Mass Morgan Takes Over “Wild Wild” West Springfield
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
by Sasha Klein and Steven Handy
Photos by Steven Handy
WEST SPRINGFEILD, Mass. – Grand horses, great friends and good times were all features of the “Wild Wild West” edition of the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show. Held Aug. 14-18 at the Eastern States Exhibition Fairgrounds, the show offers numerous classes that appeal to those in their first horse show and to show ring veterans alike. A fun family atmosphere along with strong competition keep many top barns returning, and this year 447 horses took part in competition.
Each year Massachusetts Morgan selects a theme for the horse show. Reflecting the theme are the first place plates, the championship coolers and the center ring display. This year the show committee chose a Wild Wild West theme complete with cacti, teepees and a late arriving covered wagon in center ring. Many of the barns in attendance get involved, decorating their box seats, stall fronts and tack rooms. Barbra Irvine Stables earned bragging rights for the best box seat design; while Sebring Stables and Timber Hill Stables tied for the best tack room award.
Center ring was the Wild Wild West.
The much anticipated costume class had three divisions—an on-foot division, an on-horse division and an on-golf cart division. The winner in the on-foot division was the cute-as-a-button Deliah Shepard. Dressed as a Native American, Kristi Haynes won the on-horse division, while Miller Young Fina, Becca Beets and Kaylee and Kirsten Qua impressed the judges with their inventive covered wagon in the on-golf cart division.
The party scene at Massachusetts Morgan is always plentiful. The show committee kicked off the week by offering hamburgers and hot dogs to those in attendance on Monday night. Wednesday night’s party in the main barn was sponsored by Hobby Knoll Stables and Ann Anderson, Tim Keller and Fred and Christine Nava along with their Timber Hill Stables. Thursday night’s legendary exhibitors’ party was also sponsored by the show committee!
Massachusetts Morgan remembered many members of the Morgan community who have passed. The Ladies Pleasure Driving class was sponsored in memory of Chloe Miller. The Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Champion was awarded the Jill McCrudder Pursuit of Excellence Trophy. The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship was sponsored in celebration of the life of Craig Bachman and the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship was sponsored in loving memory of Paula Macklin by her husband, John, Vicky Worth, Roger Brown and her friends from Best of Both Worlds.
Handling the judging duties at this year’s show were a festively dressed Chief Mark Bodnar (Stallions and Mares In Hand, Park Saddle, Pleasure Driving, English Pleasure, Classic Pleasure Driving, Saddle Seat Equitation, Classic Saddle Seat Equitation, and Beginners Equitation); Cowgirl Cheri Barber (Geldings In Hand, Park Harness, Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Classic Pleasure Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Seat Equitation, Beginner’s Pleasure (all seats), Specialties In Hand, Road Hack, Misc.); Mary Alice Matheson and Danute Bright (Carriage) and Renate Lansburgh (Dressage).
“Chief” Mark Bodnar marked his card.
The officials at Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show were managed by “Coach” Ray Ferro who kept his team in perfect order with aid from his hardworking show committee. Linda Burke of Horse Show Management Services, Inc. served as the show secretary. John Flemming kept everything running smoothly as the operations and stable manager, while Tony Ferro served as paddock master. The colorful show ring announcer was Doug Shane. The division coordinators included Maura Sweeney-Reeve and Sara Foy (Youth of the Year Contest), Bill Cote (Sport Horse), Erin Van Steenburgh (Dressage) and Laurence and Gail Williamson (Carriage). Janice Wright made sure everything was by the rules as the USEF steward, while Jay Merriam kept the horses in top form as show veterinarian. Tim Keller and Rick Howe were the official show farriers. Larry Wahl and Grace Yaglou shared the ringmaster duties once again. Terry Young Photography quickly stepped in to take the winning photographs for an ill Bob Moseder who is on the mend, while organist Nancy Roberts entertained the crowd with festive music. Medical Services were provided by Jim and Joy Wheeler.
The show ring highlights of the Wild Wild West Massachusetts Morgan Horse Show follow. Complete results can be found by clicking here.
In Hand
The in hand competition kicked off a hot week of horse showing at Massachusetts Morgan. MEM Shock & Awe took home the tricolor, winning the Grand Champion Mare title for George Schott. Rick Lane also presented Shock & Awe to the Three and Four-Year-Old Mares blue and Senior Champion Mare tricolor. Harry Sebring led Paradigm Hot Chocolate to the Reserve Grand Champion and Reserve Senior Champion Mare titles after a win in the Five and Over Mares class for Ann Hailey. Mike Goebig presented Whitemud French Blue to the Junior Champion Mare title after winning the Two-Year-Old Mares class for owner Rhoda Hoenmans.
MEM Shock & Awe and Rick Lane
Kosta Boda continued his winning career when he claimed the Grand Champion Stallion title in addition to the Senior Champion Stallion tricolor and Three and Four-Year-Old Stallion blue. Led by Harry Sebring and Rodney Hicks, this impressive entry sired by Mizrahi is owned by Ann Hailey. MEM Blue Chip made his presence known at Massachusetts Morgan winning the Reserve Grand Champion Stallion streamers in addition to reserves in the Senior Champion Stallion and Three and Four-Year-Old class. The Junior Champion Stallion was CVH Celtic Dream Weaver presented by Bernard Parker for owner Catherine Haynes.
Kosta Boda struck the winning pose as the
Grand Champion Stallion for Copper Beech LLC.
Fresh off his Reserve East Coast Geldings Championship, Claim To Fame captured the Grand Champion Gelding tricolor at Massachusetts Morgan. Also winning the Three and Four-Year-Old Geldings class, Ann Hailey’s well-put together youngster was expertly presented by Harry Sebring. Richard Pitman and Rick Lane presented MEM Like No One Else to the Reserve Grand Champion Gelding title after a win in the Five and Over Geldings class.
The Specialty In Hand Championship was won by Hillwood Once In Awhile presented by Amy Martino for proud owner Chris Martino, after winning the blue in the Classic Pleasure In Hand class. The Specialty In Hand Reserve Champion was Townshend Farm’s Townshend Holly’s Man expertly presented by Mark Kimball.
Park Saddle
Brenda Varney closed out the Saturday night performances with the victory pass in the Park Saddle Championship aboard CN The Commanding Touch. Fresh off their Northampton Amateur Park Harness Championship, this exciting team also won the Amateur Park Saddle blue much to the delight of trainer Rick Stevens. The athletic team of Jane Morrell and JW Sporting Victory took the reserve tricolor honors back to the Moreland banner for Equus Novus.
Maureen Cartelli guided KD Hot To Trot to the Amateur Park Saddle Championship after a blue in the ladies qualifying class for owner Heidi Kunkel and trainer Rick Stevens. AMHF Belle Pepper and Jessica Fabian Gray were reserve in both classes.
Maureen Cartelli and KD Hot To Trot
After a reserve East Coast Park Saddle Championship just three weeks ago, Love Her Madly earned top honors in the Junior Horse Park Saddle Championship at Massachusetts Morgan as well as in the four-year-old qualifier with Mike Goebig in the irons for Cindy Nord. Rosalie Leary and CBMF Ready Or Not carried the red streamers from the qualifier back to the Janbark Farm for owner/trainer Jean DeGutis.
Love Her Madly and Mike Goebig
Dylan Spence and Cedar Creek Samurai topped the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle classes with exciting rides for his proud mother Deidre Ventura. Having their best performances of the season, this perky team also took the victory pass in the Youth Park Saddle class with help from the team at Northgate.
Park Harness
Rick Lane drove Diablo In Red to the Park Harness Championship and Four-Year-Old Park Harness blue ribbon. This electrifying star is owned by Robin and Robert Veghte’s Mendonhall.
Patricia Lloyd drove her own WS Commanding Spirit to the Amateur Park Harness Championship to the delight of her supportive family. Trained by Sebring Stables, this impressive gelding has had a great season to date.
Azeedad’s Lucky Star and Ann Anderson took the flowers back to Hobby Knoll Stables in the Ladies Park Harness class for an elated Chris and Andrea Kelly. This mature four-year-old will be one to watch for in Oklahoma City after earning the Junior Park Harness Championship at New England.
Whispering Warlord claimed the Junior Park Harness Championship for owner Susan Scanlon. Presented by Michael Scanlon, this big trotting colt made a very impressive showing at Massachusetts Morgan.
CVH Celtic Command and Bernard Parker made their 2007 debut when they took the Open Park Harness qualifying class by storm in their only appearance at the show for owner Catherine Haynes.
English Pleasure
On Saturday night, World Champion Paradigm Hot Chocolate and Amy Neifert took home the Open English Pleasure Championship for Copper Beach Morgans. This bold moving mare, with soft transitions and great ring presence, also won the qualifier with trainer Harry Sebring on the rail and Ann Hailey cheering in the stands. HB Miss Intimidation and Jennifer Mason trotted away with the reserve tricolor for Donna Lee Brown.
The English Pleasure Junior Championship was won by Fair Catch. Kathleen Peeples rode this lovely mare for Doug and Marleen Sluiter following the four-year-old blue. Reserve English Pleasure Junior Horse went to an amateur rider this year, junior exhibitor Tricia Morrison riding her mother, Patricia’s, GP Freedom Spirit. Morrison rode this bold-stepping chestnut to the reserve tricolor for Northgate Stables just before her older sister, Nicole, took reserve in the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship, making for a great evening for the Morrison family.
The Amateur English Pleasure Championship was won by the veteran performer Hylee’s Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans under the direction of Moreland Farm. Motivated Ms. and namesake Lauren Cojocar (both have the nickname LaLa) were awarded the reserve tricolor in the Amateur English Pleasure Championship on Friday night. This pair rides under the direction of Waterford Farm for owners and breeders Alex and Deborah Cojocar.
The Youth English Pleasure Championship was won by HVK Hot Ember and Gaetana Dalesio-Spina. This winning team, coached by Chris Cassenti, made seemingly effortless transitions as they caught spectators’ eyes, staying on the rail, but being noticed because of their ever-present charisma. This pair also won the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 Championship.
HVK Hot Ember and Gaetana D’Alesio Spina
Reserve honors in the Youth English Pleasure Championship went to another seasoned equitation team, Liberation Knickerbocker and Marlo Franco. The Evans family found themselves back in the winner’s circle when Medomak French Invasion and Nikki Evans took the reserve tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 Championship for parents Richard and Donna Evans and Moreland Farm.
The Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under Championship was won by Versailles and Hailey Porter under the Equitation Unlimited banner. Taking the reserve honors in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under Championship was the team of Acheron and Abby Raucher. Raucher is another of the breed’s versatile young riders, who also competes in hunt seat at JP Stables.
Becks Marquis and Kathryn Domaijan won the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 9-11 Championship for mom and owner Jennifer Domaijan. What a week little Nicole Bobbi had for this Mass Morgan show. This petite and quite elegant young lady rode Carol Skelche’s Cape’s Fleet Command to a blue, a red, and blue tricolors! The pair won the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 8 & Under Championship with mom Karen Bobbi in the center ring for the picture. Shine On Me and Annie Kelley took the reserve tricolor in the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 8 & Under Championship after winning the qualifier on Thursday morning. Shine On Me is owned by Chris and Andrea Kelley at Azeedad Farm.
Bilzone GQ Material added the Novice Rider Stake to his resume, after winning the Novice Rider Junior Exhibitor class, hailing from Equitation Unlimited. Townshend Rise And Rule and Ashley Bell took reserve in the Novice Rider Stake for Jennifer Matin, under the direction of Best Of Both Worlds.
Pleasure Driving
Unfaithful and Harry Sebring took home the tricolor when they won the Open Pleasure Driving Championship for Lauren Hogge. Sebring also won the Novice Horse Pleasure Driving qualifier with Unfaithful on Tuesday, and Carolyn Sebring drove her to win the Ladies Pleasure Driving class on Wednesday. JAJ Bell Shashar and Dwayne Knowles took the reserve tricolor in the Open Pleasure Driving Championship for Cathy Minard with a bold drive under the Broadmoor banner.
The Pleasure Driving Junior Horse Championship was won by Graywood’s Lennox and Mark Mason for Katrina Wood following the win in the Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old qualifier earlier in the week. MSV Genuine Risk and Mike Goebig took the reserve in the Pleasure Driving Junior Horse Championship for owners Robert and Stacey Foster.
UVM Nigel and Mike Carpenter won the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Championship for owners William and Carol Johson. This handsome colt is a flashy addition to the Johson’s show string. Whitemud Mood Indigo and Mike Goebig took the reserve honors in the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Championship for owner Rhoda Hoenmans. The pair also won the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old qualifier on Wednesday afternoon in their debut performance.
Arthur Perry enjoyed a victorious debut with his homebred Intrepid Behold when they won the Pleasure Driving Amateur Championship following the amateur stallion/gelding blue under the direction of Rick Stevens and Stonegate. Phyllis Frechette and her own Can’t You See MEM took the reserve honors in the Pleasure Driving Amateur Championship with a bright showing.
Intrepid Behold and Art Perry
Shae Scanlon drove her parents, Michael and Mary Scanlon’s, four-year-old gelding Cape’s Yankee Clipper to the win in the Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor Championship on Friday evening. Hunter Hill By Design and Jessica Sebring took the reserve tricolor for owner Sandra Kimple.
Norman Fredette and Mazatlan won the Pleasure Driving Novice Adult Championship for the Fredette family on Saturday morning. The Driftway Meadows trained pair also won the Pleasure Driving Adult Novice qualifier earlier in the week. Maura Sweeney Reeve drove her gelding SPR Black Magic to the reserve ribbon.
Hunter Pleasure
Winning the Open Hunter Pleasure Championship was the Brown/Klein family’s Ladies Night with Kathleen Peeples aboard. Just off their East Coast Hunter Pleasure win at the New England Regional, this undefeated pair is getting ready for Oklahoma when they also won the Hunter Pleasure Mares qualifier and the ladies’ mares class.
Ladies Night and Kathleen Peeples
JAR Golden Boy and Cindy Mugnier took the reserve tricolor in the Open Hunter Pleasure Championship for niece Jennifer Roberts. With a mannered ride, great ring placement and her usual ring charisma Cindy Mugnier won the Hunter Pleasure Stallions and Geldings qualifier as well.
Both the champion and the reserve champion of the Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse division were sired by HVK Bell Flaire. Last year’s Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Reserve World Champion SBK Sasha’s Beau and trainer Kathleen Peeples won both the Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse Championship and the four-year-old qualifier for the Brown/Klein family. With a beautiful extension and ears that never seemed to waver back, this pair showed off the polished Waterford Farm look. Dragonsmeade Grand Isle and Keely Sogoloff collected the reserve tricolor with a bright showing for Dragonsmeade.
The Cedar Spring crew was again in the winner’s circle when Garland Fleur De Lis and Joyce Thoma won the competitive Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship Saturday evening. Thoma pushed for bold extensions and a position in the open to make sure to be seen by Judge Cheri Barber, who was celebrating the show theme with her cowgirl attire. Northgate’s LIV Man Of Steele and Nicole Morrison took home the Morrison family’s second tricolor for the evening. Morrison rode LIV Man Of Steel for mother, Patricia, to the reserve tricolor.
The Hunter Pleasure Youth Championship was one of the largest classes of the show with 22 entries. The class was split, with Judge Barber choosing eight for the call-back. Waterford Farm’s team of Indian Creek Final Touch and Sasha Klein took top honors when they won the Hunter Pleasure Youth Championship after winning section A of the Hunter Pleasure Youth Stallions and Geldings qualifier on Tuesday. Better In Black and Stephanie Slater trotted off with the reserve tricolor in this competitive championship under the direction of Taylor River Farm.
The Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship was the biggest class of the show with 25 entries. This championship again had a call back, with 10 entries called back for the championship. It was a repeat performance of last year for Manchester In Demand and Stevie Meder when they won the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 14-17 Championship for the second year in a row. With an eye-catching reverse down the middle and great extensions all the way through this team was on the top of their game.
Stevie Meder with Manchester In Demand
Bianca Abella rode her own Under Fire to the reserve honors in the junior exhibitor 14-17 championship. This bold, dark chestnut showed off his floaty trot as the team also took third in the Hunter Pleasure Youth Championship under the direction of Wynter Thyme Manor.
Cailey White won the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under Championship aboard her seven-year-old gelding Cabot Custom Order. Proud parents Jeff and Darlene were on the rail when White also won section A of the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 12-13 qualifier, the Hunt Seat Equitation 12-13 qualifier and reserve in the Junior Hunt Seat Equitation Championship. The Lion King and Kate Merrill took the reserve honors in the Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under Championship for mom Martha Merrill. The pair also won section B of the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 12-13 qualifier, the Pro-Am class with big sister Sarah Gove and the Junior Hunt Seat Equitation Championship under the direction of Taylor River Farm.
The Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 9-11 Championship was a large division this year with 17 entries. In the end, four were called out for a work-off with one emerging on top- Sadie Reynolds on her mare Eire Crest Splendid Lady. This team rides with Driftway Meadows and displayed the soft transitions, smart ring sense, and bold trot that put them at the top of the judge’s card. Melanie Harvey rode her own High Brook High Beam to the reserve tricolor in the Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 9-11 Championship. This team also won the Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 9-11 qualifier on Thursday with trainer Christine Nava at the rail.
Ultra’s Legal Advantage and Katie Howe won the Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 8 & Under Championship under the direction of Judy Nason at Bellewether. Naturally Precious and Michelle Quinlisk took the reserve tricolor in the Hunter Pleasure Walk Trot 8 & Under Championship for owner Courtney McGrath.
The Hunter Pleasure Novice Rider Stake was won by Capes HP Command and Lisa Foley. Reserve in the Hunter Pleasure Novice Rider Stake went to Equinox Romeo and Kerry Wolfe.
Western Pleasure
The Open Western Pleasure Championship was won by Trebles Tanqueray and Judy Nason for Gregory and Carol Fleck of Patridge Hill Morgans. Following tricolor rides at New England and Maine Morgan, he jogged away with the open championship, stallions and geldings qualifier and the amateur championship for Bellewether. Bogalusa and Christine Nava took the reserve tricolor in the Open Western Pleasure Championship. This pair was consistent in their gaits and quiet in their transitions.
The Western Pleasure Junior Horse Championship was won by the handsome CBMF Cutting Edge and Bonnie Sogoloff who earned a stellar victory for Mary Jane Nau. Garland French Authority and Melissa Morrell were awarded the reserve honors in the Western Pleasure Junior Horse Championship.
The $1,000 winner-take-all Western Pleasure Amateur Championship was won by Ashley Fleck-Morris riding her family’s two-time Reserve World Champion Trebles Tanqueray. The pair also won the Western Pleasure Amateur Stallions and Geldings qualifier on Wednesday evening under the direction of Judy Nason at Belleweather.
Trebles Tanqueray and Ashley Fleck-Morris
Thomas Arnowitz was reserve in the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship on his mare Seaway After Shock. The Waterford trained pair also took second in the Western Pleasure Amateur Masters qualifier.
The Western Pleasure Youth Stake featured another memorable victory for Charlestown Blue Moon and Hanna Welch competing for Alison Chickering. The impressive Bellewether team of DFM Poetic Justice and Jenna Britt collected reserve for the Britt Family.
Millbrook Spellcaster and Sara Sebring won the Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Championship for proud parents Harry and Carolyn Sebring. This pair also won the Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor qualifier, the Western Seat Equitation Championship and the Western AMHA Medal. DFM Poetic Justice and Jenna Britt were reserve in this division as well.
Cadette B and Stephen Nava won the Western Pleasure Walk-Jog 11 & Under Championship for parents Fred and Christine Nava of Timberhill Stables. Sunny Acres Skywalker and Rebecca Beets took home the reserve tricolor in the Western Pleasure Walk-Jog 11 & Under Championship after winning the qualifier for owner Eleanor Hutcheson.
Classic Pleasure Saddle
The Open Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship was very competitive this year with 14 entries, with the top two being called out to do a final work-off. SBS Power Play and Kristi Evans ultimately topped the field.
SBS Power Play and Kristi Evans
Brenda Varney and her own DCS Irresistible took the reserve award in the Open Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship. After winning the Classic Pleasure Masters qualifier Wednesday morning Brenda Varney was to show her horse to an exciting ride off in the Saturday evening’s championship under the direction of Stonegate Farm.
The Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Horse Championship was won by Buffy Tarr and her own Sugar Hill’s First Run. The reserve tricolor went to B Sharp Major and Kathy Jurkoursk for owner Elizabeth Bertrand.
The Classic Pleasure Youth Stake was won by Jessica Fejes riding her own Sunny Acres Candoo. Fejes rode her gelding with bold passes down the rail, allowing his road trot to shine, and took her time in her corners. This team is instructed at Broadmoor. Reserve in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Youth Stake was Whitney Therian and her own Woodnbrook High N Mighty. This team trains with the Morrells at Moreland Farm.
The Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 14-17 was won by Med-E-Oka French Morocco and Maxine Kenny for mom Deborah Kenny. Just coming off their Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 14-17 win at NEMHS last month, this team continued their winning ways at Mass Morgan, taking first place in both the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship and the qualifier. Wintop’s Prince Charles and Brittany Young took the reserve tricolor in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship for owner Pamela Wirth.
Syncopation and new owner Daisey Beisler trotted away with the winning tricolor in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under Championship after winning the qualifier earlier in the week. This new team executed seemingly flawless transitions and made it look easy to find space on the rail as they topped the qualifier and championship directed by Sally Lindabury. Radiant Beauty and Lindsay Finniss took the reserve tricolor for William Zammer.
Dial Wild and Nicholas Roberts won the Classic Pleasure Walk Trot 11 & Under Championship for a very proud Cindy Mugnier. Always crowd favorites, Roberts and Dial Wild also won the qualifier under the JP Stables banner. PT Son Of A Gun and Erin Scanlon took the reserve tricolor in the Classic Pleasure Walk Trot 11 & Under Championship for owner Nancy Packard. The team trains at Hyland Morgans.
Deborah Kenny teamed up with Whispering Rhythm-N-Blues for the tricolor in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Novice Rider Stake. This Northgate team also won the Classic Pleasure Novice qualifier. Josephine Graci and her gelding Cabot Cut Above took the reserve in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Novice Rider Stake. This duo rides under the direction of Mark and Jennifer Mason.
Classic Pleasure Driving
Shirley Haas and her mare Rare Obsession won the Classic Pleasure Diving Championship after a blue ribbon drive in the qualifier under the direction of Mike Carpenter earlier in the week. William Raitt and his Rowenda Regal Heir took reserve in the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. This team is trained by CPM Stables.
The polished team of Sarde’s Samurai and Roxanne Sardelli won the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Horse Championship. This Stonegate team also won the qualifier on Tuesday morning. This youngster had a collected headset with a well-balanced trot that will serve him well in the years to come. Salvador and Judy Candage took the reserve tricolor in the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Horse Championship for Equus Novus LLC. This eye-catching team is trained by the Morrells at Moreland Farm.
Leah Raitt borrowed her father, William’s, Rowenda Regal Heir to win the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor Championship. The well-mannered seven-year-old had clean crisp transitions to and from the walk as Raitt navigated nicely around traffic and the increasing quantity of Wild Wild West decorations in center ring in between her classes. Whispering Rhythm-N-Blues and Maxine Kenny were reserve in the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor Championship for Deborah Kenny. This Northgate-trained team also won the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor qualifier on Wednesday afternoon.
Equitation
Brittany Shilling and Highover All The Rage won the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. Shilling also won the 14-17 qualifier with Jean DeGutis on the rail for instruction. It was a tricolor sweep for Equitation Unlimited when Meghan Bradley earned the reserve title aboard Cingate Mystere.
Nason Lee Bastarache won the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship with a still leg and solid transitions aboard Hollybrook Romeo following the qualifier blue.
 
Nason Lee Basterache claimed the
Jill McCrudder Pursuit of Excellence Trophy.
Carolyn Spinelli and RRG Reign Man made it a tricolor sweep for Taylor River Farm following a blue ribbon ride in Junior UPHA Challenge Cup.
Completing her clean sweep of the Mass Morgan Saddle Seat Walk Trot 9-11 division, Kathryn Domijian and Becks Marquis won the Saddle Seat Equitation Walk Trot 9-11 Championship and qualifier. Making it a matched set, Nicole Bobbi also won the Saddle Seat Walk Trot 8 & Under Championship to add to her English Pleasure Walk-Trot 8 & Under title aboard Carol Skelcher’s Capes Fleet Command. Reserve honors in the Saddle Seat Equitation 8 & Under went to Annie Kelley on her family’s Shine On Me.
Despite two different versions of the pattern being read by the announcer, the Taylor River girls were able to pull through as Melanie Guerin and Sight Unseen won the Senior Hunt Seat Equitation Championship, with Stevie Meder and Manchester In Demand taking the reserve honors. Melanie Guerin also took second in the competitive 20-rider AMHA Hunt Seat Medal. Stevie Meder, last year’s Senior Hunt Seat Equitation World Champion, also won the championship here last year and was quite comfortable back in the winner’s circle taking reserve honors this year and winning the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship.
Katelyn Merrill rode The Lion King with a still upper body and a soft seat to the Junior Hunt Seat Equitation Championship on Saturday morning. Cailey White and Cabot Custom Order took the reserve tricolor in the Junior Hunt Seat Equitation Championship. White and her gelding also won the Hunt Seat Equitation 12-13 qualifier earlier in the week with parents Jeff and Darlene White on the rail for support.
McKenzie Snow and MB Miracle won the Hunt Seat Equitation 9-11 Championship for owner Ruth Leonard on Friday afternoon coached by Scott Travers. Nicholas Roberts and TJB Opinionated took the reserve honors as part of a great show for JP Stables.
Katie Howe and Ultra’s Legal Advantage took home the top ribbon when she won the Hut Seat Equitation Walk-Trot 8 & Under Championship for proud owner and mom Kelly. Howe also won the Hunt Seat Equitation Walk-Trot 8 & under qualifier earlier in the week with her great smile. Michelle Quiblisk and Courtney McGrath’s Naturally Precious took the reserve tricolor.
The Western Seat Equitation Championship was won by Sara Sebring and Millbrook Spellcaster to complete a clean sweep at Mass Morgan. Jenna Britt rode her family’s DFM Poetic Justice to the reserve in the Western Seat Equitation. The pair also took second in the Western Seat Equitation qualifier earlier in the week under the direction of Judy Nason at Bellewether.
Miller Young Fina rode away with the title of Western Seat Equitation Walk-Jog 11 & Under Champion riding her trusty Marin Royal Command. Owner and trainer great aunt Barbara Irvine was on the rail to coach for the tricolor and qualifier blue. Stephen Nava rode his parent’s Cadette B to the reserve honors in the Western Seat Equitation Walk-Jog 11 & Under Championship after taking second in the qualifier.
Courtney Segulin and Leva First Star won the Classic Seat Equitation Championship for owner Stacey Buchler on Saturday afternoon. This duo also won the Classic Seat Equitation qualifier earlier in the week. Quinn Mercier took the reserve tricolor aboard Absolut Appeal directed by Amazeen Stables.
Brittany Pothier rode Hillwood Who’s Your Daddy to the win in the Classic Seat Equitation Walk-Trot Championship on Friday morning coached by Jean DeGutis. In her first year as a saddle seat rider, Miller Young Fina and Rumor Has It took the reserve tricolor in the Classic Seat Equitation Walk-Trot 11 & Under Championship for Barbara Irvine.
Miscellaneous
Barbara Irvine’s Rumor Has It was back in the winner’s circle as niece Elizabeth Young Fina rode to win the Road Hack Open Championship. The pair also won the Open and Amateur Road Hack qualifiers. Highover Audacious and Rachael Perreault took the reserve honors in the championship for owner Lisa La Rochelle.
Percy McDaniel won the Roadster To Bike Championship on Friday night, or better known to some, his birthday! Driving his seasoned Blk Orchid Live From New York for owners Clint and Linda, McDaniel showed his horse to the max and let, as the announcer said, the crowd “go wild!” Another crowd favorite was 86-year-old reserve winner Benjamin Kaufman driving his own Springmill Premonition under the direction of Mark Mason.
 
Blk Orchid Live From New York and Percy McDaniel
sped down victory lane as their fans cheered them.
The sport horse divisions were also well filled with many impressive entries vying for honors in the field and in the coliseum throughout the show.
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