Morgan Medallion Classic - A Tribute To The West Coast
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
by Diana Davidson
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara is a world famous tourist destination and is often called the American Riviera. From the magnificent beaches to the majestic mountains and always-colorful culture, this area is a premier destination. Such is the case each August as the West Coast celebrities of the Morgan breed flock to the scenic Earl Warren show grounds. On Aug. 15-18 many of the West Coast’s finest gathered for the 46th annual Morgan Medallion Regional. The Morgan Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association once again presented the AMHA Region 7 championship show.
Santa Barbara continued to be influenced by the nearby Zaca fires that brought some falling ash to the area and smoke could be seen billowing from the nearby mountains. There was also a health advisory ordered during the show for people at risk, including children and the elderly who are more susceptible to smoke. In spite of this, the weather itself was pretty much ideal throughout the show with warm sunny afternoons and cool and refreshing evenings.
While numbers did drop a bit at this year’s show, the competition was first rate with many past and present world champions taking part in the competition. Some promising young horses and new combinations also took to the ring that will surely be vying for future world championship honors.
Most of the West Coast's top stables were in attendance at the Medallion including: Arcuri Stables, Baccarat Farms, Blackridge, Cathy Grimes Training Stable, David Young Equestrian Services, Deer Creek Morgans, Dragonfire Farm, Figure Horse Farm, Futurity Farm, Gerry Rushton Stables, Garn Walker Stable, Glyn-Rae Stable, High Point Farm, Illahee, Keith Nelsen Stable, Millennium, Miller Equestrian, Morgan Manor, Northwood Farm, Rancho Del Mar, Rough Diamond Ranch, Swans Training, Shamrock Morgans, Sterling Hill Training, Trafalgar, Vegas Valley Morgans, Valencia Creek, Wallen West, Wolf Creek Ranch and many more.
This year's show gave exhibitors numerous chances to get together and socialize. Exhibitors were treated to a “Welcome to Santa Barbara” dinner prior to Wednesday evening's session. Everyone had a chance to toast each other on their wine tasting tour at several of the barns following the Thursday evening session. The annual ice cream social hosted this year by Sterling Hill Training was held following the Friday afternoon session. MHBEA President Craig Sommers thanked everyone for their attendance with a dessert buffet at the show's conclusion on Saturday night.
Saturday night featured a very special celebration and dedication to the life of Rock Walker. A group headed by Richard Hawkins established a memorial trophy in honor of Walker in Medallion’s Western Pleasure Championship. As a large group of some of the West Coast’s finest horses and horsemen competed for the trophy, announcer Matt Hinton read a tribute from the July 2, 2007 issue of Saddle Horse Report. It was quite an emotional moment as Garn Walker jogged to the winner’s circle as the first recipient of this award. A lovely party followed the conclusion of the show hosted by Garn Walker Stable as many of Rock Walker’s friends reminisced as Rock no doubt smiled down from above.
One of the show's highlights this year were the many fabulous prizes awarded to the champions donated by generous Medallion corporate sponsors within the show horse industry as well as from the local Santa Barbara area. The winners were certainly delighted with and very grateful for their prizes.
The junior exhibitor riders celebrated the culmination of a great week of competition with Saturday night's High Point Awards. The champions this year were; Emily Evans and Natasha Rodley - Saddle Seat, Natalie Nelsen and Savannah Sturm - Western Seat and Maxi Gumprecht and Ellen Lowden - Hunt Seat.
Heading the list of officials at this year's Medallion were show manager Penny Lakatos and show chair Pat Lockey. Sheri Hurst, Eva Hollands and Jodi Lakatos were in charge of the organized office. Matt Hinton and Hal Lockey served again as announcers along with paddock steward David Booth. James Trader was on the keyboard as show organist. Terry Brennan added her talents in center ring as ringmaster, while Adele Maurer did her usual fine job serving as USEF steward. Casey McBride served as official show photographer delivering award-winning photos to eager exhibitors.
The assignments for selecting this year's champions went to Richard Boulé (In Hand, Park Saddle, Park Harness, English Pleasure, Pleasure Driving, Classic Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation and Miscellaneous); William Hughes (Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Carriage Driving, Reining, Western Seat and Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunters Over Fences and Miscellaneous); and David Schmutz (Dressage).
The 2007 Morgan Medallion was an all star gathering of the West Coast titans of the Morgan breed. Each and every medallion was hard earned, and many of these fine champions will next vie for a pass under the Oklahoma spotlight.
Morgan Medallion show ring highlights follow; complete results can be found by clicking here.
Park Saddle
The Open Park Saddle Championship rounded out the 2007 Morgan Medallion in tricolor fashion for Blackridge as Dragonsmeade Bulgari and Candice Boehm made the show’s final victory pass. The William Woods student started off the week with the winning performance in the open qualifier with the Kabel family’s sporty Mizrahi son.
Kathleen Kabel is enjoying a grand return to the show ring along with introducing husband Steve and daughters Courteney and Katie to the wonderful world of Morgans. Kathleen grew up showing alongside her dad Mark Hanna of Gladgay Farm in Massachusetts and has returned to the show ring now under the direction of Blackridge. Matched with the 2006 Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion, Kathleen rode DMH Back In Black to the Ladies Park Saddle Championship.
DMH Back In Black and Kathleen Kabel
Cassie Stevenson and her ultra-elegant Cedar Creek With Bells On returned to Santa Barbara for another tricolor performance as they added the Ladies Park Saddle Reserve Championship to the Illahee banner. Mary Davila enjoyed a blue ribbon debut with her charismatic homebred filly Silversides Magdalene as they carried the Ladies Park Saddle qualifier blue back to the Blackridge banner.
Shannon Connor continued a great season with her entries as she gave the bold-performing Grandemeanor a top ride to carry the Amateur Park Saddle blue and tricolor back to Arcuri Stables. No Contest returned to the site of his saddle debut just a year ago to earn more honors as Linda Hawkins rode the five-year-old HVK Bell Flaire son to the reserve awards in both outings.
World Champion Tug Hill Gunns And Roses enjoyed a blue ribbon return to the junior exhibitor division as he was matched with the versatile talents of Merin Maggi for the victory pass directed by Cathy Grimes for owner Catherine Hendrickson.
The young horse competition saw CRD Buggatti make a dramatic saddle debut to garner the Three-Year-Old Park Saddle victory and the applause of the audience. Ryan Arcuri guided the impressive Simply Maserati son to the honors for Lisa Fletcher.
Park Harness
The Park Harness division contained some of the most talked about performers of the week once again in Santa Barbara. The performances featured a strong showing of world titled entries looking to be well on their way back to Oklahoma. Friday night's session came to a tricolor finish as World Champion SLB Da Vinci and Bob Hughes turned in another sensational drive to earn the Open Park Harness Championship for the fourth year in a row for Sherry Bartolucci. Boxford’s Bravura showed off his style and athleticism to garner the reserve tricolor with an impressive showing with Stacy Hennessy on the lines for Ted and Elaine Olsen.
Intrepid Dynasty continued an outstanding season matched with Carole Bradford as they carried the Amateur Park Harness blue and tricolor back to the Keith Nelsen Stables banner for The Woolley/Lee family. Last year’s tricolor pairing of Dragonsmeade Fusion and Iann Fu Longenecker returned in for their first show of the season and collected the reserve honors and the applause of their cheering section.
HVK Ancient Cry and Helen Crawford turned in a pair of their patented picture-perfect drives as they once again captured the Ladies Park Harness blue and tricolor awards for Boston Morgan Farm under the Blackridge banner.
HVK Ancient Cry and Helen Crawford
Elaine Galatz matched up with SCMF Winged Glory for a pair of bright showings to collect the reserve honors for Vegas Valley Morgans.
Gerry Rushton introduced a pair of promising youngsters to the winner’s circle in Santa Barbara. Deer Creek Sharp Dressed Man was sharp indeed as he strutted down the rail as the Two-Year-Old Park Harness winner in his debut performance for Craig and Jennifer Sommers. Song Of The South played the winning tune in the UPHA Park Harness Classic for the second year in a row on her way to the finals at Jubilee with Gerry Rushton.
Bellorazzo, a charismatic full brother to the winning pleasure mare Unfaithful, debuted on Santa Barbara’s victory lane in the Three-Year-Old Park Harness with Forest Nealon on the lines for breeder/owner Dawn Diovera.
Martin and Glenda Drake cheered on their homebred two-year-old Noble Count as he carried the Morgan Medallion Junior Park Harness Championship home with Frank Miller on the lines.
English Pleasure
The English pleasure division was filled to the brim with quality and quantity as a number of top performers went head to head for top honors in some outstanding competition. The Open English Pleasure Championship was earned by an entry of Tom and Stephanie Connor for the second year in a row. This time Tim Arcuri guided the handy, bay Man In Command to the honors following a reserve finish in the amateur ladies class earlier in the week with Stephanie Connor. The always-entertaining En Possession NKS continued a tricolor season as the reserve champion following a blue ribbon ride in the open qualifier with Keith Nelsen in the irons for Donna Woolley.
The ladies division was perhaps the finest of the show as a number of world-titled entries and top lady riders battled for supremacy. LGH Destiny’s Treasure and Shannon Connor earned top marks in their performances as they celebrated the victories in the qualifier and championship for proud parents Tom and Stephanie Connor.
LGH Destiny’s Treasure and Shannon Connor
with Tim Arcuri
The reigning world champions in this division, GLB Perfect Harmony and Stacy Hennessy challenged with two top reserves for Lorraine Bumb. Lisa Howa and Minion Mademoiselle enjoyed a blue ribbon return to Santa Barbara in the amateur ladies class and finished with the yellow ribbon in the deep ladies championship.
The Amateur English Pleasure Championship featured an impressive victory for MEM Playboy and Cassie Stevenson. They are enjoying a stellar first season together as they carried the tricolor back to proud parents Robert and Deborah Stevenson and trainer Forest Nealon. Shannon Connor enjoyed a great week in Santa Barbara and came up one place short of an undefeated show as she piloted French Flambeau to the reserve championship following a powerful victory in the amateur qualifier.
Cindy Stiers and Jennifer Grimes teamed up to give JW Thinketh Blue his very own Medallion blue in the Pro-Am English Pleasure class.
Natasha Rodley and her new partner QVM Rocket Man matched up for a pair of dynamic rides to add the Junior Exhibitor English 14-17 blue and tricolor to the Arcuri Stables banner. Mantic Boogie Belle and Jessica Matilla made a tricolor transition to the pleasure division with the reserve championship ride in this competitive division under the colors of Sterling Hills.
Delaney Weed showed off a winning smile as she teamed up with her promising four-year-old partner TE Ammunition to earn the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under blue and tricolor for proud parents Glenn and Kim Weed under the Rushton Stables banner. Emily Evans and Stoneledge Chancellor enjoyed a great show in the equitation and pleasure divisions as they added the reserve pleasure titles to the Glyn-Rae banner.
Courteney Kabel showed off her ring presence as she guided her perfectly matched partner Marathon’s Electrafire to the Walk-Trot English Pleasure Championship to the delight of the Blackridge cheering section.
Jessebelle started off a tricolor Saturday as the Junior English Pleasure Champion. Debi Jeppesen guided the charismatic Tug Hill Whamunition daughter to the tricolor honors for Boston Morgan Farm. Forest Nealon was aboard the Junior English Pleasure Reserve Champion for the second year in a row. This time it was Reserve World Champion Dragonfire Shaolin making an impressive showing in his saddle debut for the qualifier victory and reserve tricolor for Earl and Jennifer McFall.
Pleasure Driving
The pleasure driving competition provided the audience with a chance to cheer on some of the breed’s biggest performers. From the time she was a two-year-old GLB Bell Of The Ball has been a show ring favorite in this division. She carried home the roses this year as the Open Pleasure Driving Champion with Stacy Hennessy on the lines for proud owner/breeder Lorraine Bumb. It was a tricolor sweep for Rushton Stables as Gerry Rushton directed OH Independence Hall to the reserve honors following a blue ribbon and tricolor in the junior exhibitor division with Kelly Armijo on the lines.
Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall first made headlines at Santa Barbara as the Grand Champion Stallion in his show ring debut as a yearling in 2002. Since that time he has enjoyed tricolor victories from coast to coast including world titles in hand and in pleasure driving. In 2007 Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall and Stephanie Connor added two exceptional victories in the Amateur Pleasure Driving qualifier and championship to their flawless season. Elaine Olsen and Stonecroft Notorious have enjoyed a stellar first season in this division as they carried the reserve honors back to Rushton Stables.
Festival Calypso is undoubtedly the winningest pleasure driving world champion the Morgan breed has ever known. He was once again at his finest in Santa Barbara. Stephanie Connor matched up with the regal bay for the Ladies Pleasure Driving blue. Jean Arcuri had the opportunity to fill in for Stephanie on Saturday evening, as the Connors had to leave early for an event in Oregon, and added another tricolor and the applause of the audience for a grand performance.
Jan Unrein was delighted to show her lovely Shaker’s Alimon daughter Alliteration to the Amateur Ladies Pleasure Driving blue in her show ring debut. Bob Hughes added the First Year Green Pleasure Driving win with the white trimmed copper mare.
Craig Sommers took a few moments out from his perch as MHBEA president to drive his showy stallion MLF Sharper Image to the Amateur Gentlemen’s Pleasure Driving win for the second year in a row coached by Gerry Rushton.
Gerry Rushton had a lock on the young horse pleasure driving championships as he earned the trio that were offered in Santa Barbara. Just like her full sister GLB Bell Of The Ball, GLB Grand And Glorious starred on Santa Barbara’s victory lane. Gerry Rushton guided the glistening black daughter of HVK Bell Flaire and Fletcher Music Lee to the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor for Lorraine Bumb. Stablemate Take Me Higher and Stacy Hennessy followed in reserve with two fine performances as well for the Underground Partnership.
GLB Grand And Glorious with Gerry Rushton
In the three-year-old group it was another product of Lorraine Bumb’s Silver Creek that wore the tricolor as GLB Amazing Grace carried home the top honors with Gerry Rushton. Following a tricolor debut at Far West, Baccarat’s Instant Replay added the Medallion reserve championship to her resume with Bill Grundmeyer on the lines for Bill and Kathy Papola.
Following her repeat victory as the Grand Champion Mare, Extreme Obsession showed off her good looks and winning style in harness as the Junior Pleasure Driving Champion. Gerry Rushton handled the lines of the look-alike Nicoria daughter for Paul and Danica Brisco.
A trio of impressive young pleasure driving entries from Blackridge visited the winner’s circle in their Santa Barbara debut performances. The 2006 Grand Champion Stallion Cavalli sported the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic blue ribbon and medallion with Bob Hughes directing for The Design Group. Saralin Royal Blue proudly displayed the three-year-old blue as Bob Hughes drove the son of Simply Maserati and Wild Blue Yonder for Saralin Farm. Dan Earehart handled the lines of Own The Night as the coal black son of And The Beat Goes on collected the four-year-old blue for Dragonsmeade.
In Hand
The Morgan Medallion show ring competition got underway on Wednesday morning with the In Hand classes paving the way with the geldings first on the schedule. The first blue ribbon of the show was presented to Sky Warrior as the son of world champions Tug Hill Whamuntion and HVK Ancient Cry starred in the Two and Under Geldings for Boston Morgan Farm with Bob Hughes on the lead.
The Three and Four-Year-Old Geldings kicked off a victorious morning for Rushton Stables as TE Ammunition posed for the blue ribbon. The Tug Hill Whamunition son returned to collect the Grand Champion Gelding honors for Glenn and Kim Weed. Forest Nealon guided the handsome Futurity French Command son MEM Playboy to the reserve tricolor honors following the Five and Over Geldings win for Robert and Deborah Stevenson.
The Mares In Hand competition followed with Frank Miller on the lead of he and wife Ann’s adorable She’s Isadora for the weanling blue. The dazzling bay went on to be named Junior Champion Mare and Reserve Grand Champion Mare.
David Young and breeder/owners Richard and Vikki Paulson teamed up to start a winning morning with Beamwood Lillique being named the winner of the Two-Year-Old Mares as well as Reserve Junior Champion Mare.
Equinox Seductress took a trip to the winner’s circle in the Three-Year-Old Mares and returned to be named Reserve Senior Champion Mare for Jill and Malcolm Smith’s Gael Mountain Morgans under the Sterling Hills banner.
Rushton Stables continued their victorious morning as Extreme Obsession repeated her victories of a year ago as the Senior and Grand Champion Mare. The finely chiseled Nicoria daughter started off with the four-year-old win for Paul and Danica Brisco.
Beamwood Press Release made headlines in his show ring debut as the Meet The Press son posed as the Yearling Colt winner and went on to be named Junior Champion Stallion and Reserve Grand Champion Stallion with David Young on the lead for Richard and Vikki Paulson. Courtney Meyet-Smith and Soelos Educated Feller added the Reserve Junior Champion Stallion honors to their fine season.
Rushton Stables completed a tricolor sweep of the In Hand Grand Championships as Boxford’s Bravura capped the action as the Five and Over Stallion winner as well as the Senior and Grand Champion Stallion. The handsome and athletic son of HVK Man About Town earned the laurels for owners Ted and Elaine Olsen.
The Applevale Replica Most Classic Morgan class is the traditional opening to the Friday evening session, and this year Festival Rock N Roll struck the winning pose with Frank Miller on the lead for George and Joan Arnold’s Festival Morgans.
The Saturday morning session opened with the Classic In Hand as Antiqua Sofia Corazon and Erica Ryan earned the blue ribbon and medallion for Dorothy Hallock. The Western In Hand followed with Vicki Smith guiding Alibi Yell It Out to the blue ribbon for Richard and Janet French. The entries in the Hunter In Hand were next to compete with world champion WH Zimbabwe striking a regal pose with Daryl Hopson handling the lead for Valencia Creek Morgans.
Western Pleasure
The Western Pleasure division at the Morgan Medallion featured the best of the west going head to head in some classic battles. Saturday night’s Open Western Pleasure Championship offered the week’s most poignant competition with the inaugural awarding of the Rock Walker Memorial Trophy. The ten entries represented some of the west coast’s finest horses and horsemen as they competed in the memory of their fellow horseman. Everyone tipped their hats to the champion as Garn Walker made his way to the presentation area for this most meaningful victory.
 
Garn Walker was honored to be the first
recipient of the Rock Walker Memorial Trophy
on DLH Dakota Blues in the Morgan
Medallion Western Pleasure Championship.
DLH Dakota Blues was named the champion following a win in the open qualifier. He has also triumphed in the ladies championship as well as the ladies and amateur over 15.1 hands qualifiers with owner Virginia Adams. Cliff Swanson enjoyed a stellar show with Bruce and Jean Beckman’s handsome Thunder Beam who was named Open Western Pleasure Reserve Champion following a victory in the novice class.
Kathy Barnett and Out Of The Blue Willow had a smooth ride to earn the Ladies Western Pleasure Reserve Championship. In the ladies under 15.1 hands, Stone Pine Julietta and Heather Luedtke earned the blue ribbon ride for ALS Majestral Morgans.
World champion Treble’s Mucho Uno was the one in the gentlemen’s class as Daryl Hopson rode the handsome entry of Rocky and Diana Schliefer to the top spot in his only performance of the week.
Virginia Adams had an unforgettable tricolor week with her western pleasure horses. Her newest addition, Wildcards Satin Rose jogged away with the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship as well as a trio of blues in the amateur masters, first year green, and executive pleasure classes. The world championship pairing of Futurity’s Such A Twist and Kathy Papola collected the Amateur Western Pleasure Reserve Championship with a polished ride under the direction of Bill Grundmeyer in this grand field of entries. Kim Hildreth and Tropic Anne’s Legacy completed a memorable show as they picked up the yellow ribbon.
The Amateur Western Pleasure Under 15.1 Hands featured the magnificent Firecrest E-Ticket and owner Aimee Shriner jogging away with the blue ribbon and medallion directed by Daryl Hopson.
Firecrest E-Ticket and Aimee Shriner
enjoyed their first trip to Santa Barbara.
Tom Wilson and Julie Adams teamed up with the crowd-pleasing DVF Chattahoochee to jog away with top honors in the Pro-Am Western Pleasure for Valencia Creek Morgans.
Natalie Nelsen and French Design closed out a winning week by earning the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 14-17 Championship after a win in the qualifier for the Woolley/Lee Family. Ryan Swanson earned high-fives from Cliff and Joyce Swanson as he rode Split Mt Melody to the reserve tricolor.
French Design and Natalie Nelsen
Savannah Sturm and Festival Atomic Energy earned top honors in the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 13 & Under qualifier and championship for proud mom Terri Sturm. MLF Gavin and Jamie Lemus carried the reserve ribbons back to Bonnie Lemus.
Daryl Hopson’s streak of winning young western horses continued at Medallion this year. This time around it was Harlington’s Farquar who jogged away with the Junior Western Pleasure Championship for Linda Staples. The junior qualifier winner MJD French Quarter and Eitan Beth-Halachmy picked up the Junior Western Pleasure Reserve Championship for John and Mary Denove.
Mt Echo Dance Dark Secret enjoyed a pair of trips to the winner’s circle under the guidance of Garn Walker. They topped the limit class as well as the three-year-old competition for owner/breeders Cliff and Vona Schuring.
Hunter Pleasure
The hunter pleasure division featured a group of proven winners vying for top honors alongside some hardworking challengers. One of those impressive young challengers was the smooth striding Goldencrest Black Diamond. Trained by Forest Nealon and ridden by Jennifer McFall, the charismatic black gelding captured the Open Hunter Pleasure Championship following matching blue ribbons in the junior and ladies under 15.1 hands classes for owner/breeders Kris and Inge Johnsen.
Goldencrest Black Diamond and Jennifer McFall
World Champion WH Zimbabwe added the reserve tricolor to the Valencia Creek banner. He also topped both the Pro-Am class with Diane Hastie and Julie Adams presenting and the gentlemen’s with Daryl Hopson for the second year in a row.
The Open Hunter Pleasure qualifier featured Chintimini Bravo Charlie and Garn Walker besting the field with Melissa Walker cheering them on.
Jennifer McFall collected the tricolor and flowers in the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championship again this year. This time she matched up with Katherine Smith’s bold striding VCF Naughty But Nice for the honors. They also topped the ladies over 15.1 hands class, while Kathy Smith matched up with her pretty mare for the amateur masters win. Take The Stars and Julie Adams picked up the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship competing for Merna Malouf.
The Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship featured an impressive victory for CHC Blue’s Shining Star as last year’s ladies champion transitioned to this year’s amateur tricolor with Natalie Jensen providing the winning ride for Sandra Nelson’s Madison Avenue Morgans. The world titled team of Julie Chan and En Excess NKS added another tricolor to the Garn Walker banner with the reserve honors.
Sandra Nelson greeted
CHC Blue’s Shining Star and Natalie Jensen
The amateur 15.1 hands and over blue also went back to the Garn Walker banner as Talamar Enstarment and Allison Smallridge earned a stellar victory.
Lynn Tuffli was the jubilant winner of the amateur under 15.1 hands with her polished partner MLF Dreams Of Glory performing under the Dragonfire Farm banner.
Merin Maggi and Café Chocolate bested the field in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 14-17 Championship to the delight of the Cathy Grimes Stable cheering section. The qualifier winning team of QVM Gorgeous George and Ellen Lowden turned in another fine ride to bring the reserve tricolor back to Keith Nelsen Stable and proud parents Mike and Anna Lowden.
Wee B Sweet Emotion and Kristen Klepper earned the 13 & under qualifier and championship wins with two polished performances under the direction of Jennifer Sommers. They were followed by RJ Celebrate and Jacqueline Lerner performing for Ed and Lorraine Drenten.
Taylor Sams matched up with AZ Kachina Smoki for the novice junior exhibitor blue for Ted Gallegos.
Whispering Incognito added Medallion’s Junior Hunter Pleasure Championship to his list of honors with Jill Yerger presenting for Georgia Lund. Debra Lee’s gorgeous Angel Eyes has grown up from the 2004 Morgan Breeder Sweepstakes Champion into a top hunter pleasure performer as Courtney Zimmerman rode her to the three-year-old blue and the Junior Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship.
Alejandro Salazar directed A Cut Above to the UPHA Hunter Pleasure Classic victory with a consistent showing for Rough Diamond Ranch.
Gina Mavor matched up with HVK Noble Kiss for the victory pass in the First Year Green Hunter Pleasure for Vegas Valley Morgans. The Novice Hunter Pleasure featured a winning ride for R S Mtn Shadow Rock and Joyce Swanson as they performed for Jane Dumler and Susan O’Brien. Deer Creek Crystal and Caprice Zoumaras teamed up for the limit blue for Robert and Lisa Matilla.
Classic Pleasure
The Classic Pleasure division at Medallion could be renamed for the great show horse and sire Tug Hill Whamunition. His well-stamped get did him quite proud once again this year. The Whamunition daughter, Miss Voo Doo (out of Boston Abracadabra) once again topped Friday night’s Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship following the ladies qualifier win with owner Mona Skager aboard. After a winning performance in the open qualifier, WWF Trade Mark and Genevieve Carlino trotted away with the reserve tricolor. They returned the following day for another reserve tricolor in the ladies championship. Betsy Viets Wallen and McCartney turned in a beautiful ride to collect the tricolor and flowers in the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship.
Hannah Hunsinger was perhaps the most excited winner of the week as she teamed up with Festival Gypsy to earn the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle blue and tricolor for Festival Morgans under the direction of Frank and Ann Miller.
Hannah Hunsinger aboard Festival Gypsy
for owners George and Joan Arnold
The Grand National Championship team of VVM Litigator and Cheyenne Banks-Diaz matched up for the reserve tricolor guided by Anne Speck for Bob and Vita Banks.
The Novice Classic Pleasure Saddle blue was awarded to VVM Mark My Words as Brooke Yule provided a winning catch-ride on the entry of Vegas Valley Morgans.
Mackenzie Lyttle teamed up with Anne Speck’s sporty chestnut Cowboy Up to garner the Junior Classic Pleasure Saddle win.
Grand National Champion Treble’s Spring Loaded and Deborah Stevenson continued their winning season with their Santa Barbara performances. Forest Nealon directed the punchy, bay Tug Hill Whamunition son to the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship as well as the junior blue. It was a tricolor sweep for the get of Whamunition as Miss Voo Doo and Mona Skager followed with the reserve tricolor. They had earlier made the victory pass in the ladies qualifier prepared by David Torrey. Joan Arnold earned a blue ribbon in her show ring return on the lines of Festival Rock N Roll in the open qualifier.
Nancy Jewell was the jubilant winner in the Ladies Classic Pleasure Driving Championship as she drove her Jazztime Tuxedo Junction under the direction of Greg Ferguson. Dodie Alsop and Jaguar In Motion collected the reserve tricolor coached by Mary Luedtke.
Tayler Walters and MLF Caliente turned in a trio of winning drives to carry home the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor as well as the novice blue to Rancho Del Mar and Debra Hurst Walters. Ryan’s Got The Beat and Charles Thompson turned in two fine drives as well as to earn the reserve junior exhibitor titles for Brian and Thea Sanderson.
Equitation
A competitive group of young riders vied for top honors in all of the equitation seats. The Medallion Regional Saddle Seat Equitation Championship featured the awarding of the Bob Speck Memorial Trophy with an outstanding field of ten riders performing for judge Richard Boule and an appreciative audience. The awarding of the top honors was a crowning achievement for Tommy Brisco in the final Morgan Medallion of his junior rider career. Brisco was matched with Elizabeth Sue as he showed determination, polish and style to earn the championship victory for the second year in a row. This followed a victorious ride in the 14-17 qualifier much to the delight of his family, friends and proud instructor/trainers Debi Jeppesen and Bob Hughes.
Taylor Sams, matched with Master Mark, captured the Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Championship for the fourth year in a row with another strong ride under the direction of Anne Speck. Petite Claire Brownie showed poise and focus on the rail and in the workout as she collected the yellow ribbon in the championship competing from Rancho Del Mar as well. Emily Evans enjoyed a break-through show aboard Stoneledge Chancellor as she topped the 13 & under, novice rider and AMHA Medal as well as earning the white ribbon in the championship coached by Glynis Snowden.
Emily Evans with Stoneledge Chancellor
Rachel Miller and Futurity’s Chicago White Sox added the UPHA Challenge Cup win to the Rushton banner with a determined ride.
Hannah Hunsinger and Festival Gypsy matched up for the Classic Saddle Seat Equitation win to add to their pleasure victories guided by Ann Miller.
Savanna Marie Miller showed style and confidence as she piloted GMH Flash Dance to the Walk and Trot Equitation Championship as well as the Saddle Seat qualifier win to the delight of instructor Anne Speck and parents Frank and Ann Miller. Courteney Kabel showed tremendous ring presence and poise as she matched up with Marathon’s Electrafire for the reserve tricolor performance coached by Debi Jeppesen.
Brooke Yule enjoyed a great show in Santa Barbara again this year as she captured the Hunt Seat Equitation Championship as well as the 14-17 win coached by Ann Miller. Merin Maggi rode away with the Hunt Seat Equitation Reserve Championship with a bold performance coached by Cathy Grimes.
Brooke Yule
Kristen Klepper added to her pleasure wins as she visited the winner’s circle in the Hunt Seat Equitation 13 and Under. Lizzie Holmes matched up with Fortuneaire to add the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal blue to their successful season directed by Garn Walker.
Kelly Armijo and Mirador Magellan made the victory pass in the Novice Rider Hunt Seat Equitation. Julie Folksman earned the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation blue to add to her honors in the pleasure division.
Natalie Nelsen added to her victorious show as she jogged away with the Western Seat Equitation Championship following the 14-17 qualifier blue with French Design coached by proud dad Keith Nelsen. Megan Evans was crowned the reserve champion with a precise performance on the rail and in the pattern.
Savannah Sturm added the Western Seat 13 and Under win to her triumphant show with Festival Atomic Energy directed by BJ Schafer. Maxi Gumprecht collected the AMHA Western Seat Medal as well as the Showmanship 14-17 blue to add to the Northwood banner and continue a great season.
Cheryl Thornton collected the AMHA Hunt Seat Over Fences Medal to qualify for a trip to Oklahoma. Kimberly Chesney also qualified for a trip to Oklahoma with the top score in the AMHA Dressage Medal.
Miscellaneous
When the whistle blew in Saturday night's Roadster To Bike Championship, it was a tricolor repeat from four-time Roadster To Bike World Champion HVK Baymarch. Geoffrey Longenecker had his cheering section out in force as he drove the handsome bay to the tricolor following the amateur qualifier blue. Bob Hughes enjoyed a blue ribbon return to saddle competition in the irons of this powerful performer to earn the Roadster Under Saddle victory for Saralin Farm. Flairetation and Forest Nealon enjoyed a grand roadster debut as they picked up the open qualifier blue as well as the Roadster To Bike Reserve Championship for George and Glendel Campbell.
The Walk-Trot Pleasure Any Seat Championship featured Commanding Knight and Sheridan Sturm topping judge Hughes’s card with BJ Schafer coaching the winning team. Julie Folksman and JJSK’s Keeps Shamrock earned the reserve tricolor to follow a repeat trip down victory lane in the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure.
Saddletime Guardian and Ann Saxon teamed up for the Road Hack win for Jami Butler.
The Dragonfire contingent proved their versatile talents in Santa Barbara. Chuck Tuffli and MLF Dreams Of Glory collected a pair of blues in the Low Working Hunter competition. CHC Blue’s Shining Star and Natalie Jensen earned top scores in the Dressage Training Level Tests 1 and 2 prior to their hunter pleasure championship victory for Sandra Nelson. Alias and Barbara Fleming added a pair of blue ribbons in the Training Level Tests 3 and 4.
Susan Garmier picked up the Hunter Under Saddle and Hunter Hack blues with Wintergreen Tuscany as well as the Working Hunter and Dressage Second Level and Above wins with Wintergreen Don Diego for Ann Taylor.
Gotno Gamblinman and Alejandro Salazar added a trio of Dressage First Level wins to the Rough Diamond Ranch banner.
Intrepid Sabrina and Mary Scronce drove away with the Carriage Pleasure Driving Championship for the second year in a row following a winning drive in the amateur working class. Beauwest Trophys Revenge was also the reserve champion for the second year in a row as Cathy Grimes also drove to the timed obstacles and open working blues for Rancho San Ardo.
Ted Campbell was the winning whip in the novice class with Watusis Stormchaser. Jaime Eisenberg and CGS Lady’s Highlight enjoyed the blue ribbon highlight in the reinsmanship class.
Following a tricolor ride a year ago, HVR Hidden Gold and Mark Luis returned to Santa Barbara to slide away with the Open Reining blue and the crowd’s applause in their only performance of the show for Joseph Kathrein.
HVR Hidden Gold and Mark Luis
Sherrill Tompkins and Pollyanna’s Round To-It were once again the winning navigators in the Trail Horse Championship. They also collected the blue ribbons in the open and senior horse qualifiers. Wintergreen Treasure and Ann Taylor maneuvered to the reserve tricolor.
WWF Super Trust and Susan Carlino bested the competition for the Amateur Trail victory again this year. Ion Best Kept Secret and Vicki Smith collected the Novice Trail win for Richard and Janet French. JJSK Keeps Shamrock showed his versatility as Sandra Flanagan showed him to the Limit Trail win.
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