallion/geldings. John Green held the yellow ribbon high with a big smile for the crowd as Steppin' Out headed through the outgate to Texas. The elegant amateur mare winner Tara's Heavenly and John Stephenson carried the white ribbon back to Glenview with a top ride as well in the 11 horse competition.

In the junior horse division, the talented Cedar Creek Zanzibar won the three-year-old class with Larry Bolen for Cedar Creek Farm. The four-year-old win and Junior Horse Championship went to Belalugosi presented by Mary Brannon for Lyn Talmadge – this young stallion was a sight in the bridle with a big, free trot to boot. Living up to his name, the Reserve Champion JAR Panache took his win pass with flair with Phil Fountain for James Robinson. The Limit Horse class win went to the promising HVK Bell Flaire son Bri-B Bell Fury ridden by Tim Roesink for Havenwood Farm.

A stunning new team this year, World Champion Cabot French Pepper and Alyssa Wick came from their qualifier win to take the Junior Exhibitor Championship for Richard Cecchettini. Reserve in both classes was claimed by the beautiful mare Shine On Me with lovely rides by McKayla Kuss for her grandmother Helen Resong. Fire & Brimstone turned in a bright win in the Youth class with J. Travis Higgins aboard for parents James and Vicki. The AOTS class featured Treble's Max Factor and Elton Rocke making up the winning team.

More Stories

  • Letter To The Editor

    Dear Kentucky State Fair Board,

    My name is Melissa Moore; I am an American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horse trainer. I am a second generation horse trainer whose family is deeply immersed in this equine industry and has been for over 75 years.  

    Read More
  • UPHA Office Moving

    UPHA is relocating to a new address. Kindly update your records with our new location. The postal address is P.O. Box 3728, Midway, KY 40347 and the physical address is 123 East Main St, Midway, KY 40347. Read More
  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • 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