Skip to content

Louisville - Wednesday Daytime



Amber Lager gave the winning ride in the 8-and-Under Walk-and-Trot Equitation. It was Alayna Applegate making a second straight victory pass in this qualifier. The 2012 World’s Champion was once again directed by Shelley Fisher. A year ago it was CH EQ A Sweet Sensation as her equine partner, so she missed out on the chance to show back, as it was then-owner Taylor Newton’s final junior exhibitor year. Ethan Allen Lane DeVore was the announced name for the Reserve World’s Champion. Trainer and dam Tammy DeVore guided him to a second straight reserve finish here in Freedom Hall. He was the 8-and-Under Reserve World’s Champion of Champions in 2012. Haily Miller finished a good third, followed by Katherine Lewis in fifth.

It was another two-time winner in the second class of the day, Adult Country Pleasure Section One. Kristin Stivers and High Point Memories, also winners of their split in 2011, were the World’s Champions once again for Willow Wind Saddlebreds. Jimmy and Helen Robertson put this team together again this year with great results. Their qualifying run ended with two good wins at Shelby County Fair, priming them for the big time and a return to victory lane. Nicolle Beltz Tolliver looked delighted in reserve aboard South Street for Dr. and Mrs. Homer Beltz. Showing out of Biggins Stable, this was their best Louisville finish together, having gone top three in the championship in 2011. Their season has consisted of only blues outside of today, winning twice at both IASHA Spring Warm Up and Indianapolis Charity. With a total of over 40 entries in Adult Country Pleasure, this split featured 20. CH Fine By Me and Alicia Sacotte navigated the traffic well to place third, followed by another Wisconsinite, Cornelia Hempe, with CH Shamrock’s Asagi.

Stepping up from the 8-and-Under division where she was undefeated here, Remi Adams claimed the 9-Year-Old Walk-and-Trot World’s Championship with Miss Mheiry Mac. The Mac Attack daughter has been picture perfect under the DeLovely banner, taking Remi to now her fifth World’s Championship win. The Lexington champions took the blue ribbon once again today. Thea Merlo was a popular Reserve World’s Champion from the Northern Tradition team. She is teamed with the great CH Hank Heiron. This was a second year in a row for Thea to earn a red prize here at Louisville. She has been first or second in every one of her classes this year, winning seven times already in 2013. Mila Olivier made the long trip from Stellenbosch, South Africa, claiming third prize in this true World’s Championship. Harriet Butscher made the much shorter by comparison trip from New Orleans to earn fourth.

First Class Heir was first class indeed, carrying off the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Driving blue in unanimous style with Brianna Meyer. Directed by Hollow Haven for Brown-Anderson Farms, First Class Heir was accompanied down victory lane by Lynda Freseth, who gave a wave to the Hollow Haven hollerers and their signature leader Nancy Leigh Fisher with her “Yeah Boy!” Undefeated over the past two seasons, this was Brianna’s first Louisville win. Rose Marie Wheeler and World Turning earned a Reserve World’s Championship for the second year in a row. Showing under the Grey Ridge banner for Carroll Robertson Ray, World Turning is by The Mac Attack and out of Starheart’s Whisper. This was actually the same order of finish in the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Challenge Finals last year.

Though the scoreboard said Juan Rios was the driver, we are pretty sure that the 13-and-Under Road Pony winner was Sallie Mason Wheeler at the lines of Mastercraft’s Red Baron LF. Just a five-year-old, Red Baron was the UPHA Road Pony Classic Reserve National Champion last season. The unanimous winner was directed by Majestic Oaks for George Burgy. Cousin Rose Marie Wheeler actually made the catch drive at Blue Ridge, taking a good reserve there. It was a good back-to-back for Hollow Haven, as Ashley Creekmore was the Reserve World’s Champion in this one with Outside The Lines for Thomas R. Brock Jr. This is just the second show for Outside The Lines and Ashley, as they come together as a team. Turbo Blue and Ribbons of Service Champion Jordyn Isgrigg finished in third for Ann Boyd. Dun-Haven Highly Impressive and Kellie Saccocia made Cater Stables proud in fourth.

The biggest money class of the day was the ASR Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Park Futurity World’s Championship. John Conatser and Evolution got the biggest piece of that $15,000 purse, as they stepped off strongly down the rail for Stonegate Saddlebreds. Winner of the Two-Year-Old Park Sweepstakes a year ago, Evolution is by Undulata’s Nutcracker and out of World’s Champion Callaway’s Little Dipper. Another one by Nutcracker, Macadamia was the popular Reserve World’s Champion with John Biggins giving a tip of the hat for owner Ed Rhoads. It was a show ring debut for the hingy chestnut son of Sass With Class, a mare remembered as the 2003 Fine Harness Mare World’s Champion. Be Me and Mike Tunstall earned a good check in third for Maple Hill Stables, while Lovesick Blues and Suzy Shiflet were fourth for Lynne Hege. The notoriously thrifty Doug Shiflet just missed out on a chance at a free towel after the class was stripped, as one of the attendants left theirs in the green shavings. They noted their error as Doug was going to pick it up for them. He probably was going to give it back to them.

Matthew Worzalla’s fourth win of the year was certainly the biggest of his career. He and Brunello took it to the ladies in a 13-horse 10-Year-Old Walk-and-Trot World’s Championship. Mom Sue Worzalla won her first World’s Championship last year with Once And For All in the ASR Amateur Weanling Futurity of Kentucky. With Matthew’s win this year, perhaps a trend has begun and the Worzallas will have to win one every year! There are plenty of them to go around, as they have a prolific breeding program in their Wisconsin home base. Not only do they produce World’s Champion horses, they produce World’s Champion riders now as well! Scott Matton does the fine tuning for Matthew at Knollwood Farm. Mina Mueller is in her second year out of Academy. She was a winner at Asheville and then twice more at Chattanooga/Cleveland Charity. She earned the title of Reserve World’s Champion here today. Jessica Manzo finished third under the Blue Willow banner, with Cara DeForge fourth for Team Kierson.

A Reserve World’s Champion a year ago, CH Teuschers stepped up one notch to win the second split of Adult Country Pleasure. Gretchen Bentz navigated the herd well on behalf of owner Teresa Atkin and LaFleur Stables. The grand gelding has been a tremendous campaigner for many a year. He took Gretchen to her first World’s Championship win today. Dr. Owen Weaver took the reserve honors with Schadenfreude for Fox Grape Farms. Just a four year old, this one is by Undulata’s Nutcracker and out of the great Garland’s Dream. This is yet another world-titled home bred product of the Via family. Jacqueline Beck and Rob New York finished third for Terri Dolan under the Visser Stables banner.

The Three-Year-Old Hackney Pony World’s Championship went to a unanimous winner, Heartland Commendable, with Darrel Kolkman driving his entry to the blue ribbon. Chris Gantley headed up the winner. Commendable is by Heartland Blackhawk and out of a Dun Haven Bandolier mare. Keith Johnson’s entry, The Great Gatsby, was the Reserve World’s Champion under the direction of Matt Schuckert. This one is by X-Treme and out of Heartland Lasting Love, by Sky King.

Cheers To You packed a lot of qualifying into the month of June, knocking out five of her six classes in one month, winning all five. She was a winner once again today, continuing her undefeated run as a park pleasure horse. This time, it was as the winner of section one of Junior Park Pleasure. This incredibly popular division is just in its infancy here on the green shavings and continues to produce great classes. Kenny and Ceil Wheeler own this blue ribbon winner. Mike Tunstall once again made a top ride for the top prize. Thundergun had a heck of a split, as he was the sire of the top two. Reserve honors went to Iza Diva, an entry of Judah Saddlebreds out of a full sister to CH Riva Diva. Mark Webster made the show today for the Judahs, claiming the mare’s best prize to date. California Design and Tom Thorpe were a good third for Janet Walters. Absolutely Got It and Renae Van Zomeren finished fourth for Mark and Renae Van Zomeren.

Champion of Midwest, Hot Apple Cider continued a good season for owners Carla and Jayne Pearman, winning section two of Junior Park Pleasure with Robert Gardiner. The big chestnut is by VHF The Licorice Drop Kid, giving him his size and stature. Hot Apple Cider is out of a Sultan’s Matchmaker mare. Soquili’s Cover Girl LLC earned the reserve nod with Jim Lowry up for Tom Fiedler. This one is by Undulata’s Nutcracker and out of Callaway’s Bluegrass Girl, the dam of Callaway’s Clemency. The jet black Midnight Annie and Bret Day finished third for Bonus Time Farm. Monnington Iconic and Lionel Ferreira picked up fourth for Paul Cullen.

An epic morning for the cheeseheads of Wisconsin concluded with yet another victory pass, this one for CH The Evangelist and Liz Schultz. The American Saddlebred Association of Wisconsin People’s Choice Horse of the Year winner is by Desert’s Supreme Memories and out of Tanbark’s Enchanted Evening, making him a full brother to Junior Five-Gaited Mare World’s Champion Moonlight Memories. Virgil Helm actually debuted The Evangelist here as a three-year-old gaited horse. Liz and The Evangelist have had a grand career together under the Equitate LLC direction of Sheri Brandl. They were Saddle & Bridle’s Shatner Western Pleasure Finals Champions just last year. The Power Of One has been to Freedom Hall on several occasions. As a weanling, he was a Reserve World’s Champion in the ASR Weanling Futurity of Kentucky. The next year he was a World’s Champion in the Yearling Futurity. His Western career now includes a Reserve World’s Championship, as Laurie Fowler rode him to this prize under the direction of Dena Lopez. A World’s Champion in this division, Buttoned Down finished third today for Grace Arnold, followed by Lexington Champion Blushing Bull with Malissa Welke.

The Cater crew is having a good week here on the green shavings. They continued their trend of good goes with a 14-17 Country Pleasure Section One World’s Championship. Extremely Fortunut carried Brittany Cloutier to both of their first World’s Championship wins. These two were twice reserve here a year ago for Roland and Laura Cloutier in the Undulata’s Nutcracker x Miss Moriarty product’s four-year-old campaign. Drew Taylor Hewitt looks like anything but a junior exhibitor, as she can handle just about anything a horse can throw at her. She also happens to stand about six feet tall, towering over most all of her competitors, not to mention horse trainers! She rode Royal Valentine to the reserve title in this one for DTH Saddlebreds and Clouse Stables. The River Ridge Champion is by Samur and out of Royal Pretty, by Sultan’s Royal Flush. Alison McMillin was third in this one with “Baby Ringo,” Hard Day’s Night TS. De La Hoya and Hannah Houske rounded out the top four.

Twin Willow’s Handsome Dan produced World’s Champions on back to back days for Golden Creek Farms. Today, it was Handsome Harry to be named a winner, with Jeff McClean making the drive. Handsome Harry is black like his sire. He is out of Heartland Mary Belle, by King’s Brass. He has been a star since he was a baby, having won the AHHS Limited Breeders’ Hackney Weanling Stake. This time around it was as the Three-Year-Old Harness Pony World’s Champion. From the Light Farms, Regal’s Leah Rae LF was the reserve winner with Juan Rios driving for the Majestic Oaks team. Dan and Leah Light bred and own this one by Dun-Haven Regal Attraction out of a Romeo LF daughter.

The ASR National Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure Futurity was the domain of the Arabian trainers again, as Jim Stachowski brought out another grand horse to put on a smashing show. It was Bob Phillips that made the breakthrough performance for the Arab gents in this very same class back in 2004, winning it with The Grand Master. Today, Jim Stachowski made the winning ride aboard On Higher Ground. Owned by Shawn Stachowski, this is the Seaforth’s Billion Heir son’s debut horse show. He is out of an Undulata’s Nutcracker mare. The dark chestnut gelding rocked way back and made that signature Louisville lap and a half victory pass. Moving from a trainer from a different breed to a trainer from a different country, Daniel Lockhart put on a good performance with Kalarama’s Prospero to get the second biggest share of the purse. Sired by World’s Champion Five-Gaited Stallion Calif First Night Out (SA), Prospero is out of Miss Cosmopolitan, a Catalyst daughter. His second dam is the great Broodmare Hall of Fame member, Yorkshire Pudding. Bill Tomin and Mister French finished third for Bill and Debbie Tomin. This one is by Sir William Robert and out of one of the winningest Saddlebreds of all time, CH (times eight) French Silk Stockings, she of 130 “CH” points. Grand Gesture and Smith Lilly finished fourth in this good group for Jody Malcolm.

Junior Hackney Pleasure Driving saw another World’s Championship for Majestic Oaks. I Am Legend was the winning ticket here with Kay Marschel the owner and driver. A winner at Midwest and Lexington, I Am Legend is by Mastercraft and out of Regal’s Mayblossom LF, by Dun-Haven Regal Attraction. Crystal Creek’s New Generation was the Reserve World’s Champion for Golden Creek Farms. This one is by CH Dun Haven Phenomenal and out of Tragically Hip. Stephany Monteleone made the catch drive for trainer Abel Vega. Heartland Fernando and Patsy Loeb were third for Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Kolkman in this field of eight.

Champions at Lexington, Leatherwood’s Zenergy and Abby Mutrux made a good show again here to claim the section two blue in 14-17 Country Pleasure. An entry of Deborah Nathanson, Zenergy is trained by High Spirits Farm, their second win of the day. Zenergy is by Hillcroft’s Faith’s Reward and out of Cake And Candles, by Leatherwood’s Starlight. It’s always fun to hear the eruption of a cheering section when their rider’s number is called, and Danny and Nancy Troutman’s team of Virginians did not disappoint. Jamie Houck earned her first Reserve World’s Championship in this one aboard CH Stevie Nicks. Showing on the green shavings for the first time and in her first year out of Academy no less, Jamie put in a masterful performance for the red prize. The Cherry Stone Farm entry is by The Mac Attack and out of Kitty Glitter. Randi Barnes earned the third prize with CH Mahvalous Guy, followed by Chantilly Castle and Zoe Schaffel for MLS Equestrian LLC.

A World’s and Reserve World’s Champion as a youngster, Kalarama’s Delightful returned to that Louisville winner’s circle today as the Amateur Park Stallion/Gelding winner with Megan McClure. The West Wind excellence continued this week and really this entire year, as their show string has fired everywhere they have gone. Megan held up her end of the bargain, following suit of her amateur barnmates with a great performance, working in high style and in perfect position. Justin Cowley brought the house down with CH High Heat for mom Leeta Beachum and Justin. Finishing as the Reserve World’s Champions, the crowd saluted them for a top performance and Justin’s tough week. Blood work results came back poorly yesterday for Justin, halting the progress of his latest kidney transplant attempt. After dialysis, he was on his way to Louisville, making it in plenty of time to prepare for this afternoon. CH Brookhill’s Periday was in the top three for James Sigmon, with Seven Spanish Angels and Deborah Orr wrapping up a spot in the top four for the bay geldings.

Heartland Dr. Do Right was the winner of a really high class Three-Year-Old Road Pony group. Darrel Kolkman drove to the win with Chris Gantley heading them up. Do Right is by Dun-Haven Crimson Glory and out of a Heartland Equality mare. Dr. Do Right was just what the doctor ordered in this one, put together perfectly to do this job, sporty and solid-moving. Four times a winner already this year, Palisades Ladyhawke was the Reserve World’s Champion with Holli Hayes at the lines for Blevins Farm. Ladyhawke is by a Heartland stallion, Heartland Blackhawk. A product of Sandra Surber’s breeding program, she is out of What Luck. Majestic Oaks had the third place finisher as well in The Mask. This one is by Sugarland and out of a Cherry’s Dream Boy mare.

CH I’m McDreamy won his sixth World’s Championship with a big go for Hunter Chancellor and DeLovely. The entry of Steven Chancellor made his debut with a mane on the green shavings, besting a good field to win the first split of Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Park. Winners of their three-gaited qualifier here the past four years, Hunter and McDreamy have been consistent winners all over the country. Just this year, they have taken victory passes in North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, and now Kentucky. Winner of their Show Pleasure qualifier here last year, Maya Manilow and The Majestic are up in the park ranks. Another new team in this division for 2013, they were the Reserve World’s Champions for Skyline Stables and Barbara Goodman Manilow. They were champions at Blue Ridge last month and at Kansas City last November. Tia Margarita and Alexandra Percoco made a good show in third for Jayne Romano and trainer Jan Lukens. CH Reedann’s Heir To Glory and Hallie Sansbury earned a strong fourth for Patricia Dozier and Cape Cod.

The big close to the afternoon for Matt Shiflet Stables began in this one, as the giant of a dark chestnut gelding, Get Crackin’, earned his and Alexandra’s first World’s Championship victory. Sired by Undulata’s Nutcracker and out of a Foxfire’s Prophet mare, Get Crackin’ never drops an ear, always looking through the bridle. They made perhaps their best show yet, saving it for the biggest of stages. Another one of those big shouts came for the reserve winner, Tart’s High Heels. Signature Stables also closed out the program in high style, beginning with this good prize for rider Anna Rogers Daub. Amateur Park Champions on their home turf at Rock Creek, these two were primed and ready for their debut under the lights. Defending World’s Champion of Champions Let’s Talk was the pick for third with McGee Bosworth. Hollywood Electra and Eleanor Rainbolt Forbes were fourth for Rainbow Princess Farms.

Judy McNeish carried over the momentum from her two wins at Harrodsburg to win the Amateur Ladies Roadster to Bike World’s Championship with Nothing Else Matters. Directed by Raymond Shively, these two were Amateur Champions at Harrodsburg. Jennifer Robertson made the catch drive with L.F. Party Guy for the Reserve World’s Championship. This one also from Signature Stables, he is owned by Chad Cole along with Moe Anson and Gail Kline.

Boogity Boogity won his third World’s Championship here today in the 14-17 Road Pony class. Also the winner of this event in 2008, he was driven this time by Cheyenne Mabey. These two also teamed up a year ago for owner Ashlyn Farms and Majestic Oaks to win the AHHS 14-17 Road Pony Medallion National Championship. Caitlin Sloan was the Reserve World’s Champion here with Sha-Boom. Sha-Boom was undefeated on the season coming into today, winning five straight in the Carolinas. Alex Ververeli has become a go-to catch driver for Majestic Oaks. He drove Kharbon Steel to a good third for Toni Nastali. Jackie O and Danny Hicks made their first Louisville count in fourth for Janet Crawford Hicks and trainer/dad Rodney Hicks.

The final two Park blues of the day went back to the sMs curtains of Matt Shiflet Stables. Andrea Athanasuleas hit the ring with a ton of attitude and confidence aboard her now three-time World’s Champion mare to win the Amateur Three-Gaited Park Mare class. This is CH Juliette’s Deja Blue, most recently the Amateur Ladies Over 15.2 World’s Champion in 2011. A new division this year has led to more acclaim, including the Amateur Park Championship at Asheville. Winner of this class a year ago, Just Like That was the Reserve World’s Champion from Wingswept Farm, with Erica Salley riding this time for Antares Farm and Stable. This daughter of Supreme Heir and Rare Southern Grace seems to love the green shavings, as she makes some of her best shows here, not a bad quality to have in a horse. Undulata’s Waltzing Matilda finished in third for Sara Bratcher, while Brittany Sauls took fourth with Open Mare winner CH Callaway’s Local News.  

More Stories

  • 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
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 1

    Here we are again, springtime. With the warmer temperatures and the greening of the landscape comes one of the most exhilarating times of the year for horsemen and women, foaling season! Hopes and dreams literally come to life. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More