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Numbers up Thirty Percent At Dayton Horse Show



DAYTON, Ohio--The Dayton Horse Show, known for its quaint setting, warm crowd and long-standing tradition of the Shrine Mounted Patrol, was held July 30 - Aug. 3, 2002 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in the center of downtown Dayton.

Various breeds, including American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Roadsters, Hackney and Harness Ponies and Arabians came together to celebrate the show, helping entry numbers make a 30 percent jump from last year.

"Our numbers greatly increased this year and we're on the road to increasing those numbers even more next year, said Evette Moody, who played a major role in pulling this horse show together.

Moody also claimed that the Morgan people, who are really starting to turn out, are helping the show tremendously as well.

This year, exhibitors again saw great competition, providing many with one last stop before Louisville. The very popular show grounds had a couple of changes this year...one being a track that is nearly 60 feet wider. Other changes this year included the party and activities structure. In the past, the horse show put on one big party but this year the committee planned a party or event for each day of the show. Another change this year was the three-judge panel which, according to Moody, may or may not continue for next year.

Exhibitors always welcome changes, but what keeps them coming back is its ambiance...that never changes. This show is truly one that all who attend enjoy and this is likely due to the hard work and dedication that this outstanding show staff put forth.

Led by Evette Moody , the show seems to put great emphasis on making this horse show pleasurable. There are activities and events each night after the show that take the strain off the sometimes tense and serious hard work that takes place during competition.

After Thursday evening’s session, the show put on a Karoke Party where several exhibitors, including trainers, got down and showed off their singing talents. Several barns participated in Friday night’s Progressive Party. The show provided exhibitors with a map of all the barns participating and upon arriving exhibitors could find an array of food and drinks at each barn.

Another great thing that keeps people coming to this show and loving every minute of it is the infield. You can shop around, grab a bite to eat or stop by the photo booth and not miss a minute of the action going on inside the ring.

You wouldn’t want to miss the action inside the ring at Dayton. Class after class featured exhibitors at the top of their game. For many, Dayton is one final practice stop for Ohio barns like Memory Lane, Cape Cod, Richlon and L’Ambiance, to name a few, before Louisville. In addition to the Ohio crowd, several barns travel from nearby states like Kentucky and Indiana to catch a glimpse of the Dayton experience.

This year, one of those Kentucky barns, Clouse Stables, enjoyed a banner week at Dayton. It’s not all too often that one barn captures both the Three-Gaited Stake as well as the climactic Five-Gaited Stake in one night. However, on Saturday night horse enthusiasts watched Clark Clouse make two big victory passes, taking home both the watk-trot and gaited stake tricolors.

The gaited stake concluded the show Saturday evening. It was a full class and everyone in there was fresh and ready to go. Clark Clouse and Tonight Preferred made a grand performance for owner Alice Kegan and racked their way out as champions. Heirs Heiress and Lindsay Lavery made an extremely competitive performance, after winning the ladies class earlier in the week, for a reserve championship for Gara Graham.

The Amateur Five-Gaited Championship came to a head with five solid entries vying for the tricolor. The announcer called the sharp duo of Grand Rambler and Karen Carver into the winner’s circle for the tltle. They are trained by Clouse Stables. The reserve call came for Deceptive Odds and Martha Cox-Haraf of Swartz Creek, Mich.

Concluding their sweep in the five-gaited division, Mark Webster and Clark Clouse directed a very powerful yet elegant Stylin’ and Alexandra Harper to the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Stake. Putting forth great effort for reserve was Benjamin Warner aboard Time For Champagne for Dr. Fernando Jara.

The walk-trot stake showcased six fine entries trotting their way onto the track, ready to strut their stuff for the filled grandstands. All three judges had their hands full in this class as pass after pass captured horse after horse in top form. This time, Clark Clouse rode Beverly Nance’s very bright mare, Lady Lenair to the tricolor victory pass. Steve Demjen, who also enjoyed a successful week at Dayton for Steve Demjen Stables at Memory Lane Farm, trotted out reserve aboard Caramac’s Norma Rae.

Last year at Dayton, Heir Popper and Ryan Stodd made their debut performance to capture the Amateur Three-Gaited Grand Championship. This year was no different as the crowd pleasing pair trotted out as champions for the L’Ambiance team headed by Chris and Chad Reiser. The well-known S.S. Lies and Alibis with Sharla Deuchle settled in for second. This is another top team from Richlon.

In the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Stake, Alberlarm Elegant Lady and Amy Wilson made a pleasing performance for the win while Lindsay Watson rode Bona Fide Sport HF for the reserve ribbon.

Continuing a successful first season together, the pair of Undulata’s Jimmy Hollywood and Erin Boggs captured the tricolor in the competitive Three-Gaited Park Championship for Connie Sexton. Steve Demjen stepped into reserve with Suddenly Summer for Jean Triplett.

Steve Demjen also prepared Absolute Sensation and Danielle Loar for a bold performance Friday evening. This dynamic duo landed themselves the tricolor in the Amateur Three-Gaited Park Stake. Catabolic and Frank James accepted reserve.

In the Fine Harness Grand Championship, Showcase’s Shades of Night placed on top with Bobby Morrison at the lines for Cierae Endsley. Tommy Clouse drove Elazar into the reserve spot after Clark Clouse won the Open Fine Harness Class earlier in the week with the same horse.

Donna Kuhbander and Tip O’The Hat finished up front in the Amateur Fine Harness Championship for the L’Ambiance crew, while Heavens Silver Lining and Angie Buckles took the reserve.

Four horses made the gate call for the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. CH Stonewall's Blazing Blueprint and Lynn Gutches Snowden performed nicely to capture the title. Shamrock's Entertainer and Maribelle Granger stepped up a few spots for the reserve.

Kendra and Shelly Fisher guided several fine entries into the ring at Dayton throughout the week under the Sugar Knoll banner. Making a perfect fit, Kendra Fisher and Broadway Tune were named Park Pleasure Grand Champions. Sparkling Heiress followed for the reserve. Chris Reiser was up for Christine Watson.

Chris Spoonster and Callaway's Off The Record made a magnificant comeback to capture the show pleasure tricolor for Richlon. The first and second place horses of the 14-17 junior exhibitor class maintained their positions for the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship. Caught Ya Lookin' and Jessica Fildes caught all three judges eyes for the second time at Dayton. Reserve honors were awarded to Picard and Katie Melton.

The Soprano and Kaye Bowles-Durnell made a flashy appearance to respectfully gain approval as champions in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. Look Who's Talking Too and Julie Huber pulled off a strong finish for reserve.

CH Bi Mi Add Lib and Meagan O'Connell-Carnes really got matters taken care of in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship. After riding ever so elegantly, the pair earned a tricolor, adding to the Sugar Knoll string of top ribbons. Cowboy and Stacy Thomas finished just behind the champions for reserve after a blue ribbon ride in the 13 and under qualifier.

Not a ton of horses showed up for the western division but it was still nice to watch the handful of beautiful combinations in top form anyway. In the Western Country Pleasure Championship, Home Town Talent and Michele Black jogged out as winners for Debra White. Reserve honors went to Touch of Silver and Tami Webb for Jeanne Siemon.

The Hunter Country Pleasure division was swept by Street Wise and Michele Rotellini. The duo not only won the qualifier, but they went on to defeat all the competition in the championship as well.

A good bunch of very serious young riders showed up a Dayton ready to get business done. Some of the industry's well known equitation riders made their last ride before Louisville at Dayton which really gave the division some edge.

In the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship riders were asked to perform individual workouts. After the workouts, the three judges approached two riders, asking them for an additional task -- to address their reins. When all was said and done, the very esteemed former Morgan rider, Reese Richey polished off another win for his collection. The Cape Cod-instructed rider was aboard Kristin Campbell's Undulata's Time To Shine for the victorious ride. Dayton's reserve champion, Jessica Sexton has enjoyed numerous winning rides this season aboard Princess Nala. She is also instructed by Gene, Kathy and Erin Boggs.

While Cape Cod's Sarah Taylor did not show in the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, she nonetheless made her presence known at Dayton earning top honors in both the AHSA Saddle Seat Medal and the National Horse Show Saddle Seat Event aboard Highpoint's Syncopated Rhythm.

Continuing their sweep in the equitation division, Cape Cod took home the tricolor in the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship as well. The very talented and gracious Kathrine Gaker was the chosen champion for this class while Hannah Swetnam, who also aggressively took charge to win the challenge cup earlier in the week, claimed reserve.

The Walk and Trot Championship was filled with talented young riders. Richlon's Kiersten Myers was aboard Fritz Santana for the tricolor trip down victory lane. Caroline Gaker happily rode out with reserve aboard The Mustang Sally.

The 2002 season has been a tremendous one for the team of Connie Clouse and R Lady In Red. It’s a thrilling to watch them each time they speedily race around any ring and Dayton was no different. Once again, Connie Clouse got it done and left with another win to add to this years collection of tricolors. Calvin Haughaboo and Frequent Flyer raced out with reserve for Tom Haughaboo.

Five ponies competed in the Roadster Pony To Bike Championship but no one could catch up with winners Julie Moro and Fireazz. Dun Haven Top Hat finished as the reserve champion with Beth Jones at the lines.

High Hopes’ Beth Jones made another striking performance in the Harness Pony Championship, capturing the win with the WonMore Diamond Legacy. VVM Chantilly Lace finished reserve for Martha Cox-Haraf.

The Amateur Hackney Pony class winner and the Open Hackney Pony class winner came face to face in the Hackney Pony Championship. Melbourne's Grand Illusion claimed another winning go with Warren Finkbine. Phenomenon went out with reserve with David Estis for Burnside Manor Farm.

Beth Jones garnered another blue for High Hopes Farm in the Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Championship. Jones was at the lines behind Mr. Jack Daniels. The two also took out the competition in the qualifier.

The Morgan divisions at Dayton are continuing to grow deeper and deeper each year. Several quality Morgans turned out to show this year in the wide array of classes offered for the breed.

The Morgan Park Saddle Stake saw a bold performance by Silverheels Synergy lead to the victory pass. Triumph Stables' John Hufferd was up for the winning ride for owners Denny and Toni Maurder. HVK Beau Flaire and Sandy Benko earned reserve honors.

Jenny Taylor was at the lines behind All Flaired Up for a championship victory pass in the Morgan Park Harness Stake. This flashy Morgan is owned by Terry King. Reserve honors went to Downer Hill Tornado and Joel Ziemer.

The Morgan English Pleasure Stake was won by King Lehr's Bravado with Steve Lehr up for Sandra Benko. Reserve honors went to DMMF Noble Dynasty and Lora Lyons.

Numbers were better in the amateur stake as six ribbons were given out to deserving pairs. Adding to a very successful week, Annie Morgan trotted out aboard Pondview's Forever Free with another win under their belt. It was the second place winners of the junior exhibitor qualifier to take reserve honors -- Paradigm Power Surge and Lisa Taylor.

Sandcastle Spittin Image and Donna Zimmerman made a solid show in the Morgan Pleasure Driving Stake, securing a top ribbon for the Lowry team. Ryan's Pure Silk Lady and Toni Maunder placed reserve, maintaining the same order as the qualifying class earlier in the week.

Five Morgans made the call for the Classic Pleasure Saddle Stake. After everyone in this very competitive group gave it their all, it was the well-deserving Merriehill Stonewall Will and Linda Swink to capture the top spot. Hy Court Of Appeal and Stephanie Skelton tied reserve for owner Robert Morgan.

After a full qualifying class, three showed back for the Classic Pleasure Driving Stake. The talented Town Hall and Donna Zimmerman secured the win in both qualifier and stake under the direction of Jim Lowry. Tara's Sienna and Alexandria Ost performed nicely for the reserve finish.

The very graceful Shaker's La Strada and Annie Morgan added another flawless go to their record, claiming top honors in the Morgan Western Pleasure Stake as well as winning the five-horse amateur qualifier. The reserve champion was PKM Gamborian and Sandra Benko. This pair also won the open qualifier.

The Hunter Pleasure Stake was taken by Jax Noble Onyx and Witney Singer Porter. This dynamic pair led the way in the amateur qualifier and place second in the open class. Open winner PKM Gamborian and Sandra Benko finished reserve in the championship.

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