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Morgan Grand National – Saturday, October 14



 

Saturday, October 14

 

Coverage by Diana Davidson, Sadie Fowler, Bob Funkhouser and Christy Parsons

 

Coliseum

 

The final day of the Morgan Grand National began in the coliseum with large championships filling the schedule. Fifteen talented riders hit the gate for the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-15 World Championship. Alyssa Rumsey celebrated a tricolor finish to another amazing season as she directed four-year-old MEM Scan-Dal-Less to the World Championship title under the tutelage of John and Belle Hufferd. Stevie Meder and Manchester In Demand followed their world championship victory in the equitation division with a reserve world title to add to a great season under the Taylor River banner.

 

The Ladies Amateur English Pleasure World Championship showcased the elegance of 14 multi-titled teams. The winner’s circle added an international flavor as Gotti and Kimberly Germ-Cramer added their first team world championship. The victory made the long trip from Austria to practice and show most worthwhile for the longtime Morgan exhibitor and her supportive family. Ling Fu Wylie was a frequent visitor to the winner’s circle as she added the reserve world title with HVK Obsidian to a great week for Dragonsmeade.

 

A field of 12 top two-year-olds vied for the judges’ attention in the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old World Championship. RCV Don Coeur Lion and Jim Lowry rose to the top of the field to be crowned World Champions for owner/breeder Kathleen Gatien and RCV Farms. This marked back to back wins in the this class for Jim Lowry, who earned the title last year with Sacred Path Indiana Jones; and it also marked back to back world championships for the get of The Last Don who is the sire of RCV Don Couer Lion and Gotti. Harold Angell and VVM Dare to Dream stepped up with a bright showing to add the reserve honors for Vegas Valley Morgans.

 

The Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure Saddle 9 & Under riders were next to entertain in their finals. Eleven future show ring stars were turned out to perfection to vie for the judges’ attention. Both of the top two riders hailed from the state of Massachusetts. Siara Clemmey and Bilzone GQ Material made the trip to the winner’s circle to meet trainer Jean DeGutis. Erin Scanlon matched up with PT Son Of A Gun to collect the reserve finish under the Hyland Farm banner.

 

The Park Harness Junior Exhibitor World Championship featured a trio of excellent entries, all determined to be the one to end up in the winner’s circle. The world championship results featured an impressive three-peat for FZM Encore as he made the familiar trip to the winner’s circle for third year in a row. A vision in white, Sasha Klein was on the lines to close out her tricolor junior exhibitor career for the Brown/Klein Family under the direction of Waterford Farm. Lauren Griffin matched up with Celebrity Marquee to add the reserve finish under Lark Henry’s watchful eye.

 

Twelve three-year-olds turned out to vie for the Hunter Pleasure Three-Year-Old World Championship. After the promising field of young horses were stripped and returned to the lineup, the pretty bay Cabot First Confession and Katie Mair made the trip to the winner’s circle to collect the tricolor and roses riding for Lynn and Steve Burch. The Brown/Klein Family was excited to cheer on another tricolor performance as their homebred son of World Champions HVK Bell Flaire and Mirabel’s Isabeau, SBK Sasha’s Beau and Kathleen Peeples earned the reserve honors.

 

Rounding out the morning session, seven Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure Saddle 10-11 Year Olds entered the ring for their finals as Judge Bernard Parker called the class. Lauren Lang proudly received the accolades of her friends and family as she rode to the winner’s circle aboard Rum Brook Immortal Mystic. They proudly defended their victory from a year ago as they closed out their walk/trot career in unanimous fashion. It was a tricolor walk-trot finale for Gabrielle Blackman and Conundrum as well, as they added the reserve honors under the direction of Jean DeGutis.

 

Two-year-old harness horses kicked off the final afternoon session in the coliseum. And what a fine group of two-year-old Morgans it was! Everyone in the stands had a favorite and they let the judges knew just who their favorites were. Dwayne Knowles delivered the winning ticket, behind the lines of the Kimberly Germ-Cramer’s fancy entry, Signed Sealed Delivered. The expressive daughter of Stand And Deliver wore the roses in the same class as her sire did in his first Oklahoma appearance in 2002. Dragonsmeade Maxmara and Whitney Bodnar could hear their fans cheering loudly as they made the reserve world championship victory pass for Dragonsmeade.

 

Numbers in the championship classes at Oklahoma have been great and the Ladies Western Pleasure World Championship contenders were no exception to this established pattern. Movado and Jennifer McFall exhibited their grace and style as they emerged with the tricolor and roses for Sandra Nelson’s Madison Avenue Morgans. Virginia Adams and He’s Simply Marvelous have captured many top ribbons and today they jogged away as the reserve world champions under the direction of Garn Walker.

 

Following the western horses, 11 three-year-old pleasure driving entries swiftly moved through the gate in hopes of capturing a world championship title in this exceptional division. A powerful presentation put on by Dantree Night Call and David Rand landed the duo their second unanimous tricolor victory of the week for Dantree Farm. Trotting down victory lane as the reserve world champions, HVK Sweet Obsession and Tim Roesink put in a grand showing as well. The charismatic bay, owned by Dr. Barbara Lindauer, also received a warm round of applause from the crowd for her strong performance.  

 

The Ladies Hunter Pleasure World Championship showcased some of the country’s most talented and elegant entries. When this test of ability and endurance was over, Silverheel’s Lumination and Belle Hufferd boasted the tricolor ribbon for owner Stephanie Cook. The appreciative crowd showed their support for reserve world champions Light Year and happy owner Monty Kugeler as they added to a great week for The River’s Edge.

 

The Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion served as an exciting change of pace during the Saturday afternoon session. Continuing a winning week for Blackridge, DMH Back In Black with Debi Jeppesen in the irons delivered the world championship victory in unanimous fashion. It was an especially proud moment for new owner Kathleen Kabel and daughter Courtenay as they shared in the moment with breeders and former owners the Fu Family of Dragonsmeade. Judy Whitney Harris was all smiles as she and Cedar Creek Arabella trotted away as the reserve world champions with Cedar Creek Farm’s Larry Bolen and Bob Burger enjoying the performance of their lovely mare.

 

Next, there was a brief pause in the show ring action as show officials, audience members and exhibitors reflected on horse show enthusiasts who had passed away over the year. It was great to remember those who had played such important roles in shaping the great industry that we have today.

 

The Amateur Masters Western Pleasure Championship entries were in the spotlight next. It was a good afternoon for Virginia Adams as she topped the 11-entry class with her elegant DLH Dakota Blues. It was the second year in a row that Adams won the title as she matched up with Star Of Midnight for the 2005 title. Hailing from the Northeast, Marion Bengston and ECP The Seventh Stone polished off their tricolor week with their second reserve world championship under the direction of Judy Nason.

 

The Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Championship followed, and Tim Roesink continued his outstanding week for the clients of Grove Pointe Stables. Roesink had Dragonsmeade Carneros in perfect order for the impressive victory for owners John and Nancy Hendricks as the Dragonsmeade breeding program shined once again. The Brisco family enjoyed a fabulous week and the tricolor results continued when Tomeri Tango was called out as the reserve world champion with Robert Hughes on the lines.

 

Another break in the performance schedule came when the top reining exhibitors were recognized for all their winning performances that took place in Ring 9 throughout the week.  Many of the winning entries demonstrated sliding stops, spins and flying lead changes, and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed watching these fabulous horses show off their talents.

 

Following the reining presentations, entries in the second to last class of the afternoon battled it out for the Three-Year-Old Park Saddle World Championship title.  The bright bay Whitemud Dixie Danceking and Mike Goebig trotted away with the victory with owner/breeder Rhoda Hoenmans on hand for the tricolor performance. The big-doing Twin Peak Limitless with David Rand in the irons earned a warm round of applause for the reserve finish in the class for Dr. Grace Steere.

 

The AMHA Hunt Seat On The Flat Gold Medal Finals wrapped up the Saturday afternoon session with 12 entries making the gate call. These 12 riders were called back from the original group of 40 riders who competed in the preliminary round in Ring 6. It was quite an accomplishment just to have been selected to show in the finals. After the 12 riders underwent rail work Saturday afternoon in the coliseum, all 12 performed individual workouts. After the judges’ cards were turned in, results were announced in reverse order.

 

The list of top ten performers featured multi-titled riders from coast to coast: Kelly Simpson, Alana Little, Emily Rosini, Sasha Klein, Lauren Knupp, Taylor Winstone, Lauren Cook, and Morgan Zielinski. This left just two riders in the spotlight to carry home the tricolor honors. The precise and polished Caitlin Novotny was called out as the reserve world champion to add to the same title earned earlier in the week in western seat equitation under the direction of Jonalyn Gwinup. Consistency and hard work paid off for Alyssa Wick as she was honored with the esteemed title of AMHA Hunt Seat On The Flat Medal Champion. It was a crowning achievement for the daughter of Lyle and Colleen Wick who also earned performance titles in park and classic during the week along with a top ten finish in the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal Finals.

 

As the curtain closed on the afternoon session, everyone took a brief break to prepare for the grand finale of the 2006 Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show. With a fresh dusting of green shavings surrounding center ring, an eager and attentive audience was ready to welcome the competitors for the final nine world championships of 2006.

 

The opening ceremonies were a perfect way to encapsulate the themes of the show. As the Canadian flag took its place on the screen, three generations of a proud Canadian family and their Morgans entered the ring in full parade attire. Grandmother Sandra Saran, mother Deborah Davies, and daughters Robyn and Skye Davies proudly represented their country and their family in center ring. The emerging theme of the masters classes and the many seasoned Morgan owners and exhibitors were well represented by “the Master of all masters” Art Perry and his patriotically matched mount as they represented the Stars And Stripes of the United States Of America, the home of the pride and product of America, The Morgan Horse.

 

As the audience saluted the gathering of great friends, wonderful memories and unrivaled show ring competition, it was time for the final world champions of 2006 to be crowned. The Amateur Park Harness World Championship started off the evening on a great note with seven athletic champions each vying for the ultimate prize. Following an impressive first season together, Eye Spy and Bob Neimeth trotted away as the unanimous champions to bring the honors back to Misty Meadows Farm under the direction of Jaisen von Ballmoos. El-Toro and Stephanie Connor turned in a bold and dynamic performance to add the reserve world championship to the tricolor Oklahoma résumé of this grand stallion.

 

The Western Pleasure World Championship closed out a phenomenal week of competition in this well disciplined division. The silver-trimmed field represented 15 top champions blanketing the map from coast to coast. When the rose blanket was brought to the winner’s circle, the best of the best in 2006 hailed from the Pacific Northwest as Firecrest E-Ticket jogged to the winner’s circle. Daryl Hopson was met there by proud owner Aimee Shriner as well as former owner/trainer Melissa Brown. It was a group celebration for the winning team. The pride of the east coast, Treble’s Tanqueray and Judy Nason earned the applause from their loyal following as they carried the reserve world championship back to Greg and Carol Fleck.

 

The attention in the coliseum turned to the dedicated and disciplined riders of the equitation division. All of the versatile aspects of the Morgan breed were on display throughout the week as young riders showed their well-honed skills in all of the seats offered. The champions of all of the seats made for a spectacular parade of equitation excellence, and they were rewarded with the applause and admiration of the Saturday night coliseum audience.

 

The competition resumed with a fabulous field of 20 making the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle World Championship tied for the largest class of the night. While the competition was indeed outstanding, there was just one number that stood at the top of each of the three judge’s cards. Intrepid Immortal Beloved defines this division as she earned the title for the second year in a row with a beaming Shelley Silber. This victory for Kourt Jester Morgans under the direction of Tim Roesink adds to the previous back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001 for breeder Intrepid Farms. Peeper Ranch closed out a tricolor week as Plum Haven Minuet and Holly Salamander enjoyed a memorable ride to collect the reserve world championship prize.

 

The Amateur English Pleasure World Championship would feature a new name in lights in 2006. An energetic field of 14 answered the call of the class with no holds barred. With scarcely time to change her number, Shelley Silber had faith in her mares, her trainer and her skills as she rode her dynamic four-year-old Paradigm Hot Chocolate into the record books as the 2006 Amateur English Pleasure World Champion. It was an unforgettable night for the Silber and Roesink families as they celebrated their good fortune and their winning partnership. Caitlynn Ramsey had her game face as the Harvard University student used her intelligence and riding skills honed with David Rand to give AMHF Absolut Grandeur the reserve world championship ride to close a great debut season for the pair.

 

With the audience on the edge of its collective seat, seven fast hustling speedsters answered the call for the Roadster To Bike World Championship. When the whistle blew it was HVK Baymarch who crossed the finish line as the world champion for the fourth time in his career. Robert Hughes and the Saralin Farm entry provided the final unanimous decision on the final night of show ring competition. Arboria Victorious and owner Paul Calandra enjoyed their performance and the crowd’s response in their reserve world championship drive under the Waterford Farm banner.

 

The elegance and animation of the Ladies Park Saddle World Championship continued a fabulous night of show ring competition in the highest order. The tricolor presentation was a welcome return for 2004 world champion Bellisimo and Judy Whitney Harris. It was the third victorious performance of the week for the top performing pair as they capped off an unforgettable week for owners Barbara and Arthur Jones and the get of their record-breaking stallion HVK Bell Flaire. The competition was outstanding in this class as Patchwork Simply Amazin and Jenny Taylor never gave an inch as they paraded down victory lane with the reserve world champion streamers flowing for Donna Zimmerman.

 

The quality and quantity that the hunter pleasure division enjoyed all week long came to a fitting close in the ladies amateur world championship. The field of 20 produced an unforgettable finish to an undefeated week on the grandest stage for En Excess NKS and Julie Chan. The smooth-striding bay gelding and his gleeful owner enjoyed their spotlight victory pass as they shared the victory with the Garn Walker Stable team. Sara Heffernan and her charismatic Andrea’s Radiance were indeed radiant as they carried the reserve world championship back to the Taylor River banner.

 

As the next to last class of the show was ushered into the ring, nine of the country’s most stylish driving horses vied for the Pleasure Driving World Championship. When the final tally was tabulated, it was the appropriately named VVM Wrapped In Roses who carried the blanket of roses back to Vegas Valley Morgans. The winning drive with Harold Angell was most certainly good medicine for ailing owner Elaine Galatz. Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall and Tim Arcuri made a bold and charismatic showing to add the reserve world championship to a tricolor week for the entries of Tom and Stephanie Connor.

 

As the horn sounded one final time, the Park Saddle World Championship closed the record book on the 2006 Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show. While the two entries made it the smallest Park Saddle World Championship on record, the accomplishments of the two stallions competing loom large.

 

It was a record achievement to close a record week for the entries trained and presented by Broadmoor as Stand And Deliver exited the ring as the Park Saddle World Champion for the second year in a row. The repeat victory earned Mike Goebig the current record, having trained and ridden the Park Saddle World Champion for the sixth time. Goebig and the son of world champions Queens Vanity Flair and NBN At Your Command shared the record achievement with owner/breeder Tara Good. The crowd also celebrated a great performance by HVK Vibrance and Jenny Taylor as they collected the reserve world championship with a vibrant performance. The 2001 and 2002 Park Harness World Champion added the honors to a marvelous career for owners Phil and Gloria Blevins.

 

Show Arena 6

 

The competition in Show Arena 6 came to a world championship finish on Saturday afternoon with a trio of Saddle Seat Equitation World Championships. The Saddle Seat Equitation Senior World Championship was held as the first class of the afternoon session. All 19 riders executed the straightforward pattern after competing on the rail.

 

The tricolor announcements featured a pair of riders who each earned the admiration of their peers and the highest of honors. Ariana Corrigan showed supreme poise and confidence to add the World Championship title to the 2006 AMHA Saddle Seat Medal and 2005 UPHA Challenge Cup Senior Finals. It was a team achievement for Corrigan, her tried and true mount Festival Troubadour, her trainer and instructor Anne Speck, and her family and friends. The reserve world championship also closed out a storied equitation career for Brooke Gove. Following the 2006 UPHA Senior Challenge Cup along with the 2005 AMHA Saddle Seat Medal and Senior Equitation World Championship, Gove enjoyed one final tricolor ride. Kristen Cater greeted her prized pupil along with her stellar partner Hollybrook Romeo as they made the trip to the winner’s circle as the reserve world champions.

 

The World Championship for Classic Saddle Seat Equitation was next on the afternoon schedule. An impressive 16 entries each performed on the rail and individual workouts to aid the judges in a difficult decision. Kali Erin Hutchinson had a picture perfect ride under the direction of Mary Carlton to capture the World Champion honors. The tricolor ride aboard Coalition X-Static added to this versatile rider’s earlier world title in the western seat division. MacKenzie Lyttle matched up with Dreammaster Irish Emperor to add the reserve world championship in her final season to a grand career under Anne Speck’s direction.

 

Nine riders were on hand to vie for the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation World Championship. Once again, each rider performed on the rail and the individual workouts. UPHA Junior Challenge Cup Champion Julie Strier did it again with a beautiful workout to claim the World Champion title as well. Strier and JW Sensability were the toast of Lingering Hills as they celebrated a show to remember. Lyssa Bomgaars was beaming from ear to ear as she guided her grand new partner King Lehr’s Bob A Loo to the reserve world championship under the tutelage of Ann Slomkowski.

 

Ring 9

 

The final reining competition took place in Ring 9 on Saturday. Four-Year-Old Grand National Champion W Nuggets Rebels Are We was ridden by Clinton Schiell to the World Champion Reining Snaffle Bit/Hackamore honors for owners Lou Ellen Williams and Thomas Filipek from a promising field of nine. Josette Conti directed Disco Patricia to the reserve honors in the world championship for owners Joseph and Ellen Palillo.

 

The World Champion Reiner for 2006 was crowned next. MorganQuest Native Sun and Heath Herndon were a team that was hard to beat. They claimed the open reining qualifier earlier in the week and won the World Championship as well as the Free Style Open Finals on Saturday. Shirley, Duane and Tane Burris own this talented Morgan who slid away with the honors for the second year in a row. The competition was close as can be for the two top scoring entries as W Nuggets Rebels Are We and Clinton Schiell claimed the reserve world championship to add to a great week.

 

Kathy Gutting is best known for her talents in the saddle seat realm, but watch out cowboys and cowgirls, this lady can spin and slide too. She showed off for her friends as she matched up with Concert Danaka and claimed the top spot in the Green Rider Finals under the direction of Josette Conti. Carmen Hobson showed her versatility too as she piloted Kane Creek Truth Or Dare to the reserve honors in the finals.

 

Later in the afternoon, the Free Style Non-Pro Finals attracted an audience. Travis Filipek showed a little leg with Painters Pine Ridge to capture the top score and the applause of the crowd to win the Grand National title. This talented team had also won the Reserve World Championship in the Reining Non-Pro division. Jo Ann Ace was the Indian princess aboard Ws Ready to Rumble for the reserve finish in the Free Style Non-Pro Finals.

 

Heath Herndon and MorganQuest Native Sun showed off their tough-guy image as they wrapped up the reining free style competition with the tricolor ride for Shirley, Duane, and Tane Burris. It was the “Phantom of The Opera” who directed the glistening grey reserve champion Winter Moon Enlightenment for owners Douglas and Jeanne Gallagher.

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