Lead Story By Diana Davidson

Daily Editorial Coverage By Bob Funkhouser, Steven Handy and Tuffy Owens

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - 2009 marked the 70th anniversary of the New England Regional Morgan Horse Show, and what a grand celebration it was! The Morgan community gathered on July 19-25 at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, Mass., the oldest fairgrounds in America and home to this show since 1952. They came to toast the memories of years gone by along with the horses and people who made them all so special, as well as to cheer on those who were here to compete for the show ring accolades of 2009. In addition to honoring the legacy of the show, all in attendance also celebrated another milestone, Anna Dickson Ela’s 100th birthday. This year’s show was dedicated to Mrs. Ela who was one of the founders of the show and has been to them all (see separate story).

The history and tradition of this horse show truly set it apart from all others. In a continuing effort to honor the contributions of those who have come before us, the Northampton Horsemen’s Hall Of Fame was established at the 2006 New England Morgan Horse Show with the induction of Anna Ela, John Lydon, Patricia Tataronis Orcutt, Dr. S. Robert Orcutt, Lyman Orcutt and Joe Parker. Dr. Stewart K. Harvey and W. Dayton Sumner joined the list in 2007 along with Helen Fenton and Dorothy Potter in 2008.

In 2009, Fred and Jeanne Herrick were recognized for their many contributions as they returned to center ring to have their names added to the Hall Of Fame (see separate story) and the plaque on the box seats surrounding the Northampton grandstand ring that reads: "In recognition of dedication, sportsmanship and support of the Northampton tradition and the Morgan show horse."

The opportunity to attend this show each year is one that exhibitors and spectators alike plan for and look forward to from the completion of one year’s show until the start of the next. It is a rite and a privilege. While the uncertainties of our current economy were a concern coming into the show, the turnout of horses and people and the support shown quickly put those fears to rest. The great tradition of this horse show, the magnificent performances of the horses, and the perseverance of the people dedicated to the show and the horses were the real stories of the week.

The 2009 New England Morgan Horse Show welcomed nearly 700 horses representing stables and owners from almost all of the 50 states as well as Canada, Great Britain and Austria. The depth and quality of the competition in all divisions represented the best the breed has to offer.

This year’s show ring competition was outstanding from start to finish. Sunday afternoon welcomed the beginning of an outstanding week of competition as the first tricolors of the show were awarded. Dragonsmeade Balenciaga started off a great week for the entries bred and owned by the Fu family’s Dragonsmeade Farm. The athletic daughter of HVK Bell Flaire and HVK Firefly posed for the East Coast Grand Champion Mare honors with Mike Carpenter handling the lead.

Monday morning’s East Coast Grand Champion Gelding competition featured a tricolor three-peat performance when CBMF Ruling Class (GLB Bell Pepper x CEN Can’t Touch This) posed for the honors guided by Ken Swanson. The reigning world champion started off a tricolor week for owner Holly Johnson and the Tara Farm team.

The presentation of the Martha Morse Memorial Trophy in the East Coast Grand Champion Stallion competition featured another three-time winner as the record-setting LPS The Boogie Man returned to Northampton’s grandstand ring to pose for the same title he previously won in 2004 and 2007. David Rand once again guided the son of 1995-1997 East Coast Grand Champion Stallion Man About Town LPS and Honeytree’s Simply Unique for the Michael Ramsey family.

The East Coast Championship competition continued on Friday and Saturday nights in the nine performance divisions. The western pleasure horses were the first to compete with AMHF Bal Du Masque jogging away with the laurels over an all-star field of entries. Shanna Gish completed an undefeated week for the entries of John and Patti Huse’s SpringMill Morgans under the Indian Creek banner with the tricolor presentation.

The East Coast Classic Pleasure Driving Championship performance began a memorable night for Sean and Terri Travers when the multi-titled L’Cima Exclusive topped Judge Larry Bolen’s card. The Taylor River Farm cheering section enjoyed another chance to support their favorites.

The East Coast Championship schedule on Friday night concluded with the Pleasure Driving and Park Harness competitions. These two entertaining classes featured dual tricolors for entries trained and presented by Ken Swanson. Tara’s Firewalker (HVK Bell Flaire x Tara’s Anasazi) topped an all-star field of seven with a stylish victory to the delight of owners Krista and Nate Headley guided by Swanson.

The presentation of the Noble Flaire Memorial Trophy in the East Coast Park Harness Championship closed out the Friday evening session with the record-setting JW That Special Flaire earning top honors with Swanson. The Noble Flaire grandson made the victory pass for the third time for elated owner Frances Pugh when Swanson again received the W. Lyman Orcutt Perpetual Memorial Trophy awarded to the winning trainer by the UPHA Chapter 14.

"To come home with three East Coast Championships, it was huge," said Ken Swanson, trainer of JW That Special Flaire, Tara’s Firewalker and CBMF Ruling Class. "Winning at New England means a lot any year. It is like the playoffs before the Grand National. It lets you see where you stand. We love coming to this show. Everyone makes us feel very welcome.

"The pleasure driving championship meant more than anything. We always get excited about the harness horse. It never gets old going to the ring with him. The Firewalker horse we raised and I have put him in the ring since he was a baby. I’ve always thought he had a ton of potential but he’s been somewhat timid and has not fired to his fullest yet. I was so happy he showed us more of what he’s capable of and I think there’s more to come."

When the final day of competition opened on Saturday, the final five East Coast Championships were contested in the grandstand ring during the evening session. The East Coast English Pleasure Champion was first to be crowned when Cartier (Cedar Creek Harlequin x Schiaparelli) and Sarah Gove closed out an unforgettable week for Taylor River Farm.

"It was just a thrill to win the East Coast English Pleasure Championship! I have to say it feels like someone sprinkled fairy dust on the show grounds in Northampton. It doesn’t matter how hot, how muddy, or how long the horse show gets it is always my favorite place to show. . . I hope in another 70 years we are still sitting around the infield tents watching films of the past!" Gove said.

The East Coast Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship featured another record-setting victory for Boogie Nights (Born To Boogie x UVM Unity) and Anne Marie Biron. This dynamic show ring performer has earned this title five years in a row, the last three with Anne Marie Biron in the irons for the tricolor victory directed by Phil Fountain.

The East Coast Roadster To Bike Championship featured Lynn Peeples directing the tricolor entry for the fourth time in six years. This year it was the dazzling FRF Looking Glass commanding a trip down victory lane, representing owner William Shean.

MEM Bailamos earned the distinction of being named East Coast Hunter Pleasure Champion for the second year in a row as Keely Sogoloff guided the Nau Is The Time LLC entry to the tricolor honors. It was a tricolor week for the son of Futurity French Command and AFF Beulah who also sired a pair of hunter pleasure champions in his image.

The East Coast Park Saddle Championship capped the show ring action at the 70th anniversary New England Regional Morgan Horse Show. The charismatic Dragonsmeade Icon (Mizrahi x HVK Obsidian) added his name to the storied list of winners of the Stephen P. Tompkins/Orcland Leader Perpetual Memorial Trophy. Tim Roesink was in the irons for the victorious ride for the Fu family and Dragonsmeade Farm, the winners of the first and last 2009 East Coast Championships awarded.

Iann Fu Longenecker commented, "The New England Morgan Horse Show is one of the most important horse shows on Dragonsmeade’s calendar each year. We are honored that several Dragonsmeade-bred horses were awarded a number of top ribbons in very competitive classes at the 70th NEMHS, starting with Dragonsmeade Balenciaga winning Grand Champion Mare and ending with Dragonsmeade Icon taking the Open Park Saddle Championship. We will continue to come and support this remarkable horse show."

When Show Manager Fred Nava and the show committee came on board to resurrect the New England Regional 13 years ago, they set a goal of improving the horse show in every way. Piece by piece they have worked their magic to not only bring the show back to its former glory, but to surpass even their own expectations. Their master plan has been achieved by bringing this great show into the 21st century with a flourish while maintaining the traditions that have always set this show apart from all others.

Fred Nava reflected on the 2009 show. "I was very pleased with the number of horses that attended this year. It was an amount that fit the size of the facility and made the whole show have a more traditional feeling. No one person would ever know what it takes to put on a show of this size and caliber in this facility until they have done it themselves for a number of years. I am in my 13th year as manager and still learn something new each year.

"I am dedicated to keeping the family tradition alive, and I have a great amount of respect for the show ring as well as the horse show exhibitors. Each year at the conclusion of the show I reflect on everyone’s hard work and level of commitment, and I am truly awed from the staff to the donors to the exhibitors. Some of the answers become more evident each year, and I make goals for the years ahead. This commitment is very important to me. I have felt that the level of respect for the show ring as well as for each other has diminished over the years, and it is my goal to replenish the level of respect shown in the show ring, around the grounds and to each exhibitor," Nava concluded.

It takes a large and hardworking team to make this show run. The group who is entrusted to make this horse show happen have given themselves the moniker Team New England, and in many ways they are one big family who work together seemingly year round.

In addition to Show Manager Fred Nava, co-chairs Christine Nava and Jackie Ross, and the show committee, a host of other officials helped to make the show so successful. They include Secretary Linda Burke, USEF Stewards Mary Lynn Whitley and Matt Kwapich, announcers Bill Carrington, Peter Fenton and Larry Wahl, ringmasters Grace Yaglou, Bill Whitley and Juan Stuckey, farriers Tim Keller and Rick Howe, veterinarian Jay Merriam, grounds supervisor Mark Caisse, organist Nancy Roberts, ring recorders Carole Hutchison and Robert Marsh, dressage coordinator Edith Root, sport horse coordinator Bill Hutchison, driving coordinators Elsie Rodney, Margie Margentino and Susan Koso, course designer David Raucher, paddock superintendent Anne Blizniak, technical delegate John Greenall, camper supervisor Bill Nazzaro, videographer Premier Horse Video, show ring photographer Shane Shiflet, sport arena photographer Denlore Inc., and a host of others.

Honored with the task of pinning the 2009 New England Regional Champions were Larry Bolen (Stallions and Mares In Hand, Park Harness, English Pleasure, Road Hack, Classic Pleasure Driving, Roadster and All American Sweepstakes); Anne Speck (Geldings In Hand, Park Saddle, Pleasure Driving, Classic Pleasure Saddle, Saddle Seat Equitation, Saddle Seat Walk-Trot and Lead Line, and All American Sweepstakes); Todd Trushel (Specialties In Hand, Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Stock Seat and Hunt Seat On The Flat Equitation, Hunt/Western Beginners and Lead Line, Futurity, Trail, Miscellaneous, and All American Sweepstakes); Debbie Banfield (Carriage Driving); Lisa Foster (Hunters, Jumpers, and AMHA Hunt Seat Medal Over Fences); and Ida Anderson (Dressage).

Seventy years of memories and traditions were celebrated at this iconic show while the newest New England Morgan champions were crowned. All parts of the United States and the world were well represented at the 2009 New England Morgan Horse Show. It was far more than just a week of horse show competition. It was a weeklong tribute to the magnificence of America’s first breed and to the people whose love and dedication to it have preserved and promoted it. The New England Morgan Horse Show has seen many great horses, historic performances, memorable occasions and well-noted changes over the years. This year’s show will go down in history for its many unforgettable moments.

The tradition continues!

Sunday

The Hall of Fame trainers and great champions from years past were smiling down on Show Manager Fred Nava and all the trainers and exhibitors as the opening session of the 70th annual New England Regional Morgan Horse Show was picture perfect. This show eerily mirrors the Saddlebred world’s Lexington Junior League in that it is the second largest show of the year, it’s held outdoors in a place that’s not the easiest to show at, but there is so much history here that you can feel it as soon as you walk on the soil of Northampton, Mass.’s Three County Fairgrounds.

Families and friends gathered from near and far to partake in this celebration of New England’s homegrown product. Blue skies, moderate temperatures and the smell of blacksmith Tim Keller’s pulled pork filling the air made day one of this seven-day show about as good as it could get. Keller’s pulled pork and Cheryl Innis’s fresh corn on the cob and homemade brownies once again highlighted UPHA Chapter 14’s annual barbecue benefit to raise money for the chapter’s benevolent fund. With Carol Keller, Gary Saccocia, Ricky Harris and Bob Funkhouser helping Keller and Innis, Chapter 14 was able to add to its emergency fund due to the great generosity of nearly 300 Morgan owners and trainers who left donations for their barbecue plates.

Shortly after the last of the pulled pork had been served and the last few chins had been wiped, the gates opened for class one of the New England Regional. Todd Trushel stepped from the center ring gazebo to judge the Sport Horse In Hand class. For second consecutive year, Tim Morrell led DRF Sea Hawk (Gladgay’s Excalibur x Wawayanda April Mae) to the top of the judge’s card for owner Carol Ramsey-Rice. Mary Ellen Mulligan presented her Stoneleigh Jazz Time for the red streamers.

Roger Brown and Winterset Rhyme Thyme topped last year’s winners, Charlestown Blue Moon and Hanna Welch, for the second blue of New England 2009, the Open Western Pleasure In Hand title. The 2008 winners were reserve.

The Open Classic Pleasure In Hand class was the first of what would be a memorable week for Terri Travers. L’Cima’s Exclusive (L’Cima’s Spence Jr x Salem Christine) struck a handsome pose to turn back a good group of challengers. Among them, Dantree Answer The Call took reserve honors with Casey McDonald on the lead.

A Beethoven daughter, Riverside Rhapsody was crowned the Hunter Pleasure In Hand Champion with Judy Dorr on the lead for the second consecutive year. Their return to the winner’s circle was followed by Legendary And Noble, the reserve champion shown by Kirsten Qua.

The winners from the first four classes returned to the famed Northampton ring to model for the first tricolor of 2009, the Specialty In Hand Championship. With a blue in the prize in the Classic Pleasure qualifier, L’Cima’s Exclusive and Terri Travers made their entry into the history book of the 70th annual New England Show as the first grand champions of a banner week for the entries under the direction of Taylor River Farm. DRF Sea Hawk, winner of the first blue of the show, took the first reserve tricolor with a dapper Tim Morrell making the presentation for Carol Ramsey-Rice.

It was Larry Bolen’s turn to preside over the New England ring as the In Hand Mares were next on the schedule. He didn’t get to test his abilities in his first class as the Ultra’s Special Agent daughter, DRF Special Attraction, was the lone Filly Foal with owner Joanne Galvin presenting.

The Yearling Fillies class featured four young ladies who preened and paraded for the coveted New England blue. The second Beethoven daughter of the day to enter the winner’s circle, LBJ Sweet Music (x Liberation Lady In Red) was a class act with Tim Roesink debuting another prize-winning youngster for owner/breeders Jim and Laura Braddock. Also a veteran of New England in hand battles, Rick Lane had One French Rose (Futurity French Command x Sumadia) in the reserve spot after having already won Yearling and Junior Champion Mare titles at Maine Morgan and Granite State.

After having a remarkable 2008 season, the Sebring Stables/Copper Beech LLC team has been back in the spotlight several times again this year. Right out of the gate they started New England with a bang as Jim McCleester and Jim Sebring guided CBMF Class Act (CBMF Ruling Class x Wild Imaginings by Born To Boogie) to the Two-Year-Old Mare victory. The well-named Simple Elegance, a daughter of Cartier and B My Playmate was the reserve entry for trainer Richard Boule and owner Gay Gove. Their season began as Vermont Spring Classic’s Two-Year-Old winner and Junior Champion Mare.

The five entries vying for New England’s Junior Champion Mare title lined the center ring and waited their inspection by Judge Bolen. Having inspected his earlier choices again, Bolen put the two-year-olds at the head of the class. CBMF Class Act delivered the tricolor performance for Sebring Stables and owner/breeder Ann Hailey’s Copper Beech LLC. Reserve for the second time this morning was Simple Elegance who added the red tricolor streamers to the Taylor River stabling area.

The next round of competition began, this time for the aged mares en route to the Grand Champion Mare title. Having already won the Junior Champion Mare title, Copper Beech LLC had another contender for Grand Champion Mare honors when Jaisen von Ballmoos guided CBMF Wait Until Dark to the Three-Year-Old Mare title. This was the first performance of the year for the sleek daughter of GLB Bell Pepper and CBMF Night Whispers. Reserve honors in New England’s three-year-old competition went to State Of Grace. A winning daughter of MLF Sharper Image and Bellamor has already been a three-time winner in pleasure driving this year in addition to taking Gold Cup’s Grand Champion Mare honors for trainer Tim Roesink and longtime Grove Pointe customers John and Nancy Hendricks.

Year in and year out Mike Carpenter has been a force in New England’s in hand division and for 2009 his journey began with Dragonsmeade Belenciaga (Mizrahi x HVK Firefly) proving to be up to her royal bloodlines with a victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Mares event. A mare with beauty and refinement, Belenciaga is owned by her breeder, the Fu family’s Dragonsmeade. Also, extremely familiar with the New England track and top of the line in hand stars, Rick Stevens presented a Serenity Masterpiece daughter, Whispering Wild Cry, to command the red streamers for Laura MacKinnon.

Speaking of familiar faces at the top, it seemed like old home week for most of the day. Giving credence to that observation, Rick Lane and David Rand were first and second with their entries in the Five & Over Mare class. Rick Lane’s winner was the pretty and talented MEM Shock & Awe, a George Schott bred and owned daughter of Serenity Masterpiece and the notable matron AFF Evening Episode. She already boasts Grand Champion Mare titles this year from Maine Morgan and Vermont Spring Classic in addition to pleasure driving wins. David Rand and Queens Fancy Me brought their A-game to take home the reserve prize for Victory Lane Farm. The Mizrahi daughter who was crowned Connecticut Morgan’s Grand Champion Mare in addition to having several English pleasure wins this year, paraded like a champ to take the reserve honors this time out.

When the best of the three, four and five and over mares returned to try and add their name to the list of past greats who have exited the ring with the Senior Champion Mare title, it was the Dragonsmeade entry, Dragonsmeade Belenciaga, reigning supreme with Mike Carpenter on the lead. From the Five & Over Mare section, MEM Shock & Awe was called out as the reserve champion for Rick Lane and George Schott.

Sired by the ever-popular World Champion Mizrahi, a son of World Grand Champions HVK Bell Flaire and Schiaparelli, Dragonsmeade Belenciaga returned to the Northampton ring one more time Sunday afternoon to leave with the highest honors in her division, Grand Champion Mare. Dragonsmeade will have its name beside other breeders and owners of New England Grand Champion Mare including the US Morgan Horse Farm, Townshend Farm, Waseeka Farm, Avery Farm, Yellow Iris Farm, Century Farm, UVM Morgan Horse Farm, Queen’s River Farm, Maine Event Morgans and Graywood Farm. Having won New England’s Grand Champion Mare title in 2005 as a yearling, MEM Shock & Awe had to settle for reserve grand champion honors this year to close out the premier session of the show.

A beautiful first evening session brought the 70th New England Regional Morgan Horse Show into full swing. Nights like these are what make this show special. The track was in perfect condition, the temperature was just right, and the sun hovered low on the horizon at the far end of the ring as the first few classes took to the show ring.

First to entertain was Saddle Seat Equitation 13 & Under. Second in this same class just a year ago and moving up one spot in 2009 was Alexandra Frangiosa. Fittingly enough, the first equitation blue ribbon of this year’s show went back to the Equitation Unlimited banner. Partnered with WSG Wham-O, Frangiosa picked up her sixth straight equitation blue. Enjoying good success in her first year out of walk and trot, Alexa Bik picked up reserve with Minion Absolut. Walk & Trot 10-11 Champion here just a year ago and the reigning Walk & Trot Reserve World Champion, Bik looks ready to come into her own in the cantering ranks directed by Suzanne Haberek.

RMW Airborne worked in high style in the lowering sunlight to take top honors in the Classic Pleasure Novice Rider class with Anna Kufs. It was the first appearance of the year for the Man About Town LPS gelding, and his first performance with Kufs aboard for Kimberly and Michael Galletta. Repeating their finish from a year ago, NBN Cochise and Alicia Flagg finished in reserve in the 11-entry competition for Com-O-Shun Morgans.

Leah Ling and GLB Leader Of The Band have teamed up this year for owner Krista Headley and the Tara Farm crew. They put on their best performance of the year to take the large and hotly contested Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 class. Extraordinarily well bred, Leader Of The Band is by the great Futurity French Command. He is out of GLB Bell Of The Ball, a full sister to top producing stallion GLB Bell Pepper. Bell Of The Ball is of course by HVK Bell Flaire and out of the world champion mare, Fletcher Music Lee. Annie Thurber, teamed with Upper Echelon just this year, was up for reserve. A world champion in Amateur Masters English Pleasure last year, Upper Echelon is now at the opposite end of the age spectrum as a junior exhibitor and equitation horse. Katie Mair directed the reserve team in the outstanding field of 17.

Next up was Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class. The UVM Morgan Horse Farm had their prefix all over the pedigree of the winner, UVM Odyssey. With four wins in four outings in his young career, this colt remains undefeated with Steve Davis at the lines. He is by Summitry, a Noble Flaire son out of UVM Christine. His dam is UVM Fidelity, a half-sister to UVM Tennyson by Tug Hill Celebrity. With a designer name and a stylish performance to match, Giorgio Armani picked up reserve in this event for Percy McDaniel and owners Clint and Linda Barber. He is by MEM Just My Style and out of Blk Orchid Jasmine.

One of the final classes to see the sun peeking out over the surrounding tree-covered hills was Novice Rider Hunter Pleasure, filling the ring with 18 entries. Jade Stanbrook made the winning ride here aboard Sarde’s Samurai for Lauren Horlbogen. Very competitive in the classic saddle and driving ranks, in fact a winner of the Junior Classic Driving Championship here just two years ago, Samurai made the move to hunt seat this year and really hit his stride. By Stonecroft Byzantine and out of a Tedwin Topic mare, Samurai moved effortlessly down victory lane. The Michigan-based team of Jennifer Byrne and Night Out were reserve under the direction of Katie Mair to kick off a memorable show.

The Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class turned into one of the best classes of the night, as depth and talent were on display for the appreciative New England audience. A recent acquisition of Pauline and Moniqua Dube, Miyake took the top prize with David Rand at the lines. By Mizrahi, this exquisitely fine bay is out of And The Dream Goes On, by And The Beat Goes On. Miyake seemed to glide through the show ring lights, making a stunning picture. He was the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity World Champion last year. Reserve in this stellar lineup went to CBMF Restless, with Harry Sebring driving for Copper Beech LLC. Junior Pleasure Driving Champion at Southern States and Pleasure Driving Champion at Mid-A, Restless is a chestnut son of GLB Bell Pepper and Relentless.

Back to back junior horse classes brought Junior Classic Pleasure Driving to the show ring next. Continuing a successful show season with their sixth victory pass of the year, MEM Just Alike and Terri Travers drove to the winner’s circle. Wins at UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere, Connecticut Morgan and Granite State Morgan padded the resume of this Futurity French Command mare, owned by Debra Stockwell. Junior Classic Driving World Champion last year as just a three-year-old, Lucky-U was reserve with Steve Handy driving. The Born To Boogie gelding was also the Three-Year-Old Classic Driving Futurity World Champion in 2008.

The parade of young horses continued with the Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure class. Joshua Noble made the winning ride aboard Tracemark Top Shelf to jog to the blue for Shane Darnell LLC. By Tug Hill Celebrity, this bay stallion is out of the same dam as the reigning Western Pleasure World Champion Tracemark Tapestry. Junior Western Pleasure Champions at Southern States, Ling Fu Wylie and CBMF Whispers Of War earned the red streamers for Dragonsmeade. She is by War And Peace and out of CBMF Night Whispers, a reserve world champion as a yearling and as a two-year-old.

With just four entries coming to the show ring, the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class still did not disappoint. It was a battle of some of the very best, with Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall emerging as the victor with Dan Kelley driving under the direction of David Rand. This was the third win in three outings for the new team, having also won twice at Mid-A. Carnegie Hall is the two-time defending Amateur Pleasure Driving World Champion. He famously returned with Tim Arcuri on Saturday night last year to take the Pleasure Driving World Championship as well. With a magnificent head and neck, Carnegie Hall hooks up and struts down the rail. Amateur English Pleasure Saddle Stallion Grand National Champion last year, Tara’s Firewalker was reserve with Krista Headley driving. Another stunning bay, Firewalker is by HVK Bell Flaire and out of Tara’s Anasazi. Ken Swanson directs this team.

With the young horses featured earlier in the session, the young riders took center stage for the Youth Western Pleasure class. A winner here last year in Junior Western Pleasure, MJL Rochallor was a winner once again, carrying off the blue with Lauren Cook matching up with the Gary and Neecy Rohrs entry sired by Liberation First Star and out of a Trijas Mr. Peppertime mare. Just a junior horse, Strike Zone was reserve with Kathleen Vaughn. They were Junior Western Pleasure Champions at Vermont Spring Classic under the direction of Legacy Stables.

Three mares came into the ring to close out the Sunday evening session with the Amateur Pleasure Driving Mare class. With Tim Roesink directing from the rail, Dr. Barbara Lindauer drove to a repeat blue with HVK Sweet Obsession. They were Amateur Masters Pleasure Driving World Champions in 2008. Sweet Obsession loves the outdoor track, wearing her bridle and looking bright and happy as she goes about her work. Judy Candage earned the red streamers with SBS Sincerely for Equus Novus LLC. This mare is by Westenfeld Musicmaster and out of a Merriehill Chicagoan mare.

With the first day of the 70th New England Morgan Show in the books, you couldn’t ask for better weather or a better setting for a horse show.

Monday

Day two of this 70th anniversary edition of Morgandom’s grand ole lady led off with the in hand gelding competition with a clash of two titans on the horizon in the five and over class. A blue sky and light breezes made for a beautiful morning as the session began with the Three & Four-Year-Old Geldings since the Two-Year-Old and Junior Champion Gelding classes were cancelled.

Three handlers answered the call for the Three & Four-Year-Old class with Anne Speck standing in center ring marking the judge’s card. After modeling and trotting on the rail for Judge Speck, the Mid-A Junior Park Saddle Champion now had a New England in hand title on his resume. Jaisen von Ballmoos escorted the royally bred Cedar Creek Danseur (Stonecroft Byzantine x Cedar Creek With Bells On by HVK Bell Flaire) to the winner’s circle for Edward, Jane and Alissa Leonard. Grand Champion Gelding at Connecticut Morgan and Western New York Morgan, CBMF Streetwise, a DBA Street Talk son, wore the red streamers with Lindsay Perry showing for Margaret Brown.

Here it was; the one everyone was waiting for on this great morning. There were four entries in the Geldings Five & Over class, but the ring truly belonged to two: CBMF Ruling Class, the charismatic New England Grand Champion Gelding for 2007 and 2008 and the sleek Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall, New England’s 2005 Grand Champion Gelding. Both have also been world champions twice in this division as well as pleasure driving stars over the past several years. This was a New England quality class indeed as these two titans went head to head with their respective handlers, Ken Swanson and David Rand, while being challenged by Ann Anderson with Home Run and Mike Carpenter with Samuel Adams.

Each had their fans with the majority getting behind Ruling Class and Carnegie Hall. Both with the proud, regal look of the Morgan horse and having the athletic ability to be at the top made this class one to remember. When the dust had settled, the rich bay with a unique white strip running down his face between two hook ears, CMBF Ruling Class (GLB Bell Pepper x CEN Can’t Touch This by The Master’s Touch), was invited back to the winner’s circle for the third consecutive year. Ken Swanson paraded the majestic champion down New England’s victory lane for a proud Holly Johnson.

The fans also showed their appreciation for the great reserve champion Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall (Beethoven x Black Tie Debutante by High Y Black Tie) who had the proven team of David Rand and Missy Hanover presenting for Dan and Leslie Kelley.

These two would return to the ring twice more and both times the results were the same: Ruling Class finished the morning as the three-time Grand Champion Gelding with only the legendary Val’s Terry having more titles with four. Ruling Class is also the only horse in New England history to have three consecutive titles.

After being thoroughly entertained over the last three classes by two of Morgandom’s legends, the stallions would have to be very strong in order to compare. This New England audience was primed and wanting more.

It started slow with just two Colt Foals competing for a New England blue. Kay Thompson’s flashy Highover The Gambler (Garland’s Ace Of Spades x Highover Tea Time) exited with that blue for handlers Richard Boule and Kass Booth. Next came the Stonecroft Byzantine son, DRF Charlemagne, an entry owned and presented by Joanne Galvin.

The action picked up immensely with the Yearling Colt class that featured an array of bloodlines and types. A Top Ten finisher in the 2008 Morgan Breeders’ Sweepstakes in Northampton, Armada Headliner has developed nicely and had Judge Larry Bolen’s approval as the Yearling Colt Champion. This son of On Line and the Liberation First Star daughter, MEM Brown Eyed Girl, was presented by Mike Carpenter and Stephen Longo for Jason Nunes. This was his second Yearling Colt title of the summer, having also won at Connecticut Morgan. Jennifer Amazeen and Vermont Spring Classic’s Yearling Colt Champion Owlwood Wild Valentine (Minion Valentino x RRB Hearts Are Wild) were called out in reserve for Teri Sullivan, followed by Keith Friday and LMS America in third.

A bold, bay son of world champion sire Serenity Masterpiece and out of a daughter of three-time New England Grand Champion Stallion Man About Town LPS, Two-Year-Old Colt Champion Piece Of The Action also had the LPS prefix, meaning owner/breeder Lynn Peeples was on the lead. They were recently crowned Two-Year-Old Colt winner and Junior Champion Stallion at the Penn Ohio All Morgan Show. Also earning a ticket for a return engagement in the Junior Champion Stallion competition, Treble’s High End Piece (Centerpiece x Stonecroft Chanel by Stonecroft Masquerade) was reserve for Cheri Barber and Manasota Morgans LLC.

It had been six years since Lynn Peeples had won the Junior Champion Stallion title and it had been 14 years since LPS Piece Of The Action’s maternal grandsire, Man About Town LPS had won the Junior Champion Stallion title and on this Monday morning, history did repeat itself as Peeples paraded LPS Piece Of The Action to the famed Northampton’s winner’s circle as the Junior Champion Stallion. The crowd applauded Judge Bolen’s selection that joined a long list of industry greats who have held that title. Yearling Champion Armada Headliner pushed it for he was worth to command reserve honors for trainer Mike Carpenter and owner Jason Nunes.

Numbers would remain extremely light throughout the rest of the stallion division but the quality was top of the line. Roberto Cavalli lived up to his royal heritage taking the two-horse Three-Year-Old Stallion class. This impressive son of Hollybrook Stage Rage and Park Saddle World Champion Schiaparelli had all the right stuff for handler Jaisen von Ballmoos and owner Kathleen Pierce in his show ring debut. Showing for Brenda Varney, Michael Murphy had Pembroke Buster Brown (CN The Commanding Touch x Stonecroft Bella Donna) in the reserve slot.

Two totally different types went head to head for the Five & Over blue and by the time both stallions and modeled and trotted the rail, LPS The Boogie Man made his presence known in his attempt to garner his third New England Grand Champion Stallion title. His own sire, Man About Town LPS, was the last to accomplish the feat. He posed as New England’s Grand Champion Stallion from 1995-1997, and he had his stamp all over the stallion division as his ever-popular black son was again bursting with enthusiasm and talent. LPS The Boogie Man was destined to be a New England champion as his dam’s sire was also a former Grand Champion Stallion. Born To Boogie won his titles in 1994 and 2002.

The reserve Five & Over Stallion boasted just as impressive bloodlines and he has proved himself in the show ring in the in hand and performance sections. The 2008 Reserve World Champion Stallion and Reserve Grand National Champion Park Harness Stallion SYP High Definition (HVK Vibrance x Kim’s Belegante by HVK Bell Flaire) came off the Grand Champion Stallion victory at Connecticut Morgan. Again it was Rick Stevens presenting the multi-titled stallion for Heidi Kunkel.

When the two entries from the Three-Year-Old class joined the two aged stallions for Senior Champion Stallion honors, LPS The Boogie Man became a third generation Senior Champion Stallion as his grandsires Tug Hill Celebrity (1990) and Born To Boogie (1994, 1995 and 2002) along with his sire Man About Town LPS (1996 and 1997) were Senior Champion Stallion; and now The Boogie Man was a three time (2009, 2007, 2004) winner of the class. The Ramsey family has owned him for all three times and David Rand was the winning trainer in each of them. Rick Stevens and SYP High Definition followed the champions again in reserve.

After a quick breather, the junior colts joined the senior stallions but there was no changing the results. LPS The Boogie Man had too much charisma, too much talent and too much heart to lose this prestigious title. He was now a three-time New England Grand Champion Stallion as well. He now joins the list of Mentor (1947, 1948 and 1950), Bennfield’s Ace (1970, 1971 and 1979), and his sire Man About Town LPS (1995-1997) as the only three-time winners, while Windcrest Donfield (1953, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960) stands alone as the five-time New England Grand Champion Stallion. For the third time this morning SYP High Definition would be the proud reserve champion.

With the In Hand Champions of 2009 now in the history books, performance classes resumed with the nine-entry Junior Classic Pleasure Saddle class in which Whispering March Wind and Deanna Shepherd turned back all challengers for owner Nancy Packard and trainer Mike Scanlon. Already a talented driving contender, 2008 World Champion Futurity Classic Pleasure Driving Three-Year-Old and World Champion Junior Classic Pleasure Driving Lucky-U (Born To Boogie x UVM Unity) has added the saddle division this year. Tara Good won the Southern States junior saddle class for owner Steven Handy and was up again to earn New England’s reserve ribbon.

Tamra Lynch and Ima Class Action had the ring to themselves in the Amateur English Pleasure Novice Rider class. They proudly carried home the Northampton blue directed by Suzanne Haberek. That was right before five entries were called to the ring for the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mare class. A reserve winner in the three-year-old class last year, Highover Stylin came back stronger to take the four-year-old blue home for Kass Booth and owner Katharine Thompson. It had been a good week so far for Booth and likewise for Mike Carpenter who drove Stonecroft Ingenue to reserve honors for Mendonhall Morgans. Closing out the strong morning session, Jaisen von Ballmoos drove CBMF Bond Girl to the yellow streamers in this good class.

Classic Pleasure Driving for the Novice Drivers kicked off the Monday afternoon performances in Northampton under sunny skies. It was a polished drive for Lynn Carothers and Stonecroft Voodoo that earned them a trip down New England’s victory lane. Under the direction of Judy Nason, they made their team debut in harness a memorable one. Maggie O’Toole drove SKB Cinco De Mayo to the reserve streamers with a consistent drive for owner and trainer Jean DeGutis.

Pleasure Driving Three-Year-Old Mares took to the ring next. Sired by MLF Sharper Image, State Of Grace and Tim Roesink graced the winner’s circle with a performance beyond her years. John and Nancy Hendricks own this expressive young mare. Dragonsmeade Tahari continued her debut season success with a strong finish for Dragonsmeade, earning the second place ribbon in this event.

Following the young horses, young riders 13 and under on their English pleasure horses were next to make their mark in the grandstand ring. Gamepiece and Max Liberty had an assertive ride to claim the blue ribbon for Lakefront Farm LLC. David Rand trains this bold son of Man In Motion. Alexandria Frangiosa and Think About It MEM teamed up for reserve honors with a seasoned ride under the tutelage of Jean DeGutis of Janbark Farm.

Heather Mallette had the ride of a lifetime to earn a trip down New England’s famed victory lane in the Saddle Seat Equitation 14-17 class. Riding the performance champion, FCF Coeur De Lion, she turned in a confident ride to top Judge Anne Speck’s card under the watchful eye of Suzanne Haberek. Annie Thurber continues to shine in her first year in the senior division. She collected the reserve ribbon with a strong ride matched with Upper Echelon by instructor Katie Mair.

Trotting into the ring next was the Classic Pleasure Driving Masters class. Besting a strong field, Libretto’s Bravado and Janet Morgan emerged victorious to the delight of enthusiastic trainer Dwayne Knowles of Broadmoor. This seasoned team has had a great start to the season, and will be strong contenders for an October victory pass. The grand gelding Aspenglow Genesis and his owner, Brenda Varney, returned to the show ring at Connecticut with two victories under saddle after a long hiatus, at New England they paired up in harness. This impressive team took the reserve ribbon back to the Legacy Stables banner and trainers Mike and Elizabeth Murphy.

Boogie Nights continues as the breed standard in the classic pleasure division. This picture perfect Peeper Ranch-trained entry and his elegant rider, Anne Marie Biron, took the winning pass in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallions & Geldings class. This was the third year in a row that this team has met trainer Phil Fountain in the winner’s circle to claim the blue ribbon. A newcomer to the classic division, Intrepid Behold was breathtaking in his debut. Maureen Cartelli rode Behold for owner Art Perry and trainer Luman Wadhams.

The Park Saddle Three-Year-Old class created a buzz around the fairgrounds as Dragonsmeade Warlock and Selvin Torrez teamed up for a magical ride. This impressive son of And The Beat Goes On and HVK Clairvoyant continued a victorious show for the entries bred and owned by Dragonsmeade and the Fu family. David Rand introduced Queen’s Spice Girl to the show ring for Queen’s River Farm with the athletic Mizrahi daughter claiming the reserve finish in this competitive class.

Natasha Daigle continued her banner season with a blue ribbon in the Classic Saddle Seat Equitation 14-17 class. Under the watchful eye of Laurie Koehler, Daigle and her partner, Sensational Touch, had a flawless class to earn the top spot on Judge Anne Speck’s card to the thrill of their fan club. Reserve in this strong class of seven was Amber Brown matched with AMHF Photo Op, riding under the direction of Coby Holowacz.

Next in the Grandstand Ring, FRF Outerlimits with Moniqua Dube on the lines made an exciting solo performance to claim the victory in the Youth Park Harness win. This David Rand-trained entry is sharp in the harness division and strong contenders under saddle as well.

Hannah Bornt stepped up to the plate in the Classic Saddle Seat 13 & Under class, earning the first place nod from Judge Anne Speck. With a strong seat and quiet legs, she earned the blue aboard Manistee Le Mistral under the Rolling Oaks banner. Miller Young Fina kicked off her busiest session of the show with a reserve finish matched with Rumor Has It under the watchful eye of Barbara Irvine.

After Fred Nava performed one of his favorite jobs – dragging the ring - Miller Young Fina was back in the ring, this time in her western attire. Partnered with Marin Royal Command, Miller took the blue ribbon back to Barbara Irvine Stables in the Western Pleasure 13 & Under class. Rebecca Beets and Sunny Acres Skywalker earned the reserve finish for proud mom Eleanor Hutcheson under the direction of Ann Scussell.

Next on the agenda was the Classic Pleasure Saddle Mares class. Buffy Tarr was delighted when entry 272, Sugarhill’s First Run, was announced as the victor. Feminine and fixey, this five-year-old bay is trained by Shawn and Jen Amazeen. Maura Sweeney Reeve and Hillwood Irish Claddagh teamed up for the reserve finish in a strong field of six.

Miller Young Fina continued her busy session with a win in the Western Seat Equitation class. Having shown in three of the last four classes, Miller continued to shine with her western partner Marin Royal Command. Miller rides under the direction of her great aunt, Barbara Irvine. Amber Bornt earned the red streamers in this competitive class aboard Circle Z Noble Signature by Rolling Oaks.

Brendan Kelley closed out the afternoon performances with a win on the lines of Intrepid Dynasty in the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness class. This pair has had an impressive debut season, claiming their sixth winning victory pass of the season in this qualifying event. David Rand trains this bold entry of Victory Lane Farm.

Monday night came with a little bit more heat and humidity than Sunday, but that did not dampen spirits, as only the dreaded "R word" can do that at New England. And really, how could spirits be dampened with the kind of class that came to the show ring first?

Everybody likely made a slightly earlier dinner reservation since they didn’t want to be late and miss the Amateur Park Saddle class. Putting on his best performance of the year, the reigning Amateur Park Saddle World Champion used a final call of a second-way trot to take the top honors. This was of course CN The Master’s Flyte. Allyson Nord Wandtke was once again the winning rider under the direction of Broadmoor. They were also world champions and New England champions in this division in 2006. The Master’s Flyte is by The Master’s Touch and out of a Wham Bam Command mare. Bold and bay, he put on a stellar performance. Coming off six wins in six 2009 outings heading into this performance, Lamborghini In Black and Dr. Grace Steere were reserve for the Rand banner. The jet-black stallion once again was the toast of his strong fan club.

From a field of seven, MEM Triple Sec emerged as the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Mare winner with Darlene White carrying off the traditional bouquet of flowers for ladies class winners. It was a blue ribbon return to the Northampton show ring following a long hiatus for White, who was beautifully matched with the five-year-old daughter of MEM Bailamos. Banbury Hill Belletrist was reserve with Melissa Lambrecht riding for Penny Shawah. The HVK Bell Flaire daughter was third in this competitive class a year ago with Penny Shawah aboard.

From three in the first class to seven in the second, the numbers exploded in class number three, the Amateur Western Pleasure Stallion/Gelding, with 19 coming through the in-gates in preparation for Saturday night’s $10,000 Winner Take All Championship. Judge Todd Trushel played a game of "Simon Says" of sorts in this one. After all 19 horses were in the ring, he reversed the class at the jog then had them transition to the lope. After that he moved the class down to the walk before picking up the jog again second direction. They then reversed once more at the jog to go first way. Another transition to the lope was followed by a transition to the jog, and then finally a walk and the lineup.

Winning the game of "Judge Says" was Winterset Rhyme Thyme with Kris Jardin in the saddle to successfully complete the rhyme for John Vieira. Wearing black and white in the late day sun, Jardin covered her face with her hand as she cried tears of joy on the way to the winner’s circle. Roger Brown was there to greet the winning team. MJL Rochallor, fresh off his youth win from the previous night, was reserve with Lauren Cook for Gary and Neecy Rohrs.

Amy Neifert put in a top drive with NDT French Impressionist to earn the top spot in Ladies Park Harness for Copper Beech LLC. From a field of six, this sporty bay with the white stripe that gets wider at the top and bottom emerged as the best. A versatile horse, this son of Futurity French Command was Ladies Park Saddle Reserve World Champion last year as well as Grand National champion in the Ladies Park Saddle Gelding and Park Saddle Mare/Gelding classes. He is out of a Wham Bam Command mare. It wasn’t quite late enough in the evening for the stars to be out, but Azeedad’s Lucky Star still put on a stellar show for Ann Anderson and Chris and Andrea Kelley. No stranger to the winner’s circle here in Northampton, Lucky Star was Junior Park Harness Champion here in 2007 and Park Saddle Mare/Gelding winner in 2008. This mare is another top performer by Liberation First Star. She is out of a Noble Flaire mare, HVK Hot Topic.

The new team of Cindy Fawcett and Uppercase Innovation are making banner headlines in 2009. The And The Beat Goes On son starred as East Coast English Pleasure Reserve Champion here last year with Kathleen Peeples, Innovation put on another top show to take the blue in the highly competitive Amateur English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class under the direction of Waterford Farm. Anne Marie Biron continued her own impressive first season with Cedar Creek Cariad, taking reserve back to the Peeper Ranch banner. This team has five blue ribbon rides under their belt already this season, including the Amateur English Pleasure Championship at Southern States.

Shayna Butts made her way to the winner’s circle to greet the Grove Pointe-trained winner of the Amateur Western Pleasure Mare class, CBMF Whispers Of War. Reserve the previous night in the four-year-old ranks, Whispers Of War earned the top spot with Ling Fu Wylie aboard for a polished victory for Dragonsmeade. Lauren DuPont and Windward’s Mariana made their season debut a good one, taking reserve in their best New England performance to date.

With a big smile on her face, Kathy Gutting rode down victory lane with Get Busy in the Amateur Masters Park Saddle class. Dwayne Knowles met the Broadmoor-trained entry in the winner’s circle. By Astronomicallee, this six-year-old stallion always looks like he is having as much fun showing as Kathy Gutting is having in the saddle. It is a consistently bright team. With that big white star on his forehead, Get Busy made a stunning picture under the lights. MEM Heart And Soul was reserve in this one with Pat Dills aboard to add to a busy evening for Broadmoor. Heart And Soul is by Futurity French Command and out of a Bourbon Street mare.

The Morgan equivalent of a rock concert hit the ring next as the Roadster to Bike class stormed to the ring. Crowds all over the country go crazy for this class, and the entries did not disappoint with perhaps a bit too much excitement this time out. Reserve world champion a year ago and blue ribbon winner here this evening, Flairetation and Peggy Alderman roared down New England’s victory lane. The lady driver and the lady horse are always a crowd-pleasing combination, with Alderman in her gold and green silks. It is always one of the best classes to have under the lights, as it adds an extra glow to the silks and the horses as they streak beneath them. Repeating their finish from a year ago, FRF Looking Glass and Lynn Peeples were reserve for William Shean. Looking Glass is by Aftershock Dot Com and out of a Timelok mare.

Tim Roesink had the appropriately named Own The Night up for the blue for Dragonsmeade in the Pleasure Driving Mare/Gelding class. With his usual tip of the hat, Roesink drove the And The Beat Goes On gelding down victory lane for the fourth time this year. They were Pleasure Driving Champions at Southern States in May. Own The Night is out of HVK Obsidian, making him a half brother to stablemate Dragonsmeade Icon, who would get his chance to perform the next evening. Pleasure Driving Mare winner at Southern States and Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mare Grand National Champion just a year ago, LBJ Uptown Girl was reserve for Ken Swanson and Frances Pugh. Uptown Girl is by DBA Street Talk and out of Liberation Lady In Red, by Century Free Spirit.

Queen’s Fancy Me made the trip to the winner’s circle in the Amateur English Pleasure Mare class. Lesley Kelley took the appropriate trip down victory lane for Victory Lane Farm. This team was the ladies mare winner here last year as well as the Amateur Ladies Mare Grand National Champion. Trainer David Rand rode the multi-titled Mizrahi mare to the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure World Championship in 2007. Gina Torrez piloted Tara’s Momento to garner reserve. Momento is by Man In Motion and out of Tara’s Deborah. This chestnut mare with a pretty face accented by her white stripe is enjoying a fine season directed by Selvin Torrez.

In the always well-filled hunter division at New England, the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Gelding class lived up to its billing. CBMF Cutting Edge made the switch from western to hunter this year, and it has proved to be a wise decision, as he took his fifth victory pass of the year in this one with Keely Sogoloff up for Jerold and Mary Jane Nau. Cutting Edge is by Beethoven and out of a War And Peace mare. Swanbrook Grand Fanalee is another newcomer to hunt seat, having showed last year as a pleasure driving horse. Teamed now with Jennifer Amazeen for Sarah West, Grand Fanalee earned reserve in this fine field of 14.

The Taylor River team may be the cheering-est bunch of folks in the Northeast. If there had been a roof on this show ring, it would have been blown off when they erupted in celebration when Sea-Vu Justified’s number was called as the Pleasure Driving Stallion winner. With Richard Boule at the lines, Justified moved up a spot from his finish last year. In 2007, this tandem took home the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion Grand National Championship. Justified is owned by the Gove Family Partnership. He is by Heyday Independence and out of an HVK Courageous Flaire mare. Winner of this class two years ago, MEM Just My Style was reserve for Percy McDaniel and Clint and Linda Barber. Just My Style is a son of Cedar Creek Harlequin. He is out of Star Lake Ellisa, a Carlyle Command mare.

A two-horse Open Park Harness class capped off the Monday evening session, with a repeat one-two finish by JW That Special Flaire and Whitemud Dixie Danceking. What more can be said about Special Flaire, the bright chestnut son of HVK Bell Flaire? He is the four-time defending Park Harness World Champion, winning it as a two, three, four and five-year-old. He is four for four in 2009 to the delight of Ken Swanson and Frances Pugh along with his legion of fans. Moving with that powerful yet lofty park harness way of going, he is one of those "once in a lifetime" horses that you will always remember watching. Reserve Grand National champion twice last year, once in Park Harness Mare/Gelding, and once in Ladies Park Harness Gelding, Whitemud Dixie Danceking is a top harness horse in his own right. With Harry Sebring driving for Patricia Lloyd, the big bay gelding made another consistently cadenced drive in reserve.

As day two came to a close, everyone prepared for day three with the dreaded "R word" in the forecast.

Tuesday

Day three began with mostly cloudy skies and rain advancing on the Doppler radar screen. With an eye toward the sky, exhibitors headed to the grandstand ring for the first of 12 classes, Western Pleasure Amateur Masters. Christine Nava trained the winning team of Whispering Suite Image and Diane Tanguay. This classy team turned in one of their best performance to date to earn top billing in the competitive field of eight. Brenda Varney and Equinox Beau Jangles had a smooth ride under the direction of Mike and Elizabeth Murphy to jog to the reserve ribbon.

Seven entries answered the call for the Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor class, besting the strong field was GLB Leader Of The Band and Leah Ling. This perfectly matched pair marched down the straightaway with ease and caught the eye of the judge and spectators alike. Leader Of The Band is owned by Krista Headley and trained by Ken and Diana Swanson of Tara Farm. William Surprenant and FRF Isis took reserve honors back proud parents John Surprenant and Charlene McCarthy with a strong and consistent performance under the direction of Larry Bonnell.

Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation for the riders Nine & Under were up next with Holly Ann Standen earning the victory pass after a cute as a button performance. She teamed up with Cosmic Girl for the winning ride under the watchful eye of Sarah Gove. Alyssa Glass and earned the red ribbon with a confident ride aboard Sonatina Dolce for trainer Scott Travers.

There were only two entries in the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Stallions & Geldings class, down substantially from previous years. Nevertheless, Whispering Magnum Opus and Michael Scanlon earned a trip down victory lane with a strong performance for Laura Spengler. This expressive youngster is fresh off dual wins at Connecticut Morgan. Mike Carpenter matched up with Armada Line Drive to earn reserve honors for William and Carol Johnson in the On Line son’s performance debut.

The Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure class was next to take to the ring with another group of just two youngsters. The Peeper Ranch-owned entry, The Heat Is On, followed up his winning Gold Cup debut with a New England victory. Sired by MEM Turn Up The Heat and out of Only Forever, this impressive bay was ridden to victory by Kristen Tramposh. After a tricolor debut at Southern States, EKL Assets Vision and Martha Simpson added the red ribbon to the Waterford banner after a fine performance.

Just as the entries in the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 10-11 class made their way around the ring, raindrops started to fall and steadily increased. Despite the rain, Molly Kern earned the victory pass after a polished ride matched with Equinox Adagio under the direction of Suzanne Haberek. Averi Bogar rode Meadowair Harley Davidson to the reserve honors performing under the direction of Judy Nason.

The session continued to spotlight the young horses and riders with the English Pleasure Three-Year-Old Mares class up next. From her exciting saddle debut at Connecticut, Firewind Dancing Queen and trainer David Rand made a commanding showing while dancing in the rain to the blue ribbon. This beautiful daughter of LPS The Boogie Man and Southern Rhythm is owned by Linda and Casey McDonald of Firewind Morgans. Willowick Dixie Krystal and Larry Bonnell trotted up for the reserve ribbon in this small but very nice class for owners John Surprenant and Charlene McCarthy.

In a large class of nine, the Hunter Pleasure Four-Year-Olds illustrated their panache as they battled the rain. In the end, it was MEM Mr. Boston and Keely Sogoloff earning the blue prize for owner Dr. Julie Spaniel. Mr. Boston is sired by MEM Bailamos and out of the great producing mare Cabot Joie De Vivre and was also the junior champion at Connecticut. Wish List and Amanda DuPont earned the reserve streamers in this competitive class for Trotwood Stables.

In the Walk-Trot Classic Saddle Seat Equitation 11 & Under, Siara Clemmey earned the blue ribbon and a trip down victory lane. Matched with Bilzone’s GQ Material, she bested the field under the watchful eye of Jean DeGutis at Janbark Farm. Tayler Nichols was paired with PKW Personality to earn the red ribbon for proud trainer Jennifer Panek.

Indian Creek Bellagio and Kurt Hufferd took the next victory pass, this one in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Saddle Stallions & Geldings event. This grand entry of Russell and Jeanette Quilhot is the reigning Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Champion and followed his Southern States winning saddle debut with the Northampton blue. Luman Wadhams rode Winterset Zeus in his signature style to the red streamers for owner and breeder Clare Simpson.

The poised and steady Sadie Ray was the solo entry in the Walk-Jog Western Seat Equitation 11 & Under class. She took the winning victory pass aboard the handsome Mikaela’s The Overcomer under the direction of the team at Rolling Oaks.

Wrapping up the Tuesday morning session, Mike Goebig drove Whitemud Flite Of Fancy to the blue ribbon in the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Mares class. This impressive daughter of The Master’s Touch and a Queen’s Vanity Flair daughter made her show ring debut in the grandstand ring for owner/breeder Rhoda Hoenmans. Taking reserve honors back to the Taylor River Farm, Simple Elegance and Richard Boule turned in a fine performance for Gay Gove.

Tuesday afternoon had the ignominious distinction of being the first performance held in the indoor arena. With a slate of 14 classes scheduled, some of the biggest groups came into the ring during this performance, including 12 in the first class of the session, Hunt Seat Equitation 14-15. Taylor River started their afternoon out right with a blue ribbon performance by Alexandria Warner. After a long class with lots of smooth transitions, the young lady cried on her way to the winner’s circle, hugging her horse, Pondview Pure Elegance. They were reserve in this class last year. This was Warner’s 10th trip down victory lane in hunt seat equitation already this year. Second in the class went to Kendra Peeples, 13 and under champion here a year ago. Peeples, along with partner WSG Mystic Impression, was directed by parents Lynn and Kathleen Peeples at Waterford Farm.

It was another Taylor River winner in Youth English Pleasure. Always a source of top competition, this year’s class went to Queen’s Cocoa Puff and Racheal Perreault. By Bocelli and out of HVK Obsidian, the dam of Dragonsmeade Icon and Own The Night, a winner here the previous night, Cocoa Puff is a chestnut with a white blaze. Sporty and cute with a name to match, the seven-year-old gelding put in a solid performance in the indoor ring. Teamed just this year, Taylor Borruso and Hylee’s Christmas Beau have made a habit of taking on the older youth competition and then going back to their 13 and under class. Making a great show for owner Robin Mills, they picked up reserve in this one. He is by HVK Bold Look and out of HVK Christmas Flaire.

In Novice Classic Pleasure Driving, Rick Lane directed the well-matched team of the hingy and bright, MEM Taser and Rachel Frazier to win the blue. The sporty son of Futurity French Command and Liberation Starbrite has enjoyed a stellar season in saddle and harness. Just a three-year-old, Scandia’s Wild Attraction was reserve with Mallory Anderson on the lines for Ericka Chadbourne. By UVM Coming Attraction and out of Treble’s Wild Treasure, the smooth-moving chestnut gelding looked well suited for his division.

From a field of 19 came a sharp new team to take top honors. Judy Nason paired the team of Amanda Lashua and Jane’s Addiction in late May. Now on the big New England stage, they put it all together to earn the Youth Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding blue. Jane’s Addiction was the Four-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure winner here last year. He is by Born To Boogie. Second in this big field of nice horses was another new combination under the Bellewether banner, Tess Kiritsy and Meadowaire Jamboree. By Meadowair Sensation, Jamboree is a bay gelding with a nice ground-covering stride.

Prior to the Amateur Road Hack class, announcer Bill Carrington congratulated Bill and Mary Lynn Whitley on their 35th wedding anniversary. He went on to salute Mary Lynn for putting up with Whitley for 35 years, which got an even bigger round of applause from the crowd. In the ring, it was the littlest rider who took home the biggest prize. Ben Leahy put on his best performance of the season with Taproot Command Pilot to best the field of seven. In his first year in the show ring, Leahy teamed his bay gelding with the white stripe just right for owner Jackie Ross. They had to beat one of the best teams going as Emma Nobles and Highover Viking, last year’s Saddle Seat Road Hack Grand National Champions, were reserve.

Another big youth class sported 11 riders in Youth Hunter Pleasure Mares. Four for four this season coming into New England, Pembroke Annabella continued her winning ways, taking Kathleen Vaughn to the winner’s circle. Just four-years-old, Annabella is by CN The Commanding Touch and out of Stonecroft Bella Donna. Jillian Zick made her first performance with Dazzling Light a good one as she picked up reserve for Susan and Jeffrey Evans. Dazzling Light is by HVK Guiding Light and out of a Forevermore mare.

MEM Say My Name made a nice solo performance in the Amateur Novice Driver Pleasure Driving class with Kristin Manowski at the helm for George Schott. Say My Name seemed appropriately named, as announcer Bill Carrington did just that for his round with Rick Lane guiding another blue ribbon winner.

A longtime stalwart of the Hunt Seat Equitation ranks, Elizabeth Fawcett is in her last year as a junior exhibitor. Riding under the direction of Amanda DuPont, Fawcett took home the blue in Hunt Seat Equitation 16-17 aboard D Bar J Habakkuk. They were the Hunt Seat Equitation 16-Year-Old Grand National Champions last year. Last year’s 14-15 blue ribbon winner, Hannah Locke was reserve this time out with KH Chapter One serving as her mount this year.

After the ring drag, which featured a gigantic tractor that was about the same size as the center ring gazebo, the Three-Year-Old Park Harness class came to the ring with three very talented and very wet bay horses. Making a return trip to the New England winner’s circle was Indian Creek Cipriani. A pretty filly by HVK Bell Flaire and out of Long Acres Broadway, Cipriani really pumped her legs with Shanna Gish at the lines. Coming into the arena from a steady downpour outside, Gish had to wipe away a bit of mud before the winning photo. Great focus produced great results for the Springmill Morgans entry, last year’s New England Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion. Another bay filly with a little bit of white on her face, Dutch-Mor’s Joy was reserve with a fancy performance in her show ring debut with Mike Goebig driving for William Haines and the Ledyard Company. By Astronomicallee, Dutch-Mor’s Joy is out of a Serenity Masterpiece mare. A bay gelding with a small star rounded out the top three, as Masterclass put on a nice show for Jim McCleester and Tom and Joanna Meyers.

The first of three straight equitation classes featured the 13 & Under Hunt Seat Equitation entries. In her first year cantering, McKenzie Snow rose to the challenge to win the blue aboard Renaissance Esponiage. Last year, she was reserve in Hunt Seat Walk & Trot 10-11 here, coached by Scott Travers. Angelina Ditta, also in her first year performing the third gait, was reserve with The Lion King. She was the Hunt Seat Walk-Trot Equitation 10-11 World Champion last year.

Speaking of the walk-and-trotters, the 9 & Under Saddle Seat Walk-Trot Equitation class was next to the ring. Taking on a field of young ladies, the dapper Spencer Shample earned the judge’s nod in this one aboard Hollybrook Romeo for the Taylor River banner. Shample had two wins at Granite State to his credit already this year, his first out of academy. Last year’s Walk-Trot Classic Equitation 9 & Under Reserve Grand National Champion, Nicole Kaufman, was reserve with Noble Viking Echo directed by Nikki Rae Woodworth.

More Saddle Seat Equitation Walk-Trot entries came to the ring next to compete for the 10-11 blue. Long and lean in the saddle, Hannah Carr picked up her first equitation blue aboard Westenfeld Band Leader, adding to the Trinity Farm banner. This promising new team of Chloe Deeb and Hollybrook Van Gogh were reserve. Deeb was 10-11 Walk & Trot Equitation Reserve Champion last year.

A battle of different styles took place in the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle class, with Indian Creek American Girl and Amy Neifert coming out on top for Copper Beech LLC. A second Indian Creek-bred winner of a young horse class this afternoon, American Girl is by Mizrahi and out of Cache, by DBA Street Talk. This bay mare just exudes elegance as she marched down the rail with the blue ribbon to follow her victorious saddle debut at Connecticut Morgan. Reserve in this one was a different type of horse, RJMF Chandler. This bold-moving son of Serenity Masterpiece was ridden by Selvin Torrez for Robert and Jean Morgan fresh from his tricolor win at Gold Cup.

Closing out the afternoon was the Amateur Masters English Pleasure class. For the fourth year in a row, Angela Conner Bulmer matched up with Versace for a trip down victory lane directed by Phil Fountain. Amateur Masters English Pleasure World Champion in 2007, Versace just continues to produce blue ribbons at the age of 12. Another grand campaigner garnered reserve in this one as CN The Commanding Touch, in his first year as an English pleasure horse, rode to the red with Brenda Varney. They were the Amateur Park Harness Champions here in 2006 and 2007. Commanding Touch is 13 this year. He is by HVK Courageous Flaire and out of a The Master’s Touch mare.

It was once again an indoor party on Tuesday night, as the persistent drizzle would jump up to a downpour then back to that annoying drizzle all throughout the day. Parking in the grass lots became a precarious proposition as they turned into mud pits as the night wore on. For all the inclement weather, center ring, and more importantly the winner’s circle, became a comfy home away from home for Peeper Ranch. In two of the best classes of the night, Peeper teams swept the English Pleasure Mare and stallion/gelding qualifiers.

Opening the night was the mare class, where Kristen Tramposh made the winning ride aboard Dragonsmeade Infusion to continue a victorious week for the entries bred and owned by Dragonsmeade. Junior Pleasure Driving Champion here a year ago and Three-Year-Old Futurity Pleasure Driving World Champion in 2007, Infusion was on top of her game to earn the top spot. Second in the class went to With Every Breath. Larry Bonnell made the ride for John Surprenant and Charlene McCarthy. Also just five, she is by Suite After, a son of Wham Bam Command, and out of a Serenity Masterpiece mare.

Two classes later, it was time for the English Pleasure Stallions & Geldings to square off, and what a match up it was. Top horses were all up and down the list of five that answered the call in this one. It was another five-year-old taking the top honors in this one, as the spectacular stallion, Graycliff Tony, strutted to the winner’s circle in one of the most competitive and well-matched classes of the week. Phil Fountain put his fists in the air as he ran down to the winner’s circle to meet rider Dawn Fire and her Mizrahi stud, winner of the Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old English Pleasure World Championships the past two years. After winning the English Pleasure Championship at Southern States, this dynamic duo made their way down victory lane here in New England. Always at or near the top of this division, Cartier earned reserve with Sarah Gove for the second year in a row. They were English Pleasure Stallion Grand National Champions last year. By Cedar Creek Harlequin, Cartier is out of the world titled show mare and producer Schiaperelli. MEM Sambuca and Rick Lane were knocking on the door in third in this one for George Schott. Sambuca is by MEM Bailamos and out of a Futurity French Command mare. The top three finishers in this class had almost identical markings as they were all bay with a white stripe and two white feet behind. It was a fantastic class that really got the crowd rolling in the sometimes dreary indoor arena.

In between the English pleasure qualifiers, the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding entries came to the show ring. Nine entries answered Grace Yaglou’s horn call of "A’Hunting We Will Go." The Michigan team of Night Out and Jennifer Byrne were the victors in this one, picking up Night Out’s sixth blue ribbon of the year under the direction of co-owner Katie Mair. This world titled performer is just consistently brilliant in his role. The Taylor River trained team, KSB Suite Topic and Alex Najjar, were reserve. The handsome bay gelding is by Suite After and out of a Tedwin Topic mare.

A nice group of 12 came to the ring for the Ladies Classic Pleasure Gelding event, with Sheri Lampropolous making the run to the winner’s circle to greet the blue ribbon team, Maxine Kenny and Med-E-Oka French Morocco. This team, in their first year out of a world titled junior exhibitor career, made their fifth blue ribbon ride of the year here. Classic Pleasure Reserve World Champion just a year ago, IGF Couer et Ame was reserve with Erin Kelley riding under the direction of David Rand. The dark brown gelding made another great performance here in New England after finishing as the New England Classic Pleasure Reserve Champion in 2008.

In a class specifically for mares, it was definitely Ladies Night in the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Mare class. With Sasha Klein as her full-time rider this year, Ladies Night earned yet another blue ribbon. The sleek bay beauty owned by the Brown/Klein family is by Cedar Creek Harlequin and out of Medomak Ever Beamin. Just five years old, Springmill Madison looks ready to compete in this division for a long time, taking reserve with Tori Mattozzi. A winner of three classes at Oklahoma as a three-year-old, Madison is by Ultra’s Special Agent and out of a Nostradamus mare.

David Rand was in the winner’s circle in the park mare and gelding qualifier with the aptly named KD Hot To Trot. In a warm-up ride for usual jockey Sarah Adams, Rand and Hot To Trot put on a display of animation to take the blue for Stonewall Farm. Stardavari has made a successful move back to the park division this year, winning twice at Connecticut Morgan. The bay mare was reserve with Mike Carpenter riding for Terry Titus. By Liberation First Star, Stardavari was all hinged up and looking through the bridle.

Shanna Gish was all decked out in burgundy, silver and black aboard AMHF Bal Du Masque to take the blue in the Western Pleasure Stallion/Gelding qualifier. Owned by Springmill Morgans, Bal Du Masque is by Stonecroft Masquerade and out of Cedar Creek Giselle, by I Will Command. Judy Nason was reserve in this one with Rum Brook Immortal Valor for Jacquelyn Harrington. By Immortal Command, Immortal Valor is also out of an I Will Command mare.

Wearing her formal suit on her way to the winner’s circle, Shelley Silber rode her designer model Prada to the Ladies Classic Pleasure Mare blue. Under the direction of Tim Roesink, Silber and Prada put it all together to make a consistently sparkling performance, earning their first blue ribbon for Kourt Jester Morgans. Really taking to her new division, she looks to be a star in the making. Classic Pleasure Mare winner earlier in the week, Sugarhill’s First Run was reserve with Buffy Tarr. They were Junior Classic Pleasure Reserve Champions here last year. First Run is by The Phantom Of The Opera and out of a UVM Tennyson mare.

The 2007 Ladies Pleasure Driving Champion was back in 2009 to reclaim his throne when Can’t You See MEM drove down victory lane. Melissa Morrell was once again at the lines for Phyllis Frechette since she earned the Ladies Pleasure Driving Gelding Reserve Grand National Championship in 2007. By Futurity French Command, Can’t You See is out of a Windcrest Splendor mare. Reserve in this class was Indian Creek Warbird with Shanna Gish driving for Russell and Jeanette Quilhot. Four times a winner already this year, Warbird was the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Futurity Reserve World Champion last year. He is also by the great Futurity French Command and out of the DBA Street Talk mare, Cache.

The audience support of the Amateur Roadster to Bike was the loudest the indoor arena got this evening when the three entries put on a show. After Grace Yaglou sounded the call to the post, these three speed demons hit the ring full tilt. A thrown shoe first way put a little kink in the momentum, but they certainly picked it back up on the reverse. When the judge called for speed, they let it rip, going three-wide into the far turn in a three-horse class. Any lesser drivers and this one might have ended badly, but instead, it just whipped the crowd into a frenzy as they slid the corner seamlessly. When the dust settled, announcer Peter Fenton declared that the winner was victorious when it was Arboria Victorious and Paul Calandra that headed to the winner’s circle under the direction of Waterford Farm. This was their third year in a row to win this class and their fifth straight New England Regional with a trip down victory lane. CBMF Double Down is taking to his new role with flying colors, literally, as Dr. Grace Steere’s silks flew past as she drove down the rail. Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion last year, Double Down was reserve here in his new division. Fancy Schmancy and Mary Ann Cole rounded out this talented group.

From a field of 10, Wellspring Immortal Star emerged as the Western Pleasure Mare winner with Judy Nason in the saddle for Suzanne Hazelkorn. By Immortal Command, Wellspring Immortal Star is black with a white star. Decked out in purple, Nason put on another winning performance with this grand mare. Laura Reed and longtime partner SMS Moredelay were reserve in this one. The Forevermore mare was Ladies Western Pleasure Mare Reserve Grand National Champion last year. She is another nice western horse out of an I Will Command mare. That makes three of the top four western pleasure qualifiers that were all out of mares by I Will Command.

Thankfully by the time the Park Stallion class was ready to go, the torrential downpour had let up, and Dragonsmeade Icon was cleared to make his solo performance for the appreciative New England crowd. Sired by Mizrahi and out of the top-producing mare, HVK Obsidian, Icon was the Southern States Park Champion in 2009 as well as the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion a year ago. With Tim Roesink up for Dragonsmeade, this charismatic stallion put on a fantastic show to close out the night.

The sport horse competition kicked off in the infield hunt course on Tuesday morning for the hunter and jumper entries, braving rain and shine these tough teams brought their best performances to Northampton. Rachel Nester and UC Holiday Pride representing the University of Connecticut earned the championship title in the Beginning Hunter class after winning both of their jumping classes. Reserve champion honors went to Highover French Krystle and Angela Thayer, winners of the hack and reserve in the Cross Rails II class.

DJJJ Stars Ace and Celeste Brown scored the Suitable Hunter Championship title after winning the under saddle and stake class, added to good ribbons in their other two over fences classes. Reserve in the championship went to Speakeasy and Kacie Bayreuther, winners of one section of the over fences classes and reserve finishers in the hack as well as another over fences class. WMS Hot August and JoAnn Savidro leapt to top honors in the first Suitable Over Fences class.

Jillian Egan and Vonavet Stock Broker were the most consistent team in the low hunter division, culminating taking home the championship honors. This beautiful son of Flashdance Kid and Vonavet Surprize Surprize was also victorious in an over fences class, and also earned two reserve finishes on his way to the championship. Reserve honors went to another entry of the University of Connecticut, UC Night Star and Caitlin Lewis, winners of the championship last year. Night Star captured the blue ribbon in Low Hunter Over Fences I and reserve in section II as well as the under saddle class. Talladega and Kacie Bayreuther also collected dual blues in the stake and saddle classes for Johnna Chenail.

Alaina Savage earned a trip to the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show to compete in the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal Over Fences. Savage took this blue ribbon victory lap for the third year in a row at Northampton. Reserve honors went to Elizabeth Vieira.

SMS More Tinique and Maariana Viske led the victory gallop in the Working Hunter Championship following a sweep of the division consisting of an over fences as well as a flat class. Reserve championship honors went to Bay State Vista and Elizabeth Vieira to complete the day on the Infield Hunt Course.

Wednesday

The show hit its midpoint with a full day of competition on Wednesday, starting off in the grandstand ring with the Novice Park Saddle event. A bay daughter of Liberation First Star, MEM Forever Yours picked up her first blue ribbon with Rick Lane aboard for George Schott. Just five years old, she had it all working this morning. Legacy’s Atlantis and Ann Anderson were reserve for New Venture Partnership.

With five entries in the Classic Pleasure Driving Mare class, Antonia Watkins and Ultra’s Now And Forever took top honors. The perky bay is by Ultra’s Special Agent and out of Beguiling, by Forevermore. New England’s Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion in 1999, Fury’s Fortune was back and in a new division in 2009, taking reserve here with Robert Neimeth.

Stevie Meder is off to a great start in 2009 with Set To Dance. In 2007, this team earned the Junior Exhibitor Park Championship here, and they were Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle Reserve World Champions as well. They picked up the Youth Park Saddle blue this morning. Set To Dance is by Liberation First Star and out of a Noble Flaire mare. Last night’s Park Mare/Gelding winner, KD Hot To Trot, was reserve for Sarah Adams under the direction of David Rand. They were Park Saddle 16-17 Reserve Grand National Champions last year.

Brother Scott joined Travis Neidlinger in the winner’s circle after Travis’s winning ride aboard AFF Nor’easter for Catherine Ehnle in the Novice English Pleasure class. A solid bay gelding by Noble Flaire, Nor’easter is out of Carlyle Ten, making him a half brother to Can’t You See MEM, a winner in this ring just the previous night. Rick Lane was reserve with last year’s Gelding In Hand Reserve Grand Champion, MEM Bad Boy, for George Schott. Bad Boy is by Cedar Creek Harlequin and out of Star Lake Ellisa, by Carlyle Command.

Always dapper in the saddle, Max Liberty made the top ride in Classic Pleasure 13 & Under with Gradell’s Wild Reflection. World champions in this division just a year ago, Liberty and the 13-year-old bay gelding, by Treble’s Willy Wild, always put in a top performance. This was their seventh round of honor for the year. Rebecca Beets was reserve aboard Equinox Aristotle. Now 15, Aristotle is by Courage Of Equinox. He is an entry of Eleanor Hutcheson.

Reserve Grand Champion Stallion on Monday, SYP High Definition was equally dazzling in harness, winning the Limit Park Harness class for Rick Stevens and Heidi Kunkel. By the great park stallion HVK Vibrance, High Definition is out of the world champion show mare and producer Kim’s Bellegante. Reserve Grand Champion Mare last year, the blonde trimmed MSV Miss Judy was reserve in this class with Jaisen von Ballmoos driving for Kathleen Pierce. Miss Judy is by Minion Millennium.

The Classic Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding honor was another in the Taylor River Parade of Champions when L’Cima Exclusive earned the top spot with Terri Travers. Specialty In Hand Champion on Sunday, L’Cima Exclusive was also the Classic Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion in 2008. He was the winner here in a field of seven nice entries. Judy Candage made a top notch drive to take reserve for the second year in a row with Salvador. They were reserve in Junior Classic Pleasure Driving last year.

As the UPHA Challenge Cup 14-17 entries prepared to come to the show ring, announcer Bill Carrington pointed out that the "bright light" outside the ring was, in fact, the sun. This elicited a cheer from the crowd, followed by the announcement that the 1 p.m. session would be back in the grandstand ring. This created a bigger stir, and the Challenge Cup riders hit the ring to a happy crowd. Rachel Menard made her serpentine pattern count when she picked up the blue ribbon and silver cup. Menard was the Classic Equitation World Champion in 2008 and continues her blue ribbon path in 2009 directed by Nikki Rae Woodworth. Nena Marlin and Ultra’s Proclamation are enjoying an impressive debut season as they picked up the red ribbon.

Team Taylor River earned another trip down victory lane. This time it was in the Classic Pleasure 14-17 ranks when FRF All That Glitters and Lindsay Finniss were called out as the winners. Finniss rode to the winner’s circle with her mouth agape as the surprised and ecstatic victor. This is their first year in the classic division, and it seems like the switch has paid off. This was the seventh win of the year for the dynamic team. Daisy Beisler and Syncopation were reserve in this one, as they were in 2007, when they came back to take home the championship tricolor. Syncopation is by Born To Boogie and out of a Waseeka’s Moonshot mare.

With a big hug for her horse, Minion Absolut, Alexa Bik rode down victory lane in the UPHA 13 & Under Challenge Cup. Reserve the other day in her first-ever cantering performance at New England, Bik was in top form once again to take the blue. Haley Evans followed up in the reserve position. This is also her first year in the cantering ranks.

Julia Strier has matched up with several of the Misty Meadows entries to add a new dimension to the top winning show string. Scott Neidlinger matched Strier with Robert and Loek Neimeth’s 2008 Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Reserve World Champion, MEM Tough Enough. Two-time winners at Connecticut Morgan, they hit the big time together and took home the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle blue. Last year’s champion, FRF Outerlimits, was reserve with Moniqua Dube. They were Park Saddle 15 & Under Grand National Champions in 2008, directed by David Rand. Big and bold-moving, Outerlimits is by DBA Street Talk.

Twelve entries competed for the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal on the Flat to close out the showing in the indoor arena for the day. With the intricate pattern completed flawlessly, the talented equitation veteran Courtney Segulin earned the judge’s nod in this one aboard JNP Simply Delorean, coached by Jennifer Keuhn. Kaitlin Emmerson collected the reserve prize with a confident ride aboard Orrwood’s Special Edition.

The Wednesday afternoon performances were back in the grandstand ring and were kicked off with the Novice Classic Pleasure Saddle class. Tara Good and Noble Excellence had a polished ride and earned the win for owners and trainers Mike Goebig and Dwayne Knowles. Good is quite the rider and showcased this handsome gelding to perfection. Kristin Johnson introduced Bad To The Bone to the classic division with a smooth ride to pick up the reserve honors for Dr. Grace Steere and trainer David Rand.

The Lion King and Angelina Ditta bested a large field of quality entries in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under class. This sporty black gelding personifies the junior exhibitor division. He is under the direction of Melissa Lambrecht of Wynter Thyme Manor. Also in their first season out of walk-trot, Michelle Quinlisk and Manchester In Demand took the red streamers back to Christine Nava in this well filled class of 16.

Brenda Varney and Aspenglow Genesis had the winning ride in the Masters Classic Pleasure Saddle class. This majestic gelding has emerged as a strong contender in the classic saddle division after a four-year hiatus from the show ring. Mike and Elizabeth Murphy at Legacy Stables train this polished team. Reserve in this strong class was Queen’s Loverboy and Jo Ann Currie who had a very consistent ride for trainer Sally Lindabury.

WSG Mystic Impression and Kendra Peeples earned the blue ribbon in the competitive Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-Year-Old class. Mystic Impression is a consistent gelding and does his job to perfection. Peeples’s parents, Lynn and Kathleen Peeples, train this polished team. Becky Hunter and Hylee’s Seven Come Eleven earned the reserve honors in this deep class to the delight of trainer Melissa Lambrecht.

Tara Good was back in the winner’s circle after a strong performance aboard her sporty gelding, Floored, in the English Pleasure Saddle Four-Year-Old Stallion & Gelding class. Mike Goebig and Dwayne Knowles of Broadmoor train this world titled team. Michelle McCleester and Alphastar Wilburforce brought the red ribbon back to the Sebring Stables stalls for owner Allan Fisher.

Sadie Ray and Mikaela’s The Overcomer took another winning trip down New England’s victory lane in the Western Pleasure Walk-Jog 11 & Under class. The Overcomer looks great in his new western tack and is a perfect gentleman for his young rider. Keith Friday and Alicia Groff of Rolling Oaks train this pair.

The UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic featured a strong group of five youngsters. Besting the impressive field for the Fu family of Dragonsmeade was Dragonsmeade Tahari with Mike Carpenter. This gorgeous filly is sired by Mizrahi and out of the Ladies Park Harness World Champion Raehurst Bonnielass. Shanna Gish was styling when she debuted the Mizrahi daughter The Fashionista to the reserve streamers for Kings Point Inc.

Adriana Liberty matched up with CBMF Audacious for the winning prize in the Youth Pleasure Driving class for Lakefront Farm LLC. David Rand trains this stretchy and bold trotting entry. Elizabeth Stockwell turned up the heat with MEM Feel The Heat as they claimed reserve honors in this competitive class for owner Maggie Hood.

In the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure Nine & Under class, Holly Ann Standen and Cosmic Girl earned another trip to the winner’s circle to add to the Taylor River banner for owners John and Kathy Gilmore. The reserve finisher was El D Bars Hi Lite and Lindsey Johnson who enjoyed a smooth ride under the Rolling Oaks banner.

Rick Lane guided another impressive youngster to the winner’s circle in the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Mares class. Reserve World Champion MEM Have You Ever garnered the blue ribbon. This elegant mare sired by Cedar Creek Harlequin and out of the famed mare Liberation Starbrite earned the honors for owners Frank and Carolyn Gibbard. Jennifer Mason and the DBA Street Talk daughter JFS Street Value followed their tricolor debut at Connecticut with a charismatic performance to add the Northampton reserve finish for owner Joseph Stoltzfus.

In the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Pleasure 10-11, Montana Lambrecht matched up with Hylees The Devil I Am for the blue ribbon ride for owner Taylor Borruso. This seasoned team trains under the direction of Montana’s mother, Melissa Lambrecht. Reserve in this class was Meadowair Harley Davidson and Averi Bogar who turned in a polished ride for the reserve ribbon under the Bellewether banner.

Hannah Kelley continued her great season by starting off her week in Northampton with a perfect ride aboard Cherrydale Acappella. This sporty team took their victory pass in the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 10-11 class under the watchful eye of David Rand. Reserve in this fine class was another top-flight team of Chloe Deeb and Pacific Rim Take Aim who train under the direction of Jean DeGutis.

Katelyn Merrill and Sight Unseen had one of their best performances to date, winning the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 15-Year-Old class to the delight of proud mother Martha Merrill. Proud sister Sarah Gove met the winning team to the cheers of the Taylor River box seats. Reserve in this fine class was STM Victory’s Sharpshooter, who was paired with Anna Kufs for owner Ellen McQuade. Keith Friday and Alicia Groff train this team.

After the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 14-17 class, George Liberty had a bit more pep in his step since he and Briar Oaks Pep In My Step had the winning ride. It was a big day for Lakefront Farm LLC as siblings Max, George and Adriana Liberty all earned blue ribbon victories. Jogging to claim the reserve ribbon were Partridge Hill Passport and Lindsey King who enjoyed a steady ride under the direction of Judy Nason.

Ali Denzel and MEM Once Again continued their stellar partnership with another trip to the Northampton winner’s circle. This year they took a victory pass in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 16-Year-Old class. Phil Fountain and Kristen Tramposh from Peeper Ranch train this world titled team. Reserve in this good class of 16 teams was Arboria Ben Hur with owner Katie Hodges matching up with her bold trotting gelding under the direction of Judy Nason.

The Amateur Masters Pleasure Driving closed out the Wednesday afternoon session on a high note with an all-star field of nine entries. 2007 world champions in this division, Nancy Hendricks and Dragonsmeade Carnaros emerged the victors with a stellar drive under the tutelage of Tim Roesink. Frances Pugh’s smile showed her delight in being back in the show ring behind a fancy driving horse. This time she drove daughter Holly’s grand gelding, CBMF Ruling Class, to the reserve honors to the cheers of her many friends.

The Wednesday evening performance featured an outstanding slate of 15 classes with many top entries seeing their first competition of the week. The evening started off with a highly competitive Ladies English Pleasure Mares class. MEM Twisted Sister and Lynn Begalla earned a trip down Northampton’s famed victory lane in search of their place in Saturday’s UPHA Pink Ribbon Championship. Phil Fountain greeted the winning team. Reserve in this lovely class were Gina Torrez and Tara’s Momento. They earned their second strong reserve of the week under the direction of Selvin Torrez.

This session featured a range of exciting park harness classes, starting with the four-year-old class. Stoney Pt. Harlequin Romance has made a winning transition to the park division when Kurt Hufferd guided the lofty bay son Cedar Creek Harlequin to the honors for proud owner/breeders Pat West and William Shean. In his performance debut, Hagerbrook Superman performed for the reserve honors with Jaisen von Ballmoos on the lines for owner Peter Redding. Superman is sired by Issues N Answers and out of the mare Equinox Katana.

After the exciting English Pleasure Ladies Mares class, the expectations were high for their gelding counterparts to set the stage for Saturday’s UPHA Pink Ribbon Championship. Sacred Path Indiana Jones and Shelley Silber came to Northampton with a trio of victory passes in their three 2009 performances and they did not disappoint. Making a bold yet elegant showing, they added the Northampton blue with Tim Roesink greeting the winning Kourt Jester team. Reserve in this quality class was Justanotha Well Worth It and Shannon Fielder. Trained by Taylor River Farm, this showy gelding has earned 2009 championships or reserves at UPHA Spring Premiere, Connecticut and Granite State.

The Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 17-Year-Old class wrapped up a strong day of competition in the five age groups. Besting this competitive class, Tess Kiritsy rode Meadowaire Jamboree to the blue ribbon and a trip down victory lane. Judy Nason trains this well-matched new team for owner Andrea Sawyer. Earning second place honors were Attn Postmaster and Morgan Zielinkski to the cheers of the Wynter Thyme Manor group.

Hitting the ring next were the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitors. For many of the nine teams performing, it was their second class of the day as the Classic Pleasure Saddle 14-17 and 13 and under qualifying events were held Wednesday morning. Besting this large class were Pondview EZ Sprit and Amy Podesva. This Rolling Oaks trained team personifies this division. Dylan Evans and Equinox Wild Card matched up for an eye-catching drive to earn the reserve honors to the delight proud parents Jeffrey and Susan Evans.

Things don’t get much better than the Ladies Park Saddle class at New England. Each and every entry boasted Grand National and/or world championship titles. NDT French Impressionist and Amy Neifert, Trebles First Take and Dawn Fire, MEM Bonnie Blue and Jenny Taylor, Love Her Madly and Allyson Nord Wandtke, and Whispering Wild Flower and Ann Anderson were all in pursuit of the prized Northampton victory.

Putting on a beautiful show, and fresh of their Ladies Park Harness win on Monday night, NDT French Impressionist and Amy Neifert took the blue ribbon and flowers back to Sebring Stables for Copper Beech LLC. This gelding looks great both ways and is sure to be a contender once again, come October. Reserve in this fine class was last year’s winning team of Treble’s First Take and Dawn Fire. Riding for the Peeper Ranch, this elegant team is always in the top ribbons.

MEM Triple Sec and Darlene White continued their strong show with a win in the Hunter Pleasure Mares class. This refined and bold trotting daughter of MEM Bailamos won the ladies mares class earlier in the week. Emma Nobles and Highover Scandalous trotted up to claim the reserve ribbon for Gretchen and Earl Nobles Jr.

It was quite a night for George Schott and the entries he bred as well as for those that he owns. MEM Shock & Awe followed up her in hand success with the victory pass in the Pleasure Driving Gentlemen class with a commanding performance. Driven by Rick Lane, this powerful yet elegant mare is sired by Serenity Masterpiece and out of AFF Evening Episode. Another Maine Event-bred and owned entry, MEM Thriller, stepped up to the plate with a strong drive into second place honors. This expressive son of HVK Bell Flaire and AFF Beulah is trained and driven by Mike Carpenter.

Two top entries dueled it out in the Roadster Under Saddle class. After the dust had settled Carolyn Sebring greeted Dragonsmeade Evensong and Amy Neifert in the winner’s circle. In her roadster debut, this expressive mare by Beethoven set up pretty for the blue for Copper Beech LLC. FRF Looking Glass had it in high gear with Lynn Peeples in the irons for the reserve honors. Looking Glass is another top entry owned by William Shean.

Just as his daughter, MEM Triple Sec, had done earlier in the night, MEM Bailamos took to the ring and commanded attention. Paired with Keely Sogoloff, Bailamos was unstoppable in the Hunter Pleasure Stallions & Geldings class and claimed the blue ribbon for Nau Is The Time LLC. Reserve honors went to Highover Oaklyn Starfire and Karen Bobbi performing for Gabrielle and Michael Blackman.

Newly married Laura Reed earned another bouquet of flowers in the Western Pleasure Ladies Mares class aboard SMS Moredelay. Sired by Forevermore and out of Commandalay, Moredelay looked lovely adorned in silver and a Northampton blue ribbon. The top two places were reversed from Tuesday night’s open mare class as Judy Nason and Wellspring Immortal Star were reserve this time out for owner Suzanne Hazelkorn in a lovely field of 14.

Molly O’Guinn and Riverchase Starbound made their Road Hack debut at New England a memorable one with a trip down Northampton’s victory lane. With flowing extensions and manners to spare, Amanda DuPont trains this successful team for owner Denice Fulmer. Hylee’s Seven Come Eleven and Becky Hunter picked up their second reserve title of the day with a polished performance.

The UPHA Morgan Park Harness Classic took to the ring next. 2008 World Champion Park Harness Two-Year-Old, Springmill Ring Of Fire enjoyed his season debut with Kurt Hufferd just as he made his show ring debut in Northampton just a year ago. The brilliant son of Nostradamus and Treble’s Unchained Melody starred once again for his proud owner/breeders John and Patti Huse of Springmill Morgans LLC to earn the approval of Judge Bolen. Reserve in this class was GVB Cape Town and Jaisen von Ballmoos for Chapel Hill Morgans. Cape Town is an impressive trotting mare by Favorite Son and out of the mare LIV Showstopper.

Judy Nason jogged FCF Montego Bay to the winner’s circle for the third time in four years in the Western Pleasure Ladies Geldings class. This handsome, white-trimmed bay entry, owned by Joanne Kieger, never disappoints. Anne Marie Biron and Treble’s Front And Center were beautifully matched to earn the reserve honors in the field of 11. It was a big day for the Biron family when Marty Biron officially became a member of the New York Islanders hours earlier.

To close the night, six top Amateur Park Harness entries took to the grandstand ring. Taking top prize was Bellerophon with owner Steven Handy. Sired by the legendary HVK Bell Flaire and out of the mare Carmen Sandiego, Bellerophon has transitioned from the junior division into the amateur ranks with ease. This smart looking team is trained by Lynn Peeples of Waterford Farm. Reserve in this fine class was the dynamic Liberation First Star daughter Azeedad’s Lucky Star and Chris Kelly to the delight of trainer Ann Anderson.

After a rain delay, the Trail class began with Townshend Call Her Bella performing all the tasks with owner Susan Cote up for the blue ribbon performance. Dyanne Spatcher directed Underwoods Lancelot to the reserve ribbon in this intricate class.

UC Night Star and Caitlin Lewis were the lone entry in the Hunter Hack, but they displayed great movement and ability on their way to the blue ribbon. They added this to their reserve championship title in the Low Hunter Championship.

Despite the rain, the jumpers shined in their Wednesday performances in the outfield. CN Command Attention surely commanded the attention of spectators of the Low Jumper division when he flew around the courses and finished as the Low Jumper Champion with rider Shannon Scioscia. Bay State Vista and Elizabeth Vieira earned their second reserve tricolor for Elsie Vieira after a winning ride in Low Jumper II. Vonavet Stockbroker and Jillian Egan leapt to the blue ribbon in the third class in this exciting division.

In the carriage ring, Arena Driving Hazards took place first on the docket with section C beginning the competition. Broken into different sections based on skill of the horse and driver, section C is reserved for the best of the best. L & A Knapps Bold Ace and Marguerite Tomany navigated the course with ease on their way to victory. Reserve honors went to Sky Farm Mae Star and Christina Alsop. In section B, Jeff Morse directed David Herrick’s Marle Hill Concert Master to the win with Rosefield Abigail and Catherine Malinowski trotting to reserve for William and Nancy Broe. In the section A competition, Kelly Pesek guided Moses Meadow to the blue ribbon and Kim Tilly drove Gino Guaraldi’s S’lect’s Command It to the red streamers.

To start out the afternoon performances, the Fault and Out Obstacles, section A began when Equinox Encore, with Jennifer Wood Boucher driving, scored the win in the eight-entry competition for Andrew Boucher. This peppy son of Courage Of Equinox and Equinox Anthem kicked off his week in winning style. Reserve honors went to Rum Brook Immortal Vision and Colleen D’Alessandro with a strong drive. In section B, Jeff Morse drove Marle Hill Concert Master for David Herrick to the win, while Equinox Empress and Peter Webster earned the reserve for Carol Ramsey-Rice.

At 3 p.m. and with drier conditions, the Super Reinsmanship division started out with John Bennett driving Graywoods Lancelot to the win for Gail Bodine-Donahue. Susan McLellan had Middlemist Midnight Magic in top shape for the reserve honors. In section B, it was Marle Hill Concert Master and Jeff Morse scoring another blue ribbon as Sunny Acres Shameless and Gino Guaraldi took the red ribbon back to Karen and Jeffrey Dudley. In section A, it was Equinox Encore and Jennifer Wood Boucher earning another blue ribbon for Andrew Boucher, while Leslie Shanks and Ferwnwood Miss Martha Mary settled for reserve. Section D is reserved for junior exhibitor entries, S’lects Command It and Ryan Tilley were the lone competitors for owner Gino Guaraldi.

The dressage rides began on Wednesday with the dressage arena getting a quick start after drying out from Tuesday’s heavy rains. The first winning score was posted by Christine Powers and Townshend Shout Out Loud as they carried the blue ribbon back to the historic Townshend Farm banner in the USDF Intro Level Test A Senior Rider. Reserve went to DRF Immortal Masterpiece with owner Kara Norton. In the junior rider section, Maggie Powers rode Battersea Saratoga to the blue while Haley Gardner had TNP Charlemange in strong shape for the reserve.

In Dressage Training Level Test 1 Senior Rider competition, Dee Loveless guided PVF Power Factor to the approval of Judge Ida Anderson. Reserve honors went to Celeste Brown aboard DJJJ Star’s Ace. In the junior rider class, Jack Dempsey rode Bidlack’s Gabriel to the win for Christine North while Maggie Powers had another strong ride into second place aboard Battersea Saratoga.

In the Dressage First Level Test 1 Senior Rider class, Dee Loveless was back in the winner’s enclosure with PVF Power Factor while DJJJ Star’s Ace and Celeste Brown earned the second prize. For junior riders, Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer reigned supreme for Deirdre Craven while Wintergreen Sultana and Cassidy Kushner took the reserve streamers.

In the Dressage Second Level Test I, the world titled team of Sagamore Domino and Michaelana Richardson earned the top score and the blue ribbon. Reserve honors went to Nations Dancer and Catherine O’Neil.

Finishing the dressage competition for the afternoon, the Dressage Training Level Test Of Choice Maiden was won by TNP Charlemange and Haley Gardner while Hillwood Irish Keepsake and Elizabeth Smith Price took the reserve ribbon back to Susan Caisse.

Thursday

The Thursday morning session began under grey skies with more inclement weather in the forecast. In spite of the weather, it was a bright start to the day for Gabrielle Blackman as she turned in a confident ride in the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal to earn a trip to the Finals at the Grand National in Oklahoma City this October. Trained by Jean DeGutis, Blackman teamed up with Highover All The Rage for the victory pass. Winner of the 14-17 qualifying class earlier in the week, Heather Mallette added the reserve finish in the medal class aboard FCF Coeur De Lion.

It was back-to-back wins for the entries trained by Jean DeGutis to start off the Thursday morning performances when Charlotte Smith rode Gabrielle and Michael Blackman’s mare, Conundrum, to the blue ribbon in the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 9 & Under class. Ariella Silber and her sporty partner, Almost Famous, added the reserve honors for Kourt Jester Morgans. Tim Roesink trains this polished young team.

Kurt and Jessie Nygren were all smiles as their homebred trotted to the blue ribbon in the Novice Pleasure Driving Mares class. John Lampropoulos handled the winning drive on the lines of the Futurity French Command daughter KN JK’s Brooke.

Hannah Kelley continued the Kelley family tradition of excellence when she rode SBS Power Play to the win in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Walk Trot 11& Under class. This polished team has been unstoppable this season with qualifying and championship wins at Southern States, Connecticut and Maine Morgan, directed by David Rand. Siara Clemmey had a polished ride on Bilzone’s GQ Material when they added the red streamers in this promising group to the Janbark banner.

Jillian Zick matched up with Dazzling Light to dazzle in the Northampton grandstand ring. The pretty HVK Guiding Light daughter earned her first blue ribbon in the Novice Hunter Pleasure Mares class for owners Susan and Jeffery Evans. Elizabeth Murphy guided the dynamic CBMF Ruling Class daughter CBMF Entitled to earn the reserve honors for Dennis O’Connell.

Pleasure Driving Novice Geldings were next to hit the tanbark. Returning to the driving division, MEM Bad Boy made a bright and ground-covering showing to add the blue ribbon with Rick Lane handling the lines for George Schott. Jessica Smeed was at the lines of Shut Up And Dance BLM to earn the reserve honors for her father, Jeffery Smeed, and trainer Ann Anderson.

Chris Cassenti had the winning ride in the Novice Hunter Pleasure Stallions & Geldings class aboard her Iron Forge Varsity Blues. In his East Coast debut, Varsity Blues had a strong showing and earned approval from Judge Todd Trushel. The MEM Bailamos son MEM Beringer debuted for the reserve honors with Elizabeth Highgas up for George Schott.

Arthur Perry and Intrepid Behold matched up for top honors in a new division when they proudly entered the winner’s circle in the Classic Pleasure Driving Gentlemen class directed by Luman Wadhams. This charismatic son of HVK Bell Flaire and many-time Classic Pleasure World Champion Intrepid Immortal Beloved is sure to make a mark in this division. William Sheen enjoyed his time in the ring on the lines of Indian Creek Quantico. They earned the reserve honors for Russell and Jeanette Quilhot as well as trainers Kurt Hufferd and Shanna Gish of Indian Creek.

David Rand introduced Queen’s Newport Storm to the winner’s circle in his debut show in this division as the Novice Pleasure Driving Stallions winner. This attention-capturing entry of Pete and Sandy Hendrick is sired by Mizrahi and out of HVK Tiz Flaire. The reserve title left with the Mainframe son Swanbrook All Jacked Up in his show ring debut for Kim Anderson with Rick Lane on the lines.

Jaisen von Ballmoos had the winning ride in the Limit Park Saddle class aboard Cedar Creek Danseur for Edward and Jane Leonard. This exotic son of Stonecroft Byzantine and Cedar Creek With Bells On was the Junior Park Saddle Champion at the competitive Mid-A Morgan Horse Show last month with Alissa Leonard. Mike Carpenter had the Liberation First Star daughter Stardavari in fine order to earn the reserve streamers for Terry Titus.

Having graduated the junior ranks at the end of last season, CN In Grand Style and Allyson Nord Wandtke made an elegant showing in the Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies class to claim the blue ribbon and flowers. The HVK Grand Entrance daughter is owned by Wandtke’s mother, Cindy Nord, and trained under the Broadmoor banner. In addition to watching many of the horses she has bred earn top honors for Copper Beech as well as new owners, Ann Hailey also enjoyed her turn in the show ring in Northampton on the lines of Prindle’s Mere Mortal. They turned in a polished drive for the reserve honors under the direction of Harry Sebring.

Roger Brown took the last pass in the Gentlemen’s Western Pleasure class aboard Winterset Rhyme Thyme. John Vieria owns this expressive son of Winterset Thyme N Again and Stonecroft Shalimar who added his third blue ribbon of the week to the Best Of Both Worlds banner. Following success in the junior exhibitor class earlier in the week, Briar Oaks Pep In My Step matched up with Jason Douglass in the gentlemen’s class to qualify them for the $10,000 winner take all amateur class. After a steady showing, this team took the red ribbon back to the Rand stalls for Lakefront Farm LLC.

In the first performance championship of the show, Taylor River Farm continued their successful week when Sight Unseen and Katelyn Merrill earned the tricolor round of honor in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 14-15 Championship. Having won their 15-year-old qualifying event earlier in the week, this team proved to be great competition. Reserve in this 16-entry class was WSG Mystic Impression and Kendra Peeples to the delight of parents and trainers Lynn and Kathleen Peeples. Kendra rode the consistent bay gelding with great ring savvy and made a strong impression after topping the 14-year-old qualifier.

Wrapping up a long session, the AMHA Western Seat Medal only had one entry, Circle Z Noble Signature and Amber Bornt. Although they were the only pair, Bornt had strong rail work as well as a solid pattern to earn her spot in Oklahoma’s final competition.

The Thursday afternoon performances opened with 17 teams vying for top honors in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 16 & 17 Championship as the first of 14 classes. After the dust had settled, Meadowaire Jamboree and Tess Kiritsy made their way to the winner’s circle for Andrea Sawyer. Trained in traditional Judy Nason style, this well match team won the 17-year-old qualifying event the previous day. Reserve in this competitive championship was another Judy Nason trained team, Arboria Ben Hur and Katie Hodges. This dynamic pair came from a reserve finish in the 16-year-old class.

Debra Stockwell was beyond proud of her Junior Horse Classic Pleasure Driving Champion MEM Just Alike, driven to victory by Terry Travers. The team at Taylor River trains this Futurity French Command daughter who earned her fourth tricolor in as many shows this season. Iann Fu Longenecker enjoyed her turn in the ring as she matched up with Mike Carpenter’s handy bay, MCS Color Me Happy, for the reserve tricolor honors in a tricolor sweep for the get of Futurity French Command.

The Lion King and Angelina Ditta earned a return trip down victory lane in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under Championship. In her first season cantering, Ditta had a flawless ride to claim the coveted championship title. Melissa Lambrecht of Wynter Thyme Manor trains the black gelding with strong extensions and a pleasant demeanor. Nicholas Roberts and TJB Opinionated set themselves apart from the crowd as they added the reserve tricolor to their list of accomplishments under the direction of Cindy Mugnier.

Leah Ling added a tricolor to a show to remember with GLB Leader Of The Band winning the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Championship. The perky team always get to the front of the line, having won the huge Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 class as well as the Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor qualifying event earlier in the week. Leader Of The Band is owned by Krista Headley and trained by Ken and Diana Swanson of Tara Farm. William Surprenant continued his good week in Northampton with a reserve championship on the lines of FRF Isis. Larry Bonnell prepared the Centerpiece daughter for owners John Surprenant and Charlene McCarthy.

Holly Ann Standen, in her first trip to New England Morgan, had a week to remember, winning her qualifying events in equitation and pleasure. To top those victories off, this afternoon she added the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 9 & Under Championship title to her roster. Trained by Sarah Gove, Standen is cute as a button aboard Cosmic Girl. Reserve championship honors went to Lindsay Johnson, adding to her saddle seat titles from Vermont Spring Classic and Connecticut Morgan under the Rolling Oaks banner.

Riverchase Starbound and Molly O’Guinn completed their banner week in Northampton during the Road Hack Championship. Flowing extensions and manners to spare, this team brought the Road Hack Championship back to owner Denice Fulmer and trainer Amanda DuPont. Reserve honors went to Ben Leahy and Taproot Commandpilot, winners of the Amateur Road Hack qualifier, much to the delight of owner and trainer Jackie Ross.

The junior riders and drivers continued on center stage for the majority of the Thursday afternoon session. Eleven top-flight teams answered the call for the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure 13 & Under Championship with Manistee Le Mistral and Hannah Bornt celebrating a memorable tricolor victory. The front gelding and his well-matched rider added the tricolor to the Rolling Oaks banner. Rounding out a New York tricolor sweep, reserve in this competitive class went to Equinox Wild Card and Haley Evans to the delight of parents Susan and Jeffrey Evans.

The Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 9 & Under Championship was next on deck with Spencer Shample matching up with the amazing equitation mount Hollybrook Romeo for top honors. The tricolor ride was no doubt a thrill for the poised young man with the big cheering section from Taylor River Farm. Reserve honors went to another very serious rider, Nicole Kaufman. Nikki Rae Woodworth at KGA Morgans instructs the petite dynamo and her mount, Noble Viking Echo.

Sadie Ray had another standout performance in the Walk-Jog Equitation 11 & Under Championship to the delight of Keith Friday and Alicia Groff. In her fourth solo performance of the week, Ray showcased her steady seat and strong legs matched with Mikaela’s The Overcomer.

The Ladies Pleasure Driving Championship was ultra competitive, but this year’s top team was familiar with the path to the winner’s circle. For the third time (2005, 2007, 2009), Can’t You See MEM and Melissa Morrell took the winning pass for Phyllis Frechette. Can’t You See wore his overcheck with ease and marched down the rail in elegant fashion. CBMF Ruling Class was another grand gelding who set up well in his bridle and made his performance look effortless. Holly Johnson was on the lines of her handsome partner to carry the reserve tricolor back to the Tara Farm banner.

Judy Nason directed another beautiful silver trimmed horse down victory lane in Michabou Weatherman. This handsome entry of Amanda Oliver and Kelly Mastine jogged away with the blue ribbon in the Novice Western Pleasure class, fresh off his tricolor victory at Maine Morgan. Reserve in this competitive class was JW Sporting Victory and Melissa Morrell looking stylish in their first season in the western division for Equus Novus LLC.

With only three classes left in the session, and just as the Walk-Trot Classic Equitation 11 & Under Championship went into the ring, the sky opened up and a New England rainstorm progressed. Tayler Nichols didn’t mind getting wet as she made her way down victory lane with the tricolor ribbon following a great comeback ride to win the championship honors aboard PKW Personality, coached by Jennifer Keuhn. With a quick change from her western attire, Sadie Ray took a second victory pass during this session, this time as the reserve champion and in a saddle suit matched with Hillwood Irish Belle.

Keely Sogoloff continued her dominance in the hunter pleasure division with MEM Mr. Boston by claiming the UPHA Morgan Hunter Pleasure Classic to the delight of the Cedar Spring cheering section and owner Julie Spaniel. Mr. Boston has strong extensions and a beautiful headset. Reserve in this class went to the three-year-old The Heat Is On and Kristen Tramposh. This team had a polished for Dawn Fire and the Peeper Ranch.

Bring the session to a close with style, Tim Morrell drove DRF Sea Hawk to the Park Carriage blue ribbon just as he had done in many previous years for Carol Ramsey Rice. This grand gelding is defining this young division with panache.

While there were no classes held on Thursday evening, it was far from a night off. Thursday, July 23, 2009, was a night to celebrate as no amount of rain could keep throngs of Morgan faithful from attending the celebration of seven decades of New England Morgan and the 100th birthday party for Anna Ela (see separate story).

Thursday morning kicked off bright and early in the Outfield Carriage Area with the Carriage Dressage Intermediate Level Test 2 for section C. Tim Morrell was on the lines of DRF Sea Wolf for Carol Ramsey-Rice for the win. Marguerite Tomany drove L & A Knapps Bold Ace to the reserve finish.

Peter Webster drove another entry of Carol Ramsey-Rice, Equinox Empress to the blue ribbon in the Carriage Dressage Training Level Test 4 for section B. Jeff Morse had David Herrick’s Marle Hill Concert Master in for the reserve ribbon.

In the Carriage Dressage Training Level Test 2 Section A, Fernwood Miss Martha and Leslie Shanks earned the blue ribbon while Jennifer Wood Boucher guided Equinox Encore to the reserve finish. In the Carriage Dressage Training Level Test 1 Section D, it was S’lects Command It and Ryan Tilley having the blue ribbon drive for Gino Guaraldi.

In the afternoon, Tim Morrell opened up the session with DRF Sea Wolf winning the blue ribbon in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Section C for Carol Ramsey Rice. Reserve honors went to Middlemist Midnight Magic and Susan McLellan.

In section B, Saltcreek Choreography and Mary Shurtleff earned the approval of Judge Debbie Banifeld with a polished performance. Reserve went to Sunny Acres Shameless and Gino Guaraldi for Karen and Jeffery Dudley.

Equinox Encore and Jennifer Wood Boucher took the blue ribbon in the section A of the Carriage Pleasure Driving Working class. S’lects Command It and Kim Tilly had the second place drive for Gino Guaraldi. In section D, S’lects Command It and Ryan Tilley took the blue ribbon while Moses Meadow and Emily Pesek took the reserve honors.

The dressage competition kicked off with the USDF Intro Level Test B Senior Rider class, with a victory for Kara Norton and DRF Immortal Masterpiece. Townshend Shout Out Loud and Christine Powers took the red ribbon back to Townshend Farm. In the junior section, it was Maggie Powers and Battersea Saratoga with the best score to earn the blue ribbon. TNP Charlemagne and Haley Gardner had a strong ride for the second place honors.

In the Dressage Training Level Test 2 Senior Rider, Dee Loveless had PVF Power Factor in top form for the blue ribbon out of more than a dozen rides. Reserve honors went to Fenway Park and Kristi Haines. In the junior section, H-Vee Truly Grand and Alexa Nielson took the blue prize for owners Bruce and Elizabeth Figueroa, while Haley Gardner earned another reserve finish aboard TNP Charlemagne.

In the First Level Test 2 for Senior Riders, PVF Power Factor and Dee Loveless again had the winning performance, while Kristi Haines and Fenway Park scored the second place ribbon. For junior riders, it was Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer with the top score followed by Wintergreen Sultana and Cassidy Kushner performing for second place.

The competition in the Second Level Test 2 featured Senator Burns and Morgan Matuszko topping the scorecard, while Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer added the reserve finish.

Friday

On Thursday evening, a delightful gathering of the New England Morgan family enjoyed a trip down memory lane underneath the infield tent, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the show and the 100th birthday of Anna Ela. Inside the tent was the only place it was delightful as the skies opened again and dumped lots of water on the already saturated ground causing the Friday morning session to move indoors much to the dismay of exhibitors and spectators alike. It was the fifth session held indoors due to the weather, but thankfully it was also the last to be held indoors.

In her first year of showing, Molly Kern returned to the Trinity Stables tack room with the winning loot following a tricolor ride in the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 10-11 Championship. The Suzanne Haberek-instructed young rider made a victory pass in the equitation qualifier earlier in the week aboard Equinox Adagio, following up on her sweep of the division at Connecticut Morgan last month. Last year’s 9 & Under Reserve Grand Champion, Montanna Lambrecht, earned the same prize in this year’s 9-10 championship, paired with Hylee’s The Devil I Am.

The Hunter Pleasure Youth Championship should have been named the Judy Nason Invitational as her riders earned the top three prizes among a large group of talented horses and riders. That group started 20 deep, so show officials decided to split the class into two sections of 10 with the judge selecting five from each section to come back for the final pinning of the championship. Leading the way for Nason was the multi-titled Born To Boogie star, Jane’s Addiction, who was ridden to victory by Amanda Lashua after also winning their qualifier. Stablemates Meadowaire Jamboree (with Tess Kirtsy) and Hygreets Ivena (with Darcy Delaney) were second and third, respectively, among the 10 second round contenders.

New York barns took two of the first three classes. Rolling Oaks Farm (Keith Friday and Alicia Groff) was home for Mikaela’s The Overcomer and Sadie Ray, completing a solo clean sweep with their fourth victory in the Walk-Jog Western Pleasure Championship.

The first saddle seat class of the morning was the seven-horse Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Horse Championship. Those top prizes stayed in New England when the Mike Scanlon-trained Whispering March Wind (Stony Hollow Ice Man x Tug Hill Enchanting Topic) emerged from the pack as the 2009 grand champion, ridden by Deanna Shepherd for Nancy Packard. The pretty three-year-old Dantree Answer The Call celebrated the reserve tricolor honors in her show ring debut with new owner Casey McDonald introducing under the direction of David Rand.

Scott Neidlinger sprinted to the winner’s circle in the next round, greeting Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle Grand Champions MEM Tough Enough and Julie Strier. Strier rode the royally bred son of World Champions HVK Man About Town and Cedar Creek With Bells On (by HVK Bell Flaire) for Robert and Loek Neimeth’s Misty Meadows. As several 2009 New England champions had done, they warmed up with a sweep of the division at Connecticut Morgan. David Rand had the reserve grand champion in the second consecutive class when FRF Outerlimits marched to the reserve grand champion honors for Moniqua Dube.

What a morning it was for David Rand and assistant Spencer Day. After having reserve grand champions in the previous two classes in two different divisions, Rand had the grand champion in the next class, a third different division. George Liberty and Briar Oaks Pep In My Step looked the part from start to finish to jog away with Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure Championship for Lakefront Farm. Lindsey King paired up with the handsome Partridge Hill Passport to carry home the reserve tricolor awards in this large and competitive field.

A handful of the industry’s top hunt seat professionals went at it for the Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse Championship. In his first year of showing, MEM Mr. Boston, a son of MEM Bailamos, glided down victory lane with Keely Sogoloff riding for Dr. Julie Spaniel. Connecticut Morgan’s junior grand champion had already made two New England victory passes earlier in the week: four-year-olds and UPHA Hunter Pleasure Classic. Riding for the Brown/Klein family, Kathleen Peeples had Crazy Love in all the right spots for reserve grand champion honors with a bold and eye-catching performance.

When the individual workouts had been completed in the Classic Equitation Championship, Amber Brown separated herself from the pack of 10 contenders, leaving Judge Speck with little doubt as to who her champion would be. She bested the field aboard AMHF Photo Op under the instruction of Coby Holowacz. Natasha Daigle also had her A-game on and rode to the reserve championship to add to a memorable victory pass in the 14-17 qualifier under the Monarch Farm banner.

Quite familiar with the famed New England winner’s circle, Ariella Silber has earned tricolor honors each of the past two years. This time she matched up with the fronty Almost Famous to add the Walk-Trot English Pleasure Championship 9 & Under for Kourt Jester Morgans and trainer Tim Roesink. KGA In Style and pert Genevieve Kerr added the reserve tricolor to the Janbark Farm banner with a confident ride.

It was a trifecta for the "Mikes" as all three drivers in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Championship were named Mike. The top prize belonged to Mike Goebig when he directed the well-named Whitemud Flite Of Fancy, a daughter of World Champion The Master’s Touch, bred and owned by Rhoda Hoenmans. She qualified with a very fancy blue ribbon performance in the mare division. Mike Carpenter was on the lines of Armada Line Drive, the On Line-son bred and owned by Bill and Carol Johnson, to collect the reserve tricolor honors with a sharp drive as well.

The two-year-old class was the Mike show; likewise, the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 10-11 Championship was Hannah squared. Hannah Kelley had the tricolor ride aboard the beautiful Cherrydale Acappella, giving the Rand banner another championship on this busy morning. Winners at Mid-A and Connecticut Morgan, this championship team also won New England’s qualifier. One of the great geldings of the Morgan breed that has done his job so well for quite a while now, Westenfeld Band Leader carried Hannah Carr to the reserve championship for owner Susan Kamiler and Trinity Stables.

Announcer Bill Carrington informed the Friday morning crowd the afternoon session would be moved outdoors and then in came the final class of the morning, the Hunt Seat Equitation Championship 13 & Under. In her first year out of walk-trot, Angelina Ditta excelled on the rail and the workout aboard The Lion King to add the victory to the Wynter Thyme Manor banner. Instructor Alicia Groff gave Kate Vail a high-five when she was named the reserve champion with a confident ride aboard Merriehill Isa Boo.

A stellar lineup of 12 classes highlighted the afternoon session back in the grandstand ring. Closing out an unforgettable week, Hannah Kelley and SBS Power Play emerged victorious once again in the Classic Pleasure Walk-Trot 11 & Under Championship to start off the session. With a big smile, Kelley finished an undefeated show on her two sporty geldings to the delight of trainer David Rand and her proud family. The well-matched team of Bilzone’s GQ Material and Siara Clemmey collected the reserve tricolor to add to a fine week under the Janbark Farm banner.

The 18-rider Hunt Seat Equitation 14-17 Championship was up next. Following the rail work, Judge Trushel worked his top six riders, asking them to start at the west end of the ring, using the grandstand side of the track perform a four loop serpentine starting on the left lead, transitioning to sitting trot, progressing to posting trot and finishing with a right lead canter, halt and return down the rail to the line up at a posting trot. The best of the best was Alexandria Warner, trained by Sarah Gove at Taylor River. Warner directed her pretty Pondview Pure Elegance with a quiet and exact riding style that set her apart from competition when she collected her fifth tricolor in the equitation division in 2009. Reserve championship honors went to Skylar Robinson aboard her sporty Apostrophe, instructed by the Morrell family at Moreland Farm.

Holly Ann Standen closed out a flawless show with her fourth trip down New England’s victory lane with Cosmic Girl, this time in the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 9 & Under Championship. This perfectly paired team provided two consecutive tricolors for the Taylor River Farm team. Reserve honors were bestowed upon EL D Bars Hi Lite with Lindsey Johnson putting in a smooth showing for Crystal Green under the Rolling Oaks banner.

The Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Saddle 14-17 Championship entered the ring next with 13 top teams vying for bragging rights. After a strong showing on the rail and impressive passes in front of Judge Bolen, Nocturnal Flash and Alyssa Rumsey starred on this sunny Northampton afternoon. The expressive white-trimmed chestnut garnered the tricolor under the direction of John and Belle Hufferd for Joy and Dennis Rumsey. Queen’s Cocoa Puff and Racheal Perreault continued a fabulous week with the reserve championship title, adding to a great day for the entries trained by Taylor River Farm.

The list of champions who have captured the English Pleasure Junior Horse Championship in Northampton boasts some of the all-time pleasure greats. Legends like Bobbin Hollow Corrine, Rapidan Jessica, Mtn Laurel Maximilian, Aspenglow Genesis, Nicoria, Gotti and Graycliff Tony are just a sample of the talent who has captured this title. Joining their ranks in 2009 was Willowick Dixie Krystal for John Surprenant and Charlene McCarthy. Larry Bonnell handled the winning ride aboard this impressive three-year-old daughter of HVK Vibrance and Willowick On A Whim. The fronty four-year-old mare, SSL Unique Creations with Selvin Torrez up for Cheryl Brooks and Joyce Hoy, claimed the reserve championship with a bright showing in this much-discussed competition.

The Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor Championship featured a picture perfect performance for Pondview EZ Spirit and Amy Podesva. They celebrated the tricolor pass under the direction of Keith Friday and Alicia Groff. FRF All That Glitters and Lindsay Finniss continued their banner year under the direction of Taylor River Farm with the reserve tricolor streamers in the competitive field of eight.

Montanna Lambrecht added to the family tradition of Northampton championship rides when she matched up with Hylee’s The Devil I Am to capture the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 10-11 Championship. Grandparents Lance and Martha Wetmore, mother Melissa Lambrecht and sister Morgan Zielinski cheered on Montanna when she joined the tricolor tradition. Trading places from the equitation championship earlier in the day, Equinox Adagio and Molly Kern closed out the show with the reserve tricolor ride for owner Jacqueline Chandler.

The Two-Year-Old Park Harness Stake is always a highlight at New England, and this year’s feature attraction was Equinox Fear This. Jaisen von Ballmoos added the title for proud owner Kathleen Pierce with the son of Issues N Answers and Equinox Pollyanna. Earlier in the season they also made victory passes at Southern States and Mid Atlantic Morgan.

Talented young riders returned to center stage in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under Championship with Max Liberty and Gamepiece adding the tricolor to their impressive list of titles. The sporty young Man In Motion son proudly carried the tricolor to Lakefront Farm under the direction of David Rand. The up and coming team of Hylee’s Christmas Beau and Taylor Borruso collected the reserve tricolor for owner Robin Mills. Melissa Lambrecht at Wynter Thyme Manor trains this talented team.

Indian Creek American Girl added to her list of accolades for Copper Beech with Amy Neifert providing the tricolor ride. The expressive Mizrahi daughter was the first recipient of the Lawrence J. Davidson Memorial Trophy given by Adrienne and Diana Davidson in loving memory of Lawrence J. Davidson and in honor of the 1981 champion Houdini in the Park Saddle Junior Horse Championship. Cedar Creek Danseur and Alissa Leonard matched up for a stellar ride as the charismatic chestnut earned a strong ovation with Jaisen von Ballmoos directing for Ed and Jane Leonard.

The Burkland Farm banner was back in the Northampton winner’s circle in 2009 when Joshua Noble and Tracemark Top Shelf turned in a top shelf performance to earn tricolor honors. This sophisticated entry of Shane Darnell LLC earned the Western Pleasure Junior Horse Championship title after winning the qualifying class earlier in the week. CBMF Whispers Of War and Ling Fu Wylie exhibited style and polish when they added the reserve tricolor to a great week for the entries of Dragonsmeade.

The Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship closed out the afternoon session with a magnificent field of 18 vying for the tricolor and flowers. After the initial rail work, Judge Speck asked eight entries to hold their place in the line up while the rest were excused. After the second round of work, the world titled team of Med-E-Oka French Morocco and Maxine Kenny earned Judge Speck’s approval and the title of Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Champion. Kenny gave trainer John Lampropoulos a much-deserved hug in the winner’s circle in the team’s grand finale. The deeper the competition gets, the more intense Shelley Silber gets and she showed her desire to win aboard the beautiful Prada. This Grove Pointe-trained partnership was knocking on the door with the reserve tricolor finish for Kourt Jester Morgans.

Heading into the homestretch, the 70th edition of the New England Regional Morgan Horse Show had a beautiful evening to host a number of amateur and open championships. Featuring the versatility of the Morgan Horse, the Carriage Driving Scurry opened the evening session with DRF Sea Wolf and Tim Morrell driving down victory lane to add to a victorious show for Carol Ramsey-Rice. The large and crowd-pleasing competition saw Middlemist Midnight Magic and Susan McLellan follow up in reserve.

Thirteen of the best amateur hunter combinations answered the call for their pleasure championship. There were some all-star horses and riders competing for the prestigious Northampton tricolor, each jockeying for the best spot in front of Judge Todd Trushel. His pick turned out to be the Michigan team of Night Out and Jennifer Byrne, who made her first rides aboard the polished black gelding who also won this tricolor in 2006 with Jenny Grey aboard. Katie Mair was once again the winning trainer when she greeted the jubilant champions. Reserve to the grand champion were Darlene White and MEM Triple Sec. Out of the great Star Lake’s Elissa and by MEM Bailamos, the smooth striding bay enjoyed a great week to the delight of her fan club. From the championship class of 13, Northgate Stables finished third and fourth with LIV Man Of Steele ridden by Nicole Morrison and Springmill Madison with Tori Mattozzi.

The eight-horse Amateur English Pleasure Championship certainly wasn’t the largest ever held at New England but it was rich in talent. Having a great week, the bold and expressive Uppercase Innovation triumphed with owner Cindy Fawcett, taking a deep seat to make some big passes with the And The Beat Goes On/HVK Obsessed son. Their tricolor ribbon returned to the Waterford Farm tack room to hang alongside several others belonging to Lynn and Kathleen Peeples.

Peeper Ranch came in with the reserve grand champion and third place winner in Cedar Creek Cariad and Versace. Coming off the Amateur English Pleasure Championships at UPHA Chapter 5 and Southern States, Anne Marie Biron had another strong week with the HVK Bell Flaire son, Cedar Creek Cariad, to take their second reserve of New England ’09. Making the trip from England to New England, Angela Bulmer and Versace joined Biron and Cariad in the top ribbons with a nice third place finish after qualifying with a win in the Amateur Masters English Pleasure class.

There would be a new champion by the time the numbers had been sorted in the nine-horse Western Pleasure East Coast Championship. For the past three years, Treble’s Tanqueray and Judy Nason had owned the Northampton ring, but they did not return to defend in 2009. On this beautiful New England evening, AMHF Bal Du Masque (Stonecroft Masquerade x Cedar Creek Giselle) claimed the crown with a letter-perfect performance. Shanna Gish proudly accepted the prestigious East Coast Championship silver belt buckle as well as the tricolor to complete an undefeated show for the entries of John and Patti Huse and SpringMill Morgans. From Best Of Both Worlds, Roger Brown jogged to the reserve East Coast championship with John Vieira’s Winterset Rhyme Thyme to go along with a trio of New England blue ribbons earned earlier in the show.

Judge Bolen had a few different types from which to choose the Amateur Park Harness Grand Champion for 2009. Five entries answered the call and paraded down the straight-aways in hopes of adding their names to the long list of industry greats who have won this class in the past. They performed for the chance to add their name to the Mark H. Hanna Memorial Trophy. In their first season together, Azeedad’s Lucky Star (Liberation First Star x HVK Hot Topic) and Chris Kelley have been knocking at the door, and this evening they were at the top of the judge’s card and marched to the winner’s circle where they were greeted by trainer Ann Anderson. World Champion Bellerophon and owner Steven Handy added the reserve tricolor to the Waterford banner to add to the qualifier victory.

The second of five consecutive driving classes, the Classic Pleasure Driving East Coast Championship was next on the schedule. There were several household names competing for this title and it turned out to be quite entertaining. Adding to a great week for Richard Boule and Sarah Gove at Taylor River, L’Cima’s Exclusive and Terri Travers made their way to the winner’s circle for Sean and Terri Travers. Art Perry and Intrepid Behold made headlines as well in their new division when they garnered reserve grand champion honors, followed by the world titled team of Prindle’s Mere Mortal and Ann Hailey in third.

Speaking of having a great week, Ken Swanson returned to North Carolina with three East Coast championships, his second of the week and first of two on Friday night came in the Pleasure Driving Championship. After showing in Amateur English Pleasure at Raleigh Spring and Southern States Regional, Tara’s Firewalker (HVK Bell Flaire x Tara’s Anasazi) returned to the driving division for New England and that proved to be a good move as he made the championship drive for owner Krista Hadley, who had driven Firewalker to reserve in the amateur stallion/gelding class. Swanson and Firewalker had to be right on the money as there was a large contingent of good ones gunning for the tricolor. In reserve was the popular Sea-Vu Justified, driven by Richard Boule, while Rick Lane and MEM Shock & Awe were third. Percy McDaniel, Tim Roesink, Mark Mason and David Rand were also in the hunt with impressive ribbon winners as well.

The crowd really got behind the horses and drivers in the Amateur Roadster To Bike Championship. This class exudes the power and heart the Morgan Horse is known for and the entries did not disappoint. Christopher Bernard stepped in for Paul Calandra who drove his world titled partner to the qualifying blue. Bernard had the time of his life when he made the winning drive with Arboria Victorious under the colors of Waterford Farm. In just his first season in the division, CBMF Double Down, a winner at Mid-A, Connecticut Morgan and UPHA 14, crossed the finish line in reserve for road horse enthusiast Dr. Grace Steere and trainer David Rand.

This wonderful evening came to a close with the three-horse Park Harness East Coast Championship. Those three heavy hitters came to play and what a show they put on. It was the light chestnut icon of the park harness division, multi-titled JW That Special Flaire, who floated to the title with Ken Swanson again at the whip for Tara Farm. "I feel fortunate to be able to train such a grand horse," said Swanson. It was the third East Coast Championship victory of the week for Swanson and also the third time the HVK Bell Flaire son had garnered this tricolor for owner Frances Pugh. SYP High Definition and Rick Stevens added another reserve tricolor to those earned in hand with a fine performance for owner Heidi Kunkel. Harry Sebring drove Patricia Lloyd’s balanced moving Whitemud Dixie DanceKing to third in this crowd-pleasing evening finale.

The dressage competition kicked off at 8 a.m. again on Friday morning. Taking the first class, DJJJ Star’s Ace and Celeste Brown earned another blue ribbon in the Training Level Test 3 Senior Rider class while Fenway Park and Kristi Haines added the red ribbon. For the junior riders, Alexa Nielson and H-Vee Truly Grand captured the blue ribbon while TNP Charlemagne and Haley Gardner earned the second place finish.

In the Dressage First Level Test 3 Senior Rider competition, DJJJ Star’s Ace and Celeste Brown were back in the winner’s circle after another top score. Angela Thayer and Highover French Krystle had another nice performance for reserve. In the junior riders section, it was Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer earning another top finish while Wintergreen Sultana and Cassidy Kushner earned second place.

In the Second Level Test 3, Senator Burns and Morgan Matuszko stood apart from their competition in victory while Brenna Kucinski and Whispering Doc Hollywood earned reserve for Arlyn Diamond.

In the AMHA Dressage Medal, Stephanie Hancock earned a trip to the Grand National to compete in the finals after a polished performance. Alexa Nielson posted a good score for the reserve honors.

Starting bright and early in the Outfield Carriage ring, the Carriage Dressage Prelim Level Test 6 Section C took to the ring first with Middlemist Midnight Magic and Susan McLellan earning the blue ribbon while Judith Shaw and UVM Grayson scored the reserve honors.

In the Carriage Dressage Prelim Level Test 2 Section B class, Jeff Morse had David Herrick’s Marle Hill Concert Master in winning shape once again. Reserve in this competition was Rosefield Abigail and Catherine Malinowski for William and Nancy Broe. In the Carriage Dressage Prelim Level Test 1 Section A, Carleen Crummett drove Joan Duchi’s Meadowmere Double Time to the victory in a solo performance.

In the afternoon, the exhibitors switched gears to the Carriage Faults and Time Obstacles division with section C leading off. Topping this exciting 11-entry competition was L & A Knapp’s Bold Ace and Marguerite Tomnay while Albert Zinz drove RKT Nordic Black Hawk to the reserve honors. In section B, Jeff Morse had Marle Hill Concert Master on top once again. Rosefield Abigail and Catherine Malinowski put on another strong performance for William and Nancy Broe for the reserve finish. In section A, Rum Brook Immortal Vision and Colleen D’Alessandro claimed the top spot, while HVK Noble Portrait and Madeline Leone took second in the field of nine.

Saturday

Three County Fairgrounds was abuzz following an eventful Friday evening session and that energy carried throughout the day, the last day to earn a tricolor at this historic New England Regional. At 9 a.m., we witnessed the future of New England as the first three classes were for Beginner Lead Line Saddle Seat, Beginner Lead Line Western Seat and Beginner Lea Line Hunt Seat.

The cousin of successful, young riders Kasey and Kellie Saccocia, Isabelle Scott represented her side of the horse crazy family with a blue ribbon ride in the Lead Line Saddle Seat class matched with the multi-titled show veteran Gradell’s Pandora with Jean DeGutis on the winning lead. Much of the family was there to cheer Scott on. The future looks bright indeed when Katya Lammie, Jenna Blocher, Shannon Fielder, Darian Shepherd, Claire Perreault, Emma von Ballmoos, Victoria Lee Weaver, Camden Miner, Cade Miner and Morgan Elizabeth Keuhn also left the storied ring with ribbon and wonderful memories.

Also carrying on a proud family tradition, Gabrielle Comeau had the ring to herself in the western seat event. Mike Scanlon headed the New England champion who rode JNS In Like Flynn to the honors. Hunt seat rider Kassidy Qua kept it a Morgan family kind of morning when Jackie Ross guided her to the winner’s circle aboard Taproot Command Pilot. Alena Gannon and Margaret Thomas enjoyed their time in the ring as well.

The family legacy was also evident in the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness Championship where Brendan Kelley, whose parents Dan and Leslie were both New England champions during their junior exhibitor careers and still are today, matched up with Intrepid Dynasty for their fourth championship of the season for the family’s Victory Lane Farm. This tricolor returned with this handsome pairing to the Rand tack room.

New England’s next tricolor was awarded to the top rider from the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 10-11 Championship. Hannah Carr had the top hand in this field. She was aboard the tried and true Westenfeld Bandleader under the direction of Suzanne Haberek at Trinity Farm. Last year, Haberek and Bandleader teamed up to take Alexa Bik to the winner’s circle in this same class. Also displaying the form of a polished equestrienne, Chloe Deeb was the reserve grand champion aboard Hollybrook Van Gogh under the direction of Jean DeGutis.

The Morgan world has watched Miller Young Fina grow from a cute, freckle-faced Western Seat Lead Line Champion to this year’s poised Western Seat Equitation Grand Champion. No one was happier than instructor Barb Irvine. Reserve to the champion was Amber Bornt who won the AMHA Medal class earlier in the week under the Rolling Oaks banner.

This last session came to a close with the always-entertaining Stick Horse class. Announcer Bill Carrington did his best to give us the play by play and in the end it wasn’t clear who had more fun, the announcer or the entries.

The Saturday afternoon session featured a Pinked Out New England Morgan with the UPHA Pink Ribbon Ladies English Pleasure along with Ladies Western Pleasure and Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championships. The entire crowd got into the spirit for the fight against breast cancer.

Taking the first tricolor of the session were CBMF Restless and Harry Sebring in the highly competitive 11-entry Junior Horse Pleasure Driving Championship. This dynamic chestnut son of GLB Bell Pepper and Relentless earned his third championship title of the season for Copper Beech LLC. MCS Bandini and Scott Neidlinger led off the victory passes with the reserve title for Robert and Loek Neimeth.

A competitive field of nine vied for the Youth English Pleasure Championship title under the afternoon sunshine. Laura Poulin put it all together with SLB Triple Play to earn the top award. Ann Anderson of Hobby Knoll Stables trains the sporty gelding by Nobility. Racheal Perreault and Queen’s Cocoa Puff closed out their successful show with their second reserve tricolor of the show to a chorus of loud Taylor River cheers.

The first of the trio of ladies championships on Saturday afternoon showcased the western pleasure entries featuring 14 top teams. Laura Reed and SMS Moredelay returned from a victorious mares qualifying class to claim the championship title. With a fist pump and some tears, Christine Nava greeted Laura Reed in the winner’s circle. Continuing a tricolor career, Kathleen Peeples jogged HL My My, a four-time winner of this championship, to the reserve tricolor for Holly Seavitt with a signature ride.

Daisy Beisler rode Syncopation to the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Championship in a comeback ride from the reserve title in the qualifying class earlier in the week. The championship team is trained and instructed by Sally Lindabury. Wrapping up a great week, Lindsay Finniss and FRF All That Glitters earned a matching reserve tricolor garland to go with their driving reserve championship in this fine field of 13 entries.

For the second year in a row, Kurt Hufferd was on the lines of the Junior Park Harness Champion. Last year, the victor was MEM Chill Factor. This year it was Pat West and Bill Shean’s Stny Pt Harlequin Romance making the winning pass down victory lane. This impressive son of Cedar Creek Harlequin and Grand Cru Champagne Wishes carried the tricolor sash in style to close out a winning week for the entries performing under the Indian Creek Farm banner. The reserve championship title went back to Connecticut with GVB Cape Town, driven by Page Champion for the Chapel Hill Morgans. Jaisen von Ballmoos handles the training duties on this impressive three-year-old mare.

In the most anticipated class of the session, the Ladies English Pleasure Championship, a dozen top-flight teams answered the call with an outstanding performance for the supportive audience and Judge Bolen. This class was designated as the UPHA Pink Ribbon class to benefit the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation. In addition, the winner of this class would also receive the Pat Tataronis Orcutt Memorial Trophy.

Building up the anticipation, the results were announced in reverse order with the last two entries in the ring being MEM Twisted Sister with Lynn Begalla and Sacred Path Indiana Jones with Shelley Silber. Moving up a spot from last year, Lynn Begalla set up MEM Twisted Sister perfectly to claim the title with a bold yet consistent ride. Phil Fountain proudly greeted the daughter of Cedar Creek Harlequin and Star Lake Ellisa in the winner’s circle to accept the accolades. Shelley Silber had a beautiful performance aboard Sacred Path Indiana Jones to earn the reserve championship. This well-matched team continued a sensational season directed by Tim Roesink for Kourt Jester Morgans.

The Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Champion hailed from Equitation Unlimited at Janbark Farm once again this year when Alexandra Frangiosa added to her great season. Matched with the solid yet showy WSG Wham-O, she exhibited polish and precision on the rain and in the individual workout to garner the tricolor honors. Alexa Bik earned the reserve tricolor aboard Minion Absolut to add another fine week in Northampton to the delight of trainer/instructor Suzanne Haberek. In her first season out of walk-trot, Haley Evans added the yellow ribbon to her growing record for proud parents Jeff and Sue Evans.

KD Hot To Trot and Sarah Adams lit up the ring in the Park Saddle Youth Championship for Stonewall Farm. The brilliant chestnut Man About Town LPS daughter and her beaming rider were ready for the final trot when they met trainer David Rand in the winner’s circle. The qualifier winning team of Set To Dance and Stevie Meder enjoyed a fine ride of their own to add the reserve championship to the Hobby Knoll banner.

The Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championship finished off the pink ribbon parade with a stellar field of 11. Darlene White and MEM Triple Sec closed out a show to remember as they earned the pink flowers and tricolor ribbons, with husband Jeff White directing. Springmill Madison and Tori Mattozzi displayed style and elegance to carry the reserve championship title back to the Northgate banner.

It was a group celebration for the tricolor team in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Championship as Middlemist Midnight Magic and Susan McLellan trotted to the winner’s circle in the final competition of the afternoon. Tim Morrell closed out a great show for the carriage entries of Carol Ramsey-Rice when he guided DRF Sea Wolf to the reserve tricolor streamers.

Thirty-two sessions had already been held between the grandstand ring, indoor arena, outfield carriage area, infield hunt course and the dressage arena. It was now time for the grand finale to New England’s 70th anniversary show—Stake Night in the grandstand ring where so many of the breed’s greats have made memorable performances. There was still a lot ahead of everyone on this absolutely beautiful evening including the awarding of $10,000 in the All American Yearling Sweepstakes and the Winner-Take-All Amateur Western Pleasure Championship. There were also five East Coast championships up for grabs.

Following the opening ceremonies and the presentation of dressage awards, the 10-entry All American Yearling Sweepstakes kicked off the evening’s competition with the New England Morgan Horse Show showcasing the youngsters and breeding programs. Some of the best handlers in the business vied for the huge payday, but as one railbird said, "Pull out a big check and John Hufferd wins." That’s exactly what happened. Hufferd presented the tall and refined chestnut RWJ Mille (Minion Millennium x RWJ Commandina by Tug Hill Commando) to the top honors with a unanimous decision for breeder/owner Robert Jones. Smooth and elegant, LBJ Sweet Music (Beethoven x Liberation Lady In Red) and Tim Roesink landed the reserve ribbon with a unanimous pinning as well for Jim and Laura Braddock. Mike Carpenter, Rick Lane, Cheri Barber and Rick Stevens were the remaining handlers in the money in this field of promising youngsters.

Ten of the top saddle seat riders converged on the Northampton ring next for a shot at the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. Judge Anne Speck selected five of the 10 to perform the workout and when all was said and done, Maggie Cramer, riding AMF Exodus, had combined horsemanship with finesse to land the title for Taylor River Farm. Katie Mair prepared Annie Thurber for her reserve grand champion victory pass aboard Upper Echelon to add to a tricolor debut season with her new mount in the senior division. Hayley Porter, Rachel Menard and Heather Mallette rounded out the top five in this most competitive field.

On to the Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship where there was a bit of deja vu from last year. In 2008, Dan Kelley was the winning driver and David Rand was the winning trainer; the only thing that changed was the horse. Last year’s winner, Intrepid Dynasty, won this year’s Junior Exhibitor Park Harness Championship with the Kelley’s son, Brendan. Kelley’s new partner this year, the multi-titled World Champion Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall, was the new grand champion. The Beethoven son had won the amateur stallion/gelding qualifier as well as swept the division at Mid-A earlier this year.

The Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship had several winning teams gunning for the title. Reserve to Carnegie Hall was none other than FRF Seattle Reign with Jeff Gove continuing a tricolor night for Taylor River Farm. Yellow streamers went the way of the world titled team of Nancy Hendricks and Dragonsmeade Carnaros. Also in the ribbons were Can’t You See MEM and Phyllis Frechette and SBS Sincerely with Judy Candage, both representing Moreland Farm.

It was certainly ladies night in the English Pleasure East Coast Championship as five of the six entries were ridden by Sarah Gove, Dawn Fire, Kristen Tramposh, Amy Neifert and Alicia Fraser. Travis Neidlinger was the lone gent. This group of professionals and one amateur put on a great show for the enthusiastic Northampton audience and they had their favorites down through the ribbons.

At the top of the list was East Coast English Pleasure Grand Champion Cartier (Cedar Creek Harlequin x Schiaparelli) who had earned the Grand National English Pleasure Stallion and reserve world champion titles last year at Oklahoma. Ridden by Sarah Gove for Gay Gove, this big-hearted campaigner wore New England’s tricolor over a good group of challengers including reserve grand champion Graycliff Tony who was the 2008 New England Junior English Pleasure Grand Champion and 2008 World Champion English Pleasure Four-Year-Old with Luman Wadhams. New owner Dawn Fire was in the saddle, having already won English Pleasure Championships at Southern States and UPHA Chapter 5 for Peeper Ranch. Phil Fountain and Peeper Ranch had the second and third place entries as assistant trainer Kristen Tramposh rode Dragonsmeade’s Infusion to the yellow streamers for owner/breeder Dragonsmeade.

There have been some awesome Amateur Park Saddle Championships throughout the history of New England but this year’s field of entries had to rank right up there. You would be hard pressed to find six entries of this caliber putting on the shows they did. These were superior athletes at the top of their games.

A veteran of many high-pressure show ring battles, Kathy Gutting came through like a pro riding the oh-so-cocky Get Busy to the grand champion title. The black son of Astronomicallee threw his tail over his back the first way of the ring and said ‘Get out of my way’, taking Gutting to the winner’s circle for the second time this week where she was greeted by Broadmoor’s Dwayne Knowles. With a reserve in the ladies class, Treble’s First Take (Liberation First Star x Take My Breath Away) paraded to the reserve grand champion honors with Dawn Fire taking her second reserve tricolor in as many classes for Peeper Ranch.

Next came the Classic Pleasure Saddle East Coast Championship, which featured a large turnout, and many of those entries brought with them a resume loaded with world and regional titles. Perhaps none was more decorated than the grand champion Boogie Nights. The son of two highly popular world champions - Born To Boogie and UVM Unity - Boogie Nights was majestic in every way to capture the East Coast championship for the fifth consecutive year, the last three with current owner Anne Marie Biron. Biron also won the qualifier with her dynamic gelding who closed out a tricolor show for entries under the Peeper Ranch banner. Loaded with zing, the versatile MEM Taser, a royally bred son of Futurity French Command and Liberation Starbrite, trotted out on the reserve grand champion victory pass with Rachel Frazier riding under the direction of Rick Lane. Moving from the English pleasure to the classic pleasure division, Bad To The Bone was third in the deep championship with Laurin Johnson.

Over the past few years the Roadster To Bike Championship has been one of the crowd favorites on Saturday night. The endurance and drive exhibited by the four Stake Night contenders was greatly appreciated by the responsive audience that cheered madly throughout the class. Reserve in the bike qualifier and the under saddle class, FRF Looking Glass rounded the turns and headed for home, making a quick stop in the winner’s circle to pick up the Roadster To Bike East Coast Championship. This was the fourth time in six years Lynn Peeples won the championship. This time it was for proud owner William Shean.

With a distinct look and a motor to match, qualifying winner Flairetation stirred up the dust to take reserve grand championship for the hard driving Peggy Alderman. Crossing the finish line in third was crowd-pleasing Blkorchid Live From NY with Percy McDaniel in the silks, followed by Dragonsmeade Evensong in her memorable debut show in this division with Rodney Hicks on the lines.

There were three classes remaining and the first order of business was the $10,000 Winner-Take-All Western Pleasure Amateur Championship. Judge Trushel had a ring full of hopefuls with dollar signs in their eyes. It turned out to be an array of New England’s finest amateur teams matched against a couple winning combinations from the Midwest.

July 25 will go down as one of John Hufferd’s best days of putting horses in the ring. No stranger to taking home top prizes, Hufferd presented his second grand prize winner of a $10,000 championship of the evening as he and wife Belle greeted MJL Rochallor and Lauren Cook in the winner’s circle where the oversized check was presented to them. Rochallor had won the youth class as well as a reserve in the amateur stallion/gelding qualifier before jogging back as the amateur grand champion for owners Gary and Neecy Rohrs. Already the winner of the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure Championship with owner George Liberty, Briar Oaks Pep In My Step came away with the reserve championship with Jason Douglass in the saddle to complete a tricolor week for the entries competing under the Rand banner.

Cedar Spring Farm took home the winning loot from the next to last class of 2009, the Hunter Pleasure East Coast Grand Championship. Keely Sogoloff and MEM Bailamos (Futurity French Command x AFF Beulah) earned their third Hunter Pleasure Championship of the year as well as their second East Coast title in a row for owner Jerold Nau. It was a banner week for Bailamos and his get at New England. The homebred CPM Five O’Clock Somewhere (Dr. Bombay x CPM Cyrene) and Stephanie Marcelonis put together their best performance of the year to command the reserve grand championship for the Marcelonis family.

This was it, the one everyone was waiting for, the Park Saddle East Coast Championship was first won in 1939 by Dr. W.L. Orcutt’s Wonderman and most recently won by Phil and Georgia Blevins’ HVK Vibrance. In between were many outstanding individuals and several of them contributed mightily to the breed through their offspring. Two world titled entries answered the final call to compete for the Stephen P. Tompkins/Orcland Leader Perpetual Memorial Trophy.

Stamped with the royal blood of show ring greats, Dragonsmeade Icon, the black son of Mizrahi and HVK Obsidian, went a big, four-cornered trot to give trainer Tim Roesink his first Park Saddle East Coast Championship. It was also the first Park Saddle East Coast Championship for owners/breeders, the Fu family’s Dragonsmeade.

Before Dragonsmeade Icon could make the last pass of New England ’09, reserve grand champion Love Her Madly (Astronomicallee x NBN At Your Command) paraded down the center of the track with Allyson Nord Wandtke in the irons. The world titled ladies team made a fine showing stepping up with a bold ride with trainer Mike Goebig directing.

One last time the crowd showed some love to the champion. They cheered and stomped the box seats as Roesink and Dragonsmeade Icon brought to a close a week of appreciation and celebration for the 70 years of Morgan history that had largely been made on these very grounds. Few shows in any breed can boast that kind of longevity, especially at this level.

Fred Nava and company did the greats of the past justice with this unique celebration of the Morgan Horse. Now it’s time to turn our sights towards the last few regionals and finally Oklahoma.

On the final day of dressage competition, PVF Power Factor and Dee Loveless continued their winning week as they claimed the blue ribbon in the Training Level Test 4 Senior Rider competition. Hot on their heels were Fenway Park and Kristi Haines. For the junior competition, it was TNP Charlemagne and Haley Gardner who enjoyed blue ribbon honors while Moses Meadow and Emily Pesek earned reserve.

Dee Loveless and PVF Power Factor continued to shine when they also won the blue ribbon in the Dressage First Level Test 4 Senior Rider competition with a strong showing, once again Kristi Haines and Fenway Park followed them in victory. For the junior riders, it was Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer earning another victory while Wintergreen Sultana and Cassidy Kushner collected another reserve.

Senator Burns and Morgan Matuszko were back in action to win the Second Level Test 4 with a great test. Whispering Doc Hollywood and Brenna Kucinski earned reserve for Arlyn Diamond.

In the Training Level Test Of Choice Maiden Rider, January Arkle and Belcrest Lyric had a beautiful performance to earn the blue ribbon while Sophie Arnold and Duro Caso’s Lakota picked up the reserve streamers.

After all tests were complete and the scores tabulated, the Dressage High Point winners were announced and presented in the grandstand ring before the Saturday evening performances.

PVF Power Factor and Dee Loveless won the Training Level Senior Championship with Fenway Park and Kristi Haines following them in reserve. These two combinations also finished the same way in the First Level Senior Rider Championship.

In the Training Level Junior Rider Championship, Haley Gardner and TNP Charlemagne earned the championship tricolor while H-Vee Truly Grand and Alexa Neilson took the reserve honors. In the First Level Junior Rider Championship, Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer posed for the winning picture while Wintergreen Sultana and Cassidy Kushner brought the reserve honors back to Bittersweet Farm.

Morgan Matuszko and Senator Burns were the Second Level Champions with a great week of performances while Catherine O’Neil and Nations Dancer added the reserve honors.

In the Dressage Combined Test Championship, SMS More Tinique and Mariana Vikse earned championship honors while Maine Lee Mica and Stephanie Hancock earned the reserve tricolor.

The final carriage tests were completed in the Infield Carriage Arena Saturday morning with the Timed Obstacles taking center stage. Winning section C, Tim Morrell bested a strong field of 11 with DRF Sea Wolf for Carol Ramsey-Rice. Susan McLellan and Middlemist Midnight Magic followed them up with second place.

In section B of the Timed Obstacles, Jeff Morse and Marle Hill Concert Master earned another blue ribbon for David Herrick with an impressive performance, while HAI Stormy Edition and Gino Guaraldi earned the second place ribbon for Elva Hutchinson.

For section A, Kim Tilly drove S’lects Command It to the win for owner and trainer Gino Guaraldi, while Carleen Crummett had Meadowmere Double Time maneuvering to bring the second place ribbon in the field of nine back to Joan Duchi. S’lects Command It was also paired with Ryan Tilly to win section D.

Following the final competition of the afternoon session in the grandstand ring, the Carriage Arena Driving Championships were presented. Meadowmere Double Time and Carleen Crummett were the champions of section A with HVK Noble Portrait and Madeline Leone earning the reserve title. In section B, Jeff Morse and Marle Hill Concert Master earned the tricolor for David Herrick, while Saltcreek Choreography and Mary Shurtleff teamed up for reserve. In section C it was L & A Knapps Bold Ace and Marguerite Tomany earning the championship title, while Middlemist Midnight Magic and Susan McLellan took the reserve honors.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Championships were awarded next. Equinox Encore and Jennifer Wood Boucher earned the championship in section A, while Meadowmere Double Time and Carleen Crummett followed closely behind. In section B. Marle Hill Concert Master earned another title with Jeff Morse for David Herrick, while Fernwood Miss Martha Mary and Leslie Sharks followed them in victory. In section C, Tim Morrell presented DRF Sea Wolf to the championship for Carol Ramsey-Rice, and Susan McLellan had Middlemist Midnight Magic in fine form for reserve. S’lects Command It and Ryan Tilley earned the section D championship title after a strong week of performances.

The Concours D’Elegance designation was awarded to Mary Shurtleff and Saltcreek Choreography on account of their beautiful turnout.