Morgan Grand National – Monday, October 9
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Monday, October 9
Coverage by Diana Davidson, Sadie Fowler, Bob Funkhouser and Christy Parsons
Coliseum
The coliseum was the site of the hunter and western pleasure classes with the panel of Betty Gray, Rick Davis, Glynis Snowden and Kathryn Schwartz spending the morning and afternoon sessions marking the cards in some highly competitive classes. Sixteen Ladies Amateur Hunter Pleasure Mares started off the morning in the spotlight with New England based entries pulling in the top two prizes. It was the elegant pairing of Garland Fleur De Lis and Joyce Thoma who earned a trip to the winner’s circle with a polished ride coached by Keely Sogoloff. Andrea’s Radiance and Sara Heffernan added the red ribbon to their previous victory pass under the Taylor River banner.
AMHF Missiplicity showed off her style and good looks on the way to a victorious ride in the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Mares. Shaughnessy Morris presented Don and Patti Harms’ lovely black filly to the top honors. Jason Douglas teamed up with Erica Ramsey’s well-named ECP Pretty Woman to add the reserve tie to the Rand banner.
An immense field of 30 was listed in the Amateur Ladies Hunter Pleasure Geldings necessitating a split with 15 top entries in each section. The state of Michigan was well represented in the first section as Bell South and Stacey Heidenreich were dialed in for top honors directed by Mary Carlton. Jennifer Grey and her grand partner Night Out enjoyed their show ring return for the reserve honors proudly coached by Katie Mair. The second section featured the bold striding En Excess NKS and Julie Chan notching their second victory pass of the show thus far. They were followed by the confident Waterford Farm trained team of SpringMill Primary Colors and Martha Simpson in reserve.
The east coast had the winning combinations in the Youth Western Pleasure Finals. Erika Mitchell did a great job guiding Jim and Natalie Maloof’s handsome PLF Maximum Results to the tricolor honors directed by Best Of Both Worlds. Caitlin Harrison and Mtn Laurel Election Day added the reserve honors on to their tricolor season under the colors of Broadmoor.
Stevie Meder proved she means business whether in the pleasure or equitation ranks with Manchester In Demand. She added the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 15 Year-Old victory pass to a grand season under the Taylor River banner. The world titled team of Black Orchid Ace Command and Jordan Cusumano added the reserve prize to their list of accomplishments coached by Katie Mair.
Ling Fu Wylie started off a memorable day with a jog down victory lane in her team debut with the elegant RLH Electra. This new Dragonsmeade Farm team starred in the Amateur Western Pleasure Mares under the direction of Dragonfire Farm. They were followed in reserve by the smooth and steady team of Sunny Acres Resurrection and Danielle Paufve.
Following back to back world championship seasons in the 13 & under division, Alyssa Rumsey stepped up to the 14-15 division in 2006 with a new horse. The results were the same as she matched up with four-year-old MEM Scan-Del-Less to make the victory pass in the 14-year-old class directed by Belle Hufferd. Following a reserve world championship performance a season ago, Talk Of The Town LPS and Lauren Gorfinkle added another reserve ribbon to the Garn Walker banner to close the morning session.
The afternoon session cranked back up with the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class first to entertain. Partridge Hill Passport enjoyed a winning debut voyage to Oklahoma as the handsome son of Treble’s Tangueray made his presence known with Judy Nason guiding to the top honors for Greg and Carol Fleck. Melissa Brown rode Traci Coltrane’s RBF Royal Navigator to the reserve finish in this class of promising youngsters.
It was a memorable return to victory lane for Monty Kugeler as she rode her handsome new partner Light Year to top the field of 16 in the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Geldings to the cheers of The River’s Edge crew. The multi-titled team of LPS Mr. Jalapeno and Jill Yerger turned in a smooth ride for the red ribbon for Pacifica Partnership.
With a close call in scheduling Ling Fu Wylie had just enough time to jog down victory lane in the coliseum aboard Troika’s Black Russian in the Amateur Western Pleasure Geldings 15.1 and Over before a quick change to make another winning saddle seat ride in the other arena. It’s all in a day of fun for this top rider and the Dragonsmeade entries. It was a competitive class as they dethroned the three-time defending champions He’s Simply Marvelous and Virginia Adams who always provide the toughest of competition.
Belle Hufferd greeted her second blue ribbon winning junior exhibitor hunter pleasure rider of the day as Emily Cook presented her fancy Silverheels Lumination to the 17-year-old victory. They had some outstanding competition including the reserve team of MEM Virtual Insanity and Lauren Booth.
The west coast dominated the top two placings in the Amateur Western Pleasure Geldings Under 15.1. The handsome bay Mirador Magellan and Natalie Longo earned a memorable trip to the winner’s circle as they collected the top prize. The well-matched team of Amme Weilert and Dancity Martial Arts performed for the red ribbon under the Sterling Hill banner.
The Hunter Pleasure 16 Year-Olds completed the junior rider qualifiers with Mtn Run Noble Contender and Amanda Porto turning in a performance to remember to earn their trip down victory lane prepared by Scott Travers. From the opposite coast, Oregon’s tricolor team of Whispering Fancy That and Emily Rosini carried reserve honors back to the Illahee banner.
World Champion Treble’s Mucho Uno and Daryl Hopson took their familiar place in the winner’s circle as they added the Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure Stallion/Gelding victory to a great day for owners Rocky and Diana Schliefer. Kelly Kraegel gave Ancan Radiance a polished ride to carry the reserve honors to Amie Van Dorn.
The Dressage World Champions took their turn on center stage as their three days of top scoring performances in Ring 9 culminated in the presentations of High Point World Championships. The Training Level World Championship was awarded to Junior Exhibitor Champion Wintergreen Sultana and Reserve Champion NAS Wynnesong, Amateur Champion Rogue Hills Woodsman and Reserve Champion Sagamore Domino, and Open Champion Equinox Adelle and Reserve Champion PTR Wish In Time.
The High Point First Level World Champions were next. The Junior Exhibitor awards went to Champion Orrwoods Madison Bay and Reserve Champion Mykatas Questionnaire. In the amateur division, it was Champion GKB Coal Magic and Reserve Champion Derwanda Hercules. Bonnie Lee Mona Lisa was named the Open Champion followed by Taproot Old Glory.
Wintergreen Don Diego was once again named Second Level World Champion with GKB Coal Magic in reserve. Meadowmere Courelation scored the Third Level World Championship followed by Sea Cloud Cymbal. Wintergreen Fortune earned the highest honors as the Dressage FEI Level World Champion.
The Carriage Pleasure Driving World Championships closed out the afternoon session with a dozen athletic performers displaying the versatility of the breed in the singles competition. It took more than the luck of the Irish as Valarie Siemer directed I’m Irish to the rose-adorned pass for owner Lora Dunlap. They were followed by Samac’s Black Tie Affair and Cathy Grimes who picked up the reserve world title for the second year in a row for Alton Page.
The multiples division showcased a trio of pairs showing off their polish and synchronization. It was Cum Laude Juhl and Cum Laude Kapstreiter who garnered a world champion crown for breeder/trainer Al Celecki. Cecily Green-Yelek was at the whip of Greentree Brigadier and Greentree Night Joy to collect the reserve tricolor honors.
Monday evening’s session in the coliseum was the only game in town, with all showring classes for the evening taking place in the main arena. An exciting slate of ten classes kept the audience entertained.
Kicking off the evening were two beautiful ladies park harness mares, 2005 World Champion in the division, HVK Ancient Cry and Helen Crawford, and 2004 World Champion Ladies Park Harness Sheza Bell and Judy Whitney Harris. After going head to head in the class, the judges came to the unanimous decision to reward Helen Crawford with the first of what would ultimately be two Grand National titles on Monday evening. Bill and Helen Crawford own HVK Ancient Cry who is prepared by Robert Hughes. Barbara and Arthur Jones bred and own the elegant reserve champion Sheza Bell.
Next up on the agenda was a talented-filled Hunter Pleasure Mare class. Lynn Peeples earned the distinction of breeding the top two entries in the class. Wife Kathleen Peeples directed the five-year-old Let’s Boogie who is already a two-time world champion to the victory for owner Cynthia Brown-Clark. Tristanne Weber Childress did the honors aboard 2004 and 1997 World Champion Carmen Miranda for owners Jamie and Michael Fiocco.
A huge class of nineteen pleasure driving three-year-olds were on hand to compete for World Futurity money. Amid a class full of talented entries, Dantree Night Call was a true standout, earning a unanimous decision under David Rand’s direction for the Dantree Farm. It was a memorable night for Own The Night as Robert Hughes guided the Dragonsmeade Farm entry to the reserve streamers. Rick Stevens and the crowd-pleasing Intrepid Behold collected the yellow ribbon for Intrepid Farms.
Ten entries answered the gate call for the Junior Exhibitor 12 & 13 Western Pleasure qualifier. Lauren Little and her well-matched partner Evil Knievil made the victory pass for owner Lon Frieden adding to a terrific season directed by Kelly Kraegel. Pondview Picante and Anna McLallin turned in a stellar ride to add the reserve award for PlayMor Farm.
Helen Crawford enjoyed her second of two Grand National titles on the evening with the Pleasure Driving Amateur Gelding win on the lines of the sensational SLB Andiamo. It was also Crawford’s second unanimous decision of the evening with SLB Andiamo who has transitioned to the amateur ranks in flawless fashion this season. Jack Gatewood and Nicoria made a strong show to earn reserve honors in the good class to add a great day for Dantree Farm.
With 12 entries in the English Pleasure Gelding qualifier, Bada Bing and Peggy Alderman made a resounding impact on the judges to earn top honors. Bada Bing took Northampton by storm earlier this season and came to Oklahoma to prove he is for real. Man In Command earned the reserve honors with a bright performance directed by Tim Arcuri for Tom and Stephanie Connor.
In unusual scheduling, the English Pleasure Stallions followed directly behind the geldings. Popular and timeless, 2002 and 2004 World Champion CCR’s Outrajus Corajus continued to delight his fans with Stacy Hennessy claiming the unanimous decision for owner Richard Cecchettini. It was a battle of popular and enduring champions as Anne Benson directed 2005 World Champion Stonecroft Byzantine to the reserve finish for owner Heidi Kunkel.
Eight talented entries highlighted the Pleasure Driving Amateur Mare competition with Ann Hailey and CBMF Unforgettable coming out on top to post a win on the résumé of this perky five-year-old champion. Leesa Galatz and Medomak Lady of Fortune earned the reserve honors for the Vegas Valley Morgans.
Firecrest E-Ticket jogged away with his second victory pass in as many days as owner Aimee Shriner guided the handsome silver trimmed entry to the Western Pleasure Amateur Stallions win directed by Daryl Hopson. The multi-titled team of Cabot French Lieutenant and Kathy Papola earned reserve honors in the good class for Baccarat Farms.
The finale of the evening was the five entry Park Harness Stallion event. It was a victorious repeat for the magnificent SLB DaVinci and Robert Hughes as they painted the winning picture for owner/breeder Sheryl Bartolucci. Will-O-Way Moment In Time and David Earehart enjoyed their return trip to Oklahoma as they collected the red ribbon and a nice send off from the crowd for owners Fred and Francis Ellett.
Show Arena 6
Monday provided a change of venue as the morning and afternoon sessions in Show Arena 6 featured park, pleasure, and classic classes, with the hunter and western competitions taking place in the coliseum. With the Arena 6 itself being the same size as the coliseum, yet the seating area only a portion of what it is across the street in the vast coliseum, the atmosphere was even more conducive for exciting sessions.
Spectators had plenty to cheer about including the world-class performance given by three-times World Champion SpiceOLife Present Tense. A model representative of the Morgan Horse, Present Tense was again right on the money for trainer/driver Diane Conrady and owner David James Walker. Boxford’s Bravura’s leg-waving performance in the Four-Year-Old Park Harness Stallion class with Stacy Hennessey resulted in a reserve Grand National title for Ted and Elaine Olsen.
Frank Miller greeted Caprice Soltice Zoumaras and Faragamo in the winner’s circle of the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallion/Gelding 15.1h and over class. Reserve to the champion was The Orchestrator with owner/rider Lavonne Copps conducting the Northwood trained entry.
Nine-year-old Ariana Varveris captures the hearts of fans wherever she shows. The tiny young lady and her partner True Gold also captured the attention of the judging panel with a blue ribbon performance for the second year in a row in the 11 & Under Pleasure Driving class under the Bobbin Hollow banner. Tayler Walters and MLF Caliente added the driving division to their repertoire this season as they received a good hand for their reserve title.
Goldencrest Aleksis and Inge Johnsen returned to the Oklahoma winner’s circle as they topped a competitive Classic Pleasure Saddle Mare class directed by Bill Grundmeyer. FCF Lambada and Brooke Yule stepped forward to accept the red streamers to continue a good morning for Miller Equestrian Services.
Multi-titled world champion Bellisimo gave another unanimous performance to bring home the Grand National plaque for trainer Judy Harris and owners Barbara and Arthur Jones in the Ladies Park Harness Gelding class. The big doing gelding is a full brother to World Champion Stallion Mizrahi being sired by the Jones’ HVK Bell Flaire and out of Schiaparelli. Also a celebrated champion in his own right, Grandemeanor was the reserve winner with Stephanie Connor on the lines.
The judging panel was also in total agreement in the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle 15 & Under class. Hylee’s Goldsmith and Alyssa Wick received all three first place votes under the direction of Kenny Guell to carry home the honors to Jane Steffenhagen. The well-matched new team of Mantic Boogie Belle and Jessica Matilla were unanimous as the reserve champions.
Sammi Hazen hung the winning ribbon from the Junior Exhibitor 12 & 13 Pleasure Driving class on the PlayMor Farm tack room following the blue ribbon unanimous performance given by HVK Primary Light and Austin McLallin. Primary Light was the 2003 and 2004 World Champion for Tara Farm and is now starting a new chapter for the PlayMor team. The Howard Stump entry, HRS Mirror Image, was reserve for Justin Mullaney with strong support from Heatherstone Farm.
Having taken reserve the ladies class just the day before, Minion Starlet and Ann Anderson topped the English Pleasure Mare qualifier for Livingston Morgans LLC. Luman Wadhams and Futuritys Touch Of Harley made several top passes to command reserve honors and a good round of applause for Kevin Schengrund.
Always a crowd favorite at Oklahoma, Tolstoy added another title to his winning career with a victory pass in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallion class for the second year in a row with Jack Gatewood. The David Rand trained team placed ahead of MLF Sharper Image and Craig Sommers who carried the reserve to Rushton Stables with a polished drive.
The ring filled with exhibitors for the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallion/Gelding Under 15.1h competition. With all the attitude in the world, the crowd-pleasing Boogie Nights made the return trip to the winner’s circle with Dawn Fire presenting for Peeper Ranch. The versatile and successful Whispering Rhythm N Blues emerged as the reserve champion with Michelle Aulson over a strong group of competitors.
Next on the schedule was the World Champion Futurity Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving competition. Twenty were slated to show, so the class was split into two sections with the judges selecting a total of 12 to come back for the actual pinning on Tuesday. Ten entries competed in the first section but only seven made it to the ring in section two and one of them ended up taking the gate.
Of the talented two-year-olds, VVM Just the Ticket, SpringMill New Harmony, Ultras Special Lady, Key Motion, SLB Puccini, Dreammaster Limited Edition, Dragonsmeade Infusion, Whitmorr American Beauty, RJMF All That Jazz, RCV Don Coeur Lion, Gamepiece, and Legacy’s Atlantis were chosen to compete for the Futurity prize money the next day.
The country’s top saddle seat riders opened the afternoon session with the preliminary round of the Gold Medal Finals. Of the 26 riders performing on the rail in two sections as well as in individual workouts, 12 were chosen to return for the finals competition. Those would earn their chance for gold medal honors on Wednesday evening were in numerical order; Alyssa Wick, Ashley Dragan, Tommy Brisco, Casey Morgan Tibolet, Whitney Roberts, Marlo Franco, Brittany Schilling, Ariana Corrigan, Brooke Yule, Rachel Keidan, Holly Carlton and Sarah Shimmer.
Dragonsmeade was winning owner appearing on the big screen following a lovely English Pleasure Ladies Amateur Mare class. Ling Fu Wylie continued a memorable day of victory passes as she matched up with the sleek HVK Obsidian for the winning ride under the Blackridge banner. New England’s elegant team of Queens Proud Mary and Sandy Hendrick marched up for the reserve ribbon with strong support from their cheering section under the direction of David Rand. LGH Destiny’s Treasure and Shannon Connor matched up for a flawless ride to collect the third place ribbon this deep class.
Bellagio and Tina Lessnau owned victory lane for the Classic Pleasure Saddle Masters 15.1h & Over class as Damian and Melinda Hyde directed the confident winning team. Karla Haartz Cortelyou and Tempest Abbey Road were called out to collect their second reserve ribbon of the show.
Jean DeGutis made her way to the winner’s circle to meet Think About It MEM and Kristen Cyr when results were announced for the English Pleasure Youth Finals. The sporty bay collected top honors for owner Alexandra Frangiosa. Caitlynn Ramsey added to her tricolor Oklahoma collection as she matched up with AMHF Absolut Grandeur for a bright ride as the reserve champions.
Broadmoor added yet a tricolor prize to its blue and red drapes with Kathy Gutting and CBMF Undeniable’s victory in the very first Park Saddle Amateur Masters Finals. This competitive field of seasoned riders and brilliant horses also featured Clare Simpson and CPM Sabrina collecting the reserve directed by Luman Wadhams.
There was an all-star cast on hand for the Grand National Pleasure Driving Ladies Gelding class. An Oklahoma star since he brought down the house as a two-year-old, Festival Calypso added to an already remarkable record with yet another victory pass with Stephanie Connor at the whip. The East Coast championship team of Peggy Alderman and AFF Leroy Brown provided the reserve competition ahead of the ground-covering Graywood’s Arthur and Sarah Gove in third.
Longtime Morgan owner/breeder Linda Stewart enjoyed a great go in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Masters Under 15.1h event. The homebred Lookaway’s Howitzer was her champion mount. Carolyn Gibbard and About Last Night emerged with the reserve streamers to add to the Grove Pointe banner.
As athletic as any young horse on the grounds, Queen’s Starfire once again paraded down victory lane, winning the Four-Year-Old Park Harness Mare and Gelding class. David Rand was the winning driver for owners Rocky and Diana Schliefer. They were followed by the elegant Morgan Ridge Bellaragazza with Robert Hughes directing for Tracy Fietz and James Hangley.
A competitive field of Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Geldings followed their mare counterparts to set up for a great championship finale. Bonnie Howard and Almost Famous earned their share of fame with a bold and expressive ride to carry home top honors to their Sleepy Hollow Farm cheering section. Nancy Murdock gave her sharp-eared NAS Rickenbacker a confident ride to add the reserve ribbon to the Peeper Ranch banner.
The 16-17 riders and their high stepping park saddle horses were next to entertain. As he has so many times before, Tug Hill Gunns And Roses did his best to put on a show for the audience and the judges and came away with the Oklahoma victory pass ridden by Catherine Hendrickson. It was a battle of world champions as HVK Noble Flame and Blanche Bauer followed up in reserve.
The first of the Open Park Harness World Champion qualifiers saw the mares and geldings close out the afternoon session. The finely chiseled Bell’s Masterpiece enjoyed a trip to the winner’s circle in her test in the performance division. Tim Arcuri presented the elegant HVK Bell Flaire daughter for Tom and Stephanie Connor. John Warner had the extravagant motioned Exceptionallee all geared up to add the reserve ribbon to the Morgan Horse Farm banner.
Ring 9
The Dressage competitors enjoyed their final rides in Ring 9 on Monday with the Training Level Test 3 Open to start the session. Undefeated in dressage competition at Circle J, Julie Haugen and Grayfriar’s Epic Nchanter laid claim to the Test 3 Open title for owner Anne Schmid. Jennifer McFall directed Equinox Adelle to the reserve spot for owner Katherine Smith.
The Training Level Test 4 Open featured Kathryn Clark and PTR Wish In Time in the winner’s circle. This talented team also enjoyed a winning start at Citrus Cup this year. Gia Dawn Madole directed Be-St’s J’st Renegade to the reserve honors.
Moving up to First Level Test 3 Open competition Stephanie Chandler put Bonnie Lee Mona Lisa through the paces for another winning performance for owner Linda Delene. This talented team turned around and won the Test 4 Open competition as well. Reserve in the Test 3 competition was Virginia Norris and Chanel’s Designer Belle. Reserve in Test 4 was awarded to Kristi Haines and Taproot Old Glory.
The Second Level, Test 3 showcased the talents of Nanton’s Bossanova and Carrie Klooster. Accomplished rider Lynne Salewski directed SGP Raizin Kane to the reserve finish in Test 3 and Test 4. Test 4 displayed Susan Garmier’s riding finesse aboard Wintergreen Don Diego for top honors.
In Third Level competition, there was only a test 3 class which was captured by Dee Loveless and Meadowmere Courelation followed by Jennifer Root and Sea Cloud Cymbal.
For the afternoon, ring 9 was set to accommodate the Carriage Dressage entries. The Preliminary Level Test Finals featured Fiery Blast and Douglas Coursey besting the field followed by Pat Gillespie and Goldtree Amy Boone.
At the intermediate level, three entries competed. Beta-B Protocol and Mary Shurtleff were crowned Grand National Champions. Elk Creek Aurora B and Martha Nelson were honored as reserve champions.
Ring 9 once again did an about face, the evening session showcased the hunter/jumper entries. Starting off the session were the Low Working Hunter I competitors. Accomplished rider Alison Fry and Statesman Encore rose to the top of the competition. Susan Garmier and Wintergreen Don Diego were, as always, pushing for top honors, to earn the reserve Grand National title.
At the top of her game, Julie Pickering directed Mineral’s Country Playboy, to the Jumper I win. Sarah Zenisek directed Rowenda Irish Mist to the reserve finish for owners Ilona Leavitt and Sarah Zenisek in this entertaining class.
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