Pro-Am -- It Just Keeps On Growing!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
by Katherine Hansil
The 28th Annual Pro-Am Horse Show was held March 30-April 2, 2005 at the Georgia State Fairgrounds in Perry, Ga. The show, which moved several years ago from the Henderson Arena near Atlanta, continues to grow each year. The fairgrounds offer a great facility with everything covered from the main stabling area to the warm up ring on into the covered arena. This proved to be very handy and one reason to celebrate as Perry got its share of early April showers.
The show began on Wednesday evening with great performances judged by Jack Noble of Versailles, Ky. On Saturday, Amy Kutrufis of Sea Island, Ga., was on hand to judge the Academy division. Doug Shiflet captured the winning moments while Dale Stone put the show to music. The show ran smoothly thanks to the great staff and officials: Show Manager: Charles E. Byron III Grounds Manager: Scott Snider Master of Ceremonies: Peter Fenton
Ringmaster: Bill Whitley Show Secretary: Beth Higgins Snider
Pro-Am prides itself in putting on a top-notch horse show for exhibitors and spectators to enjoy. They offer a full range of classes over a four-day schedule. On Thursday evening, everyone joined together for the progressive barn party where great food like boiled shrimp, brought in fresh by Pine Haven stables, and strawberry daiquiri cake, from Dixie Stables, could be sampled. Guests at Hawkewood were entertained by the great voice of Jillian Schaffer.
On Friday evening, everyone enjoyed Myrt Cannady's famous meal featuring southern favorites. After the great food everyone had a great time competing in the hula-hoop contest and dancing the night away.
This great horse show benefits a great cause, the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia. This charity provides a “home away from home” for the families of seriously ill or critically injured children receiving treatment in Macon, Georgia. The house provides nearly 5000 rooms annually and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is the second year Pro-Am has been in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House. Members of this charity were on hand every session making programs available and serving as gate attendants, making it a true partnership. Five-Gaited
Four entries made the gate call Saturday evening to bring the show to a close. The class consisted of Callaway's Blackbeard with Ricky Cook, I'm Sneaky Pete with Tim Henderson, Select Fire with Elaine Gregory and Timely 'N Stylish with Bill Schoeman. Each took turns showing off for Judge Noble as they moved from gait to gait. In the end, Callaway's Blackbeard and Ricky Cook earned the trip to the winner's circle after an earlier reserve finish in the qualifier. Hometown favorite Timely 'N Stylish and Bill Schoeman exited as the reserve champions for Lori Schmidt. The qualifier blue went to I'm Sneaky Pete and Tim Henderson for Paula Henderson. In their only appearance, Desert's Gates Of Fire and Jerry Hutson collected the novice class blue for Reneaux Collins. Reserve went to Sun Times Commander with Tommy Richardson up.
The junior horses put on quite a show as the crowd got a glimpse of Out Go The Lights. Euchee Matthews first put this grand bay by CH First Night Out in the ring at the Gasparilla Charity for owner Cynthia Kueker. Once again, this gorgeous four-year-old topped the class with an outstanding performance. Undulata's Kipling with Lisa Heres-Rosenberger in the irons added a reserve ribbon to Soquilli Stables’ tack room. Lisa recently returned to the United States after living in Germany for 13 years where she promoted the Saddlebred industry. She now trains at Soquilli Stables where Betty and Ron Moore are dedicated to breeding and raising champions. Undulata's Kipling was just one of the Soquilli string to earn top ribbons under the direction of new trainer, Lisa Heres-Rosenberger.
Heres-Rosenberger was back in the irons to direct Callaway's Dat You Miz Blue to the winner's circle in the Georgia Owned Five-Gaited. Reserve went to Timely 'N Stylish with owner Lori Schmidt aboard.
In the three-year-old class, the sporty Stonecroft Sundial put on a fresh performance for the blue. Maria Gilman was up for Barbara Woods. The Harmon family entry Saber was presented by Roy Harris earned the red.
Shamrock's Return and Deborah Richardson would not be denied as they went two-for-two sweeping the amateur gaited division. This bold moving horse is a machine as he accurately performs his gaits. Reserve in both classes went back to Florida with the consistent performer Gypsy's Imagination and Jessica Anderson making a solid show.
The ladies division offered a special treat as the current Ladies Five-Gaited World's Champion Of Champions Callaway's Banner Headline put on a show for the crowd and for the sweep. Janet Crampton was aboard this grand horse just as she was in Freedom Hall for Alde-Mar Farms. Santosa and Joyce Webster took home reserve. In the qualifier, Riva's Periaptor Vicki Schaffer took home reserve. This ride and ribbon were more than special to Schaffer since it has been 25 years since she has been in the show ring.
In the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited class, the battle was on between two former stable mates She's Bedazzled ADW and Spindazzled. Both put on spectacular performances with Will Harris and Ashton Hale. Topping the first of two nine-horse classes was the Infinity team of She's Bedazzled ADW and Will Harris with Spindazzle and Ashton Hale in reserve. In the stake, Spindazzle and Ashton were back with a flawless show to earn the tricolor. Reserve in the stake went to the new team of L.A. Boca Raton and Kelsey Olson. Small Packages and Cassi Rath swept the gaited pony division. Three-Gaited
Attaché's Touched By An Angel made an elegant performance to claim the Three-Gaited Championship with Todd Miles aboard for Sarah Wood. The team earned the reserve in the qualifier where the Diamond 5 Farm entry Cadillac Spirit and Jerry Hutson won in their only appearance. In the Stake, junior entry Titleist Par Tee Time and Darcy Gordon received the reserve title for Lisa Overby. Todd Miles was in the winner's circle again after results were announced in the junior class. The impressive Gypsy's Say When was elegantly paraded around the ring for owner Andrea Perry. Callaway's Born A Star finished reserve with Ricky Cook for Judy and Don Harris.
In the novice class, Infinity Stables added another blue to their banner with the dazzling performance of Sue She and Jerry Hutson. This neat mare was bred by owner Carl Holden and is out of a Denmark's Runaround Sue mare and by Periaptor. She has been under the direction of Infinity since last fall after completing her junior season. Earning the red ribbon was Overjoyed and Lisa Heres-Rosenberger for Soquilli Stables. In the three-year-old class, Bill Schoeman was in the irons for the top prize aboard Red Hawk's Lady Hawk. Party Til Dawn and Jennifer Spurlin earned the blue in the Georgia Owned Three-Gaited.
The Amateur Three-Gaited Stake was anyone's game as eight top entries came to claim the coveted tricolor. Making great pass after pass, Viper and Valery Lang-Hall would not be denied as their number was called to the winner's circle under the direction of James Hale after an earlier third place finish in the qualifier. Reserve honors in both classes went to the new team of CH Hayden Fox and Kevin Ingram for the Delton banner. The high-stepping Amber Lager and Anitya Marlowe won the qualifier.
No one was more excited than Andi Bittker when her number was called to the winner's circle in the Ladies Three-Gaited Stake aboard Evoq. Evoq was campaigned by Jerry Hutson as a three-year-old and four-year-old in preparation for owner, Andi Bittker. Bittker and Evoq debuted in the qualifier with a strong third to winner Pagan Prince and Maria Gilman. Reserve in both classes went back to Louisiana with Americana's Wings and Marjorie Judd for Claude Pennington.
Once again, the crowd was in awe as another world's champion of champions graced the arena. This time it was CH Blackberry Delight. This beautiful horse was paired at Pro Am with Rachel Machamer. They performed flawlessly to win the 13-and-under qualifier and the combined stake under the direction of Lisa and Bill Waller. Soulmate and Emily Schwebke finished reserve in this competitive stake under the direction of Jennifer Alvis. In the 14-17 qualifier, the expressive Worthy One's Rhythm received reserve while Keeper Of The Stars and Jackie de la Parte earned the 13-and-under red ribbon. In the pony division, the tricolor went to Sonar Sue and Katherine Conner with A Promised Jewel and Avery Austill receiving the red ribbon. These two great teams from Alabama traded ribbons in the qualifier with A Promised Jewel taking the blue. The new team of Champagne's Supreme Fox and Stephanie Lockyer earned strong third place finishes in both classes. Fine Harness
In a division that is normally light, four great entries competed for the Fine Harness Stake title. Having not faced each other earlier in the week, two of the top amateur contenders faced off for the tricolor. Each horse made outstanding shows but Candle Dan and Carl Nichols earned the judge's nod. Candle Dan also won the open qualifier with trainer Bill Waller. Reserve stake honors and winner of the Amateur Fine Harness qualifier was the flashy Kool Tyme BH with Iris James. A Ticket To Ride and Susan Reimer took reserve in the open class for Lynn and Ken McColl while Sultan's Friday and Pam Robertson captured the red in the amateur qualifier.
In the junior class, Jerry Hutson piloted the magnificent Peri Town to the winner's circle for Carl Holden. This exciting young star, like Sue-She, is by Periaptor and out of a Denmark's Runaround Sue mare. Reserve went to the Harmon Family entry, Masqueheira. Clara Flor was on the lines to win the three-year-old class with her Don't Worry-bred chestnut, Don't Tell Me. Park
Adding to the Infinity banner, He's My American Soldier swept the park division with Jerry Hutson. This neat horse, owned by Cindy and John Maloney, impressed the Pro Am crowd during his debut. Reserve in the stake went to Bette and Frank Rozzo's Forty-Two Karats with Mary Jo Schmidt in the irons. Best Day Ever was reserve in the qualifier with James Hale for Mary Ann Railey. Brian Reimer directed Wild Worries to the winner's circle for Sandra Justice with A Perfect Affair and Euchee Mathews in reserve for Christy Parker.
In the Amateur Three-Gaited Park class, CH Ramses with Amanda Dellinger put on a great show for the win. This grand horse looks better than ever with his ears forward and his animated step. In the stake, however, he pulled a shoe that could not be fixed and took the gate. That left the door wide open. With a comeback ride from the qualifier, the tricolor went to the Wayne Hackney-trained gelding I Share The Secret and Lynlee Kennedy. What's Your Fancy and Melinda Jenkins were on the money for both red ribbons.
The crowd witnessed several debuts in the junior exhibitor park division. Putting together a strong team effort, Phi's Phortune Teller and Ashley McKenzie swept the division under the direction of Janet Crampton. This show was special for McKenzie as she moved into performance from the academy ranks. Another young lady moving up from academy was Madeleine Pyles. Pyles was aboard CH Tomorrow's Future. Many remember this elegant horse with her sister Sally Pyles aboard. Since Sally is preparing to go off to Presbyterian College it was decided by the team at Jon Walker Stables that Madeleine was ready for the challenge. It was a great decision as this new team earned both red ribbons. Pleasure
In the Three-Gaited Park Pleasure Stake, Cat Tale and Euchee Matthews returned to the winner's circle after an earlier win the junior qualifier. Reserve in the stake and the open qualifier went to Kelly and David Mount's Only Blues with Adam Clauson aboard. In the open qualifier, the blue was awarded to Mandala Remembered and Lisa Heres-Rosenberger for Soquilli Stables. Better Worry and Brian Reimer received the red. Majestic Worries and Brian Reimer went straight to the winner's circle in the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited Park Pleasure with Truly's Let's Roll and Julia LeCroq in reserve.
Seven teams entered the ring for the Five-Gaited Pleasure Stake. The high-headed gelding The Denali and Deborah Richardson made every pass count. Richardson guided this big horse through his gaits to win the stake and qualifier. It was a bittersweet victory as he now has a new home in Florida at Judd Stables. Both red ribbons went to the Delton Farms' entry, MMMBop. In the qualifier, Janet Kellett made a great catch-ride for Amanda Dellinger who had conflict with college. In the stake, Dellinger was back aboard to accept the red ribbon herself.
Another great match put together by Steve Old for Delton Farms was My Grande and Amanda Dellinger. Amanda Dellinger made it look effortless as My Grande paraded around the ring and straight to the winner's circle two times in what was probably the most competitive division of the horse show. Reserve in the stake went to CH In Neon ERB with Jamie Hitchen. The red ribbon in the qualifier went back to Florida with the Hawkewood team of Black Copper and Paula Frenette. Winning the Georgia Owned Three-Gaited Pleasure and earning a top third in the stake was CF Private Night Out and Janet Kellett. Reserve in this qualifier went to the Clover Leaf-trained CSF Supreme Memories and Judy Brown.
Both age groups of the junior exhibitor were stacked with competition. In the 13-and-under division it was the Judd Stables team of So Audacious and Kelsey Olson going two-for-two with flawless performances. In the stake, Princess Periafter and Stephanie Lockyer moved up a notch to claim the red ribbon. This combination seems to have really come together over the winter under the direction of Christy Parker. Columbia Buckaneer and Shelby Reimer picked up reserve in the qualifier for Tiffany Smith.
The high-headed Undulata's Once And Again and Evanne Floyd finished on top of Noble’s card in the 14-17 qualifier. Lake Dailey had a comeback in the stake, claiming the tricolor with Simply Panache. The Jon-Walker trained Callaway's Custom Made and Jocelyn Brock were reserve in both classes.
In the Three-Gaited Pleasure Pony Stake, Avery Austill moved up a notch with She's Jamaican Me Crazy to win the tricolor for the Treleaven family who could not attend. They also earned the reserve in the qualifier. She's A Pop Tart and Reagan Huguley bested the competition in the qualifier. Reserve in the stake went to Cedar Creek Tour De Force and T.J. Santaferra.
In only her second performance with Bluegrass Sunset, Stephanie Sanchez guided her new horse to the tricolor in the 12-and-Under Walk-and-Trot Pleasure Stake. Bluegrass Sunset is not new to the Sanchez family, however, since Natalie, Stephanie's sister, campaigned him to many great ribbons over the past several years. Natalie now shows Sky High Money. In the qualifier, it was another family celebration as Lindsay Sowell and Suzanne Bradshaw cheered Alexandra Sowell and American Lass onto the blue. This Infinity team returned in the stake for the reserve title. Miss Dee earned the red in the qualifier for Alex Bell.
In the Pleasure Driving qualifier Lester Harmon was back in the show ring after 25 years to earn the blue with Gorgeous Crystal. The new team of CH Highpoint's Coming Attraction and Kaelyn Donnelly moved up a spot in the stake and picked up the tricolor. Callaway's Show Me State and Donna Plumb took home the reserve in the stake for Soquilli Stables. Country Pleasure
In the Country Pleasure Stake, Hometown Commander and Kevin Ingram proved to be the one to beat, moving up a notch from their reserve in the qualifier. This team also earned the red ribbon in the Georgia owned class. With a comeback ride, Britini Ruyle guided the flashy Dali to the reserve in the stake for Bette and Frank Rozzo. The Judd Stables team of Ooh La Latte and Claire Karst won the qualifier and had a strong performance in the stake for third. Newcomer Tropical Sno and Maggie Costigan won the Georgia owned class.
Just Stylish and Stephanie Fox topped the 12-entry Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Stake. New to the country pleasure division, Denmark's Sue Per Man and Andres Herrera put it all together to earn the reserve championship title. Cumberland Classic, with Mandy Martin catch riding, won the qualifier blue for Marie Attleberger. Leatherwood's West Wing and Lee Gray earned reserve for Heathermoor Farm.
Winning the Country Pleasure Driving Stake and qualifier in their debut together was Incantation Proclamation with John Wrather under the direction of Janet Crampton. Reserve in both classes went to Magic Steppin Out and Emily Baker.
The star of the Country Pleasure Western Stake was the flashy CH Vincent Van Gogh with Deborah Richardson. Not only did they win the stake, but they also won Saddle and Bridle's William Shatner Western class and the Country Pleasure Versatility class. They were reserve in the qualifier. Key Tucker and Champ At The Bit won the qualifier and were reserve in the stake and the William Shatner class. William D Marlo and Farrell Palmer won the Saddle and Bridle Working Western class. Piney Flats and Nancy Fortner exited the ring with reserve. Winning the Hunter Pleasure Stake and the Saddle and Bridle's Hunter Classic was Manhattan's Review and Dr. Rebecca Babcock. This horse has a very special story as it is a rescue horse with Dr. Babcock being a veterinarian. With lots of love and expert care, Dr. Babcock has Manhattan's Review healthy again and has hopes of heading to St. Louis for the finals. Reserve in both classes went to My Integrity and Ann Eaker. Roadster To Bike
J.D. Gardner was on the lines to sweep the Roadster To Bike division with two fast paced drives with Big Red. These two have been an awesome team after winning the USTA class at Louisville in 2004. It was a bittersweet victory as J.D. walked Big Red to the DeLovely barn Saturday for him to make the trip to his new home in Indiana. Reserve in the stake went to the speedster Eclipse and Jon Walker while Mike Barlow drove Ashland to the reserve in the qualifier in their only appearance. Pete Reeves was in the bike to accept the Novice Road Horse blue with Firecracker Jack.
In the amateur stake, Rum's Last Shot and Jennifer Robertson were called to the winner's circle. The awesome team of Where's Reuben and Debra Clark won the qualifier and took reserve in the Stake under the guidance of Mary Jo Schmidt.
In the Roadster To Wagon class, Mike Barlow made the victory pass with Super Slick, a Rick Adams entry. Hackney Pony
Believe It and Ann Reeves won both the Hackney qualifier and stake. In the Harness Pony division, Heartland Firefly went two-for-two for Garland Presswood. In the stake, Heartland Flirtation and Jimmy Robertson earned reserve for Apples and Oats with So Lovely CH and Crystal Harmon-Cates earning the reserve in the qualifier.
In the pleasure driving division Judy Dellinger debuted with her new pony, Pride's Perfection. Judy honed her driving skills in the academy driving division under the direction of Steve Old. This new team took the competition by storm as they swept the division in their first show together. Reserve in the qualifier went to Heartland Supremacy and Crystal Harmon-Cates in their only appearance together. Motown and Will Mayo accepted reserve in the stake. This Wayne Hackney-trained team also won the AHHS Youth Medallion Pleasure Driving Pony. Road Pony
With an outstanding performance, Lone Star won the trip to winner's circle for Kathryn and Carl Nichols’ Crystal Creek Farm. Bill Waller was on the lines for the win with this pony who is only a four-year-old. Reserve in the stake and winner of the novice class was the animated Turbo Blue and John Maloney. Tequila Mockingbird and Brian Reimer won the open qualifier for John Ross. I'm The One and Arlie Fiveash earned the reserve.
In the amateur division Rant and Rave with Karen Voerg took the top honors in both the stake and the qualifier. In the stake, Arlie Fiveash was in the bike to pilot Aisle Party to the reserve. Cherry's Dreamtime and Crystal Harmon-Cates earned reserve in the qualifier in their only appearance.
In the junior exhibitor division, King's Perfection and Justin Davis won the stake and AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony. Reserve in the AHHS went to Heartland Yankee and Emma Price. In the AHHS Youth Medallion Roadster Pony Under Saddle, Shelby Reimer raced away with the blue aboard BRS King Of Hearts with Heartland Yankee and Emma Price in reserve. Equitation
In the Saddle Seat Equitation Stake, Reagan Huguley had a great late birthday present when her number was called to the winner's circle. Reserve honors went to Morgan King under the direction of Bill Rodgers. These two young ladies also finished one and two in the 14-17 qualifier, respectively. Rachel Machamer had a great week in the equitation. She qualified for the UPHA Challenge Cup and also won her 13-and-Under qualifier under the direction of Clover Leaf. Mandy Martin won the NHS Good Hands class. Lindsay Landrum, another DeLovely rider, won her 10-and-Under qualifier. Ashley Judd swept the 10-and-under walk-and-trot division; she won the qualifier and the UPHA class.
Under the direction of Infinity, Joel Dorignac made the switch to pleasure equitation this year, his last year as a junior exhibitor. It was a smart move as he is already qualified for the UPHA Challenge Cup Pleasure Equitation and Saddle and Bridle's Pleasure Equitation Medallion. Academy
Saturday afternoon was the appointed time for the academy riders to shine. Winning top ribbons in their classes were Debra Cranmer, Tiffany Davis, Alyssa Barrett, Savannah Manning, Austen Waldron, Lauren Byrd, Lindsey Mazo, Taylor Shives, Michelle Miller, Deborah Lechner, Madison Mahaffey, Carolyne Sawyer, Ashley Brandies, Katie Litchenstein, Allie Walker, Melissa Heres-Rosenberger, Andrea Simpson, James Huguley, Karen Curry and Lori Harden.
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