by Leeann Mione
SPRINGFIELD, Il. – The fifth annual Mid America Mane Event once again hosted not only a big group of world-caliber horses and riders, but also made a strong case for this show being ranked as one of the best Fall shows anywhere in the country.
As has been said many times before, the Illinois State Fairgrounds facility, in terms of showing horses, is pretty hard to beat. Most exhibitors love the ring, the stabling and the ambiance that is unique to this venue.
Manager Joy Meierhans, secretary Cheryl Rangel and steward Josie Forbes joined forces to keep things in and out of the ring running smoothly. That went well for the most part this year with the exception of Sunday’s Country Pleasure Driving Championship when there was confusion about whether or not a horse should be allowed in the class once the gate was closed.
There was no confusion, however, as the pleasure equitation riders took center stage for their Pleasure Equitation National Olympics. Nine adult riders competed in their finals Friday morning, then returned Friday night for their awards ceremony.
A large crowd gathered to see which riders would be called out for the bronze, silver and gold medals and they cheered each rider as they came through the gate individually to be presented to the audience.
(L-R) Brooke Jacobs, Morgan Wolin and
Ashley Alden were the Adult National Pleasure
Olympics silver, gold and bronze medalists.
When all nine riders had lined up, the three awards were announced in reverse order. Ashley Alden, instructed by Donna Pettry-Smith, received the bronze. Alden rode Caitlin Donohue’s Radiant Revival. Brooke Jacobs and Callaway’s Show Me When took the silver medal under the instruction of her dad Brent Jacobs. Dr. Morgan Wolin, with her CF Cool Night Out, was named the National Pleasure Equitation Olympics Gold Medalist. Instructed by Ray Krussell, Wolin’s win came on top of numerous other adult equitation awards throughout her career with Cool Night Out.
DeAnn Dinelli, Sarah Shakespeare, Kristen Jurkynas, Shannon Koffler, Dr. Colleen Carter and Jennifer Miller all received top 10 awards.
The junior and senior Olympic riders competed in their finals bright and early Saturday morning and had their awards ceremony Saturday night prior to the start of the horse show.
Fifteen riders in the 14-17 age group competed in their Saturday morning finals and the top 10 returned for the ceremony that evening.
Before announcing the awards, a $500 scholarship was presented to Eileen Malloy-Molzberger. Malloy-Molzberger was one of the 15 participants in the senior Olympic competition and is instructed by Dennis Verscheldon.
Deanna Lanigan was named the bronze medalist. Lanigan rode Oh Gee Whiz under the direction of Knollwood Farm. Silver medalist, Mallory Hartigan, was met by trainer/instructors Dale Arnston and Julie Anne Wroble for her medal presentation with her mount Simbara’s Salutation. Victoria McHenry was named the gold medalist and the moment must have been especially bittersweet for her, her family and instructor Barbe Smith. Her victory pass was her last ride with CH Creditworthy, who was purchased by the Doyle family for son Bleykhn Doyle. The young man was presented with his new horse as a special surprise right after the ceremony.
(L-R) Deanna Lanigan, Victoria McHenry and
Mallory Hartigan were the Senior National
Pleasure Olympics bronze, gold and silver medalists.
Cori O’Brien, Jourdan Schaye, Gretchen Bentz, Jennifer Sapko, Toria Heck, Samantha Dallas and Brittany Balagna each were named to the top 10.
Ten junior riders competed in their finals and awards ceremony. When the 13 and under riders lined up, the first number called out to receive the bronze was number 214. Donna Pettry-Smith again made the trip to center ring for the presentation and met Caitlin Donohue and Radiant Revival as they headed to the podium. Kristen Gardner, instructed by Robert and Jonelle Gardiner, was named the junior silver medalist with her mount Callaway’s Gold Reserve.
Nick Maupin’s fan club erupted in cheers when he was called out as the gold medalist. They’ve had plenty of reason to cheer this year as Maupin’s award was another in a long list of equitation honors he has received this year with Oh What A Feeling.
(L-R) Caitlin Donohue, Nick Maupin and
Kristen Gardner were the Junior National Pleasure
Equitation Olympics bronze, gold and silver medalists.
Allison Schuh, Elisabeth Hunziker, Margaux Walker, Kara German, Riley Sockett, Killian Sukowaty and Katie Sullivan were the remaining top 10 riders.
The Trainer’s Equitation National Championship class is one that always seems to be eagerly anticipated by the crowd and the equitation riders who get the chance to watch their instructors put their money where their mouth is, so to speak.
Four trainers entered the ring to compete for the title and tricolor including Lance Hayes, Leslie LaForce, Scott Matton and Bob Griffin. The trainers did a pretty good job as a whole displaying their equitation skills with just a few minor missteps along the way for some.
Like the Olympics, the awards were called out in reverse order. LaForce was named to fourth place, riding Reedann’s Semper Fi, for owner Rivi Hatt. Hayes and Deker’s All American finished in third for Elizabeth and James Mitchell. It came down to Matton and Griffon and when results were announced it was Matton who was awarded the title of national champion. He rode Tango to the win for Knollwood Farm.
Scott Matton won the
Trainers Equitation National Championship
In addition to national equitation competition and awesome competition in the other divisions as well, the hospitality at Mane Event is something that keeps people talking. For the second year in a row, the progressive party was held in the warm up ring instead of stations at the participating barns.
The array of food and drink was once again amazing and for participating barns, the party is no small expense. Palos Hills, Landmark Farm, Rick Wallen Stables, A.J. Bruwer Stables, Knollwood Farm, Krussell Stables, Strickland Stables, Country Meadow Farm, Bellview Acres, Clean Sweep Farm, Northern Tradition Farm, Glenmore Farm, Royal Scot Stables, MBA Equestrians, Seven Oaks Farm, Woodwind Farm, Centre Pointe and Linzmeier Training provided everything from smoked beef brisket to penne pasta with shrimp to lobster bisque and chocolate fondue.
Whether you wanted sushi, pizza, or pastries and truffles, if you didn’t eat at this party it was only because you weren’t hungry, not because you couldn’t find something to tempt your palate.
The generous support of owners, trainers and exhibitors as well as the hard work and dedication of the Mid America Horse Show Association members, show board members and pleasure Olympics committee members all combined once again to make this year’s show a huge success.
It is the competition inside the ring however that often marks the success of a horse show in the minds of those watching and participating and by the time the four days of showing had ended, the depth, quality and competitiveness of this year’s competition cemented its reputation as one of Mane Event’s best.
Five-Gaited
Saturday night’s Five-Gaited Stake closed out the day’s competition in front of an enthusiastic crowd and the judging panel of Armon Effinger, James Cherry and Kelly Freeman.
Four entries answered the gate call including Contender’s Citation, (SA) Rinanti Cock Robin, Twice Charmed and Marquis Spirit. Four veteran trainers worked hard to showcase their mounts for the panel and when the cards were turned in, it was Melissa Moore who headed to center ring with Twice Charmed to take the tricolor and victory pass. Moore rode for North Corporate Properties and had previously claimed the blue in the mare qualifier.
Melissa Moore gave Twice Charmed
a kiss after their championship win.
A.J. Bruwer and Rinanti Cock Robin were the reserve grand champions for Alta Dare Farm. Pat McConnell, riding Carol Bart’s Marquis Spirit, rode out with the yellow streamers and the final ribbon went to Contender’s Citation and Mark Utoft for Seven Oaks Farm LLC.
The gaited stallions and geldings put on a nice class for their qualifier and when results were announced, it was another Sunrise Stables-trained entry that took the title. Melissa Moore rode (SA) SJ Space Buccaneer for John Bulmer.
The ladies had two classes to compete in and four of the five that performed in the qualifier returned for the ladies stake. A.J. Bruwer Stables and Sunrise Stables once again battled for the top two spots and this time, it was Wendy Bruwer and Callaway’s Ball Of Fire named to take the tricolor. Bruwer rode for owner Shirley Rinehart to make it two for two and follow up their blue in the ladies qualifier. (SA) SJ Space Buccaneer and Melissa Moore were reserve in the ladies stake.
Callaway’s Ball Of Fire and Wendy Bruwer
Red Flame Thrower and Theresa Vonderschmitt teamed up to move up in the ribbons and claim the win in the competitive Amateur Five-Gaited Stake under the direction of Bob Brison. Catamaran and Laurel Nelson had won the amateur stallion/gelding class, directed by Mitch Clark and they were right there in the amateur stake to take the reserve title.
Kathy Capsuto-Walker rode Harlem’s Black Orchid to the win in the Amateur Five-Gaited Mare class. Capsuto rode for owners Tim and Beverly Kaczwara to bring the blue back to Escalade Stables.
A great group of junior exhibitors faced a deep, competitive group in their stake and they put on a great show for the crowd. CF Night At The Castle and Brittany Baird teamed up to earn the win for MBA Equestrians and Margo Baird Valentine. CH Harlem’s Hot Ticket and owner Nick Neviaser were the reserve grand champions under the direction of La Fleur Van Ess Stables. Freaky Links and Angela Darrow won the competitive qualifier from Knollwood.
Theresa Vonderschmitt had another winner in the gaited division and this time it was trainer Bob Brison who took the victory pass. He rode Callaway’s Born To Ride to the blue in the junior class.
Virgil Helm rode Memories’ Star Seeker to the win in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic. Helm was in the irons for owner Roberta Rassieur.
Mitch Clark presented It’s So Easy for the win in the two-year-old class for Mitch Clark Stables.
The panel selected Bravo Blue and Virgil Helm as the winners of the novice horse class. Helm rode for TNT Investment Enterprises and Helm Stables.
Three-Gaited
Liberty’s Magic won the Three-Gaited 15.2 and Under qualifier for Vicki Reed and A.J. Bruwer then returned to win the Three-Gaited Stake.
Callaway’s Blue Waltz, with Erin Obenauf in the irons, won the Three-Gaited Ladies Stake for owner Carolyn Stuart to follow up their win in the amateur 15.2 and under class. CH Sue-She and Ericka Nelson were directed by Hollow Haven to exit with the reserve streamers. Under the direction of trainer Mark Utoft, Deborah Jahn turned in the winning ride with CH Sold Out Show to take the blue in the ladies qualifier.
The amateur grand championship tricolor went home to Jasper, Indiana when over 15.2 qualifier winner Manila Thrilla and Theresa Vonderschmitt were called out as the winners. Glenn T. Werry and Heir To A Star represented Glenmore Farm and finished in second place.
Manila Thrilla and Theresa Vonderschmitt
The junior exhibitors faced the biggest classes in the three-gaited division and they put on a great show in their championship. Sam’s Candygram and Samantha Rolfes were met by Brent Jacobs for the presentation of the tricolor after a strong effort and big move up in the ribbons. Hello Boys and Ashley Hartwig had won the qualifier and returned in the stake to be named the reserve grand champions from Krussell Stables.
Sam’s Candygram and Samantha Rolfes
Mark Turner rode High Time’s Northern Son to the blue in the junior class for owner Sarah Wood and topped a pair of nice four-year-olds in the process.
Cataclysmic, owned by Dr. Laura Sukowaty, took the blue in the UPHA Classic. Terri Anne Ullman was in the irons for the win.
Ro & Me’s Miss Independent and Mayo Moctezuma headed down victory lane when the panel named them the winners in the two-year-old class for Amy Weiler.
Owner and trainer Robert Gardiner topped the novice horse class with VHF Belle Epoque to bring the blue back to Landmark Farm.
Park
Andy Freseth rode CH His Supreme Reflection for owner Marilyn Gaiswinkler to earn the title of Three-Gaited Park Grand Champion after they had won the open class earlier in the week. Mystic Pointe and Terri Anne Ullman were the reserve grand champions for owner Cindy Price.
High Heat kept the wins coming for Sunrise Stables when Melody Adler rode to a sweep of the amateur division for Adler Farms. The amateur stake and qualifier were both deep and well filled. Princess Ruby Begonia was reserve in the stake for owner Nancy Leigh Fisher from Hollow Haven.
One Great Love and Melissa Moore topped a nice group of four-year-olds to claim the blue in the junior class. The limit horses also put on a strong showing for the panel with a great group competing. Brookhill’s King Of Kool and Andy Freseth took the win for Guy and Karen Smith.
Fine Harness
The Bell View Acres-trained team of Dr. Scott Cairns and Simbara’s Exclamation were the victors in the Fine Harness Stake. They had previously won the largest class of the division, the amateur qualifier. Another Asset and Claudia Gardner Sipp finished with the reserve streamers for Stonewall Farm and were directed by Dick Obenauf. Open class winner Summerset Morn claimed the third and final ribbon with Larry Gardinier driving for Arlys Solien.
CH Kalarama’s New Sensation went to the top of the class in the amateur stake to add another win to the Hollow Haven total. Mary Gise drove for Priscilla Gise Revocable Trust. CH Harlem’s Proud Mary and Ann Curl were reserve in the amateur stake under the direction of Bob Brison.
CH Cary’s Moonraker and Brittany Baird won the ASHAF Fine Harness Youth Driving Challenge class to add another blue to MBA’s total.
Sweatin’ Bullets and Virgil Helm topped four other nice youngsters to win the junior class for B & T Vonderschmitt LLC.
The UPHA Classic class hosted a pair of competitors and it was the entry of Barbara Goodman Manilow named to take the blue. Dick Obenauf drove Lady Bravada to the winner’s circle.
Heather Linzmeier drove her own entry, The Lady Doesn’t Dance, for the victory pass in the two-year-old class for Linzmeier Training Center.
Roadsters
The Road Horse Championship showcased three multi-titled entries and the panel named Big Red to take the tricolor with Raymond Shively driving for DeLovely Farm. They followed up their blue in the open class.
Valparaiso and Tom Fiedler, having already won the amateur qualifier, were right behind in second place, showing from Lowry Stables and Gingerbread Man took the yellow ribbon in the stake with Glenn T. Werry.
Judy McNeish and Thunderbolt were the limit horse champions to add another title to DeLovely’s total.
Where Are We Now won the under saddle class for Aurora Farms with Melissa Moore in the irons for Melody Adler.
Ponies
Gib Marcucci put several winners in the ring and he headed to the presentation area more than once in preparation for a victory pass.
Murry Dickson and Jane Mueller won the Roadster Pony Championship under Marcucci’s direction and topped a pair of nice ponies for the win. Dun-Haven Majestic Motion, with Rick Wallen driving, was the reserve grand champion for Denise Steinhauer.
Kevin Ingram had two winners in the roadster pony division including open champion Heartland Carolee. Ingram showed for James Dellinger, Jr.
Heartland Victory Maker and Toni Nastali put it all together to be named the amateur grand champions and they were directed to the win by Northern Tradition Farm. Seamair’s Caprice and Margaret Robertson were next in line and exited with the reserve tricolor. Ingram was back in the winner’s circle in the amateur qualifier when the panel named Calvin Hobbs the champion for James Dellinger, Jr.
Brittany Baird also had another winning performance when she drove The Wizard LF to the blue in the AHHS Roadster Pony Youth Medallion class.
Unique Star Attraction claimed the win for Seven Oaks Farm when Mark Utoft drove to pick up the blue in the limit pony class.
Patrick Kittredge, directed by his mom Bonnie Kittredge, was victorious in the AHHS Youth Medallion Roadster Pony Under Saddle class and represented Woodwind Farm.
Bonnie and Patrick Kittredge
Impress My Daddy and Glenn Werry, Jr. won the Open Harness Pony class and then returned to end their week as the Harness Pony Grand Champions for Glenmore Farm under Marcucci’s direction.
Royal Canadian and Muffy Ernster teamed up to win the Hackney Pony Championship and open class. Gib Marcucci met Ernster in center ring after her wins and he drove Front Page News to two wins himself. Larry Schultz’s entry won the open class and limit pony class.
Esto Bunn (center) visited with
sisters Muffy Ernster and Diane Shae.
Early Edition and Jane Mueller were the Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Grand Champions and champions, showing under Marcucci’s direction. Conqueror’s Colleen and Mary Ellen Golich turned in the reserve grand championship effort under Rick Wallen’s direction.
Emily Doll drove Wonmore Diamond Legacy for Marilou Wilschke to win the AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Youth Medallion. Doll showed from Palos Hills Riding Stables under the direction of Martha Hoyt. The AHHS under saddle medallion win went to Reedann’s Special Delivery with Avis Van Zomeren up for Renae Van Zomeren.
Show and Park Pleasure
The pleasure division was very competitive with big deep classes for the five-gaited, three-gaited and country pleasure horses and in most classes just earning a ribbon was a big accomplishment. Exiting with the win required exceptional showmanship and tremendous effort from both horse and rider.
The adults and junior exhibitors showed back together for the Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship and the put on a great class. The crowd picked their favorites but when the cards were turned in, the panel had named CH Chandler and Lisa McClaren as the grand champions from Country Meadow Farm. Hero’s Jumpin Jack Flash and Travis Van Zetten claimed the reserve grand championship with a strong effort as well. Chandler and McClaren won the adult qualifier earlier in the week. My Pepper Ann and Brittany Baird were the team to beat in the junior exhibitor class and they showed for owner Toni Nastali.
Brittany Baird with My Pepper Ann
Janene Steggeman rode Saint Bart to the win in the limit class under Rick Wallen’s direction and bested a nice group for the blue.
Saint Bart and Janene Steggeman
The Steggeman-Wallen team kept the wins coming and they swept the open park pleasure division. Rick Wallen rode So Fortunate to win the Open Park Pleasure Championship for Steggeman and had previously taken the victory pass in the open class, which was the largest class of the park pleasure division. Chris Reiser had a busy and successful week with his group and he rode Our Fallen Angel to the reserve title in the stake for owner Cheryl Friedman Allison.
Mighty Mouse won the blue in the Amateur Park Pleasure class for owner Mimi Bahcall. Kurt Antonacci rode under the direction of Strickland Stables.
Final Deklaration, with Scott Matton up, won the junior class. Matton rode for owner Paul Schwemer and claimed the win over five other strong contenders.
Strickland Stables added another blue to their count when Lisa Strickland rode Seaforth’s Heiristotle to the blue in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Diane Nyhammer. This was the biggest class in the division for the young horses.
The limit horse class featured a group of 10 and Rick Wallen headed to the winner’s circle riding his own entry Rosemont’s Mystre.
The adults were split by age group for their three-gaited pleasure qualifiers, and a huge group returned for the championship. This was one of those classes that was so deep, it was quite a feat to earn a ribbon, let alone the tricolor. That feat was accomplished however with a strong effort by Teuschers and Barbara Goodman-Manilow. After winning the 39 and over class, they took the tricolor. Top Gun’s Mandate and Gloria Heath were right there for the reserve tricolor, showing for Euro Motor Works under the direction of DeLovely. Owner Erin Obenauf teamed Thundersnow to the blue in the 18-38 class to add another win to the Reiser Stables total.
The junior exhibitors had their own age group championships and both the 14-17 and 13 and under riders worked hard to impress the panel in their classes. She Phloats On Heir and Nicole LaRoussa were victorious in both 14-17 classes under the direction of Mayo Moctezuma. My Dakota and Samantha Simmons teamed up to claim the reserve streamer for owner Gail Costello. Simmons showed from Strickland Stables.
CF First Light Of Dawn and Maya Manilow were the team to beat in the 13 and under championship and they bested a field of 12 to earn the tricolor. Lady Poinsettia was the reserve grand champion in the younger age group. Brianna Parpart rode for owner Peter Radintz under the direction of Jay Wood for a big move up in the ribbons.
Maya Manilow and CF First Light Of Dawn
Oh What A Feeling added to Nick Maupin’s big weekend to claim the win in the qualifier over 13 other entries.
Peyton Miller won the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class. Their victory added another blue to the Reiser Stables total.
Recoup was named the top junior horse with a big move up in the ribbons to win the Junior Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship. Brooke Jacobs was in the irons to take the win for Werk Way Stables. Hollywood Electra, owned by Cynthia Wright, was the reserve grand champion after a catch ride by Kurt Antonacci.
Callaway’s Investigative Reporter and Eileen Nemetz won the junior horse class for owner Richard Nemetz and like the championship the quality of the class was first rate. Nemetz represented Moctezuma Stables with the blue ribbon ride.
Kristen Johnson was the novice rider champion and she also faced a big group on the way to the winner’s circle for owner and trainer Fonzie Del Rio. Johnson rode Callaway’s Maeve MacQuillan to the blue.
Callaway’s Calla Lily and Sarah Shakespeare were met by trainer Linda Larson when they were called out as the winner’s of the big Novice Horse Three-Gaited Pleasure class. Shakespeare rode for owner Eric Mogren.
CH Shot With Glory and Elizabeth James-Lipscomb took top honors in the very nice Show Pleasure Driving Championship to move up in the ribbons from the qualifier, which was also extremely competitive. Antonacci kept up his busy week and earned another top ribbon, but this time it was with the Stonecroft Farm entry Stonecroft I’m Radiant. They finished the week as the Show Pleasure Driving Reserve Grand Champions.
She Phloats On Heir displayed her talents and versatility when she switched gears from the under saddle division to the driving division for owner Alison LaRoussa. James Yonker drove to the blue in the driving qualifier to add another win the Moctezuma Stables total.
Alisa Strikas and CF Chief’s Hot Night Out teamed up to win the ASHAF Show Pleasure Driving Youth Challenge class. Martha Hoyt, of Palos Hills Riding Stables, directed the winning team.
Vicki Reed topped a large, competitive Limit Show Pleasure Driving class with Firecracker Jack. A.J. Bruwer, a longtime resident of Illinois and now a “native” of Versailles, Kentucky, met Reed in the winner’s circle.
Country Pleasure
CH The Shadow Knows and Linda Meyer won their 39 and over age group in the adult country pleasure division, then returned to best a huge field in the adult championship. Tantara’s Battle Of Kings and Samantha Conlin were directed by Jay Wood to a strong reserve showing in the championship. Concrete Blonde and Kristen Pettry took their turn in center ring to pick up a blue ribbon when they were called out as the winners of the 18-38 class from Royal Scot Stables.
Like the adults, the junior exhibitor riders were split by age group, and like the adults, the older age groups were much larger than the younger age group. When the junior exhibitor riders returned for their championship, like the adults, they faced a huge, competitive group.
He Walks On Water and Sarah Werry were named the best of the best in their 14-17 age group and had the same results in the championship to add two more wins to the Glenmore Farm count. Diamond Memories and Brittany Balagna, showing from Centre Point, were right there both times for the reserves.
Brianna Meyer rode James Dellinger’s Hometown Commander to add another country pleasure blue to their list this season. Although their class was smaller than the older age group, it still featured a nice group of competitive entries.
The novice riders and the novice horses also faced well-filled, deep classes in their battles for the blue ribbons. Tut’s Gold and Allison Kurcz put on a strong team effort to win the novice rider class. Their win added to the Bell View Acres total.
Like the riders, the novice horses did a great job maneuvering through the crowd and showcasing their talents and when the cards were turned in, it was The Party Planner named to take the victory pass. Breanna Lukan rode under the direction of Westwood Farm.
CH Callaway’s Pretty Penny and Nancy Anderson faced a field of eight on their way to the winner’s circle in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship. Their victory made it yet another clean sweep this season for the Hollow Haven-trained team. Jedidiah and Toni Nastali moved up from the qualifier and took the reserve prize back to the Northern Tradition Farm tack room for owner Jennifer Miller.
Gunsmith proved to be a triple threat in the western country pleasure division. Owner and exhibitor Arlys Solien took all three victory passes in the three classes offered in the division and ended the week with the grand championship, open championship blue and Shatner blue ribbons. Magic Ovation and Amy Weiler were met at the out-gate by Mayo Moctezuma when they exited as the reserve grand champions.
Callaway’s Scoop The News added two more wins to the Northern Tradition total with a sweep of the hunter country pleasure division. Kristen Pettry rode for the championship and Saddle & Bridle Hunter Seat Classic victories. A.F. Colour Creation and owner Megan Mahoney were directed to their reserve grand championship by Country Meadow Farm.
Callaway’s Scoop The News and Kristen Pettry
Equitation
All five riders in the equitation championship were asked to perform the workout and they did so in top form. None could top 14-17 champion Faye Wuesthofen however. She added the tricolor win to her resume and rode under the direction of Missy Hughes of DeLovely Farm. Meaghan MacQueen scored the reserve title under the direction of Bob Griffin and Tom Thorpe to keep her good season going. Nadine Van Zomeren was right on target to take the blue in the 13 and under class and returned for a good ribbon in the championship under the direction of her parents Mark and Renae Van Zomeren of Timber Hills.
Faye Wuesthofen
Alexandra Friedrich had a great weekend in Springfield. She won the Walk and Trot Equitation 10 and Under Championship and qualifier and the UPHA 10 and Under Walk and Trot Challenge Cup for Equitate LLC. Peyton Miller finished the week as the 10 and under reserve grand champion.
Linda Quinn won the adult equitation class and topped four other adult riders on her way to the winner’s circle for L. Quinn Jewelry Design.
Cori O’Brien won the USEF medal class and Gretchen Bentz rode to the blue in the 17 and under challenge cup. Sarah Shakespeare took the number one prize in the adult medal class. Brooke Jacobs was named the adult challenge cup champion for Werk Way Stables.
The Pleasure Equitation Championship featured a big group of young riders who took on the challenge in front of the panel and put on a very entertaining class. Elisabeth Hunziker topped the field and exited with the tricolor under the direction of Timber Hills. Ashley Loethen was reserve with a strong effort under the direction of Bonnie Kittredge.
The 17 and under class also featured a nice group and it was Gretchen Bentz named to take the blue amongst the group. Allison Schuh added her name to the list of equitation winners when she received the blue ribbon in the 13 and under class, showing from Knollwood Farm. Her win came after she had previously taken the title in the Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Medallion class.
For five years, the Mid America Mane Event has been building a reputation as one of the biggest and brightest shows for the fall schedule in the Midwest. This year only enhanced that reputation as once again, world’s champions joined veteran campaigners and up-and-comers to put on a competitive, yet comfortable horse show.
This highlights the fifth annual Mid America Mane Event Horse Show. Complete results can be seen and searched by clicking here.