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A Little More Summerfun



by Michelle Krentz

WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Fulfilling its namesake every year, the ASAW Summerfun Horse Show is a whole lot of summer fun! With the sun shining, but weather comfortable, the atmosphere was perfect for a great horse show July 23-26, 2008. With barns in attendance from around the Midwest, each class was filled with many different faces and horses. Aside from the horse show itself, exhibitors parties and an ice cream social added a little more summer fun, while a car wash benefited the ASAW Youth Scholarship, which is given to three members each year.

As always, the ASAW People’s Choice Horse of the Year was the painting on the trophy, and this year’s Horse of the Year is a legend around the Midwest show circuit. CH Lexmark has spent the last 13 of his 22 years at Knollwood Farm under the training, care and love of Scott and Carol Matton. The love for the liver chestnut trimmed in white affectionately known to everyone at Knollwood and most around the Midwest circuit as "Hootie," extends far beyond his trainers/owners. Three years ago, after Hootie taught former owner Laurie Stollenwerk much about how to ride a gaited show horse, Scott and Carol bought Hootie for themselves. Since then, Hootie has been a sort of wonder horse at Knollwood, as he is always there when someone needs a horse to show, needs to learn how to ride a five-gaited horse, or just simply needs to have a whole lot of fun. Although Hootie is seasoned show horse with a tremendous eight and a half-page long show record, it seems that he craves even more time in the show ring. At a young 22 years of age, if you listen close to his riders in the show ring, you won’t hear them clucking or encouraging, but rather saying easy and whoa. With his ears up every step of the way, Hootie really is an inspiration and a happy reminder that age never needs to hold you back.

Five-Gaited

Lana Gilpin bred and showed Summerfun’s Five-Gaited Grand Champion. By Periaptor and out of a Mountain Highland Memories mare, Memories’ Maestro is a handsome bay stud that shows a tremendous amount of potential. In the qualifier, it was Most Definitely Diamonds and Lisa Strickland who picked up the blue for Ellyn Dorsey. Reserve in the qualifier went to the beloved campaigner CH Harlem’s Hot Ticket and Neva LaFleur.

Both owners got a chance to show and win on Celtic Lass at the show. Mary Adams took the long-neck chestnut to the Ladies Five-Gaited blue, while co-owner/trainer, Lisa Strickland took the mare back to win the ladies stake. Deluge and D’arcy Pogue were reserve in both classes under Rick Wallen’s direction.

Always exciting from his way of going to his black coloring with white socks and a blaze, The Midnight Hero always seems to be a crowd favorite. Looking better than ever in the Amateur Five-Gaited Championship, the crowd got behind him even more, especially during his tricolor victory pass with owner Diana Schaefer. Reserve in that class went to The New World Man and Whitney Anderson under the Northern Tradition Farm banner. In the qualifier, it was Callaway’s Case Closed and Glenn T. Werry to make the victory pass. Reserve in the qualifier went to last year’s Amateur Gentleman’s Five-Gaited World Champion, Silver And Blue and owner Barbara Vincent.

In the junior exhibitor ranks, it was The Talk Of Lexington and Patsy Loeb who wore the tricolor. Rick Wallen trains the powerful dark chestnut. Reserve in the championship went to CF Night At The Castle and expert rider Brittany Baird. The qualifier winner was CH Harlem’s Hot Ticket, affectionately known around the Midwest circuit as "Merlin", and Nick Neviaser. The red ribbon in the qualifier went to the sporty pony, Callaway’s Exception To The Rule and Maya Manilow.

The only one in his class, the fancy flaxen mane and tail chestnut Battle’s Radar and Kenny Smith sure did get the attention of the crowd. Abundant in quality the four year old is owned by Barbara Goodman Manilow.

Jennie Bailey’s New York Designer sure made her proud as he marched through each gait with charisma and style to win the blue in the Junior Five-Gaited class with Scott Matton. A full brother to Miracle On Forty-Second Street, Miracle On Broadway looked to have the same type of quality as his world champion sister. Shown by John Willis and owned by Callie Davidson, the handsome gelding picked up the red ribbon in the junior class.

In the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic, it was MBA’s The Powers That Be and Pat McConnell to win the blue. By I’m a New Yorker and out of a Catalyst mare, the blonde mare has elegance, beauty and talent to spare. Brookhill’s Manhattan Moment and Mark Utoft were the reserve winners for Charles Pike.

Three-Gaited

In the Three-Gaited Stake and qualifier, it was Gossip Girl who was all the talk as she marched down victory lane with Mayo Moctezuma aboard. The flashy white-trimmed chestnut mare is owned by Dr. Meg Knowles. The reserve ribbon went to the steady, long-necked Royal Crest’s Jurassic Stone and Sharon Worzalla. Jurassic Stone also picked up the reserve ribbon in the Ladies Three-Gaited qualifier. In the open qualifier, the gorgeous and elegant bay mare Aphrodite’s Tears picked up the red ribbon with Paige Guisfredi aboard.

CH To Die For could not be beat at Summerfun in the ladies three-gaited division with owner Meredithe Steinhauer. Bubblegum and Liz Pinkerton were the reserve champions in the ladies stake class under the direction of John Willis.

After a strong reserve in the qualifier, CH (SA) Nelmar Tango 4 Ever and Emily Scharpf won the Amateur Three-Gaited Stake. Although it is Scharpf’s first year out of the juvenile ranks, Tango and she have really stepped up to the adult level and are fitting in quite nicely. Making a grand performance in their only appearance at the show, Heir To A Star and Glenn T. Werry were a sight to win the Amateur Three-Gaited qualifier.

The Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited classes were full of quality through and through. In the stake class, it was CH Tip O’ The Hat and Brittany Balagna to win the tricolor and continue a very successful season under the Centre Pointe banner. Reserve in the stake class went to the gorgeous duo of Champagne Reve and Kelsey Schanke. In the qualifier, it was a one-two Glenmore punch with the beautiful black mare She’s My Desire BH and Sarah Werry to pick up the blue. Werry’s stepsister and barnmate, Jessie Wuesthofen, picked up the red ribbon aboard her pony Amelia Heir Cat.

Continuing an undefeated season, Cataclysmic won the Junior Three-Gaited class. Trainer Terri Anne Ullman rode the breathtaking horse for owner Susan Halverson. The red ribbon in the class went to Jonelle Chovanec-Gardiner and her nice homebred horse Majestic She Said.

Four nice horses showed up for the Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited class and in the end it was Itzy Glitzy, an up-headed and fancy bay mare by It’s Hammertime and out of a The Silver Lining mare. Expertly ridden by Sharon Worzalla and showing a temperament of a horse with much more experience, this nice young mare should be at contender at Louisville. Reserve in the class went to Tiana and Rick Wallen. Owned and bred by Larry Gilpin, the young chestnut mare showed great potential for herself and the Gilpin’s young stud, Peri Rich.

Park

Bob Griffin always looks like he is having a ball aboard CH The Foxy Prince, especially during his victory passes in the Open Park Championship and qualifier at Summerfun. Griffin owns the grand gelding. Reserve in the championship went to Aurora’s Asset and Rick Wallen for Albert Kelm, while WV Sultan’s Radiant Vision and Ryan Rongers picked up the red ribbon in the qualifier for Lee-Mar Farms.

In the Amateur Park Stake, Sultan’s Petriphying Dreamer and Amanda Wroble could not be denied the tricolor as they marched down victory lane, making owner Darlene Mannix extremely proud. Magilla Gorilla and Curran Sukowaty won the qualifier and were named reserved in the championship, while CH Matching Spirit and Jacques Erffmeyer were the red ribbon winners in the qualifier for Bonnie Kegley.

The New York Look and Kenny Smith made an outstanding show to win the Junior/Novice Park class for Barbara Goodman-Manilow ahead of another nice horse, Back To Bedlam who was shown by Lana Gilpin for Larry Gilpin and Carson Kressley.

Fine Harness

Looking every bit of a true and talented fine harness horse, CH Cary’s Moonraker won the amateur class with Margo Baird-Valentine and then was shown back by trainer Pat McConnell to win the Fine Harness Stake. Reserve in both classes were Walterway’s Illegal Material and Walt Healey.

In the open qualifier, it was Joker’s Wild and Ryan Rongers to pick up the blue for Clean Sweep Farm, while Alicia Silverstone and Pat McConnell received the reserve honors for MBA Equestrians.

In the junior ranks, it was the outstanding entry of Glinda The Good and Rick Wallen to get the blue ribbon for Janene Steggeman. Princess Alison and Jennie Bailey put in a very nice drive to earn the red ribbon under the Knollwood Farm banner.

In the UPHA Fine Harness Classic, the winner was quite simply The Black Horse, driven to the win by Kenny Smith for owner and breeder Barbara Goodman-Manilow. The red ribbon in the quality-filled class went to the Midwest winner, MBA’s Royal Shadow Phax and Pat McConnell.

In the Two-Year-Old ranks, it was Bada Bling and Sue Worzalla to win the blue. The nice horse is by The Cheetah and out of the Worzalla’s nice pleasure mare, Waffles & Roses M.H.S. Reserve in the class went to Barb and Emily Scharpf’s homebred filly, Summer Jammies and Scott Matton.

Hackney Ponies

In the open road pony division, it was the swift duo of Thunder & Lightning and Denise Steinhauer to thunder down victory lane in both classes. In the open stake, it was Seamair’s Caprice to pick up the reserve with everyone’s favorite sponsor-seller Maggie Robertson. Moving up a spot from their red ribbon finish in the amateur qualifier were Thunderation and Meredithe Steinhauer for the amateur championship tricolor. Rick Wallen trains the amateur stake winners as well as Meredithe’s mom’s pony and the amateur pony winner and amateur pony stake reserve champions, Seamair Strutter and Mike Schallock.

In A Heartbeat and Ashley Baird picked up the blue in the AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony class as well as the red in the ASHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony Under Saddle class. Winning that class were Regal’s Lady Bess LF and the always-smiling Hannah Klint.

The two nice harness ponies at the show switched positions in their classes as Lightning Up and Katherine Kelm came back from a red ribbon qualifying drive to win the Harness Pony Championship, while Creation’s Wind Star and Lynn Durant won the qualifier and showed back for the reserve honors for Natalie Udell.

Tommy Hilfiger was the lone Hackney Pony on the show grounds, but that didn’t stop him from making two outstanding shows with his animated gait. In the qualifier, the fine pony was shown by Bob Richards and in the championship by Betty Glende, The pony is owned by Riverview Stables.

Final Answer and Bob Richards couldn’t be topped in the pleasure pony division as they won both classes for Riverview Stables. Reserve in the championship and the AHHS Youth Medallion class was Queensbury Debutante. Debutante was shown by Sue Powers in the championship and Patsy Loeb in the Youth Medallion. Reserve in the qualifier was Riverview’s Royal Salute and Bevan Sukowaty. The Youth Medallion winner has been undefeated with his driver all year, winning at Madison, Midwest, Tanbark and now at Summerfun. The pony is Honest Impression with Garrett Weiler.

Pleasure

There was another switching of places in the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure classes. In this case, it was last year’s World Champion Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure horse, Callaway’s Where There’s A Will. Emily Scharpf rides the strong-going horse under the direction of Knollwood Farm. The good-showing duo won the adult gaited pleasure stake after picking up the red ribbon in the qualifier. The reserve in the stake and the win in the qualifier went to Reedann’s Top Notch and Dr. Kyla Tremper. Pat McConnell trains the bold chestnut trimmed in white.

In the junior exhibitor ranks, it was two of the Midwest’s finest riders who battled for the win, Brittany Baird and Lindsay Kellner. Both girls put in strong shows with great passes to make it a tough call for Judge Lee Hudson. In the end though, the blue and tricolor went to Five-Gaited World Cup member Brittany Baird, who was aboard Toni Nastali’s My Pepper Ann. Reserve in both classes went to Unspoken Intentions and Lindsay Kellner.

As one person in the stands pointed out, "Toni Knight is doing a clinic on how to show a horse in this class." The class the person was referring to was the Park Pleasure Stake where Knight showed a standout and crowd favorite, Sapphire On Ice. The grand pair won both Open Park Pleasure classes. Reserve in the Park Pleasure Stake were An American Beauty and Lana Gilpin. Larry Gilpin owns the beautiful bay. Dr. J.R. Gallagher’s entry of Positively Radiant and Julio Rodriguez picked up the red in the qualifying class.

The Junior Park Pleasure winner had a grace and flow about her that kept your eyes glued to her. Demi’s Dark Design and Neva LaFleur won the class in high fashion for Ingrid Klongland. The red ribbon went to Casey McKibbage’s El’s Miracle and trainer Lance Hayes.

In an outstanding class of UPHA Park Pleasure entries, the future of the breed bodes well. Topping a class of 13, Oak Grove’s M’Lady In Red and Mark Utoft couldn’t have had a better ride, making owners Dr. Rick and Cindi Luft incredibly proud as they bred the horse themselves. Making his under saddle debut after being a sensation in harness was Mojito. Looking sensational under saddle as well, the three-year-old was ridden by owner Carol Matton.

The 39 and over show pleasure tricolor could not have gone to a nicer lady. Always focused and trying her best, Connie MacQueen’s riding has vastly improved because of her devotion and love of the sport. With her never give up attitude and will to please, she is riding wonderfully with great skill aboard her nice mare, DLF’s Last Investment. Reserve in the nice class went to the qualifier winners, Charm’s Local Gift and Lisa Balcerak. Reserve in the qualifier went to CH Wild Harley and Jackie Erdmann-Lopez.

Continuing an undefeated season, CH Knock Knock Who’s Heir won the 30-38 qualifier and 38 and under championship with Kristen Olson. The lovely duo rides under the Centre Pointe banner. Reserve in the 38 and under stake were the Wisconsin Owned & Shown winners, The Country Lover and Stacy Luft. The Country Lover and Stacy Luft are trained by Mark Utoft and Toni Knight. CH So Fortunate and Janene Steggeman won the 18-29 class under Rick Wallen’s direction.

In the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Stake, CH Tommy James could not be denied. With smart and smooth-riding Loretta Mulberry aboard, "Nick" marched up and down the ring making good pass after good pass. The Knollwood-trained pair also won the 14-17 class. The reserve honors in the stake class and the 13 and under class went to CH Laguardia and Eva Heniges. CH Fine By Me was the red ribbon winner in the 14-17 class, while Brookhill’s King Of Kool looked undeniably cool to win the 13 and under class with Jessica Wuesthofen.

In the Novice Horse Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class, it was Final Deklaration and Kerry Honkamp to win the blue, making proud owners Paul and Barb Schwemer extremely happy. Thea Treiber was back in the ring aboard Reedann’s Yes You May to win the red ribbon for Jenny Hackforth-Jones. In the Junior Exhibitor Novice Horse class, it was Majestic’s Wingmaster and Grace Gabower to win the blue for Elaine Richmond. The flashy chestnut is trained by Sheri Brandl. Ashley Baird rode for the red ribbon aboard Molly O’Donnell.

The Bourne Supremacy has a headset, charisma and look about her that makes her stand out so well in the ring. Sarah Luft owns the special mare as it was a wedding gift from her mom, Sue Worzalla, to her and her husband, Brent. The awesome mare won the Junior Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake, after Sarah’s sister, Sharon, picked up the red ribbon in the qualifier. Sarah’s mom also got a chance to show the mare in the Junior Show Pleasure Driving class where they won. The winner of the qualifier, Seaforth’s Heiristotle picked up reserve honors in the championship with owner Diane Nyhammer aboard.

After picking up the red ribbon in the qualifier, CH Sand Kalamehameha won the tricolor in the Show Pleasure Driving Stake. The always well-dressed Sue Duchow drove to the honors. Yellow Rose Memorie and Amy Weiler were the qualifier winners and championship reserves under the direction of Mayo Moctezuma.

Country Pleasure

Ecstatic owner/rider Shelagh Roell rode up to the winner’s circle in the Five-Gaited Country Pleasure Stake aboard A Champagne Event. The nice pair was the reserve winners in the qualifier. Riprap and Treesha Nielson claimed the reserve in the stake, while Royal Crest’s Stone Passion and Elizabeth Wildenberg won the qualifier.

In the Adult Country Pleasure Stake, Worthy One’s Party Dude and Megan Mahoney were the tricolor winners under the Country Meadow Farm banner. The happy duo also won the Adult Country Pleasure 18-38 class. Reserve in the adult stake went to world champion pair of Concrete Blonde and Kristen Pettry, while Rare One and Katy Holden picked up the blue in the 39 and over class.

I’m Dreaming looked like a dream to ride withHannah Klint aboard. In the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship, they picked up the tricolor with proud trainer John Willis running in to put the ribbon on. Reserve in the stake went to the qualifier winners, Matisse and Narin Avci, while the red ribbon in the qualifier went to Crimson Blue and Brittany Baird.

A team can’t get much more adorable than Highpoint’s Golden Angel and Amanda Winkels. The lovable pair won the Wisconsin Owned & Shown Country Pleasure class with Terri Anne Ullman serving as trainer. Patty Leone-Thiel always does a wonderful job riding, trainin, and caring for her horses, and I’m Steel Majestic is no exception. The pair picked up the red ribbon in the class, while Patty’s daughter, Vanessa, greeted them at the out gate.

Royal Crest’s Captivating Stone and Lexie Friedrich were the Novice Rider Country Pleasure winners under Sheri Brandl’s instruction, while Major Assetude and Tracy Kobs won the novice horse class. The Soprano and Kristin Tenorio were reserve in both classes.

The OTR blue belonged to the expressive, chrome-trimmed mare Tura Lura Lura and Sarah Luft. While Royal Crest’s Instone and Tori Brindel picked up the red ribbon.

Country Pleasure Driving Section A winner Kourageous Genius Supreme looked picture perfect to win the stake class as well with Judith Manning. Mercantile Exchange and Doris Brandl picked up the reserve honors in the stake. The section B winner was Callaway’s Sportscaster and Paige Guisfredi.

Always kicking up his heels in celebration, Super Rooster won the 29 & Under Western class as well as the Western Stake with Lisa McClaren aboard. The 30 and over and Shatner winner was High Alpine and Claudia Gardner Sipp.

Color Me Proud and Grace Meyer rode to the winner’s circle in the Hunter Pleasure Championship under the Centre Pointe banner, while Callaway’s Scoop The News and Kristen Pettry won the Hunter Seat Classic and qualifier under the Northern Tradition banner.

Equitation

Meaghan MacQueen had a great weekend at Summerfun and left undefeated. Aboard CH Louisville Lass and under the Knollwood Farm banner, she won the Equitation Championship, the 14-17 class and the NHS Good Hands class. Another Knollwood knockout, Angela Darrow was reserve in the championship after picking up the red ribbon in the Medal class. Yet another Knollwood rider, Deanna Lanigan picked up the blue in the Medal class. Samantha Jansen won the Challenge Cup class.

Ana Marcyan also left the show smiling when she won two out of three of her Adult Equitation classes. She won the adult championship, the adult Medal and was reserve in the adult Challenge Cup under Sheri Brandl’s expert instruction. The winner of the Adult Challenge Cup class was Jonelle Chovanec-Gardiner’s rider, Eliza Payne.

Another Sheri Brandl rider, Zac Cutting was unstoppable in the walk and trot division, as he won every class he went into: Walk & Trot Championship, the Challenge Cup and the Pleasure Equitation class.

After the intricate pattern involving dropping of the irons was called, you couldn’t help but notice a devilish grin on Mallory Hartigan’s face. She was obviously smiling because she knows she is strong without irons, and did she prove it in her workout. Shortly after, she was named the Pleasure Equitation Championship winner under the Country Meadow Farm banner. Hartigan also won the Pleasure Equitation 14-17 class ahead of Kristen Gardner who also picked up the red ribbon in the NHS Good Hands class. Reserve in the championship went to the 13 and under winner, Allison Schuh, who rides Tantara’s Magic Blessing under the Knollwood banner. Killian Sukowaty won the Pleasure Medallion with the help of trainer Terri Anne Ullman from the rail, while Cori O’Brien picked up the red ribbon. O’Brien was also the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup winner.

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