Oklahoma Centennial: Good Old Fashioned Fun
Thursday, April 20, 2006
by Jennifer Styskal
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.- For 18 years now Oklahoma Centennial Horse Show has endured the ups and downs most horse shows experience. Unfortunately, this year was not during one of the ups. Held at the well-equipped Oklahoma State Fairgrounds April 12-15, 2006, the show has been undergoing some changes in hopes of a revival.
For the past few years, the fairgrounds have been under construction as efforts are being made to revamp the barns, stabling and streets in other sections of the grounds. Talks have circulated about moving the horse show to a newer arena across the road while work is done on the main coliseum and the barns. This new arena has an identical ring to the one in the coliseum, but the seating is reduced in comparison, yet would give the horse show a more energetic and homey atmosphere.
Another change to the show is the new management. Scarlet Mattson has taken over show manager duties from Fern Bittner, with Beth Snider as show secretary. Peter Fenton took up the duties as show announcer, while Bret Day of Versailles, Ky., judged the Saddlebreds, Hackneys, roadsters, and saddle seat equitation. John Hufferd of Roanoke, Ind., judged the Morgans, Morgan equitation, and the open classes. Howie Schatzberg captured the winning moments on film.
Two horse trainers celebrated their birthday during the show. Barbe Smith and Jack Magill both enjoyed cake and treats from their customers after the last performance of the show Friday night. Saturday night all exhibitors and spectators were treated to a dessert bar set up on the upper level of the coliseum during the show.
Five-Gaited
Saturday night marked the end of the show and the open campaigners charged into the ring to entertain the crowd one last time. Four entries smoothly performed their five gaits each way of the ring. Jack Magill and Twice Charmed were the favorites of the judge and the crowd. Joan Cantrell and Jan Myers own this explosive gelding who also captured the open qualifier. Joining the open ranks for the night was Chris Nalley as he trotted and racked his big-striding gelding It’s All About Me to the reserve tricolor. Dave Hysaw guided the Bobbie Reid entry Cassidy to the third place with reserve champions of the qualifier, Cheryl Posenke and Summer Wind Storm, up for the fourth ribbon.
The ladies championship was another heart-pounding, foot-stomping class. Deborah Butler guided her well-mannered gelding, Callaway’s Lil Abner to the tricolor and roses. Stablemate Freaky Links and Theresa Vonderschmitt swept up behind them for the reserve title. These two ladies also placed the same in the qualifier.
Theresa Vonderschmitt awed the crowd with a flawless ride in the amateur ranks aboard Red Flame Thrower. This pair claimed the blue after placing second in the amateur qualifier. Right on their heels was Bobbie Reid and her Sky’s Blue Angel for the reserve championship. In the qualifier, William Woods University-owned Summer Rendezvous and Lauren McMichael racked up for the blue and did not show back.
Maguire Hall dominated the junior exhibitor division with Shame On You, trained by Milligan Stables. Hall and Shame On You earned the nod from the judge in both the junior exhibitor classes. Red Hot And Bothered was just that – red hot, that is - as her jockey, Gabriella Flynn, maneuvered her around the ring to claim the reserve tricolor. The Jack Magill trained team of Suki Snowlet and Carolyn Dillon earned the red ribbon in the qualifier.
The limit class was filled with quality horses. Zach Duffy of Mike Roberts Stables took the top ribbon on What’s The Whoopla for owner Bonnie and Robert Koch. Buena Vista and Jack Magill made some great passes to capture the reserve streamers.
The junior class did not lack quality as four entries thundered down the ramp. Linkin Park, handled by Todd Miles, made the victory pass after a hard-earned win. Deborah Bulter owns this high trotting gelding. Racking up for the reserve prize was the Edmund Perwien-owned Bluebonnet’s Challenger and Sandra Currier.
Mojo and Zach Duffy were the lone entry in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic, but put on quite a show for owner Katie Coup.
Three-Gaited
Three entries park-trotted around the ring for the open championship. Jack Magill made another sweep, earning his second championship for the night on board I’m Bewitched.
Owner Pam Singer’s daughter, Sarah Singer, rode this refined mare to a reserve championship in both the junior exhibitor classes. Lauren McMichael was at the reins on A Good Night Kiss for the reserve championship in the open class. Daysha Beasley owns A Good Night Kiss and showed her horse to a nice third place ribbon in the junior exhibitor qualifier.
Theresa Vonderschmitt rode her beautiful grey mare, Macy Gray, to the blue in both the ladies championship and the qualifier.
Another DeLovely stablemate, Michelle Hartman and Royal Sweet captured the amateur title in both classes as well.
Sarah Wood, also under the direction of Lillian Shively and Todd Miles, expertly rode her mount Attaché’s Touched By An Angel to the junior exhibitor championship as well as the qualifier blue.
Park
Jeremy Granier directed Ann Bailey’s horse, Knight Of Steel, through the crowd of entries and to the park championship. Ross Tarkington handled his petite and eye-catching mare, Madeira’s Country Love to the reserve streamers after winning the park qualifier. CH Like An Admiral thrived in the park division as Liz Cortwright rode him to the red ribbon in the open park qualifier. Carol Winters earned the amateur tricolor with him after picking up the reserve in the amateur qualifier for owner Brown/Anderson Farms.
Desert’s Untouchable Memories put on a good show to capture the reserve amateur championship title after winning the qualifier. Lauren McMichael rode this bright-eyed mount for CBA Partnership.
Fine Harness
Two high-headed steeds came through the gate for the fine harness championship. Though there were only two, it was a close call. Wee Pee Meadows and Zach Duffy wore the roses down victory lane for Linda Nicholas. Randi Wightman and her stunning horse Callaway’s Trade Wind took home the reserve with Casey Crabtree coaching them from the rail. Wightman and Callaway’s Trade Wind earned the blue in the open class a few nights before.
Linda Nicholas stepped up to take the lines behind her Wee Pee Meadows to capture the blue in the amateur class.
Zach Duffy returned at the lines to win the junior class with Middendorf Farms’ Midds Ritz.
Sandra Currier was in the buggy behind Unlisted Number to win the UPHA Fine Harness Classic for Neartown Animal Clinic.
Roadster
Three Standardbreds raced around the ring for the open championship. Pulling away from the crowd was Invincible Summer and Raymond Shively. This winning entry of both open classes is owned by Judy McNeish. Coming up for the reserve was Milligan Stables-trained Anna Marie Dempsey and Geronimo. This team also won the amateur class. Miss Money Penny and Casey Crabtree sped around the corner in the open qualifier to garner the red ribbon.
Ponies
The road ponies brought cheers and applause from the crowd as they took their turns racing down the straightaways. In the championship, it was Jimmy Miller and Heartland In A Minute who created dust as they charged towards the winner’s circle. High Spirits Farm is the owner of this entry. Heartland In A Minute also won the UPHA Road Pony Classic earlier in the week with Miller at the lines. Reserve in the championship went to Heartland Flurry and Beth Nevitt for owner Jerry Cummins. This flurry of legs was also reserve in the amateur class with Paul Adams in the sulky.
In the open class Richard Bornemeier and Seamair Philosopher took home the blue for Coachlight Farm. Michael Graham and his pony Bradfords Jem were reserve.
The amateur championship caused quite a stir. The Patty Milligan-owned pony She’s A Ticket showed her speed as Beth Oseroff steered her down victory lane. She’s A Ticket was reserve in the junior exhibitor class with Cowboy Magic capturing the blue with Gabrielle Flynn at the lines. Flynn and Cowboy Magic were reserve champions in the amateur championship. Anna Marie Dempsey wore the silks behind her pony Long Time Gone to win the amateur qualifier. Milligan Stables also trains this duo.
Darrel Kolkman drove his young pony Heartland Ten Ten Two Twenty to the red streamers in the UPHA Classic.
K & J’s Lovely Thoughts paraded around the ring to win the Harness Pony championship and qualifier with Roger Lucas in the buggy for Virgil and Gean Cagle.
In the amateur classes it was Namesakes Secret and Edith Heath who entertained the crowd and wore the blue for Denise Terese Koch.
Darrel Kolkman brought another spectacular young one to the ring to win the UPHA Harness Pony Classic. He handled Heartland Most Wanted for the blue.
Randi Wightman showed her champion pony, Fancy Ribbons, to the tricolor in the Hackney Pony championship. Marilyn Macfarlane also trained this pair to the win in the open qualifier. Miss Sarah’s Treasure and Roger Lucas were reserve in both classes. Earl Horton owns this wonderful pony.
Randi Wightman continued her winning trend with her ponies in the amateur class. She drove Heartland Ringmaster to the championship after earning the reserve in the qualifier. Perfect Star LF and Samuel Garcia were reserve champions for the owners CBA Partnership. In the qualifier, it was Once Upon A Time and Anna Marie Knipp who made the victory pass. Jimmy Miller put this team together for the show ring.
Darrel Kolkman continued to dominate the young pony classes by winning the UPHA Hackney Pony Classic with Seamair’s Simply Awesome for owner Mary Dell Pritzlaff. Jimmy Miller claimed the reserve place with Gary Dickherber’s entry, Follow Suit.
The pleasure driving championship was another small class with only two entries, but they had enough quality to keep the crowd entertained. Anna Marie Knipp had another winning entry with One More Time. This pair won the qualifier earlier as well. Edith Heath and Tanglewood’s Attraction were the reserve champions in the championship for owner Bonnie Terese. Darrell Kolkman captured the red ribbon in the qualifier with Heartland Breaking News.
Show Pleasure
The five-gaited pleasure division was deep with many champions strutting their stuff to claim the championship title. After winning the junior exhibitor class CH Callaway’s Capitol Report and Ellen Medley Wright kept it together to win the tricolor and the roses. Jan Myers stepped up to take the reserve streamers after placing second in the adult class. Christy Bennett and her long time campaigner, The Champagne Tiger, won the adult qualifier and placed third in the championship. The reserve winner of the junior exhibitor class, Society’s Upperkrust and Rachel Singer, were fourth.
Marilyn Macfarlane dominated the park pleasure classes with Robin Hayes’ horse, Music Of The Heir. Reserve champion was Missy Hughes and Blackboard. Owner Carrie Wooten McLinney won the amateur class earlier. Missy Hughes also had the second place winner in the open qualifier with The Worthy Prince for owner Christina Collis.
Prince’s Black Tie Affair and Rachel Shupp rose up a notch in the amateur championship to wear the tricolor after placing second in the qualifier for Nancy Lassiter. Milligan Stables trains this duo. Taking home the reserve championship streamers were A Bit Of Charm and Ann Molash.
Sandra Currier brought out another Bluebonnet product to win the UPHA Classic. She rode Julio Iglesias for Edmund Perwien. Elizabeth Coup rode her Grey Goose to the red ribbon.
Susan Olcott captured another championship to hang on the Milligan Stables’ banner. Olcott rode her CH She’s The Bess to win both the show pleasure championship and the qualifier. Randy McBride was in the irons on his mount, O Say Can You See for the reserve championship. Elizabeth Coup and Charm’s Local Gift captured the second place in the qualifier after winning the novice class.
A fine class of junior exhibitors entered the ring to compete for the roses. Beth Oseroff rode the Terri Dolan owned No Exceptions down victory lane after taking the reserve in the 14-17 qualifier. Vegas Dreams, trained by Randy Cates, was named reserve champion with Victoria McCune up for the ride. This team won the 14-17 qualifier earlier in the week.
Cassini and Hayden Hisey, trained by Randy Cates, made a good ride to earn the blue in the 13 and under division. Bell To Bell and Lauren Fitzpatrick were reserve.
Reserve in a large novice class was Optimum Black and Margaret Cordes. This team is instructed by Marilyn Macfarlane.
Callaway’s Head Over Heels and Nancy Lassiter claimed victorious in both driving classes with Milligan Stables as their trainer. Bell To Bell and Lauren Fitzpatrick traded their saddle for a cart to earn the red ribbons in both classes.
Country Pleasure
The country pleasure divisions were well-filled throughout the week. In the championship, it was Christy Bennett and The Bachelor Prince who rose to the top of the class after earning the red ribbon in the adult qualifier. Randy Cates coached this seasoned team from the rail. Coming off a win in the adult qualifier, Matrix and Jan Myers were named reserve champions with Jack Magill as trainer.
In the junior exhibitor class, Avery Bul made a great ride on Crowned Prince to take the blue ribbon home for Esther Verdin. Tut’s Gold was piloted by Karmen Robles for Dr. Margaret Tirkes to earned the reserve vote.
Bonnie Prasifka put together a nice ride in the novice class with Expert Witness to make the victory pass for Madison Pope. Alice Sias Pippin handled Beautiful Promise to pick up the red streamers.
In the driving championship, Matrix traded his saddle for the harness to capture the tricolor. Jan Myers was at the lines of her horse for the win again. Tut’s Gold also made the change from under saddle to the cart as Karmen Robles drove him to the reserve championship. Debbie Graves coached this team to both reserves. In the qualifier, results were flipped as Tut’s Gold made the victory pass with Matrix taking second.
The western classes were some of the largest classes at the show. Capturing the championship, the qualifier, and the Shatner class were The American Flag and Suzanne Bradshaw. This blue ribbon team was assisted by Milligan Stables. Making the long drive from Minooka, Ill., and cleaning up behind The American Flag to take all three reserves were Winsdown Cosmos and Sharon Vuinovich. Tom Thorpe made the journey down as trainer.
Equitation
Ellen Medley Wright was in picture perfect form under the instruction of Lillian Shively to capture the Saddle Seat Equitation championship and the qualifier. Katie Cunningham also made a nice ride to claim the reserves in both classes. Randy Cates instructs her.
Rebekah Davis rode hard in the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup 10 and Under, and that was what it took to win the class and qualify for the finals in the fall. Randy Cates is also the trainer of this team. Coming up for the red ribbon was Maci Crowder instructed by Cheryl Manahan.
Joanna Scheurich was the only rider in the UPHA Challenge Cup Pleasure Equitation class. Barbe Smith coached this ride to the blue.
Alexandra Flynn came up from Florida to qualify early for the USEF Medal and NHS Good Hands classes. She made the winning ride with Lillian Shively meeting her in the winner’s circle. Katie Cunningham made a good ride for the reserve in the USEF Medal. Emily Buchanan, trained by Cheryl Manahan, earned the red ribbon in the NHS Good Hands class.
Avery Bul swept the pleasure equitation division by winning both the championship and the 14-17 age group. Patty Milligan instructed this rider to the blues. Brooke Leigh Jones had a good ride to claim the second place vote in the 14-17 age group. Ellen LaMont coached Jones from the rail.
In the younger age group, Christina Collis made the trip down victory lane with Lillian Shively greeting her at the out gate. Kelly Cooke was reserve with Randy Cates as trainer.
Cascade Stables hung up another blue ribbon on their curtains as Joanna Scheurich earned the winning vote in the pleasure medallion. Avery Bul came out of the ring with the red prize.
Morgans
The Morgan divisions were light but quality abound. Rhonda Hooper was up on WCM Moreland Morgan to pick up the blues in both the park saddle championship and qualifier. Rhonda Collins trains this sharp pair.
Peeper Ranch had a string of victories starting with Cadence Jasmine in the English pleasure classes. Phil Fountain rode this handsome mount to the blue in the open class and Kay Shroeder showed him back in the championship for the tricolor. Michael Graham was aboard the reserve winner of both classes, RRG Lolita, for August and Rebecca Deschepper. In the ladies class it was Rhonda Collins and Abendlied Aristocrat who brought back the blue for Gwen Niemann with Scandias Royal Treasure and Joni Barham in reserve for Rith Abbott.
Abendlied Aristocrat returned to the ring with owner Gwen Niemann in the irons to capture both the amateur english pleasure classes. Following behind in second for both classes was Nas Rickenbacker and Nancy Murdock, trained by Peeper Ranch.
Emily Orthwein was the lone exhibitor in the junior exhibitor class. She rode her Cedar Creek Ungaro with Rhonda Collins as trainer.
Jimmy Miller directed the winning combination in the pleasure driving championship and amateur class. All Flaired Up and Marlyn Hickey made two great drives and came home with two blues. Reserve in the championship was the open qualifier winner, Dragonsmeade Bell Song. Phil Fountain was at the whip for Dragonsmeade Farm. RRG Lolita and Michael Graham stripped their saddle and harnessed up to take the second place vote in the open class.
The classic pleasure classes were full of nice Morgans. Prior Knowledge and Cressi Bryant came together nicely to take the championship tricolor and roses after placing second in the qualifier. Joni Barham instructed this pair. The winners of the qualifier, Futurity’s Flamboyant and Kelli Lyon, captured the reserve championship for owner Patrinell Lewis.
In the junior exhibitor class, it was Back Street Rhythm of William Woods University and Alli Townsley who took the blue. Abby Smith rode Triton Nathan for Sheree Elliott to take home the red.
Libretto’s Bravado and Janelle Schroeder of Peeper Ranch dominated the classic pleasure driving division for Cadence Farm LLC. Prior Knowledge had his turn in harness to bring back the red in the driving qualifier with Cressi Bryant at the lines.
Bates Ranch had a winning string in the western division. Kelly Kraegel-Bates rode Christina Willer’s JMF Sugar Bear to the championship tricolor in the open western class as well as to the blue in the qualifier. Theresa Walsh was in the saddle on her Tetonia Black Rose and jogged up for the reserve championship. Hylee Rare Timin and Virginia Norris were second in the open qualifier.
Briar Oaks Frisky Byzness made a clean sweep, taking the ladies, the junior championship and the junior qualifier back to Bates Ranch with Kelly Kraegel-Bates in the saddle for Toni and Denny Maunder. Roy Els Desert Count and Erlene Seybold had a good go to pick up the reserve in the ladies class.
Evil Knieval did some neat tricks to capture the amateur championship, the amateur qualifier and the junior exhibitor class. Gina Little showed him in the amateur classes, while daughter Lauren took over the reins in the junior exhibitor class for Lon Frieden. JLH Grand Marnier remained cool and collected to be called up for the reserve championship with Judith Leneau in the saddle. Lone Star Bill and Caitlin Novotny put in some impressive rides to earn the second place vote in both the amateur and junior exhibitor class for Bradford and Janie Denning.
In the junior horse class, Ancan Raindance and Amie VanDorn loped around to pick up the red ribbons in the championship and qualifier.
The Morgan hunter classes were one of the most popular divisions. Gaits of Gold swept away the competition for owner Randi Wightman. Jonalyn Gwinup guided this champion steed to both wins in the open hunter pleasure division. Wightman then took the reins and claimed both blues in the amateur classes. Kelly Kraegel-Bates stayed right behind the winning team and captured the reserves in both open classes with Karen Abel’s DVF Chisholm. Bates brought this well-mannered mount back to the ladies class and took the win. Jennifer Chowning and Iron Forge Bonnie Blue marched in the ring for the second place vote in the ladies class. Steve and Luanna Schauer are the owners.
In the amateur classes, NKS Gentle Persuasion and Leslie Barnard became another Randi Wightman team of success. This pair swooped up the reserve in both classes, while Wightman herself took the blues.
Delaware’s Shadow Dancer became another unbeatable champion as he and Alana Little claimed the titles in the junior exhibitor championship and qualifier for owner Lon Frieden. This team also won the road hack open class later on. Iron Forge Bonnie Blue returned to the ring, but with Brianna Schauer in the saddle this time to gather the reserve championship. Taylor Winstone and her steed, Mirabel’s Noble Command put on a good show to get the judge’s nod for the second place vote in the qualifier.
The junior horses were in good order for their championship. Kelly Kraegel-Bates visited the winner’s circle two more times as she caught rode Lucky Strike for Dragonsmeade Farm in both the championship and the qualifier. Peeper Ranch trains Lucky Strike for the wins. Moriah Ever Vigilant and Heather Garcia were named reserve champions for owner Valerie Francis. Ancan Raindance and Amie VanDorn picked up the red in the qualifier. Amie VanDorn then saddled up Watch Me Till Dawn to take second in the road hack class.
The Morgan riders brought their horses down the chute in good form for their equitation class. Emily Buchanan swept the competition, winning the championship, the qualifier, and the AMHA Medal. Buchanan was instructed by Cheryl Manahan. Abby Smith had two nice rides to pick up the red ribbon in the championship and the AMHA Medal. Alli Townsley was in good form to earn the reserve in the qualifier.
The hunt seat equitation championship was full with nine riders. Briana Schauer moved up after her second placing in the 17 and under class to wear the tricolor and roses with Jennifer Chowning greeting her in the winner’s circle. Alana Little brought home the reserve tricolor in the championship and also earned the red in the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal class. Little is instructed by Kelly Kreagel-Bates. Monica Yarbrough, under the guidance of Kristen Farabee, captured the blue ribbon in both the 17 and under class and the medal class.
Lauren Little had everything in the right place to win the AMHA Western Seat Medal class for Bates Ranch. Sascha Mills was reserve with Mary Sharpee as instructor.
This concludes the Oklahoma Centennial coverage.
Complete results may be seen by clicking on Show Results.
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