Michigan All Morgan
Friday, July 21, 2006
by Pam Cusumano
CORUNNA, Mich.- The 54th edition of the Michigan All Morgan Horse Show was held at Shiawassee County Fairgrounds in Corunna, Mich., July 13-16, 2006. I’m not sure which was hotter, the competition or the weather, but both were steaming. The temperature went up to 98 degrees and the competitors came out from Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and of course Michigan’s best barns were all in attendance. The judges were Bonnie Sogoloff from Charlotte, Vt., judging in hand, pleasure driving, English pleasure, park harness, park saddle, classic pleasure driving, roadster, saddle seat equitation and horse mastership patterns and Garn Walker from Auburn, Calif., judging sport horse suitability, western pleasure and equation, walk/trot, trail, hunter hack and over fences. The show also held jumping, dressage and carriage competitions. Announcer Dennis Rumsey along with ringmaster Ron Gekiere kept the show running on schedule. Debbie Uecker-Keough took photographs, while Cyndi Mortensen took care of the secretarial duties.
The Show Manager Sue Hall, along with a group of movers and shakers known as the show committee, put on one of the most successful and fun shows ever. A red hat tea, a slip and slide and a stick horse class were some of the entertainment in between sessions. The schedule of this show was well received with a morning session and an early evening session. The afternoons were free to relax, play, shop or just hang out. Every night was something great. Thursday night Liberty Stables provided a hearty chicken dinner. Friday night’s party was Morgan Valley’s famous ice cream social. Saturday night Sterling Training Center took care of all sweet-tooths with an impressive spread of cakes, cookies and fruit.
The Youth of the Year Contest was held throughout the show. Michigan really supports their youth. There were so many donors and volunteers that they cannot all be listed. The event was directed by Cashell Southwick with the help of Jennifer Rose. The participants were a great group and worked hard to compete. Celia Salmon won the senior title, winning $1,500 towards this year’s Grand National and World’s Championship competition held in Oklahoma. Julie Christopher achieved the reserve spot, winning $750. The junior division winner was Rebecca Peacock winning $500, and reserve honors went to Ellery Walker winning $250. The Walk/Trot winner was Jessie Graves, winning $250, and the reserve was Abby Jacobi, winning $100. The show wrapped up Sunday afternoon with the High Point awards. Tiffani Earehart won the Amateur High Point. Junior Exhibitor High Point was Leah Soubel. Walk/Trot High Point Champion was Sara Heidenreich. Dressage was won by Carrie Eby. Morgan Carriage was presented to Six Penny Constant Motion driven by Chelsea Bickerstaff and assisted by Bob Verbal. Jumping was won by Gayle Davidson.
It is hard to believe that another great Michigan All Morgan show has come and gone. After the pictures and ribbons were hung, the videotapes viewed and the excitement died down, we were left with the precious memories. Some made us laugh like, Lori Marino-Beasley and David Earehart holding hands in the victory pass on Sunday afternoon. Then there was just the mere thought of Russ Hall sliding 100 feet down a hill on a slip and slide. Some made us cry, like the first-time winners who learned what it takes to earn the honors and watching them embrace the moment.
This show gets better every year so plan on attending next year, same time, same place, new memories. Complete results of the Michigan All Morgan can be found by clicking on SHOW RESULTS.
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