Northwest Saddlebred Association Fall Classic!
Monday, October 11, 2004
Just about everyone in the show horse industry would agree that horse shows are hard work. Hard work for the owner, the trainer, the exhibitor, the grooms and the horses, not to mention show managers, board of directors and staff. How many shows however, make a concerted effort to temper all that hard work with fun and camaraderie and just plain “good neighborliness.”
The Northwest Saddlebred Association Fall Classic does just that. From the moment owners, trainers and exhibitors arrived for the show in Salem, Ore., Sept 29-Oct. 2, 2004, they were welcomed over and over by the friendly members of the NWSA and a horse show staff that put fun at the top of the list.
If you could be picked up and dropped off at the location of your choice anywhere in the U.S. during the last weekend of September, Salem, Ore. would have to be one of the best locations anywhere. Gorgeous landscape and near-perfect weather were the icing on the cake. Maybe its something in the water, but virtually everyone was smiling - all weekend long. It seemed that everyone was genuinely concerned that things were going well for everyone else - all the time.
The horse show staff, which consisted of manager Mike Gallaway, secretary Mollie Gallaway, committee chairperson Karen Lachman, assistant chairperson Peggy Kelber, committee treasurer Jean McGuire and the friendly, hardworking horse show committee, made sure that there were plenty of reasons to smile throughout the weekend. Whether it was the great meal or desserts provided each and every day, the outstanding hospitality each evening, the very well attended dog show on Saturday afternoon, or the exhibitor-trainer-owner-equine-friendly schedule each day, it was just a fun, pleasant weekend all the way around.
There is a lot to be said for being able to leave a horse show on Saturday night or Sunday morning and regardless of what the judge marked on his card, being able to honestly say it was fun.
Hospitality is just one trademark of this social show. It was yet another way that virtually every person on the grounds was made to feel welcome and appreciated. Coffee and donuts were provided each morning to get everyone’s day started off right. The hot coffee was welcome on chilly mornings which did warm up to glorious sunny days throughout the weekend. Wednesday evening, a pizza party to welcome exhibitors, trainers, and grooms was held prior to the start of the first session of the show. Thursday and Friday afternoons everyone in attendance was invited to a Patrons lunch. Thursday afternoon, a special event was held to raise funds for the NWSA Futurity. Horse show judge Tom Sworm spoke at a “meet and greet” that was open to any and all who wanted to attend. Held at the historic Willamette Vineyards in Salem, the event drew a big crowd .
The junior exhibitors also were able to get in on the action in their judging contest which gave them the opportunity to mark their cards in selected classes in the Friday morning and evening sessions. Rhiannan Car-Cullen won the 13 and under age group, followed by Whitney Howard. Sarah Swenson was first in the 14-17 age group. Fellow Far Niente rider Demi Ruffatto was reserve in the age group. Willard and Betty Deardorff sponsored the contest and after the winners and reserve winners had been announced, all the juveniles who participated in the contest presented a card to the Deardorff’s that they had purchased and signed.
Friday night, after the show, the much-anticipated aisle party was held. If there is one thing true about Northwest Fall Classic, its that no one can claim to go hungry during the weekend. This party has become a tradition and offered so much food that people lingered at their favorite stops.
A special presentation was made on Friday evening to 2004 Service Award recipients Bill and Barbara Blacklaw. The award was presented to the Blacklaw’s by the couple it is named for; Ed and Janet Ross.
Saturday morning got things rolling with the lead line class, followed by a full slate of classes, then it was time for the Pie and Ice Cream Social and dog show. Horse show committee member and dog show coordinator Lisa Fulgaro, worked incredibly hard to promote the event and encourage participation. She was rewarded with a big turnout for the event which benefited the NWSA Youth Group.
On Saturday evening, a special ceremony, honoring the retirement of CH Hot Penny was held during the championship session. Afterwards, everyone was invited back to Don Mace Stables for a reception to meet owners Tim Hopf and Bonnie Baker, trainer Don Mace and multi-titled champion CH Hot Penny. Also during the evening, Georgia Ellen Dale, owner of Ellen Dale Acres where Frank Bradshaw trained horses at one time, was in attendance and paid special recognition for her many years of involvement in the Saddle horse industry.
One of many special trophies presented at the show was the The Kaulua Of Silver Oaks High Point Versatility Memorial Perpetual Trophy. The trophy, donated by Bev Roth and Allison Deardorff and presented by Brooke Deardorff, was awarded to Marywood's Music Man. The gorgeous silver punchbowl with eight cups went home with owners Cathy and Stephanie Stone. Stephanie Stone rode Marywood's Music Man to the win in the adult medal class under the Corbett Stables banner.
Corbett Stables wasn't the only barn in attendance to hang blue ribbons from the tack room wall. Barns from throughout California, Washington, Oregon and Canada as well as several owner/trainer/exhibitors, had blue and tricolor prizes by the close of the show.
Full Spectrum and Martha Keck continued an undefeated season under the direction of Dick Boettcher with their win in the Junior Five-Gaited Stake and qualifier. Trainer Chuck Court rode Roses Beginnings to both reserves for Terry and Gerd Reichenbach.
Trainer Don Mace was up on Magic of New York to win the UPHA Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Classic for Georgia Knowlen. Megawatt and Chuck Court were reserve for Elizabeth Thompson.
Singing Hills Stables had a huge show including capturing the Five-Gaited Grand Championship and open titles. Gene van der Walt rode CH A Champagne Affair for both wins for Barbara Gaynor. Hunt's Heartthrob and Elizabeth Chambers were reserve in the open class for Carolyn Chambers. Trainer Dana Paparo, of Far Niente, rode to the reserve tricolor.
Callaway's Arbitrator and Julia Martin, trained by Dixon Stables, claimed the win in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited class before finishing with the reserve title in the stake behind the Boettcher-trained team of Robin Hayden and Hometown Show.
Extra Radiant and Kaye Sullivan added another win to the Court Stables banner after they were chosen to wear the roses in the Amateur Five-Gaited Stake. The stake proved to be one of the most exciting classes of the show because Sworm called for a workout between qualifier winner Spirited Revival with Laurel Nelson from Dick Boettcher Stables, and Extra Radiant. The two went head to head in a fierce battle. Sally Nottage turned in a nearly flawless ride with her Doubletrees Bouquet Of Blue to take the reserve in the amateur qualifier from Deardorff Stable.
Doubletrees Quixotic was victorious in the Five-Gaited Limit Horse class with Gene van der Walt up for Singing Hills Stables. Bruce Dixon rode Drambuee to the red streamers for Judith Castilliac.
Periempress and Marie Peyman, of Woodhaven, marched squarely and solidly to the winner's circle in both the Three-Gaited Stake and open qualifier for Bob Facciola.
Doubletrees Aqua Blue was the winner of the junior/novice class with Don Deardorff riding for Peggy Kelber and Pinnacle Farm. Allison Deardorff, like her father, went to the winner's circle many times over the weekend including her winning ride with Doubletrees Firecracker Too for Willard Deardorff in the Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited class.
Nicola van der Walt went two for two in the junior exhibitor division with her South African mount Nelmar's Tango 4 Ever, owned by Singing Hills Stables. Red Oak's Warrior and Jodi Schwisow were reserve in both the stake and qualifier for Paul and Muriel Pederson.
Mr. Rockefeller was also a two time winner in the division. Brigitte Scholl, of Monarch Stables, met owner Alexandra Johnson in the winners circle after the amateur stake and qualifier to pin the winning ribbons. Santana's Kiss and Sandy Whitehouse claimed the second place tie in both classes under Deardorff Stable banner.
Another South African representative from Singing Hills Stables went home with the win in a stake class and qualifier. Dorian Warriors Song and Bill Blacklaw teamed up to win the Amateur Fine Harness Stake and the amateur qualifier. Tim Hopf drove Water Water Everywhere to the reserve in both classes under the direction of trainer Don Mace.
Martha Keck claimed the remaining open stake title when Lady Treasure, winner of the open class with Keck, was named the Fine Harness Grand Champion with Keck again in the buggy. Doubletrees New Beginning was reserve in both classes with Gene van der Walt driving for Singing Hills.
Whenever, owned by Dr. and Mrs. Barry Lueck, won the UPHA Fine Harness Classic with Don Mace presenting. Doubletrees Just A Caper was reserve with Allison Deardorff driving.
Black Knight On Broadway took the blue ribbon in the junior/novice class with Walt Knowlen driving for Georgia Knowlen.
Team Nottage claimed two more wins to continue their successful season. Jim Nottage and Air Force One were the Amateur Roadster To Bike Champions and the Roadster To Bike Grand Champions. Posse Man and Harry Chapman were reserve in the amateur class and in the open class behind Allison Deardorff and Run Forest Run. Allison Deardorff also rode Air Force One to the blue ribbon in the under saddle class and drove Run Forest Run to the reserve in the open stake. These Dreams was reserve in the under saddle class with owner Brenda Corbett.
Bruce Dixon drove Sandra Surber's Seamair's Autumn Rose to the Roadster Pony Grand Championship after winning the junior/novice class. Perfect Jewell, winner of the open class, was reserve in the stake with Tony Peterson driving for Gayle Buck. Forever Showtime was reserve in the junior/novice class for owner Gayle Buck. Tony Peterson made the red ribbon drive. The multi-titled P.T. Cruiser finished with the red ribbon in the open class with Marie Peyman driving for Bob Facciola.
Alex Nelson and his Haven-West Spitfire were twice victorious when Sworm named them the Junior Exhibitor Roadster Pony Grand Champions and qualifier winners under the direction of Dick Boettcher. Fitz's Cleopatra and Joseph Chambers finished in second both trips for owners Preston Paparo and Far Niente.
Impress My Daddy, well known contender under the direction of Gib Marcucci, has made a splash on the west coast with owner Barbara Blacklaw. She drove the long tail pony to the win in the Harness Pony Stake and open class.
The Hackney Pony Stake was a lot of fun to watch and one of the weekend's most unusual classes. Prior to the class, all four drivers put their ponies names in a hat and each chose a pony other than their own to show in the stake. With only a few minutes of practice allowed in the warm up ring, all four drivers actually turned in great drives with the ponies they had chosen. When Sworm turned in his card, it was Fire Devil taking the victory pass with Barbara Gaynor driving for owner Bobbie Anne Welch. E.F. Ross drove Heartland Newsmaker to reserve for Welch after Gene van der Walt drove Newsmaker to the win in the open class. Fire Devil and Bobbie Welch were reserve in the open class.
Heartland Entitled has been a star in the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving division for owner Yvette Scandling all season. Sandra Surber added two more wins to the pony's impressive resume with the double victory at Fall Classic under the direction of Dixon Stables.
The Town Topic was reserve in the stake with owner Ashley Davick and took the blue in the junior exhibitor class. Karen Lachman drove Bel-Wood Captain Supreme to reserve in the adult qualifier for Jack and Helen McCann and Lachman.
Editor Chief, owned and shown by Gayle Buck, won the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Limit class.
Doubletrees Royal Request, sired by Quiver and out of Beautiful Beginning, and Allison Deardorff claimed the victory in the UPHA Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure class for Dean and Leslie Pierce. Leslie Pierce took over and went to the winner's circle with Royal Request in the NWSA Futurity Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Pleasure class. Snow Lovely Of Silver Oaks was reserve in the UPHA class with Lisa Lesch riding, and Hero's Rocketeer, sired by Haven's Hero and out of Harlem's Gloria, was reserve in the NWSA Futurity class with Barb Christensen up for Gretchen Olson.
Doubletrees Lymrique was the entry at the top of Tom Sworm's card in both the Five and Under Park Pleasure Stake and five and under qualifier. Don Deardorff rode for owners Patrick and Kelle Howard. Don Mace piloted Hero's Ace Of Spades to the reserve grand championship and reserve championship titles for Anne Byers.
Owner Wendi DeWeirdt was up on her Starmaker's Triton to win the eight-entry Park Stake and equally as competitive open qualifier. Dick Boettcher put the team in the ring. Tyger Prince of Silver Oaks, with trainer Lisa Lesch, was reserve in the stake for Susan Duncan. The Great Santini was reserve in the open class with owner Delores Glascoe.
Hero's Chocolate Lady claimed the final ribbon in the park division with owner Pamela Heiman riding to the winner's circle in the Junior Three-Gaited Park class. Tailored N' Flames Of Silver Oaks was reserve with Lesch up for Duncan.
Helen Taylor represented Dixon Stables when she and her Will's No Doubt About It swept the Five-Gaited Pleasure Stake and qualifier. Doubletrees Chancealot, with Dr. Patricia Buchanan up for Dreamquest Saddlebreds, followed in the ribbon count in both classes, showing under the Far Niente banner.
With nine entries in each class, the five-gaited pleasure division turned out to be well filled and competitive. It would not however, be the largest division of the show nor would it be the only one with competitors riding hard. The Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Stake featured nine strong teams after an even bigger 11-entry qualifier. Barbara Blacklaw capped off a great weekend with her tricolor-winning ride aboard Heirilee. Hero's Hot Topic was the reserve grand champion with Connie Torgerson up under the direction of Barb Christensen.
Suzanne Murphy rode Corsage to the qualifier victory and was followed in the count by CH Ampli-Phi with Julie Streitfeld. Dick Boettcher and Brigitte Scholl, respectively met their riders at the out gate.
Stephanie Duck put CH Ampli-Phi in the winner's circle for Streitfeld when Ampli-Phi was named the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure Grand Champion and champions. Demi Rufferto and Will Rogers Showgirl were reserve both times out.
Elizabeth Chambers proceeded to the winner's circle in the Limit Rider Three-Gaited Pleasure class with Hayfield's Gallant Talent. Romance On A Wing turned in the red ribbon effort with owner Stacey Strasser.
Gary Hayden, like daughter Robin, went home with winning ribbons. Hayden drove CH Harlem's Special Music to both wins in the show pleasure driving division. Dresden Queen and owner/trainer/exhibitor George Timmons were the reserve grand champions and reserve champions.
Miss American Phi won the Pleasure Horse In Hand class with Julie Streitfeld showing for Julie Barrow. Umaidmeluvu, also owned by Barrow, was reserve with Stephanie Duck.
Cathy Saur, riding her CH Spirit Of Champagne, was yet one more winner from Deardorff Stable. She took both victory passes in the Five-Gaited Country Pleasure Stake and qualifier for Sunrise Hill Farm. Su Casa and Julie Streitfeld were next in the ribbon count in both classes.
I'm A Hellcat, trained by Dana Paparo of Far Niente, captured the Country Pleasure Grand Championship after a sizable move up in the ribbons after the qualifier. Doubletrees Dial A Dream and Rachelle Bolton were reserve in the stake which was competitive with eight entries. Stonecroft Opening Night and Martha Keck took the red ribbon in the qualifier.
Kathy Krause, riding Mahvelous Revival, won the Country Pleasure Limit Rider class ahead of reserve champion Umaidmeluvu and Stephanie Duck. Duck rode for owner Julie Barrow.
Nan Chapman and Sultan's Jackpot represented Woodhaven with their wins in the Country Pleasure Driving Stake and qualifier. Marywood's Music Man was reserve in the qualifier with Cathy Stone, and Santana's Girl Talk was reserve in the stake with Tim Hopf driving.
Desert's Great Memories had a great show in the western division, capturing the tricolor in the Western Country Pleasure Stake and the blue ribbons in the adult class and Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class. Elizabeth Chambers rode for owner Silva Sullivan under the direction of Far Niente. Courtney Hayden and Doubletrees Phi Beta Kappa were reserve in the stake and adult qualifier. Deja Vu Of Valley View was reserve in the Shatner class with janet Brinsfield up.
Unrelenting and Jesse West finished out the ribbon count in the western division when they took the title in the junior exhibitor class.
Nicola van der Walt made three more trips to the winner's circle when Just Wait was named the Hunter Country Pleasure Grand Champion and champion for owner Debbie Schrieber, in addition to winning the Saddle & Bridle Hunt Seat Classic. Melitta Lueck rode Rainier Belle to second in all three classes for Dr. Bonnie Baker and Dr. Tim Hopf.
Doubletrees Quite A Treasure was quite a sight in both the NWSA Futurity Two-Year-Old Fine Harness class and the NWSA Futurity Two-Year-Old In Hand class. Sired by Quiver and out of Doubletrees Dance All Night, he was matched only by his full brother Doubletrees By Special Request. Special Request won the NWSA Futurity Yearling Championship and yearling colt class. The yearling and two-year-old were both shown to their wins by Don Deardorff. Yachting Class, sired by A Grand Affair and out of Attache's Andrea, was reserve in the NWSA Futurity Two-Year-Old Fine Harness class and the futurity in-hand class with owner Ed Morris.
Evangelical, sired by Revival and out of Circle Of Life, won the yearling fillies class and was the NWSA Futurity Yearling Reserve Grand Champion with Don Deardorff showing for Lynn Robertson. Unchained and Don Deardorff took the red ribbon in the yearling colt class for Joe and Georgia Burgin. Unchained was sired by Unlisted and out of Farith Supreme. Doubletrees Love You Too, sired by Avant and out of Lyric, was the reserve filly for Don and Allison Deardorff.
Panasche Of Silver Oaks, sired by The Ring Of Fire and out of Pacific Power, won the NWSA Futurity Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited class with owner and trainer Lisa Lesch riding. Doubletrees Avalanche and Allison Deardorff took the red ribbon. Avalanche was sired by Avant and out of Baked Alaska.
Deardorff Stable also presented the winner of the weanling division, Doubletrees Captivating. Don Deardorff presented the weanling colt winner, sired by Avant and out of Doubletrees Fancy Lady, to the tricolor presentation in the NWSA Futurity Weanling Championship. Spot My Excitement, sired by Chicago Park and out of Magic Evening, was the weanling reserve grand champion and reserve colt champion with Lisa Lesch showing for Gary Gustafson.
Doubletrees Special Bequest won the weanling filly class with Don Deardorff. The filly was sired by Quiver and out of Alanis Morrisette, and was followed in the ribbons by stable mate Pinnacle's Radiant Arrival. The reserve filly, owned by Pinnacle Farm, was sired by Avant and out of Radiant Talent.
Allison Deardorff rode Doubletrees Classique, sired by Quiver and out of Callaway's Molly Brown, to a blue ribbon for trustee Sally Nottage in the NWSA Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Futurity.
Megawatt took the blue in the NWSA Futurity Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited class to go with the reserve from the UPHA Class. Chuck Court rode the Haven's Hero-sired three-year-old, out of Commander's Snazzy Pzazz, to victory. She's Quite A Honey, sired by Quiver and out of Doubletrees D'Brassy Lady, was presented to reserve for owner Karen Lachman by Don Deardorff.
Five-teams competed in the NWSA Open Park qualifier with the win going to Brigitte Scholl and CH Blue Ridge Miles for owner Siri Hadland. Reedann's Phirestorm and Annalize van der Walt took the red ribbon and returned in the NWSA Park Stake to claim the reserve tricolor for Karen Kronman. Spurwing's Forty Two Fizzes captured the grand championship title in the two-entry stake.
Annette Puchta rode her Doubletrees Quite Spicy to the win in the nine-entry English Pleasure Stake after taking the reserve in the open class. Julia Goldman, up on her Friesian Stormy Seas, was reserve in the stake after Janna Goldman rode to the win in the Open English Pleasure class. Janna Goldman and her Friesian Majestic won the Amateur English Pleasure class and were followed in the ribbons by Herman V and Logan Porter. Porter rode for owner Rena Bilodeau.
Choco Bay Llana and Stephanie Stone won the Pleasure Driving Championship and the open pleasure driving class.
Julia Goldman went to the winner's circle with Stormy Seas when Sworm named him the Friesian English Pleasure Grand Champion. The pair had earned the reserve in the Friesian Open English Pleasure class. Sytse Stonecreek and Jennifer Dixon won the open class before taking the reserve tricolor in the Friesian Open English Pleasure Stake for Karl Hirschhorn.
Majestic and Janna Goldman took two more titles for Black Sterling Friesians. They took both the Amateur Friesian English Pleasure qualifier and amateur Friesian grand championship. Herman V and Rena Bilodeau were reserve grand champions and reserve champions.
Karl Hirschhorn drove Winand with his gorgeous carriage to the Friesian Pleasure Driving Stake and qualifier wins under the direction of Dixon Stables.
Nicola van der Walt finished up a busy weekend with several wins in the equitation division. She was named the Equitation Grand Champion after having won the 14-17 class with Callaway's Typographer. Jodi Schwisow, after winning the USEF Saddle Seat Medal with Doubletrees Dominion, was the Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Grand Champion. Fellow Deardorff stables rider Whitney Howard was reserve in the medal and also won the 13 and under equitation class with Doubletrees Number One Son.
Siri Hadland and CH Blue Ridge Miles won the 17 and Under UPHA Challenge Cup class after taking the red ribbon in the 14-17 equitation class. Jodi Schwisow was reserve in the challenge cup.
Rhia Car-Cullen, riding CH Remember Martha, won the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup and the 10 and Under equitation class to add two more wins to the Deardorff total. Stephanie Stone claimed the final equitation win with the victory in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Medal class. Stone rode her Marywood's Music Man for the winning ride.
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