MEADVILLE, Penn. -Great weather, lots of exhibitors and a hard working show committee all contributed to the success of the 30th Annual Penn-Ohio Morgan Horse Show held July 5, 6 and 7. Show chairman Linda Stewart kept things running smoothly while Cindy Mugnier pinned all of the classes. Ken Carr served once again as ringmaster with Shane Shiflet taking pictures. Virginia Paradise was the show steward and Amy Paradise entertained everyone with her wonderful array of music. Barb Dunham with her daughter Dayne Maple maintained the show office with a smile for exhibitors, and Robb Platz was the announcer.
Penn-Ohio has always been popular with the exhibitors for its great parties. This year was no exception. Thursday evening was the Welcome to Penn-Ohio party and everyone enjoyed meeting under the tent to talk about anticipated classes and catch up with old friends. This party was sponsored by the Penn-Ohio Morgan Horse Association.
Saturday night was the exhibitors party. This year's party was hosted and sponsored by the customers from Grove Pointe Stables. The Roesinks and all of their customers worked very hard to prepare and make this party a super success. Everyone enjoyed the great food and DJ. As the evening progressed, people were able to visit with each other as well as witness an all-star performance as Mike Flower sang a few of his favorite tunes. Thank you to the Roesinks and their customers for a wonderful evening.
Friday morning started strong with the stallions showing in hand. After the youngsters had their turn in the ring, Mirabel's Loyal Romeo from the two-year-old class was named Junior Champion Stallion for owner Colleen Baptist. This handsome Man About Town LPS son was led by Lynn Peeples. The Reserve Junior Champion Stallion title went to the yearling winner, T.E.S. Capital Gain owned and shown by Tom Schubert.
The Senior Champion Stallion coming from the four-year-old class was Adventure's Priority shown by Lynn Peeples and owned by Bob Westrick. Spirit of Benefactor owned by Amy Lehr and shown by Steve Lehr followed as Reserve Senior Champion Stallion after posting the Three-Year-Old Stallions win.
When the studs reentered the ring for grand champion, it was Bob Westrick's Dancity After Midnight son Adventure's Priority claiming the honors with the reserve title going to Mirabel's Loyal Romeo for a very happy Colleen Baptist. It was a Waterford Farm sweep as both horses were presented by Lynn and Kathleen Peeples.
As the geldings took their turn in the ring, the classes were quite full. As Judge Mugnier made her final selections, the flashy Formal Protest owned by Rebecca Burns and shown by Tim and Ron Roesink was chosen as Grand Champion Gelding. The bold chestnut JP's Living On The Edge, owned by Paula Cook and shown by David Earehart was named reserve champion.
Junior Champion Mare once again belonged to Lynn Meyer and Bette Ann Parker after a tough two-year-old class. Par-Bets Fascination shown by David O'Brien won the junior title for the second year in a row. The Reserve Junior Champion Mare also came from the two-year-old class. She was ESS Fleur De Lis shown by Mark Mason and owned by Ernestine Smith.
The Senior Champion Mare also was a repeat winner as Coal Miners Ruby, owned by Todd Muller and shown by Tim and Ron Roesink returned to the winner's circle after winning the five and over class to once again wear tricolors. The Reserve Senior Champion Mare was the very pretty four-year-old winner, Walnut Ridge's Solid Gold, owned by Cathy Miller and shown by Lynn Peeples.
Todd Muller was very happy indeed as his mare, Coal Miner's Ruby returned to be named Grand Champion Mare. The reserve champion owners Lynn Meyer and Bette Ann Parker were just as happy when their junior champion, Par-Bets Fascination was named to the reserve title.
This year's edition of the POMHB Futurity featured Weanling Champion Elegance In Motion (Arboria Noble Victor x Arboria Enchantment) shown by Tim Roesink for Laura Braddock coming from the filly division. Tom Schubert showed his colt winner T.E.S. Annuity to the reserve tricolor. Schubert was right back in the winner's circle with POMHB Yearling Futurity Champion T.E.S. Capital Gain after a win in the five entry yearling colts. Par-Bet's First Of Burks was the reserve titled yearling shown by David O'Brien for Lynn Meyer.
As qualifiers were pinned and championships made their way into the schedule, there were some very exciting classes. About Last Night and Jan Evans followed up their winning Southern States debut by topping the Amateur Park Saddle Stake. Meanwhile Tim Roesink rode C.K.H. Spirited Gift to win the Park Saddle Stallions class for Jan. Decisions, decisions, who will they show back, maybe they just flipped a coin, but it was Jan Evans coming back to claim the Park Saddle Championship with About Last Night. The Park Saddle Reserve Champion Lookaway's Fantasy won a tough mare and gelding class for owners Jim and Linda Stewart. She was ridden by Shirley O'Gorman to the blue and reserve tricolor. The Junior Park Saddle Stake winner was Claridge Solitary Rose with Tim Roesink. Bea and Jim Tomasello own this crowd pleasing young beauty sired by Claridge Noble Lancer.
The Park Harness Champion was owned by Minion Morgans as Minion Millenium and Brian Stewart won the tricolor as well as the qualifier blue after their recent winning performance at Gold Cup. The Junior Park Harness Stake winner was none other than Grand Champion Stallion, Adventure's Priority who showed he is more than just a pretty face as directed by Lynn Peeples. The entertaining class saw Tim Roesink present Primary Investment to the reserve for Rebecca Burns. Cherrydale Acappella was another bright young star as Shirley O'Gorman presented him to the Two-Year-Old Park Harness Stake victory for delighted breeder/owner Robin Herrick.
English pleasure horses were plentiful at Penn-Ohio, but it was Mikaelas Eternal Promise and Marilyn Rutledge that won the English Pleasure Championship to continue an outstanding sesason for owner Holly Linden. Cedar Creek Samurai and Nancy Flower were named reserve champion for owners Don and Mary Lou Arhar following the blue ribbon ride in the stallions and geldings class.