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Ohio Crowd Comes Together In Dayton



by Sadie Killian

DAYTON, Ohio - The 2003 Dayton Horse Show was held June 29 - August 2 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in downtown Dayton. American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackney Ponies, Roadsters and Arabians gathered for the five-day event, which has become a tradition for many top barns in the Ohio area.

This year, the show management again elected to have a three judge system. This decision again played as a contributing factor in attracting several top Ohio barns, in addition to a few Kentucky barns and other various stables attempting to get one last practice shot before the up coming Kentucky State Fair.

The three judges this year included Nancy Becker, Paul Boone and Cindy Mugnier. The decision to have the three judges was in large part due to the great show staff, headed by show manager Evette Moody. This staff has put forth great effort in doing anything it can to make the show a good one. Moody was joined by Wade Flory, who was the assistant show manager.

Many classes this year were well filled, with the exception of some on Saturday due to heavy rain Friday night after the show. In addition to having quality classes, Dayton is a fun horse show to visit. Between Karaoke Night, The “Dunk Tank,” The Progressive Party and the always-impressive Shrine Mounted Patrol, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Five-Gaited

The Open Stallion/Gelding Five-Gaited class featured its own share of veteran horse riders. The judges put Lindsay Lavery of Richlon Farm and Just About Right on top of their cards. Lavery rode the sharp entry for Sharla Duechle. Clark Clouse turned in the top ride in the mares class. Clouse rode Tonight Preferred to the blue for Alice Keagan. Clouse came back to the stake with a different idea in mind. Again riding to the win, Clouse directed Ringside to victory for Meagan Strunk. Role Model and Vicki Webb collected reserve for the Shadywood Stables banner.

Lindsay Lavery was back in the saddle for the ladies gaited class. Riding Motor City for Alene Garlick, Lavery brought another blue back to Richlon.

The amateur competition was likely the deepest competition at Dayton. Joan Hammond showed up for two great rides with Deceptive Odds. The pair captured the amateur championship as well as the qualifier. Globetrotter's Fantasy and Ann Moro finished reserve in the championship.

Clouse Stables collected one of what would be several top ribbons when Alexandra Harper aggressively rode Stylin' to blue in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited class. Syne Heir Swim, with Katelyn Klokas up, landed the victory pass in the championship where Santana's First Lady and Kristen Sieas had a solid ride for the reserve.

The Five-Gaited UPHA Classic featured five young horses. Jenny Taylor guided Luman Wadhams nice entry Gaitway's Once In A Blue Moon to the win. Nightly News and John Scott had a clean go, taking home top honors in the Junior Five-Gaited class for owner Powers Smith. Clark Clouse rode Ringside to the Limit Five-Gaited blue. Ringside is owned by Meagan Strunk.

Three-Gaited

Cape Cod Farm, Erin Boggs and To Die For shined at Dayton. While electing not to show back in the championship due to weather, the crowd favorite performed beautifully and took home top honors in the Open Three-Gaited Stallions/Geldings class and the ladies class. Once again, Clark Clouse was in the irons for a victory pass...this time Clouse rode Lady Lenaire to the Open Three-Gaited Mares victory for owner Beverly Nance. Clouse finished up reserve in the championship in which Harmony At Last and Cindy Maloney were good to go for the tricolor win.

It was Sharla Deuchle and SS Lies and Alibis in the spotlight for the amateur walk-trotters at Dayton. The pair had two fine goes, taking the blue and the tricolor in their division.

Hannah Swetnam impressed the panel for the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited tricolor, making a nice comeback from earlier in the week where Say You Will and Leslie Cooley captured the blue. Victoria Giachett and Heiresistable Charm were right on the money for reserve in the championship.

Keith Harger rode the lone entry Paris By Night to an impressive win in the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic. This bright entry is owned by Greg Wilburn. Four came through the gate for the Junior Three-Gaited class. Aboard Shezacat, Clark Clouse had the winning ride for Robert Olson. Having a solid bunch of horses at Dayton, Clouse also showed in the Limit Three-Gaited class. Coming face to face with Steve Demjen, Clouse settled for reserve with Promise Me Fame. Demjen was aboard Caramac's Norma Rae for this crowd pleasing victory.

The Open Three-Gaited Park Full Mane and Tail class took place Thursday evening with four strong entries guided by notable trainers. Lindsay Lavery delivered the winning ride aboard Burnished Steel, who is owned by Sharla Duechle. Chad Cole came back in the championship to face Clark Clouse and Lyn-Brooke Scarlet. Riding the swift-moving Callaway's Twister, Cole exited the ring with the tricolor as Clouse settled in for the reserve.

The amateur park division was dominated by Keith Harger-instructed Rosey Dollface and Cassidy Kom. This dynamic pair was two for two at Dayton, taking the qualifier as well as the championship. Gypsey Time and Jessica Sexton followed the leaders and happily took home reserve to the Cape Cod team.

The Park Pleasure Championship had five prospects competing for the tricolor. Making a very significant comeback from the qualifier, where Danette Musselman rode By All That's Holy to the victory, Vicki Webb directed the up and coming Boru to the tricolor. The Jellico Cat and John Nelson finished as the reserve champions for Martha Cox Haraf.

The UPHA Park Pleasure Classic was one of the fullest and most competitive classes at the show. Riding for Jeff and Cathy Simmons, Erin Boggs expertly delivered the winning ticket aboard the pretty chestnut mare Mama Loves Mambo. There were seven in the junior class, as well. Tom Sworm and Admiral's Paladin stood out in the tough crowd and finished with the blue for Roxanne Feldkamp.

Fine Harness

The Bay Princess and Clark Clouse visited the winner's circle once again at the conclusion of the Fine Harness Championship. This flashy mare is owned by Karen Carver. HV Act Again and Mike VanDyke collected reserve for Ray Alcorn.

Born Rambler and Jane Emery swept the competition in the amateur championship where Rhonda Black and Stradivari stepped into the reserve spot. Black and Stradivari impressed the panel for the blue in the amateur qualifier.

Mary Evans drove Obsedian Silver to the Junior Fine Harness blue for owner Larry Carver. The Fashionable Branch was on top of the cards in the UPHA Fine Harness Classic, with Clark Clouse at the whip for Karen Carver. Shamrock's Riverdance had a strong go for the win in the limit class. John Scott drove this winning entry for Powers Smith. There was only one entry in the Grand National Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Stake, but this one sure had people talking. The big moving Coco Loco and Tre' Lee captured the win as well as the audience for owner, Dr. Gene Scott.

Pleasure

The bold going Harlem's Dark Star and Jessica Williamson put forth the winning effort in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. Look Who's Talking Too and Julie Huber did not go unnoticed in this eight-horse class. This fancy pair finished as the reserve champions.

Coming back from a second place finish in the qualifier, Lynn Gutches Snowden and the tried and true CH Stonewall's Blazing Blueprint gave it all they had to capture the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship. This time, CH Shamrock's Entertainer and Maribelle Granger settled in for the reserve championship.

Always a popular and competitive class, the Adult Show Pleasure Championship featured 10 entries vying for the tricolor. Crimson Serenade and Cathy Schueler were the hot item for victory. Riding for Frank Jones, Matt Martinsek collected reserve with Safari's Heat.

Another full house of juvenile riders converged for the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship. The talented combination of Tender As Iron and Tara Clifton emerged as the winners, taking the tricolor home to Cape Cod Farm after taking the blue in the qualifier Tuesday evening. Jessica Wilson rode her chestnut gelding Champagne Pommery to reserve. Holli McDowell and Carolina Clay garnered the win in the ASHA Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure class.

Glitter 'N Glitz and Iris James were in the spotlight in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship. Georgia Road and Linda Park stood out as well, capturing the reserve championship. Ten entries competed in the under saddle championship. After calculations were complete, Tina Stodd and Marcy's Asset were named champions. Tami Webb rode Uwharries First Lady to the reserve position.

After collecting numerous wins this season, Shana Jo Brown and Cloverleaf's Pocketful of Miracles added another tricolor to their impressive resume. This elegant pair won the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship, qualifier and the limit class at Dayton, proving to be top contenders in their division. Cloverleaf's Pocketful of Miracles is owned by Tom Sworm. The Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Reserve Champion was Assignment In Blue, with Amanda Armenti on board.

In addition, there were various classes held for the hunter country pleasure horses. The Hunter Pleasure Stake featured three. Street Wise and Michele Rotellini had a strong ride and were named champions after claiming the blue in the open qualifier. The reserve champion was Avanzdre, with Joan Stodd on board.

After picking up a good second place finish in the qualifier, Tami Webb rode Touch Of Silver to a top notch performance and exited with the Western Country Pleasure tricolor. Having a successful week at Dayton, Alexandra Ramage and Harlem's Night Moves, who won the qualifier and limit class, stepped down a notch for the reserve.

Equitation

Louisville is just around the corner, and Clinton Jury got one more practice ride in at Dayton last week. Proving he's ready, the talented rider, who is instructed by Suzanne Hubbard, took home the blue in the USAE Saddle Seat Medal class. Cape Cod-instructed Sarah Taylor was on top of her game in the UPHA Challenge Cup 14-17 class. Taylor also won the 14-17 age group equitation class. Kierston Meyer, who won the 13 and under age group class, had a second polished ride in the 13 and under challenge cup where she collected the blue. Meyer is instructed by Richlon. Katherine Gaker, another lovely rider from Cape Cod, swept the competition in the good hands class aboard the trusty Princess Nala. Brave rider Erica Hayman came out to win the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship Saturday evening under the direction of John Nix. The Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion went to lone entry Holli McDowell. The walk and trot riders competed on the beautiful Friday morning session. A great ride left Sarah Allred, who rode Sultan's Skylight, with the blue ribbon and a very happy birthday. Chelsea Inlow came back in full force to take the championship on Saturday.

Hackney Ponies

Warren Finkbine drove the powerhouse pony Melbourne's Grand Illusion to the Hackney Pony Championship. Driving for Burnside Manor Farm, Amber Estis drove Phenomenon to the open reserve championship as well as the amateur reserve championship. The amateur championship went to Heartland Elegant Dancer and Kathy Buente. The Harness Pony division was dominated by the entry Fitz's Major League and Richard Bevins. McKenzie Maple and Governor Casey were on top of the cards for the pleasure pony driving championship.

Roadsters

The Roadster To Bike Championship was full of force and excitement. As the crowd got excited, so did several trainers on the rail. The conclusion left the speedy horse, Frequent Flyer and Calvin Haughaboo in the winner's circle. The reserve championship went to Phoenix and John Nix.

The Roadster Pony Championship featured three entries going for the tricolor. There was no stopping Heartland Well Chosen and Chip Mohler, who came out on top for Ohio High Steppers. Fitz's Something Special and Randy Cox were next in line happily taking home reserve.

Morgans

In addition to Saddlebreds and Hackney Ponies, Morgan competitors also showed up for the Dayton Horse Show. Jim and Fay Lowry brought their nice string of Morgans, in addition to the stock brought by Cape Cod, Memory Lane and other barns. The Park Saddle Championship is always a highlight for the Morgan exhibitors. Under the direction of Lowry Stables, Donna Zimmerman rode the bold trotting Arboria Invictus to this victory. HVK Beau Flaire and Sandra Benko were reserve.

The Open English Pleasure Stake was taken by the elegant combination of Town Hall, formerly owned by Donna Zimmerman, and Lynn Muir. This fancy pair also swept the competition in the amateur stake where Night On The Town and Elizabeth Burick finished as the reserve champions. Steve Lehr and King-Lehr's Bravado turned in the reserve performance in the Open English Pleasure Championship.

Four plowed through the gate for the Morgan Pleasure Driving Stake. Nancy Hattan drove RRF Grand Slam to perfection and took the tricolor home to Rocky Ridge Farm. Also a Rocky Ridge Farm entry, Mystic Rose and Kathryn Schwartz finished as the Pleasure Driving Reserve Grand Champions.

Crestfield Hi Command and Susan Brown were on top of their game in the Classic Pleasure Driving Stake. This pair is trained by Lowry Stables. A clean drive left N Flight Elegance and Abby Adkins with the reserve ribbon. Mouse Hamilton and Wind Blu Supreme Anthem were top finishers in the under saddle division, taking home the blue in the four-horse class.

Rum Brook Immortal Diamond and Stasha West made a comeback to capture the Morgan Western Pleasure Championship. Be A Commotion and Greta Keranen had a graceful go for reserve.

Lastly, the Hunter Pleasure Championship was held Friday evening. Eight entries came out for the competition that was swept by Jax Black Jack and Nicole Cutler. Susan Brown, who won the amateur qualifier, finished up in the reserve position.

The above are some highlights of the Dayton Horse Show. Complete results follow and can also be seen, searched and printed from our web site at www.saddlehorsereport.com.

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