Pro Am Benefit Classic Provides Many Reasons To Attend
Monday, April 9, 2007
by Leeann Mione and Margaret Cordes
PERRY, Ga. – The Pro Am Charity Horse Show enjoyed great weather and a great effort from new management to make the 30th rendition of this popular show such a success.
Scott and Beth Snider took the helm this year as manager and show secretary respectively and both seemed pleased with the great turnout and positive feedback from owners, trainers and exhibitors.
“We had a lot of help in making this a great show this year,” said Scott Snider. “The horse show committee was excellent and we can’t thank them enough for their help and hard work.” ASHAG President Tracy Marshall, Pro Am Treasurer Deidre Davis and Chapter 17 Chairperson Amanda Ward also were a big part of the show’s success.
Beth Snider seconded her husband’s comments by adding, “In addition to the horse show committee and board of directors who worked so hard, we also had some really great sponsors which are so important to the success of a horse show. We thank them for their support.”
The Sniders also gave praise to the great group of officials including judges Bret and Susi Day, master of ceremonies Mark Farrar, ringmaster Don Baker, paddock master Dewey Bass, photographer Doug Shiflet, videographer Richfield Video and farrier J.L. Johnson.
The Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia was once again the beneficiary and they showed their appreciation by sending volunteers to help with the show.
The job of manager and the job of secretary are both relatively thankless jobs in the show horse world, but both Beth and Scott Snider have proven that they are incredibly capable of handling those jobs with ease.
Trainer Wayne Hackney gave praise to their efforts at this year’s show by saying, ”This turned out to be a really good horse show. It was definitely one of the most organized shows I’ve ever been to. Beth and Scott did a great job and we will look forward to coming back next year.”
The Georgia National Fairgrounds is a nice facility for the show, with all the stabling centralized in one area close to both the covered warm up ring and the arena. Located just over 100 miles from Atlanta, Perry is an easy drive straight down I-75 and continues to draw barns from throughout the Southeast and Midwest.
Bret and Susi Day did a great job of picking the ribbon winners and they kept the schedule moving along so that sessions were usually less than three hours long. The long break in between the morning and evening sessions allowed plenty of time to rest, relax, work horses or sightsee and is another reason the show is such a big hit. The relaxed atmosphere and relaxed schedule kept just about everyone in a great mood all weekend and the warm weather induced “Spring Fever” in many.
One of the show’s most special moments came Friday evening when the family of Temple Stephenson gathered in center ring while announcer Mark Farrar read a speech for the dedication of this year’s show to the late, great horseman Temple Stephenson. (See sidebar below.)
Hospitality is big on the list of Pro Am special touches and things kicked off Wednesday with a welcome lunch. The progressive party Thursday evening was again a big hit as it is each year, with numerous barns providing food and drink to the hungry crowd. Coffee and donuts were also provided each morning by the show.
Friday evening’s exhibitors’ party also drew a great crowd who came for the terrific food and the absolutely over-the-top entertainment. The hula hoop contest and talent show were both divided for junior exhibitors and adults and several stars proved they had hidden talents in the entertainment field in addition to the show ring. Many stayed even after the entertainment was over to dance and socialize.
Several classes were new to the Pro Am schedule this year including the open western pleasure, adult five-gaited pleasure, junior exhibitor five-gaited pleasure, novice rider country pleasure, novice rider show pleasure, roadster under saddle stake and the open parade stake. Every one of those added classes had numerous entries to support the decision to add them to the schedule. The Ladies Five-Gaited Stake featured $500 in added prize money in memory of Clara Flor.
There were numerous highlights in the show ring including the 11-entry Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Stake Friday evening. While pleasure driving ponies usually make up the largest numbers aside from road ponies at most shows, to see 11 talented ponies at an early season show was great. The pleasure classes were also well supported pretty much across the board and riders worked hard to showcase their entries for Bret Day.
Whether it was the great competition, great schedule, great staff, great weather or great facility this year’s 30th annual Pro Am had a multitude of reasons why it was such a success.
Five-Gaited
Four entries came through the gate for the Five-Gaited Stake to close out the show and Saturday evening’s championship session. Callaway’s Banner Headline and Todd Miles and Red Hawk Red Hawk with Bill Schoeman, had already competed in the open qualifier where they finished one and two, respectively.
Thunderstorm Warning had the blue ribbon from the novice class to his credit for owner Bruce Williams when he hit the ring to try for the tricolor under the direction of Ricky Cook.
Essence Of Heaven, one of several entries at Pro Am for Barbara Woods, had already been to the ring in the novice class and finished well there with Maria Gilman up for Woods.
After a great night of competition, the crowd was enthusiastic in their support of each entry but when judge Bret Day turned in his card it was open champion Callaway’s Banner Headline named to take the victory pass for Janet Kellett and Alde Mar Farm.
Red Hawk Red Hawk left with a big share of the applause after Day named Lori Schmidt’s entry the reserve grand champion.
Worthy’s American Society, owned by Cheryl Sotrop, won the three-entry ladies stake with Maria Gilman up. Faye Dunaway WRF claimed the reserve tricolor for Chelsey Stone. Jennifer McCollum rode for the reserve under the direction of Cardinal Farm. Results for the top two spots in the four-entry ladies qualifier were the same as in the ladies stake. Gilman and McCollum were one and two.
The amateur stake was another competitive class in the gaited division with four entries. Marvin Ward and his group had already racked up numerous wins and reserves to celebrate Ward’s 30th year showing at Pro Am. Tanya Schilling added one more to the list when Bret Day named Carmel Delivery the Amateur Five-Gaited Grand Champion for Tanya and Cory Schilling.
Sun Time’s Commander and owner Trisha Long were directed to the reserve tricolor by Don Judd and Maria Gilman of Judd Stables.
Deborah Butler and Linkin Park made their only appearance in the amateur qualifier and they turned in the winning performance to take the blue for Melrose LLC. Cheers Cheers and Deborah Richardson were right there for the reserve ribbon for Richardson Stables.
Travel In Style, now campaigning in the junior exhibitor ranks, gave Jillian Schaffer two victories to sweep the division. Belcort Farm’s entry topped two other teams for the junior exhibitor championship win and topped a group of five in the qualifier. Trainer Ricky Cook directed the winning team.
Just Marvelous and Mia Wilson added the title of junior exhibitor reserve grand champions to the Cardinal Farms count and moved up in the ribbons from the qualifier. The Denali and Stephanie Lockyer claimed the red ribbon in the qualifier from Judd Stables.
Bill Schoeman piloted I’m A Skywatcher to the win in the Five-Gaited Denver Junior Horse class for Lori and Larry Schmidt. The nice group of five put on a competitive class for the crowd. Charmed By Chance was reserve for Richardson Stables with Tommy Richardson up.
Euchee Matthews rode Harlem’s Class Act to the blue ribbon in the three-year-old class for owners Robert and Barbara Walla. Be Delicious and Tommy Richardson were reserve for Richardson Stables.
Class Act Too added another win to the Ward Stables total when Marvin Ward was named to take the victory pass in the Georgia-owned class for Randy and Lauretta Weaver. Cindy Wagoner and Lawman finished with the red ribbon under the direction of Lisa Heres Rosenberger.
Kalarama’s Rare Conversation was reserve in the four-entry novice horse class with Tommy Richardson in the irons for Richardson Stables.
Tyler Miles and Moon Charmer made their debut at Pro Am and came away with a sweep of the five-gaited pony division for DeLovely Farm. Kate Spade and Mia Wilson followed in the reserve slot in both the championship and qualifier under the direction of Cardinal Farms.
Three-Gaited and Park
The Three-Gaited Stake featured a trio of entries, all of which had competed in the open qualifier with different results. Susan Harris’s Detached took the tricolor and the title with Maria Gilman riding. Their win followed up the reserve finish in the open class.
Attaché’s Elegance and John Goda moved up in the ribbons from the open class to finish as the reserve grand champions for Jo Waddell. They came into the stake having already won the Georgia owned class.
Brian and Susan Reimer led their group to a successful weekend in Perry and Brian rode The Harlem Bay to the blue ribbon in the open class for Mary Alice Gall.
CH Undulata’s Perfect Gift and Mary Jane Glasscock Kirkpatrick claimed the Ladies Three-Gaited Championship after also taking the blue in the ladies qualifier under the direction of DeLovely Farm.
DeLovely stable mate Enough About You and Lynda Norman swept the amateur division. They topped three other teams in the amateur stake and a pair of competitors in the amateur qualifier.
CH Viper was the reserve grand champion and reserve champion with Valery Hall riding under the direction of James Hale Stables.
Rebecca Deutsch and Kalarama’s Loose Lips turned in the winning team effort in both the Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor Stake and qualifier and were directed to their victories by Bill and Lisa Waller.
Jackie De La Parte and Keeper Of The Stars claimed both reserve ribbons under the direction of Judd Stables.
Ricky Cook teamed She’s Pretty Special to the blue ribbon in the Three-Gaited Denver Junior/Novice Horse class for owner Linda Hendricks. Etowah, owned by Marlene Aspinwall, was reserve in the three-entry class with Portia Hein riding.
Maria Gilman rode Barbara Woods’s youngster Walterway’s Valedictorian to the winner’s circle in the Three-Gaited Three-Year-Old class. Cloverleaf Red Baron and Bill Schoeman finished with the red ribbon.
Steve Old rode Sky High Money to the reserve in the Georgia owned class for owner Natalie Sanchez.
Simbara’s Audacity and Alexis Landreth closed out the three-gaited division by winning both Three-Gaited Pony classes under the direction of Betsy Webb Stables. Champagne Blues and Stephanie Fox moved up from the qualifier to take the reserve grand championship title for owner Anthony Fox. Tim Henderson directed the reserve grand champions. Katherine Connor rode Sonar Sue to the red ribbon in the Three-Gaited Pony class. Connor rode under the direction of Courtney Huguley of Stepping Stone Farm for owner Beverly Connor.
The park division was well supported with some of the show’s biggest classes in the amateur and junior exhibitor park divisions.
All About It and Ricky Cook put together the winning effort to win the Open Three-Gaited Park Championship amongst a talented group of six. Cook rode for owner J.K. MacDonald.
Rina Hugo and Lisa Heres-Rosenberger took the reserve grand championship for Pinetree Stables. They were reserve in the open qualifier behind Rosey Dollface and Larry Gardinier of Granite Hill Stable.
Susan Hanna faced a strong group of 11 in the amateur park championship after having bested a field of 12 in the amateur qualifier with her CH The Foxy Prince. Hanna made it two for two when Bret Day called out her number for the championship victory pass. Alice Nunley and her Callaway’s Forty Niner finished as the reserve grand champions after also taking second place in the amateur class under the direction of Ricky Cook of Don Harris Stables.
Ten junior exhibitors hit the ring for their first class Thursday evening and worked hard to maneuver through the crowd and show off for Bret Day. When he turned in his card, it was Best Day Ever and Andrew Nadder named to take the victory pass. James Hale met the winners in center ring for their presentation. Protector and Dylan Hines were right there for the reserve in the qualifier and showed for Yvonne and Ricky Hines under the direction of Jeanie Waddell.
Saturday evening’s eight-entry junior exhibitor stake was also a good class and James Hale Stables was once again represented in the winner’s circle by Nadder and Best Day Ever. Callaway’s King’s Ransom and Taylor Young moved up in the ribbons to claim the reserve grand championship title under the direction of Betsy Webb.
Janet Kellett continued her great week with her Alde Mar Farms entries when her Callaway’s Due North took the blue in the Denver junior/novice horse class amongst a big group of 10 entries. Faizah and Jenna Domanico were reserve for owner Paula Frenette to close out the park division.
Fine Harness
Buffalo Creek had a great show at Pro Am with wins in several different divisions including In Bold Print’s win in the Fine Harness Stake with Mike Barlow driving for Melissa Scrushy. Barlow also took the victory pass with In Bold Print in the open qualifier. Callaway’s Carnegie Hall and John Wrather, winners of the amateur class, were the reserve grand champions for owner Charlotte Wrather. Janet Crampton, of Creekside, directed them to their reserve.
Gerald Moores drew a crowd at the exhibitors’ party when he competed in the talent show, and Magic Legacy entertained the crowd when they won the Fine Harness Denver Junior/Novice Horse class for owner Bruce Williams.
Moores represented Don and Judy Harris when he drove to the winner’s circle in the three-year-old class. Elderberry Wine added the blue to the Don Harris Stables’s count. Voodoo’s Black Magic and Mary Lou Greenwell were reserve for owner Jill Moore.
Roadster
Mike Barlow, Ann Reeves and Harry Chapman are all accomplished veterans in the road horse division and they had the crowd cheering them on in the Roadster To Bike Stake. When Bret Day turned in his card, it was Barlow and novice class winner Come N Cheer who headed down victory lane for owner Pat Cropper. Reeves and Mighty Yo Yo won the open class and the ladies class then returned in the stake to take the reserve streamers. Jesse James and Chapman were reserve in both the open class and the novice class under the direction of David Cunningham.
Pistol Pete and Arlie Fiveash won both the amateur stake and amateur qualifier for Fiveash and Reeves.
Mr. Popularity and Alex Browning won the youth class under the direction of Adam and Desiree Clauson of Cardinal Farms.
The Roadster Under Saddle Championship and qualifier featured a veteran of the division and a brand new team filling the top two slots in both classes. Holly Ackerman and Vivacious were directed by Mark and Mary Lou Greenwell to add both wins to their impressive resume. Kristian Taylor White and her new road horse Air Force One made their impressive debut with a reserve finish in the qualifier. They returned in the stake and put together the reserve grand championship effort from DeLovely Farm.
Georgia Blevins’s list of top ponies is a long one and Lamborghini is yet another one on that list. Blevins drove to the win in the four-entry Roadster Pony Championship under the direction of Rich Campbell and Maureen Lydon of Majestic Oaks after taking second in the open class. Jubilee’s Power Play and Harry Chapman took the reserve tricolor back to Beaver Brook Stables to add to their blue ribbon from the open class.
Rant And Rave K.V. topped a nice group of six amateur ponies with Karen Voerg to win the amateur stake after moving up in the ribbons from the qualifier. Surprise Surprise and Donna Whatley kept the ribbons coming for Break-Away Farm when they won the seven-entry amateur qualifier, then returned in the amateur stake to take the reserve streamers. Kathryn Nichols drove her homebred Crystal Creek’s Emperor to reserve in the qualifier under the direction of Clover Leaf Stables.
Pam Roush brought a big group of entries to Perry and went home with numerous wins and reserves for Avalon Stables including Baby Cakes’s win in the junior exhibitor stake with Andie Lloyd. They had previously finished reserve in the AHHS Roadster Pony Youth Medallion class behind So Irresistible and Emma Price. Price drove for owner Shelby Reimer.
Maureen Lydon added another win to the Majestic Oaks total when Mr. Lucky Man was called out as the winner of the junior class. He topped a promising group of five young ponies for owner Gene Gallmeier. Mike Barlow and Heartland Black Tie were second for Darrel and Sandy Kolkman.
Boxford On The Mark won the novice pony class for owner Dr. Wendy Troyer. Maureen Lydon drove for that win as well. Babylon and owner/trainer Bill Waller took the red ribbon.
Tori Newberry and Heartland Masterpiece took the title in the AHHS Roadster Pony Under Saddle Youth Medallion class for owners Pete and Ann Reeves. Wait & See’s Bright Flame carried Bryce Smythwick to the reserve under the direction of Betsy Webb Stables to close out the roadster pony division.
Hackney and Harness
Seamair Sensation added another win to John and Charlotte Wrather’s totals when Bret Day named John to take the victory pass in the Harness Pony Stake. Heartland Look At Me and Mike Barlow followed up their win in the open class by taking the reserve grand championship title for owner Kay Marschel. Seamair Sensation was reserve in the open qualifier.
Heartland Designed and Mike Barlow made it two for two for owner Garland Presswood by capturing both the Hackney Pony Stake and open class wins. Highlander and Ann Reeves were reserve both times out for Fiveash and Reeves.
The best pony class of the show was the big 11-entry Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Stake. It was great to see such a big group of talented pleasure ponies come through the gate Friday night.
Kathryn Nichols was called upon to catch drive Matchmaker for Rick and Carolyn Daigle and they took a second victory pass in the stake after having won the eight-entry qualifier under the direction of Maureen Lydon and Rich Campbell. Portrait Of A Lady and Barbara Pippin were the reserve grand champions from Betsy Webb Stables after a move up in the ribbons from the qualifier.
Kyle Peel has taken over training duties at Harmon Stables and he directed Crystal Harmon and Heartland Supremacy to the red ribbon in the qualifier.
Motown and Will Mayo, showing from Buffalo Creek, earned the blue ribbon in the AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Youth Medallion class and were followed in the ribbons by Bear Creek’s Beloved and Josh Chretien.
Show and Park Pleasure
The adults and junior exhibitors came back after their respective qualifiers to compete in the Five-Gaited Pleasure Stake and the class featured six top teams. Deborah Richardson continued her great show at Pro Am by taking the tricolor after having won the adult class for Richardson Stables. Kaitlin Whatley had a very successful week at Pro Am and followed up her win in the junior exhibitor class with the Five-Gaited Pleasure Reserve Grand Championship. Whatley showed under the direction of Mark and Mary Lou Greenwell of Break-Away Farm.
Crystal Harmon and Madeira’s Sunset News took the red ribbon in the five-entry adult class for Harmon Stables. Yorktown’s Melody Man and Brittany Frazier were the reserve champions in the junior exhibitor class under the direction of Cathy Kellerhals.
The park pleasure division was very well supported with a strong group of entries. Following a big 10-entry open qualifier, A Perfect Affair and Euchee Matthews returned in the stake to see if they could make it two for two for Pine Haven Stables. When Bret Day turned in his card, it was indeed back number 318 called out to take another victory pass at Pro Am. My Lilly Marlene and Larry Gardinier, of Granite Hill Stable, claimed the reserve tricolor in the stake for owner Arlys Solien. Radiant Event and Susan Reimer were reserve in the qualifier for Erika Waterford.
The Denver Junior/Novice Park Pleasure class was the largest of the park pleasure division with 11 entries. Lynda Norman added another blue to her ribbon count at Pro Am when Todd Miles headed to the winner’s circle with Fool For You. My Lilly Marlene was reserve in the big class with Gardinier up.
Four nice three-year-olds lined up in their park pleasure class and Brian Reimer Stables finished with another blue ribbon on the tack room wall after Fancy Schmancy was named the winner. Brian Reimer rode to victory for Mary Jane Curtis. Daddy’s Little Girl and Kyle Peel were second for Lester Harmon.
Callaway’s Edelweiss took the blue ribbon in the Park Pleasure Driving class with Bill Waller handling the lines for Lisa Waller. Super Gun and Carly Duggan followed in the ribbon count for owner Nicole Hernandez.
CH Sweet Virginia was yet another big gun in Barbara Woods arsenal at Judd Stables and they swept the adult three-gaited pleasure division which was full of talented teams. My One Night Stand and Lisa Schlesinger, of DeLovely, were reserve in the nine-entry stake and reserve also in the six-entry qualifier.
The junior exhibitors in the 14-17 age group faced the biggest classes of the three-gaited pleasure division and they did a great job showcasing their horses for Bret Day. Mo Rhythm and Christine Freeman moved up in the ribbons from the 11-entry qualifier to take the tricolor in the 10-entry stake. Freeman showed under the direction of Judd Stables.
Kaitlin Whatley made a big splash in the 14-17 division with her Winsdown New Vision. They topped the big qualifier under the direction of DeLovely and returned in the stake to take the reserve grand championship. Dekerobics was reserve in the qualifier with Elizabeth Strunk riding for Roger Strunk. Betsy Webb directed the reserve champions.
CH Discover was the 13 and under grand champion and champion with owner Jenna Palmeri riding from Judd Stables. Kramer and Jamison Baker represented Heathermoor Farm when they took the reserve streamers in the five-entry stake and moved up in the ribbons from the six-entry qualifier. Hans Solo was the reserve champion in the qualifier with Nicole McSweeney riding from Hawkewood Farm.
CH Radiant Success, the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Fine Harness World’s Grand Champion, has had a long and varied show ring career, carrying riders and drivers to blue ribbon honors in many different divisions. At Pro Am, Kaylee Norman was in the irons in the six-entry 12 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure Stake to take the victory pass and tricolor. Jeanie Waddell directed Norman to her win and reserve finish in the six-entry qualifier.
Melissa Heres-Rosenberger moved up in the ribbons and finished as the reserve grand champion riding owner Judy Brown’s CSF Supreme Memories. Law Me and Holly Hein were victorious in the qualifier, taking the victory pass under the direction of Cardinal Farms.
CSF Supreme Memories, this time with Judy Brown riding, headed to the winner’s circle in the six-entry Georgia owned class. Callaway’s Hard Copy and Pat Borders finished with the red ribbon.
The novice riders put on a good class and showcased seven teams hoping for the blue ribbon. The Cajun Moon and Jessica Nake came out on top to put the blue ribbon on the Hawkewood Farm tack room wall. Snap To It and Barbara Thureson put together the reserve team effort from James Hale Stables.
A trio of pleasure ponies competed in both their stake and qualifier and results were the same in both classes. SS Catch My Act and Taylor Young made it two for two with both wins under the direction of Betsy Webb and was followed in the ribbons both times by She’s A Pop Tart and Reagan Huguley for Stepping Stone Farm.
CH Candle Dan, recently named the overall pleasure horse of the year at the UPHA convention, kept the top honors coming for Clover Leaf and owner Kathryn Nichols. Candle Dan won the Show Pleasure Driving Stake and qualifier with Carl Nichols in the buggy.
CH Harlem Heat and Lib Jones made a victorious return to the show ring with their reserve grand championship win under the direction of Lisa Heres-Rosenberger. They had previously finished with the qualifier red ribbon.
Country Pleasure
Susan Hanna added two more wins to her total when her country pleasure mount, Hula Popper, followed up the blue ribbon win in the adult country pleasure class with the tricolor earning effort in the 12-entry adult stake. Champagne’s Finest Jewel and owner Laura Ritts represented Clover Leaf with the reserve titles in both classes.
The junior exhibitors faced a big group in both of their classes and Amy Hein held off all challengers to top the 14-entry stake and huge 17-entry qualifier with Phi Phalutin RR from Cardinal Farms. Kaitlin Whatley turned in another reserve grand championship ride from Break-Away Farm with Carolina Clay. Americana’s Flight and Alexis Braswell were reserve in the qualifier from Heathermoor Farm.
Maggie Costigan rode Tropical Sno to the win in the 13-entry Georgia owned class and was followed in the ribbons by Krissia and Pat Borders. Borders rode for owner Jeanie Waddell.
Wild Lolita and Carlie Jones were met by trainer Chad Sutton when they were called out as the winners in the 11-entry novice rider class. Highpoint’s Attitude and Kay Henderson, directed by Christy Parker, were right there for the reserve finish in the competitive class.
Deborah Richardson kept the blue ribbons coming for Richardson Stables when she headed down victory lane with CH Profit’s Fire Hazard in the amateur owned and trained class. Costigan and Tropical Sno claimed the red streamers in the seven-entry class.
CH Vincent Van Gogh was the winner of the versatility class in one of several winning performances with Deborah Richardson. Summer Shindig and Tiffany Smith took reserve for owner and trainer Lynn Pace.
Janet Kellett and CF Private Night Out won both of the show pleasure driving classes for Alde Mar Farms. Private Night Out bested a pair of competitors, including reserve grand champion Telemark’s Choice, in the stake. Kristen Weisblat drove Telemark’s Choice and also earned the reserve in the four-entry qualifier, showing under the direction of Pam Roush.
The Parade Stake was a huge hit with the crowd Saturday night and Susan Reimer, riding Columbia Buckaneer, left the ring to the crowd’s enthusiastic applause as the champion. Reimer rode for her daughter, Shelby Reimer. That Takes The Cake and Rachel Rafolski were reserve for Pine Haven Stables.
CH Vincent Van Gogh and Deborah Richardson turned in another winning performance but this time they earned tricolor honors when Bret Day named them the winners of the Western Country Pleasure Stake. They had previously won the Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class. New York Fire and Jan Henderson were the reserve grand champions.
Galahad’s Gold Mine and Jean Johnson went to the top of the class in the five-entry qualifier ahead of reserve champions Henderson and New York Fire. Lion King and Deborah Richardson topped the biggest class of the division, earning the blue in the Open Western Pleasure class for owner Charlotte Wrather. By the time the weekend was over, Richardson was the new owner of Lion King. Johnson and Gold Mine took reserve in the seven-entry open class.
Manhattan’s Review and owner/trainer/exhibitor Rebecca Babcock swept the hunter pleasure division, claiming victory over five other teams in the stake and four other teams in the qualifier. They also won the five-entry Saddle & Bridle Hunt Seat Classic to make it three for three. Mari Smith showed Empire Desire A.M.F. to reserve in both the stake and hunter pleasure qualifier for Janet Kellett and Alde Mar Farm. Cha Ching Cha Ching and Morgan Gunby took the red ribbon in the Saddle & Bridle class to close out the division.
Equitation
Pro Am may have offered one of the biggest challenges this spring for the Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Equitation Medallion. With 13 riders, the competition was deep and Judge Susi Day took her time to consider all the competitors calling six riders for the workout.
That first impression is very important for Day, particularly in equitation. "I always look for horsemanship first. From there it is similar to performance; in both performance and equitation the first impression is important. In performance, I look at the front end of the horse, how it is elevated and the presence it carries. In equitation, I look at the elevation of the rider and then the presence of the rider. After that I look down but with performance and equitation, the presence is one of the most important things."
Day selects her patterns carefully according to division and age. "When picking a pattern I take into account the skill level of the rider. I try not to make the pattern difficult but achievable. Sometimes the simpler patterns can be complicated. I really don’t try to trip a rider up on a pattern but give them the opportunity to make the pattern perfect."
Stepping Stone's Reagan Huguley toughed it out to the top for the Saddle & Bridle Medallion with Sally McEwen finishing in reserve. Day was impressed, "Again, this was the deepest division of the equitation divisions. Reagan stands out in this division. She is a pleasure to watch. Sally McEwen was also very good as well."
Continuing in pleasure equitation, "the pleasure equitation division was the deepest and most competitive of the equitation divisions," said Day. Reagan Huguley also earned the UPHA Challenge Cup ribbon with Cheyenne Mabey in reserve. "Cheyenne Mabey is cute as a button. Reagan Huguley was fabulous to watch. She really is a wonderful rider. I would have to say Reagan was a good as anyone’s rider at this show," added Day.
Pro Am also offered a walk and trot pleasure 12 and under division. Kaylee Norman and her teammate CH Radiant Success earned the championship ribbon with Judy Brown in reserve. Holly Hein and teammate Law Me took the first blue in this division in the 12 and under walk and trot pleasure division.
In Senior Saddle Seat, Morgan King and teammate Wizard's Icon were both grand champion and champion in this division. Christine Thomas and her Magic Mahogany finished in reserve for the championship while Sally McEwen and Heathermoor's Mister finished in reserve for the 14-17 division qualifier.
"Both Morgan and Christine are very good riders," said Day. "The rail work was very close and it came down to the pattern. Morgan was stronger in her workout but both riders were fabulous. Morgan King commanded the ring."
King also earned the UPHA Saddle Seat Challenge Cup blue ribbon, with Lindsey Landrum and her new teammate LA Blues in reserve. "In this class it came down to the specifications of the class, 60 percent based on railwork and 40 percent on the pattern," Day explained. "Morgan King showed good horsemanship and extreme presence on the rail. Lindsey Landrum had the better workout but was a little tentative on the rail."
Landrum, just getting into the ring with her new mount, turned back around Saturday morning to win the NHS Saddle Seat competition with Lauren Wendell in reserve.
"The combination of Macey Miles and Aces And Eights was undeniable," said Day about the 10 and under walk and trot division. Miles earned the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup and a victory pass in the Saddle Seat equitation 10 and under division. "Macey Miles and Aces And Eights were an adorable picture. It is amazing to see Aces And Eights taking care of a 10 and under rider so well. This team is on their way to the top."
Rebecca Overbey and her teammate Rosie O'Brien finished in reserve in the division while Brooklyn Frazier finish in second for UPHA Challenge Cup with her teammate Drama Queen. Jackie Taylor also teamed up with Rosie O'Brien to earn the blue ribbon in the 13 and under division.
Pro Am also offered adult equitation competition Saturday morning with trainer Christy Parker directing two of the competitors. "Both the qualifier and the championship were very close," according to Day. "Both riders are comparable in the overall impression. In the championship it came down to the workout. Both riders were equally matched but Trish displayed more confidence in the pattern." Trish Sigman, riding Heir To Success earned the championship ribbon. Elizabeth Grubb and Glider Supreme earned the blue in the qualifier.
30th Annual Pro Am Horse Show Dedicated to Temple Stephenson
(Editor’s Note: The following speech was read by announcer Mark Farrar, Friday March 30, 2007 at the Pro Am Benefit Classic Horse Show.)
Jayne Stephenson accepted a special plaque
from Pro Am Board of Directors President Buck Davis
in honor of this year’s show being dedicated
to her late husband, Temple Stephenson.
Tonight we dedicate the 30th annual Pro Am Horse Show to an incredible horseman and one of Pro Am’s founders, Mr. Temple Stephenson.
He was one of the charter members of ASHAG and was the first chapter chairman of UPHA Chapter 17.
For 20 years he worked at the historic Blythewood Farms. While at Blythewood he worked such champion horses as Blythe Spirit, Something Wonderful and Coe Star.
He then spent 10 years at Broadland Stables. While at Broadland he purchased My My for Jolie Richardson.
He and his wife, Jayne, opened their barn in Marietta, Ga., in 1968. While in the business they have developed too many young riders to mention them all by name. Temple’s honors include Southeastern Charity Horse Show Hall Of Fame and UPHA Chapter 17 Horseman Of The Year. He was a lifetime member of the National Racking Horse Association and also a member of their hall of fame.
Nine years ago at Pro Am Horse Show he retired the five-gaited colt Nice Doing Business and Temple announced from the show ring that he had sold the colt and it paid his farm off. Nice Doing Business went on to a successful show ring career.
In August of 2006 while working on his farm, the horse world lost a truly special gentleman that Pro Am is proud to dedicate this year’s show to.
We welcome his wife, Jayne, son Randy Stephenson, granddaughter Deborah Davis and her husband, Tim, and Temple’s great-grandsons, Jared, Jacob and Robert.
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