Morgans Perform At Kentucky State Fair
Monday, August 27, 2007
by Jennifer Hazen
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Morgan show at the 2007 Kentucky State Fair was held on August 13 and 14 once again at the famed Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky. Handling this year’s judging duties was Nancy McConnell from Versailles, Ky. The show once again proved that the quantity of horses never is a factor when the quality that came was incredibly high. With other shows moving their dates and locations, the numbers here were quite low. But those that made it to Freedom Hall were welcomed by the committee and show officials with smiles and advice on how to keep cool. With temperatures reaching the triple digits, everyone was glad to have the accommodating and air-conditioned Freedom Hall to show in.
Starting the show off was the in-hand division with several beautiful entries. The Grand Champion Mare came to the ring with her tail flagging behind her and a presence that let everyone know that she was not to be ignored. Stonecroft Trillium showed what it took to be a champion after taking the Two and Three-Year-Old Mares class. She followed up with the Grand Champion title with owner/handler John Scheidt. Reserve in the mare division went to Key Emotion. Ernesto Chavolla led the gorgeous chestnut filly to reserve honors and came back to make the victory pass in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving. Trotting level and fluid in every movement, the young filly never twitched an ear and was a true delight for owners Ron and Lori Skover.
Key Emotion directed by Ernesto Chavolla
There were no stallions to show in hand this year and only two in the gelding division. TL Red Alert, led by Carmen Jenkins, was called out as the Geldings Three and Over winner to the delight of owners Rick and Jean Thompson and was later crowned Grand Champion Gelding. Coal Creek Buddy was the Reserve Grand Champion for owner Elaine Stephenson.
The Western Pleasure Championship saw four entries fighting for top spot in the class. Jogging away with the title was the winner from the Open Western Pleasure class, Suntime Sugar And Spice. Sarah Lyons rode the stunning western entry for owner William Coomes. Colleen Coomes took over the reins for the Walk/Trot Western Pleasure and Western Seat Equitation victory passes. Reserve went to Mr. R’s Supreme and Ryan Frye. Coming off wins in the Gentlemen’s Western Pleasure and the junior exhibitor 17 and under qualifiers, this handsome pair did a wonderful job showing what a true gentleman’s mount should look like.
Trophy’s Special Edition had a busy two days. With Kelsey Morgan aboard, this team topped both the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 and Under and Hunt Seat Equitation 17 and Under classes. Then teamed with Sarah Lyons, Special Edition topped the Open Hunter Pleasure qualifier, then with his hocks driving him forward with every powerful stride, the dark liver chestnut trotted out of Freedom Hall as the Hunter Pleasure Grand Champion. Whitney Jefferies was aboard Katherine Roberts Trophy’s Maxamillion to win both the Walk/Trot Hunter Pleasure and Hunt Seat Equitation classes.
Winning the Classic Pleasure Saddle was no stranger to the winner’s circle. Tara’s Heavenly was everything her name says she is. Evenly trotting in front and equally as impressive from the rear, John Stephenson and Tara’s Heavenly were a joy to watch perform. Calabash and Ryan Haunstein drove away with blues in the Classic Pleasure Driving and Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving 17 and Under classes.
John Scheidt returned to the winner’s circle with another Stonecroft bred entry, this time winning the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stake with Stonecroft Intuition. Driving right up into his bridle and flowing over the ground, this teamed looked to be primed and ready for the Grand National. DFM Mutual Agreement made several trips down victory lane with owner Peggy Angel. The sporty mare is pure elegance with her petite driver as they won the Ladies Pleasure Driving and capped off their show being crowned the County Fair Pleasure Driving Champions. Ryan Frye also returned to Freedom Hall but this time behind the Open Pleasure Driving Stake Champion, Party Hardy. Frye and Party Hardy were in perfect form and exited Freedom Hall with a big smile as the tricolor whipped in the wind.
The English pleasure division was the largest division of the show. Tim Roesink brought a few horses this year and among them was the two-time World Champion Sacred Paths Indiana Jones. Shelley Silber was aboard the tremendous young star to win the Amateur English Pleasure qualifier in their only performance. Coming up from third place were Party Hardy and Ryan Frye to win the Amateur English Pleasure Stake. Another entry from Grove Pointe Stables was IGF Cour Et Ame. Tim Roesink guided Carolyn Gibbard’s new entry to a pair of top rides to garner the English Pleasure Stallions and Geldings blue followed by the Open English Pleasure Championship.
IGF Couer Et Ame and Tim Roesink
Reserve in the Open Championship went to Liz Connor’s entry Whitney’s Welcome. This athletic, high-headed five-year-old also won the County Fair English Pleasure Championship with Madge Bass aboard. Following their winning Northampton debut, Ariella Silber and Intrepid Immortal Beloved brought their winning ways to Kentucky as Tim Roesink coached them to the Walk/Trot English Pleasure and Walk/Trot Saddle Seat Equitation victory passes.
Ariella Silber and Intrepid Immortal Beloved
The list of world champions does not stop with those few. Spectators were in for a big surprise when the Open Park Harness class was called to the ring. A dark figure was seen trotting down the shoot and moments later World Champion Stonecroft Trilogy was marching through the gate. John Scheidt was at the lines of the bold, bay superstar. As the stallion strutted down each wall, knees breaking over the rail, and taking each commanding stride in flawless perfection, it was no surprise when he was called out as the winner. The grand stallion returned with Nelson Green aboard to take claim to the Park Saddle Stake tricolor for the third consecutive year. Reserve in the class went to JW Phantom with Ernesto Chavallo aboard for Judy Whitney-Harris. Phantom is a big, strong going youngster who won the Junior Park Saddle Stake the day before.
Ernesto Chavolla and JW Phantom
All in all the show was a success and through the sweltering heat and minimal entries, champions always seem to shine at the Kentucky State Fair.
Complete results can be found by clicking here.
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