Maximum Exposure At The Fair
Friday, October 1, 2004
Some things are worth fighting for and the opportunity to showcase American Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Morgans, and Friesians to thousands of inquisitive and appreciative individuals who descend upon the the cleanest state fair in the country is one of those things. Once the pride of New England, and the entire Northeast for that matter, today Eastern States unfortunately has to battle to attract trainers and exhibitors.
Many have given their reasons for the fall off in entries from the glory years and they have all been well discussed, but the biggest is simply this is a different day and time. Once the society event of New England, it was important to show and do well at New England’s Great State Fair. There was lots of pomp and circumstance. Today as a society in general we don’t get dressed up and we have little time or patience for anything that requires extra effort. We’ve become creatures of habit with little tolerance for a change of routine especially if it is harder than what we’re used to.
That’s what has happened at the Big E. There are so many other choices of shows these days that having to unload horses and walk them a couple hundred yards through the fair grounds to get to the main barn has become too much of a hassle. It doesn’t matter that the Big E staff loads all of your equipment on wagons, drives it to your stalls and helps you unload it.
“It’s easier than if you pulled up right outside this barn and had to haul it in and out yourself,” said Hackney supporter Courtney Cahill who won the amateur road pony championship.
There is some waiting involved when the show ends as everyone is in a mad rush to leave at the same time and there are only so many tractor/wagon combinations to go around. However, physically it is much easier to unload and load.
Having to park even further away and walk to the barns on glorious sun soaked fall days has become too much of a hassle as well. On Saturday it can be a little troublesome to immediately find a spot on the grounds in the designated area, but for those who don’t want to be bothered they can purchase a reserve parking spot. It’s still a hike to the barn but you can come and go any time of the day and know there will be a spot waiting for you.
So what could be worth driving through traffic and having to unload and park so far away from the barn? How about a coliseum full of fans afternoon and evening, enthusiastically cheering. They pick up on different horses and riders, not just the favorites that receive the applause at 99 percent of our shows. Besides the seats being full sometimes it’s even hard to get to the rail to coach your rider. And when you do get to the rail you are going to be asked question after question.
“What kind of horses are these? I’ve never seen animals as beautiful as these. Why are their tails standing up? How do they pick their feet up so high? Where do these animals come from? Are there any in this area?”
This not only happens during classes, it happens in the morning when trainers are working horses. It happens on the wash racks as droves of people stroll by, many families with children who are amazed that they can see these magnificent animals up close and personal. Many of the trainers and caretakers that have been coming for years and understand the significance of the exposure to the general public take the time to let children pet the horses and ponies and field question after question. Money cannot buy this kind of exposure, this kind of up close and personal interaction between the general public and our show horses.
Hats off to those diehards who year after year make the extra effort required to be a part of this showcase and hopefully the newcomers with the same view of the “big picture.”
“There are very few places where we have such an opportunity to promote our horses,” said Smoke Hollow Farm owner Doreen Weston. “We should all be out here passing out pamphlets, newspapers, any promotional items that we have.”
Weston has done all of the above on her own and has also been found leading a horse around the makeup ring before and in between sessions. She takes the product to the public. Just imagine how many people, especially little boys and girls, who go home thinking about their up close and personal exposure to these grand horses? Imagine how many of those youngsters ask their parents if they can take riding lessons or get a horse after getting to pet one or see children their age showing these high steppers?
On top of this unique opportunity, Eastern States offers some of the nicest trophies and prizes of any horse show in the country. Some of the grand challenge and memorial trophies date back to the glory days and are quite the conversation piece when sitting in an exhibitor’s home for the year. In addition to the regular class schedule there are UPHA Classics for Saddlebreds and Hackneys as well as the New England Championship Series which offers nice prize money and beautiful trophies in many divisions for amateur riders/drivers with New England entries.
Manager Jim LaHood and horse show coordinator Carol Keller again led the battle to keep the Saddlebred/Hackney/Morgan show a part of the three-week line-up of shows at the Big E. The Hunter/Jumper show was held the week before and the Draft horses came in the week after. LaHood signed Jimmy Miller to judge the Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster divisions, while Nancy McConnell officiated in the Morgan, Friesian, and Saddle Seat Equitation events. Dwayne Knowles joined Miller and McConnell in judging the famed NEHC Saddle Seat Medal Finals which has long been an icon of the Big E. Knowles also joined Jennifer Baker Kennett and Charles Muscarella on the panel for the NEHC Stock Seat Medal Finals which was new to Eastern States.
Other familiar faces at the Fair included Jason Gates as the announcer and assistant manager; Bob Moseder as photographer; Kent Moeller as ringmaster; Tim Keller as farrier; Amy Paradise as the organist; Terry Mason serving as the paddock master; Nancy Noble as the USEF steward; and Mary Lou Burmeister, Joan Healy, and Donna O’Connor running an exhibitor friendly office.
The September 23-26 edition of the Big E turned out to be a competitive show for the most part. A couple of the regulars were noticeably absent but then some new barns like Wentz Stables from Pennsylvania, who made a repeat appearance, came in with several nice horses. It was also a good year for ponies in more than the roadster and pleasure driving sections. Morgans were respectable, especially this close to Oklahoma. In fact, some made a quick appearance to qualify for the upcoming Morgan Grand National.
One thing that can be said about the Big E management is that everything possible that has been asked for has been done in recent years. Each year the management team meets with local trainers and owners to get their suggestions for the show and every year those suggestions are implemented.
The New England Championship Series is one such idea. Open to horses shown by amateurs in at least two classes at two New England shows, the $500 championships are held in several divisions. Now in its fourth year, the New England Five-Gaited Championship was won in the previous three years by Diamond Flight, My Hatteras, and The King Of Music. The silver in this class (Tangled Up In Blue Challenge Trophy and Callaway’s Carissa Challenge Trophy) is spectacular.
Five amateur riders competed for this year’s New England Championship and all five have been great supporters of Eastern States for as long as they can remember. The third of four generations to show at Big E, Kate Harvey Codeanne rode the young mare Yes I Have to the championship honors. This full sister to world’s champion Have You Ever led the way pass after pass. David Weston and Inphallible turned in the reserve performance ahead of Sharon Alemian, Morgan McGrath, and Tim Lydon.
Sunday’s Amateur Five-Gaited Championship was a $400 class with loot that was just as impressive. The June E. Larson Memorial Challenge Trophy and the Miss Lillie O’Lee Challenge Trophy were awarded to Sally Gallagher and Callaway’s Rhapsody In Blue for the second consecutive year. The Narotam Singh Grewal entry added another tricolor to the well decorated Cricket Hill Farm tack room with a most impressive performance from both horse and rider. They had already won the amateur qualifier ahead of Louise DeBlois and Formally Attired. Kate Codeanne and Yes I Have represented Cedarledge Farm with the reserve championship performance.
It was light in the open division but that didn’t stop Todd Mathieson and Darlene Trento-Wright from going head to head with their steeds. Both classes went to the Wrighthall Stables team of Cameo Appearance and Trento-Wright making a clean sweep for owner Jodie Goff. Mathieson rode the McGrath family’s Mahogany Hi Lite strong to command reserve honors.
Unfortunately they were two solo performances, but Lauren Pyes and Forty-Second Street Gal hadn’t lost a thing since their world’s grand championship performance last month. Not long ago this young red-head was getting her feet wet in the walk and trot ranks and now she’s rackin’ and trottin’ like a veteran.
Four entries gave the junior/novice class a try but it was Reedann’s Glory Be and Sue Ward scoring the victory for Candlewood Saddlebreds and trainer Ricky Harris. Todd Mathieson presented the reserve champion in Brian Fitzsimmons’ Royalty At Midnight.
Like the gaited division, the strongest competition in the walk-trot ranks came from the amateurs. There was a strong group of title holders competing for the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship. Some of the past names that appeared on the Sassy Stepper Perpetual Trophy included Roman Spring, Broadland’s Electra, Reedann’s Lahania, Worthy Memories, Harvest Girl, Sultan’s Night Whisper, and Telesis. For the past 11 years Doreen Weston won the title with three different horses: CH Foxfire’s Kashmir, CH Mr. Snuffleupagus, and CH Jane Doe.
Mr. Snuffleupagus had won nine of the 11 years and was back again for a shot at number 12. While Weston and Mr. Snuffleupagus made another crowd-pleasing performance, it was the new team of Careen Dubuc and Strapless that came back with a big time show to take the tricolor honors for Phoenix Stables. One of the all-time greats to show at Big E, Mr. Snuffleupagus was the reserve grand champion.
To start the week, Weston and Snuffleupagus won the New England Three-Gaited Championship for amateur riders. Reserve went to a team which has had a solid year. The beautiful A Winter’s Tale was that reserve champion for Ann Rowland and High Tail Acres.
In the amateur qualifier Joellen Fisher-Blount and Heir Balloon represented Lukens Stables as the winners, Amber Craig and The Pinnacle were right on their heels for reserve.
Riding one handed due to her other one being broken, Jan Lukens was called to the winner’s circle of the Three-Gaited Championship aboard Heir Balloon. Always expressive, Capsaicin was the two-time reserve champion for Doreen Weston. Kevin Tomasko and Kansai made the victory pass in the open class.
The tables turned in the junior exhibitor division as the two entries, both from High Tail Acres, took turns making victory passes. Jessica MacLeod and Callaway’s All That Jazz won the first round ahead of Eastwood’s Prime Time and Lexie Quarantiello. It was a different story in the championship as Prime Time exited the ring via victory lane.
CH Dance Of Love made two of her best shows in recent memory to win the Three-Gaited Park Championship and open qualifier. David Arnold provided the winning rides for Daryl Carlow. Audrey Pade and Revelation’s Amazing Grace were the reserve grand champions while Teresa Warka and Dragonfire commanded reserve honors in the qualifier.
Another championship combination from the Jan Lukens Stables, Desert’s Supreme Lady and Margaret Biggs took control of both amateur park classes with athletic performances. Corrina Arruda and Mr. Machine were reserve on both occasions while riding under the direction of Darlene Trento-Wright.
The Big E and Grace Brooks Knibb/Daryl Carlow go hand in hand and it was great to see Carlow back at the whip of her Fine Harness Grand Champion Kendall Jackson. Prepared by David Arnold, Kendall Jackson and Carlow also won the amateur class. Open winner Shamrock’s Irishman was the reserve grand champion. Todd Mathieson pushed hard every step of the way for owner Elizabeth McCracken.
Brad Lukens took over the driver’s seat of Galad in the Junior/Novice Fine Harness class for owner Graywood Farm and trainer Lukens Stables. The result was a blue ribbon drive ahead of Isabelle Messier and Cameo’s Ambassador NYC.
Competition for the road ponies was good at Eastern States. In the open ranks Deidre Henry shifted Dun-Haven Highly Impressive into overdrive to pass the challengers for the Road Pony Grand Champion title. Owned by Diane Flynn, Highly Impressive and Henry were just that in the open class as well. Tammy Holbrook and Here Comes The Doctor were flying down the straightaways for reserve honors in both classes.
The tricolor ribbon and silver in the New England Road Pony Championship for amateur drivers returned to the Rocking Horse Farm tack room with Courtney Cahill and Rhythm King LF. They warmed up for the New England Championship with a win in the junior/novice class. Here Comes The Doctor with Tammy Holbrook and Mt View’s Sunrise Surprise with Brook Sweigart were reserve respectively.
Sweigart Stables held the winning celebration for the Amateur Road Pony Stake Champion. Classic Dreams crossed the finish line in first for owner/driver Randall Foltz. At 80 plus years of age, Lewis Levin drove his Dream Boy’s Magic to the reserve championship out of the six entries.
Although they were solo, Ricky Harris and Kilbro’s Mr. Big Stuff were impressive as the UPHA Road Pony Classic Champions. This is the newest entry owned by Saddle Horse exhibitor Robin McKenzie Vuillermet.
Four nice cob-tails competed for their championship but marching above the crowd was the multi-titled Sir Galahad. The David and Janine LaSalle entry went a big four-cornered trot from start to finish to take the tricolor honors as well as the amateur class with Janine at the whip. Southern Dreams was the reserve grand champion for Diane McGrath and trainer Todd Mathieson.
McGrath and South Dreams did win the four-pony New England Harness Pony Championship with a solid performance. Closest to the champions was Dun-Haven Exquisite, a nice entry owned and shown by Sharon Francis under the direction of Rodney Hicks.
Hicks and Joyanna were two time winners for V. Ann Hailey. They made victory passes in both the UPHA Harness Pony Classic and the Junior/Novice Harness Pony class. Geoff Dixon presented Kilbro’s Patent Leather to reserve on both occasions for the LaSalle family.
The Rodney Hicks Stables enjoyed a total sweep of the cob-tail division. Hicks directed Nathan Roden and the extremely gifted Totally Excellent to the Hackney Pony Championship and open qualifier for Nathan and Betty Roden. Staying at the top, the amateur team of Janine LaSalle and Romeo’s Copycat LF were the reserve grand champions. Darlene Trento-Wright guided Heartland Classic to reserve in the open class for owner Maureen Quackenbush.
Longtime Big E supporter and pony owner Marjorie Kenney was back in the winner’s circle with Romeo’s Warrior LF. This grand combination made the last pass from the New England Hackney Pony Championship. Frank Hester and Mark Of Recognition were right there for reserve honors.
Recently crowned the Junior Hackney Pony Reserve World’s Grand Champion, Sky Mark topped both the UPHA Hackney Pony Classic and the Junior/Novice Hackney Pony competition. Brook Sweigart presented Unique Starlighter to reserve in both classes.
The Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Championship and the rest of the classes in that division were deep. Eight entries competed for the championship with Mary Cichowski and Steal The Show doing just that in both the championship and open qualifier. Reserve grand champion honors went to the recently crowned Junior Reserve World’s Champion Lincolnshire’s Royal Cavalier. Owner/driver/artist Janet Crawford Hicks made the good drive just as she did in the UPHA Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Classic which they won. Third in the strong championship, Lovelyanna and Daryl Carlow were reserve in the UPHA Classic behind Royal Cavalier. Eryn Carter and Model Of Excellence turned in the reserve performance from the open qualifier.
Representing High Tail Acres, Carter and Model Of Excellence did win the AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Medallion. The winning combination of Oh Happy Day and Stacey Birch were the reserve ribbon winners in the Medallion.
Reserve world’s champion Megabucks was all show pony to win the New England Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Championship with the grand lady of New England’s pony division Irene York. With a big string of ponies on hand, Tammy Holbrook had the reserve drive with A Step Ahead.
David Arnold continued his good week by putting Arthur Aitkens and Beelzebub in the winner’s circle. This dapper combination earned grand champion honors ahead of Joellen Fisher-Blount and Main Son, winners of both the limit and Open Show Pleasure Driving classes. Phillip Holowacz and Legacy’s Memories trotted off with the red streamers from the limit class, while Aitkens and Beelzebub were second in the open class.
After making good shows at Louisville and earning ribbons in the junior exhibitor gaited pleasure division, Kaitlyn Alemian and Tova’s Priceless Gem turned back seven other contenders for Big E’s Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship. Trained by Auntie Lil Gilpin, this team qualified with a win in the seven-horse limit class. Earning his CH status, Titleist Commander was reserve grand champion with Traci Van Horn in the irons. Representing Somersdream, this team started the weekend with a strong blue ribbon performance in the open qualifier ahead of Caroline Deshaies and My Hatteras. Raye Lynn Funkhouser and The King Of Music had been reserve in the limit class.
When awards were presented for the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship, Jennifer Baskinger and Wild Wasaabi were the names that lit up the scoreboard as the grand champions. They led the way for Sally Lindabury’s Reindance Stables in a good class of pleasure stars. Making the trip from Pennsylvania with Wentz Stables, Carolyn Constantine and The Mahogany Bay commanded reserve grand champion honors for their shining performance.
Showing at Big E since she was a child, Cheryl Innis was back with her newest pleasure star, Society's Upper Krust, to win the New England Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. Reserve to the champion was Star Of The Millennium, an entry ridden by Jessica Bernier for Alan Lanoue.
Delores Barker puts her heart and soul into her riding and is she ever having a good time with her new mare Spirited Edition. Under the direction of Lynn Harvey McNamara, Barker made the victory pass in the Limit Show Pleasure class ahead of Society’s Upper Krust before taking third in the championship.
Competition was extremely tough in the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship as a group of experienced champions went at it. Emerging from the pack with the tricolor honors was Cassi Wentz aboard CH Lover’s Heir. They were picture perfect to turn back challenges from reserve grand champions CH Callaway’s Publicist and Brooke Gove as well as third place finishers CH Sergeant Royalty and Caitlyn Spring.
Gove and Callaway’s Publicist topped Wentz and Lover’s Heir in the 14-17 class, while Wicked Whisper and Walker Roberts won the 13 & under section in front of Nikole Joseph and Midnight's Memory Maker.
Darlene Trento-Wright always comes to the ring meaning business and in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic that paid off with a nice check for Jennifer Smith, owner of champion Dark Heiress. Kevin Tomaskso had a bright prospect himself in reserve champion Sea Blue. Tomasko also had the winning ride in the CHSA Open English Pleasure class with Strictly Adventure. David Arnold and Midnight Snow were reserve in that one.
The young riders also got their chance in the pleasure division with Kimberly Ginsberg and Hakeem The Dream topping the Beginner’s Pleasure class. A red ribbon went the way of Jessica St. Andre and NBN Flouresant.
Results in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship were swapped between first and second. Megan Adams and Genius Poetic Justice were named grand champions while qualifying winners Champagne’s Miss T Phi and Jayne Romano were reserve grand champions.
Wentz Stables struck again with junior exhibitor winners SS Inner Vision and Kirby Tapper taking the Country Pleasure Championship for Tom Wentz. Next in line for a prize in the championship round was Nu Generation, the New England Country Pleasure Reserve Champion, ridden by Donna Tardif. Stonewall’s Night Of Pandemonium and Mary Coons were the last to leave the ring after making the victory pass in the open qualifier. Reserve in that event went to Dawn Snyder and Just About Midnight, winners of the New England Three-Gaited Country Pleasure Championship.
The Big E crowd always loves a spotted star so Key Largo’s Magic fit the bill as the ASB Country Western Pleasure Grand Champion and qualifying winner. Again representing Wentz Stables, Tiana Tapper was the winning rider for Kathleen Ververeli. Paula Holowacz Decker and Solitaire’s Vision strolled to reserve in both rounds.
Equitation has also been a big part of Eastern States history, especially with the NEHC Saddle Seat Medal Finals. A NEHC Walk and Trot Medal Finals was added to this year’s schedule and featured eight riders. Cricket Hill Farm’s Kimberly Ginsberg had the top ride according to the tabulations of judges Knowles, McConnell and Miller. It has been a banner season for Ginsberg and this Finals title just added to accolades. Coming from the Morgan world, Elizabeth Wyllie was named the reserve grand champion with a smooth ride directed by Jean DeGutis. She too has enjoyed a successful season on the way to Oklahoma.
The remaining ribbon winners in the first ever NEHC Walk and Trot Finals included Olivia Prentiss, Kaitlyn Grant, Ashley Bradbury, Kaitlyn Powers, Spencer Alderman, and Jessica St. Andre’.
The presentation picture for the New England Medal Saddle Seat Finals rivals anything seen at Louisville or the national finals as an abundance of trophies and prizes are bestowed upon the winner. Some of the equitation world’s greats have put their stamp on this prestigious final even if it is a regional final. For years New England riders have used this as a stepping stone to the national scene and many have scored the highest at that level as well.
This year’s champion certainly fits that mode although his 2004 New England Medal Finals ride was not a stepping stone to great things. Kyle Gagnon has already done great things, most recently the Senior Saddle Seat World’s Grand Championship. Under the guidance of Gary and Marsha Garone, Gagnon was the first male rider to win the senior title as a 14-year-old.
A former Junior Equitation World’s Champion in the Morgan industry, Jamie Kalalas was fine tuning her skills for the upcoming medal finals and world championships at the Morgan Grand National. Trained by Jean DeGutis she looked more than ready, riding as the NEHC Medal Finals Reserve Grand Champion. Following the reserve grand champion were Brittany Philbrook, Nicole York, and Maeve Tibbetts.
This year’s Saddle Seat Equitation Grand Champion is another rider looking to do great things at Oklahoma in a few weeks. Riding Hollybrook Romeo, Brooke Gove was the grand champion and qualifying winner for Cricket Hill Farm. Stablemate Brianna Saunders left the fair as the reserve grand champion.
Other walk, trot and canter equitation riders that did well included Lauren Lagasse, winner of the NHS Good Hands class and Elke Trilla, winner of the USEF Medal.
Lisa Richardson, Kristen Spann, and David Cater had a great week with equitation riders from Cricket Hill Farm. The unforgettable Spencer Alderman was the dapper champion of the walk and trot equitation division. Aboard CH Evening Dazzle, Alderman was also a star in the UPHA Walk and Trot 8 & Under event riding out with that blue as well. Reserve in both the championship and the 8 & under class was another young rider with an unforgettable smile, Kaitlyn Powers. Instructed by Lil Gilpin at Rocking Horse Farm, Powers backs up her smile with grand horsemanship.
Now the fourth generation of her family to have won classes at Eastern States, Molly Codeanne joined her mother Kate Harvey Codeanne, grandmother Lynn Harvey McNamara, and great-great grandmother June Larson as a Big E champion with her winning ride in the Leadline class. Stephanie Shoubash commanded the reserve streamers, followed by Alice Rowland, Nikki Percoco, and Hannah Remillard.
There was also competition for pleasure equitation riders, and again Cricket Hill Farm topped the charts. Maeve Tibbetts was crowned the grand champion after placing reserve to Jaime Cruz in the qualifier. Christie Millbury landed the reserve championship.
Hylee’s Dann Osgood was the man of the hour in the Morgan division, winning three competitive classes. Under the Moreland Farm banner, Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans were right on the money to take the top prize money in the $500 New England Morgan English Pleasure Championship, another in the amateur series offered by Eastern States. Their championship performance was followed by Hillwood Irish Rose and Debbie Lukas as the reserve grand champions.
Evans and Hylee’s Dann Osgood were also victorious in the Amateur English Pleasure Stake and the junior exhibitor class. Festival Flamenco, winner of the ladies pleasure class with Laura Bowers, was reserve behind Dann Osgood in the amateur stake. Christine Cote and Oak Knoll Army Brat commanded reserve honors in the junior exhibitor class.
Consistently at the top all season long, Katherine Bennett provided the winning ride in the Morgan English Pleasure Championship. Her entry, U.C. Top This, had been reserve to Festival Flamenco in the ladies pleasure class but came back with a tricolor performance for owner John Bennett. From Janbark Farm, Rosalie Leary and RDF French Twist were reserve among the five entries in the championship.
The Open Morgan English Pleasure class found Peggy Alderman and RTS Tis Himself in the winner’s circle for Robert Severino. Riding for David and Joann Bush, Joann Bush guided Tapestry Field Of Dreams to the reserve ribbon in the open event.
Numbers weren’t quite as strong in the driving section, but there were stars no less. Remember When was the brightest star from the Morgan Pleasure Driving Championship. Terri Page Travers was the winning owner/driver just as she was in the amateur class. John Bennett piloted U.C. Mr. T’s Destiny to a reserve championship for the University Of Connecticut.
There was a different set of winners in the open class as Mike Carpenter drove On Line to the winner’s circle for Linda Langlois. Joann Bush and Farabee were reserve champions.
David Arnold put winners in the ring in three different breeds. KGA’s Center Stage was his winner in the Morgan English Pleasure Junior/Limit class. Linda Ozciek was the winning owner. Michelle Cravenho and Western Star Galaxy were next with the red prize. Ashley Bell and Trijas Mr. Vigil Pepper made the winning presentation in the novice rider class.
Called from the lineup in first place among the junior/novice driving entries was M.E.M. Let’s Go Girls, an entry driven by Rick Lane for George Schott. John Bennett and U.C. Mr. T’s Destiny again finished reserve. The Patty Vine entry, Drakkar Noir, was solo in both the novice driver class and the amateur championship.
With Oklahoma right around the corner, the park division was extremely light. However, that didn’t stop Tim Lydon and The Silver Brook Surprise from entertaining the crowds. One of the success stories on the New England circuit this year, the beautiful mare put on two more good shows to win the Park Saddle Championship and open qualifier. They did have one other challenger in the championship but that entry didn’t finish the class.
Jane Morrell and JW Maine Dame did have the winning ride in the Ladies Park Saddle class for Susan Therrien. Jennifer Martin and Townsend Rise & Rule stepped up for the red streamers. They were uncontested in both the amateur championship and qualifier.
Long a supporter of the Morgan Park Harness division at many shows in New England, Kathy Comeau made three winning presentations with Comoshun’s Cruella de Vil. They won the open, amateur and grand championship. Peggy Alderman and Bada Bing were the lone entry for the Junior Park Harness class.
Among the six entries for the Morgan Classic Pleasure Championship, SBS Powerplay brought home the loot with Nicole Evans riding for Richard Evans. They had been reserve in the ladies class to Hillwood Irish Keepsake and Susan Caisse. Brynne Cummings and Portrait In Red rode away with the reserve grand championship.
Also in the classic saddle section, Carla Ferro and Burkland French Tradition topped the open class ahead of Paula Macklin and Stonecroft Love Potion. French Tradition and Ferro won the Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving Championship in which novice winner Stonecroft Love Potion was the reserve grand champion for Macklin.
Equinox Beau Jangles won two of the three classes offered in the Morgan western pleasure division. Kris Ann Jardin and Beau Jangles strolled to the championship title. The John and Jancie Vierira entry also won the amateur section. A blue prize in the open class went to Julie Comeau aboard MLB Goldrush Willy. Beau Jangles was reserve in that one.
Rounding out the Morgan competition, PAF Boomerang toppled Apostrophe for the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Championship. Julie Parisien was the celebrated winning rider. Elizabeth James and Apostrophe had won the open and amateur classes in which Jaklee Electra with Jessica Fernandes and Star Lake Sparkler with Jessica Sanderson had been the respective reserve champions.
One of the neatest horses on the grounds for its division was Friesian Under Saddle Grand Champion Jorrit. David Arnold rode the expressive and fluid moving star to win both the qualifier and championship for Lou and Delilah Fox.Charmane Delisle and Doede Fan Bokkum were honored with the reserve championship streamers ahead of Teake 5 and Eugene Sweeney who had taken reserve in the qualifier.
The results were switched in the Friesian Pleasure Championship, as reserve qualifying winners Bobbi Jo Beck and Auke were crowned the grand champions. Nicole Byers and Hamil won the first round before taking the reserve grand championship.
Another Eastern States Horse Show came to a close with trainers and exhibitors again receiving maximum exposure with their entries. Despite the challenges of getting in and out and showing there, all lived to tell about the wonderful crowd response for another year.
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