RALEIGH, N.C.-Less than 24 hours after the war with Iraq began so did the Tenth Annual Raleigh Spring Premier Benefit Horse Show held March 20-22, 2003 in Raleigh, N.C. The cafeteria in T. Ed Garrison Arena served as a viewing area for not only war coverage but also NCAA Basketball Tournament highlights. Many horse show Dads were found in front of the television catching up on the headlines from overseas and ball game scores.
With so much going on in the world and Americans being urged to go on with life as usual, entries and quality were great at this year's Raleigh Spring Premier. The 2003 show boasted many exhibitor's parties and local events for all to take part in. Not only was there a high quality horse show going on at the N.C. State Fair Grounds but also right across the street from the horse show was a top notch dog show. All different breeds were featured and some horse show exhibitors were pulling double duty and showing their dogs too.
Ray Cloninger served as manager for this year's horse show and, armed with his support staff, it ran like clockwork. Nelson Green handled this year's judging duties for the Saddlebred classes and Christin Stewart handled the duties for the Morgan classes with Brooke Jacobs in center ring as a learner judge for the Friday and Saturday sessions. Bob Moseder was the official photographer and caught all the winning moments on his new, prized digital camera which allowed exhibitors to see their proofs on a computer screen as soon as fifteen minutes after each session. MosederÕs new equipment also allowed for larger paper proofs, which made seeing them much easier.
Many new teams decided to take to the ring for the first time in 2003 at Raleigh along with many seasoned veterans. This year's horse show saw entries from as far away as New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire and served as a staging area for a great season ahead for all in attendance.
Five-Gaited
Belleavanti and Lewis Eckard made two excellent showings for Louise Allen and her All-Well Farm in Winston Salem, N.C. The dynamic pair took both the Five-Gaited Championship tricolor and the open blue for a very nervous but confident Allen. Barclay de Wet rode the always thrilling Have You Ever for Leatherwood Farm to the tricolor in the amateur five-gaited stake and to the blue in the qualifier. Berry Garcia and Anna Drew Kirk were crowned the winners of the Five-Gaited Ladies class. Ross Berger made a wonderful showing for Alice Lyda and Kathy Lyda Berger with Prairie Dancer to take the tricolor in the junior exhibitor five-gaited stake and the blue in the qualifier. Three very talented junior gaited horses took to the ring for the Five-Gaited Junior Horse class Thursday evening. Smith Lilly and Resplendence took the blue for Sue Nifong and Silverlin Farm. Another strong showing of talent was in the Five-Gaited Novice class Friday evening. Waiting Heir and Lewis Eckard took the victory pass for Tracy Keziah of Monroe, N.C. Morgan Berger made two picture perfect rides with The Dreamcatcher in the five-gaited pony stake and qualifier to capture the tricolor and the blue for Alice Lyda & Kathy Lyda Berger of Monroe, N.C.
Three-Gaited
Michael and Nancy Gordon's She's An Asset and Paul Boone were in the winner's circle in the Three-Gaited Championship. Smith Lilly took the blue in the open class with Lucrative Lady for T & T Saddlebreds of Taylors, S.C. Barbie Thornton guided the horse to the win in the Three-Gaited Ladies class on Friday night. Kim Williams and Bernie's Spirit were in the winner's circle in the Three-Gaited Amateur Stake for Mr. and Mrs. Brownie Williams. Robin McKenzie Vuillermet and Hayden Fox took the blue in the amateur three-gaited class Thursday evening.
French Silk Stockings and Allison Combs were the winners in the Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor Stake and qualifier for Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Shires and Allison Combs. Gary Guz and Love To Dance took the blue ribbon in the Three-Gaited Junior Horse Class back to Bangor, Penn. Allie Wellington and Too Legit To Quit took home the tricolor in the Three-Gaited Pony Stake for Louise Allen and All-Well Farm. Lauren Pyes and Dawn Juan GAF took the blue in the qualifier.
The ever-growing park division was certainly strong at Raleigh. Kathy Jones Herlocker and WorthyÕs Sleepless Nights took the tricolor in the Three-Gaited Park Stake for Carolyn Jones. Mondi and Gary Guz were in the winnerÕs circle for Mary Ann Byers in the open park class. Overachiever and Jennifer Geisler took the tricolor and the blue in the Three-Gaited Amateur Park Stake and qualifier for Margaret Morrison. The Three-Gaited Park Junior Exhibitor Stake and qualifier were dominated by Sanibel and Chelsie Smith. The talented team took the tricolor and blue ribbon home to Monroe, N.C.
Fine-Harness
Leatherwood's Lavender and Michael Richardson took the tricolor in the Fine-harness Championship for Cricket Hill Farm, LTD. Johnny Lucas and Brenda Kelly's entry Latte took home the blue in the Fine-Harness Open class. The Junior Fine-Harness class blue went to Catalytic and Cash Lovell for Susan Hollowell.
Roadster Horse/Roadster Pony
West Gate Villian and Michael Gordon, Jr. took the tricolor in the Single Roadster Horse Championship for Michael Gordon, Sr. The speedy duo also took the blue in the open class on Thursday. Steve Deutsch and his novice road horse Absolute Bedlam took the blue in the novice class for Alexander and Steve Deutsch. Steve Hanks' entry I Would If I Could and Gary Altizer sped away with the blue in the Roadster Horse Under Saddle class.
The sporty Seize The Moment and Lewis Eckard took the tricolor in the Single Roadster Pony Championship for Susan Harris. This speedy pair also took home the blue in the open class on Thursday. The talented Cappuccino and Holly Gassen took the tricolor and the blue in the amateur championship and qualifier for Brenda Kelly. Gassen's son, Charles, hopped in the bike with dad, Steve Gassen, after the championship class for the ride back to the barn.
Allie Wellington was in the winner's circle again, this time with her pony, Boot Scoot And Boogie in the junior exhibitor roadster pony class for Louise Allen and All Well Farm. Dustin Deaton rode D.D.'s Precious Moments to the blue in the Roadster Pony Under Saddle class for Dustin Deaton Chaney Paint Co. of Monroe, N.C.
Hackney/Harness Pony
Roy Harris and Charming Charlene were in the winner's circle for Sharon Lewis in the Single Harness Pony Championship as well as the open class. Another entry of Lewis', Mr. Hawkeye and Harris took the blue in the Single Hackney Pony Championship. Lewis drove the talented pony to the blue in the open class. Lewis also drove her entry, Clever Disguise to the tricolor in the Hackney Pleasure Pony Driving Championship and to the blue in the qualifier. Susan Harris and Hawkeye's Flashback took home the tricolor in the Open Pleasure Pony Driving Championship and qualifier.
Pleasure
Luanne Kilday and Callaway's Crown Jewel made a clean sweep of the Five-Gaited Pleasure classes. They took home the tricolor in the stake and the blue in the qualifier. Similarly, Victoria Woodruff and CH My Korbel swept the junior exhibitor five-gaited show pleasure classes for Vonda Goff. Diane Lawing and CH Absolutely A Lady were named the victors in the Three-Gaited English Show Pleasure Adult Championship and qualifier for Diane and William Lawing. In the junior exhibitor 14-17 championship it was Sydney Carter and It's Yabba Dabba Doo Time in the winner's circle for Susan Carter. This team took the blue in the qualifier as well. Wing's Main Attraction and Adrienne Fitch were called to the winner's circle for Dr. Duane and Margo Fitch in both the 13 and under championship and the qualifier. The 12 and under riders were out in full force for the Pleasure Walk and Trot 12 & Under Championship and qualifier. Patience Ergish and CH Harlem's Black Magic were victorious in the championship and the qualifier for Beth Watson.
Debbie Palmer and Dream To Remember were the winners in the Three-Gaited Amateur Trained Show Pleasure class, they carried the blue ribbon home the Maple Top Stable in Dublin, Va. Nine novice riders answered the call for the Three-Gaited English Show Pleasure Novice Rider class. Marion Bryan and Lady Mysterious were the winners for Marion and Hugh Bryan of Fayetteville, N.C. Heather Boodey guided Five Star Sweetie to the blue in the Three-Gaited Pleasure Prospect Horses Four Years Old and Younger class. Bill Lineberry and Line Share Farm own the youngster.
Sarah Beth Longworth and Fox's Dancing Fire made a clean sweep of the English Pleasure Pony Stake and qualifier for Teri Longworth of Clemmons, N.C. Miriam Gwaltney Adams and CH Santana's Night Moves took the tricolor in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. Harlem's Babe Ruth and Susan Whittington were the victors in the qualifier on Thursday evening.
The Three-Gaited English Country Pleasure Adult Championship and qualifier were dominated by The Chesapeake Bay and Dr. Lisa B. Shorter Oakes. The team carried the tricolor and the blue home the Chatham, Va. Brooklyn Beau and Sierra Moon were the victors in both the junior exhibitor 14-17 championship and qualifier. In the 13 & Under Championship it was Will's Willy and Catherine Fulper taking the victory pass for Margaret Gardiner. Katie Morrison and Bankshire's Davy Jones took the blue in the qualifier for William Crouse. Debbie Palmer was again in the winner's circle, this time with her Bonnie Santana in the Three-Gaited English Country Pleasure Amateur Trained class. Diana Lewis and Badaboom Badabing took the blue ribbon in the novice class on Friday.
Tatum Faithful and Liquid Trust were named the winners of the Western Country Pleasure Championship and qualifier for Mary Ann Goodwin. This team also took the blue in the Saddle & Bridle William Shatner Western Pleasure class.
The Gentleman Prefers and Sharon Lewis took the blue in the Hunter Country Pleasure class back to Simpsonville, Ky. Ron Cook and CH He's Real Bad were victorious in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier.
Equitation
Lindsey Gama was victorious in the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship and qualifier. Gama also won the UPHA Challenge Cup Saddle Seat Equitation class. Hana Norwood was in the winner's circle in the 10 & Under Walk/Trot Saddle Seat Equitation class and the UPHA Walk/Trot Equitation 10 & Under class. Dawn Houghtaling of Wendell, N.C. was named the winner of the Adult Equitation class. The UPHA Pleasure Equitation blue went to Kristina Coil of Raeford, N.C. Jill Sahajdack took was in the winner's circle in the UPHA Adult Equitation class. The USAE Medal Class blue belonged to Sarah Ann Howell of Raeford, N.C. Aimee Austin claimed the blue in the NHS Saddle Seat Event class. The Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Medallion blue went to Misty Hall of Raleigh, N.C. Leah Ling was named the winner in the Morgan Equitation Walk/Trot 12 & Under Saddle and Hunt Seat class.
Morgan
Andree Vetrano and Chintimini Heart And Soul were in the winner's circle in the Morgan Park Horse Stake. AMHF Absolut Celebration and Ken Swanson took the blue in the Morgan English Pleasure Championship and qualifier for Julie Broadway. Tristanne Weber and Cedar Creek Tour De Force were the winners in the Morgan English Pleasure Ladies To Ride class for Mindy Barbee.
Lauren Martin and Century Cheyenne were victorious in the Morgan English Pleasure Amateur Stake and qualifier for Phil and Gloria Blevins. Ashley Clanton and KHF Bleeding Heart took the tricolor in the Morgan English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Stake for Tracy Clanton. Glorious Answer and Natalie Tetterton took the blue in the qualifier for Connie Marshburn and Natalie Tetterton.
Matthew Cole and LRF Patrick Henry were in the winner's circle in the Morgan English Pleasure Limit Horse class for Matthew Cole and Barbara Covington. Leah Ling and FPM Adella Ann captured the blue in the Morgan Walk & Trot Pleasure 12 & Under Saddle & Hunt Seat class for David Ling. Meg Dickerson and Sir Levi claimed the blue in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle Open Stake for Matthew Cole. Nan Bowling and Flintlock's C.O. carried the blue home to Charlotte, N.C. in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Open class.
Cavu Command and Anna Hormann were the victors in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor class for Donna Fiaschetti. Sir Levi and Carrie Riddle carried away the blue in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle Limit Horse class for Matthew Cole. Tristanne Weber and Marilyn North's Sheradin's Noteworthy took the blue in the Morgan Western Pleasure Championship and qualifier. This team also won the Morgan Western Pleasure Ladies class. Swan's Genuine Trust and Elizabeth Ann Tew were in the winner's circle for Kay Williford in the Morgan Western Pleasure Amateur To Ride Stake and qualifier. Joe Anne Jones and GVF Radiant Command were in the winner's circle in the Morgan Western Pleasure Amateur Owner To Ride for Jones and Branchwood Morgans. This team also took the blue in the Morgan Western Pleasure Limit Horse/Junior Horse Class.
Fran Williford and Swan's Genuine Trust took the blue in the Morgan Western Walk/Jog 12 & Under class for Kay Williford. Tristanne Weber and Michael and Jamie Fiocco's Carmen Miranda were the winners in the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Stake. Jason Harrell and MLF Calamity Jane took the blue for Loblolly Farms, Inc. in the Morgan Hunter Pleasure class. Jamie Jaegeer Fiocco rode Carmen Miranda to the tricolor in the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Amateur Stake and the blue in the qualifier for Michael and Jamie Fiocco. Kelsey Moore and T-Towne Tiara was the winner in the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor class.
Tommie Ann Styons and LHP Empress In Command took the blue in the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Limit Horse class for Ashley Lewis. Frances Pugh and Tara's War Eagle were victorious in the Morgan Pleasure Driving Championship, they carried the tricolor and the blue from the qualifier back to Tara Farm. The Morgan amateur pleasure driving championship tricolor went to HVK Primary Light and Carl Johnson for owner Holly Johnson. This team also took the blue in the Morgan Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor class.
KHF Bleeding Heart and Tracy Clanton took the blue in the amateur Morgan pleasure driving qualifier on Thursday. Merriehill Local Talent and Jason Harrell took the blue in the Morgan Pleasure Driving Junior Horse class for Simply Southern. Donna Fiaschetti and Cavu Command were named champions in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. Fletcher Flash and Leslie Minard were the winners of the Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving Open class for 21st Century Morgans.
These are just the highlights of the Tenth Annual Raleigh Spring Premier Horse Show. For complete and searchable results visit our website at www.saddlehorsereport.com.