Rain or Shine, Summerfun Does Just Fine
Monday, August 9, 2010
By Michelle Krentz
WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Summerfun has long lived up to its name. Although it takes place in the last minute rush to the finish line that is the final stretch to Louisville, everyone seems to have a great time and gets along. The Midwest holds a strong reputation for great friendships and a unique link that bonds competitors as friends. That bond was especially important at this year’s edition of the show as Mother Nature struck with great force.
On Thursday evening the show was postponed when the skies opened and severe weather came. Extreme thunderstorms and even sighted tornadoes in the Southeastern Wisconsin area threatened the show, but nothing can stop Midwesterners from showing. The arena was flooded from a torrential downpour, leaving it in no condition to show in. A generous anonymous donor ordered enough shavings to fix the ring and make it show ready.
The show began at 8:30 instead of seven that evening, but as the Ladies Three-Gaited class was being tied, the skies opened up again. Trainers were forced to untack their horses in the ring. Unfortunately the class after the three-gaited class was a pleasure driving pony class, so ponies were warming up in the bad weather. Again the show worked together to come up with a safe and convenient solution. Judge Gayle Lampe moved to the warm-up ring to judge the pony class, while the rest of the show was postponed again. Luckily, Mother Nature finally gave the show a break, and the rest of that evening’s session continued without a hitch, as did the rest of the show.
Show Manager Vicky Holston had her work cut out for her during the show, but she worked hard to ensure foremost the safety of the horses and exhibitors as well as keeping things fun. As always she succeeded and exceeded in her role as show manager, making her a super hero for all involved. About that crazy Thursday evening, Holston had this to say, "There are times in my career as a horse show manager that I wonder why I do what I do, but last night, seeing all the trainers and grooms, even the judge and organist, working together to get the ring ready to show Thursday night was a sight I will not soon forget. Thanks to all of you who helped me keep this horse show going that night. I also learned that someone anonymously paid for all the shavings that were put in the ring that night. I can't express in words the thanks for this wonderful generosity, it touches my heart. This is why I'm a horse show manager."
In the Open Five-Gaited ranks, Radiant Rhapsody and Ray Krussell repeated their Madison qualifier win for Mary Adams. Diana Schaefer’s handsome black horse, The Midnight Hero, was reserve with Mark Utoft in the irons. The undeniable Harlem’s Hot Ticket won the ladies class with Gretchen Bentz. He also finished second with Devon Van Ess in the junior exhibitor stake for Marlene and Dan LaFleur.
Repeating his Tanbark tricolor, Keep Me Posted and JeanAnn Gundersen won the Amateur Five-Gaited Stake after a strong reserve finish in the qualifier. CH Red Flame Thrower has been on fire this year, and at Summerfun he won the Amateur Five-Gaited qualifier with owner Barbara Goodman Manilow.
A winner already this season in the Adult Five-Gaited Pleasure division with owner Jessica Timmington, CH Will’s No Doubt About It won the Juvenile Five-Gaited Stake with Alexa Trakalo after a second in the qualifier under the Cornerstone banner. Out With The Ladies and Maya Manilow made a flawless show to win the juvenile qualifier under the direction of Skyline Stables.
Dee Dee Mackie made her birthday week one to remember by winning the Junior/Novice Five-Gaited class aboard Texas Hold ‘Em. Already a winner this year from Tanbark, Tee’s Merlot was reserve with Marlene LaFleur aboard for Steve and Linda Goodrich.
Repeating their win from Madison, Callaway’s After All and Brandi Bushard won the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic. By Designed and out of Callaway’s Razzberries, who is also the dam of CH Callaway’s Sugarplum, this stylish bay mare has tons of talent and potential.
2008 and 2009’s Three-Gaited 15.2 & Under World’s Champion VHF Belle Epoque won the Open Three-Gaited tricolor with owner and trainer Robert Gardiner aboard. Qualified to the blue with Scott Matton, Callaway’s Rosemary And Thyme was reserve in the championship with proud owner Ashley Baird. CH Sunshine Way, who is also a very decorated horse, was reserve in the qualifier with Lisa Strickland up for Toni Guarnera.
CH Highland Cavalier swept the Ladies Three-Gaited ranks with Piper Granger Bordegon aboard for Bonnie Kegley under the direction of Northern Tradition. Aurora Borealis was reserve in both classes with Aimee Langer under the Knollwood banner.
All moved back to the Midwest, Jessica Moctezuma won the Amateur Three-Gaited Stake aboard That Kind Of Woman for her father, Mayo, and Rocco Litrenta. Litrenta qualified the outstanding horse to a reserve finish. Qualifier winner Born Independent was reserve in the championship with Sandy Bernd.
The absolutely adorable combination of Moriah’s Catnip and Brynn Lunaas swept the Juvenile Three-Gaited division under the direction of Kris and Kara Martalock.
Cataclysmic makes the Midwest proud over and over again, as he did to win the Minnesota/Wisconsin-Owned Three-Gaited class with Terri Anne Ullman for Susan Halverson. A reserve world’s champion as a yearling, Princess Mia was reserve with Jared Ratzloff for Sherilyn and Thomas Nelson.
Reserve in last year’s National Futurity Three-Year Old Fine Harness class, Hillcroft Rare Fortune won the Junior/Novice Three-Gaited class with Scott Matton aboard for excited owner Connie MacQueen. Earning nothing lower than a red ribbon this year, The Camera Man and John Willis were reserve for William Grey.
Adding a fourth win to his career, Callaway’s Bring It On Home won the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic with owner Brandi Bushard aboard. By CH Caramac and out of the multi-titled CH The Homecoming Queen this chestnut colt is certainly bred to be a star. Royal Crest has another great prospect in Royal Crest’s Stone Zone who won the Two-Year-Old Three-Gaited class with Kathleen Sullivan aboard.
Kenny Smith won both Open Park classes with two different horses. In the qualifier it was Lady Bravada and in the championship it was The New York Look. Barbara Goodman Manilow owns both these fine horses, and her talented daughter, Maya, qualified The New York Look to a win in the Juvenile Park class. Barbara Goodman Manilow also owns the winner of the Junior/Novice Park class, The Invincible. This nice young horse was shown to the win by Terri Anne Ullman. Captain Calypso and Ray Krussell were reserve in that class for Todd Buffington. Jamaica Fortune was reserve in the Park Stake in his first show of the year with owner Robert Gardiner aboard. Double winners from Tanbark, Aurora’s Asset and Rick Wallen were reserve in the qualifier for Albert Kelm.
Reserve grand champions from Midwest, CF Burn Out and Sally Winquist won both Amateur Park classes in high style under the Knollwood banner. Just last year this exciting gelding was a world’s champion in the Amateur Stallion/Gelding class. Barnmate Susan Vogel was reserve in both classes with her elegant Sultan’s Sonadora.
Kalarama’s Carrousel made a grand debut in harness to win the Park Fine Harness qualifier with Jonelle Gardiner and the Park Fine Harness Championship with owner Kristen Gardner. Tommy Hilfiger was reserve in the qualifier with Vicki Alfuth.
For the fourth year in a row, CH Cary’s Moonraker was the Fine Harness Stake winner. She won the qualifier with trainer Scott Matton, and owner Brittany Baird took her back to earn the tricolor. Amateur winners, Oban and Phillipp Meyer, were reserve in the stake, while Hoops and Richard Obenauf were reserve in the qualifier for Pat McConnell. Oh So What and Penny Weyenberg were reserve in the amateur qualifier.
Queensbury Farm has another star in Queensbury Starquest, who added a second win of its debut show season by winning the Junior Fine Harness class with Rick Wallen. Callaway’s Before Sunset and Jimmy Bushard were reserve for Dr. Dan and Mary Bushard.
Rocket Design and Lisa Strickland made a spectacular show to win the UPHA Fine Harness Classic for Libby Mathers. In his show ring debut, Get Crackin’ and Mark Utoft were reserve for Brian Ferguson.
Rick Wallen had Society’s Pearl right and ready to win the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness class for Delores Lillge. Pat Wessel was reserve with Royal Crest’s Smooth As A Rock for Royal Crest Farms.
For the second year in a row, Nightheir was the Road Pony Grand Champion and Champion with Mike Schallock.
Barnmates to Nightheir, Thunderation and Meredith Steinhauer swept the Amateur Road Pony division, while Heartland Picture Perfect and Mike Schallock were reserve in both classes.
Regal’s Lady Bess LF and Hannah Klint won the AHHS Youth Medallion Hackney Road Pony class, while Top Secret LF and Brynn Lunaas won the under saddle class for Dr. Hank Clemmons.
For the third year in a row, Lightning Up was the Harness Pony Grand Champion. He was also the qualifier winner with owner Neal Loeb. For the fifth year in a row, Tommy Hilfiger and Bob Richards were the Hackney Pony Grand Champions and Champions for Riverview Stables.
Making it two years in a row, Wait & See’s Raspberry and Donna Beck were the Hackney Pleasure Pony Grand Champions. Qualifier winners Final Answer and Bob Richards were reserve in the championship for Riverview Stables. I’m A Looker and Deanna Johnson were reserve in the qualifier, while the adorable pair of Honest Impression and Garrett Weiler were the winners in the AHHS Youth Medallion Pleasure Driving Pony class.
In his third stake win of the season, the brilliant CH Hank Heiron won the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake with his wonderful rider, Kelly Theis Williamson, for Bonnie Kegley. They were also the qualifier winners. A reserve world’s champion as a weanling, Al Capone is showing that successful in-hand horses make successful performance horses. He was reserve in both classes with Sharon Worzalla.
Sheri Brandl’s Equitate LLC had quite the show, with a tack room decorated in many blues and tricolors. One of those tricolors belonged to The Evangelist. With Grace Gabower aboard, they won the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake. Loretta Mulberry rode the hair off He’s Heirrisistible to earn the reserve honors in the stake class. In their third win of the season, Callaway’s Exception To The Rule and Maya Manilow won the qualifier under the direction of Donna and Kenny Smith. Tanbark’s Five-Gaited Pleasure Grand Champions, Champagne And Jewels and Andra Trakalo, were reserve in the juvenile qualifier.
After a reserve finish in the Junior Park Pleasure class, My Magical Souvenir TS came back to win the Park Pleasure Stake for breeder and owner Jayne Tillman. In their season debut, Miracle On Broadway and John Willis won the Open Park Pleasure class for Callie Davidson, and then earned a strong reserve in the championship. South Beach Stormy won the Junior Park Pleasure Class in exciting fashion with Robert Gardiner aboard for Katherine Hansil and Landmark Farm.
In his show ring debut, Royal Crest’s Stones O-Hoy won the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic with Kathleen Sullivan for Royal Crest Farms. The chromed and flashy About To Get Interesting was reserve with Mayo Moctezuma for Susan Bekenstein.
Krussell Stables had another winner in First Night Vision, who won the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure 39 & Over Stake and qualifier with owner Debra Hoffman. Reserve in the championship went to The Victory Pass and Dr. Michelle Sprengelmeyer in their very first show together. Continuing their successful season together, CH Pierre Cardin and Beth Bidon were reserve in the qualifier under the direction of Marlene and Neva LaFleur.
In the 38 and under stake it was Redesigned and Kristen Olson to earn the tricolor and the 30-38 blue under the direction of Cornerstone Stables. CH King Of Pop and Jennifer Hartner were elated with their reserve finish in the championship under the direction of Northern Tradition Farm. I’m Taken, the animated bay, was reserve in the 30-38 class with great rider Sarah Shakespeare. Always a horse that catches the judges’ eye, Mojito won the 18-29 class with Aimee Langer aboard for Scott and Carol Matton. Earning nothing lower than third this year, Katie Pellino and The Time Is Right were reserve in that class.
Riley Sockett had no complaints with this year’s Summerfun as he went three-for-three with his talented horse, Double Secret Probation TS. Sockett and "Dean" won the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake, the 14-17 class and the juvenile novice horse class, all under the direction of proud trainers Sheri Brandl and Sarah McClintock. A Midwest favorite, CH Fine By Me and Alicia Sacotte were reserve in the juvenile stake. Emily Wiersma rode Harlem’s Irish Dancer to a perfect class to earn the red ribbon in the 14-17 class under the direction of Knollwood. Out of her mother’s grand mare, CH Lady Luck BG, Lady Suzanne and Maya Manilow were reserve in the Juvenile Novice Horse class.
In their fifth win of the season, Prime Time Player and Zac Cutting added another blue ribbon to Equitate LLC’s curtains. It should be noted that this fine rider is in his first year cantering and he is guiding this brilliant five-year-old horse to wins across the Midwest already.
This year was the inaugural year for the ASAW Members Only classes. Extremely fittingly, the first ASAW Members Only blue went to a long-time supporter and president of ASAW, Mary Bushard, aboard her wonderful Callaway’s Colate. Four-time winners already this year, Royal Crest’s Rising Above The Rock and Stacy Wessel were reserve in that class under the direction of her father, Pat Wessel.
After many years as a five-gaited horse, Kenya Ketch Me is successfully trying his hand at three gaits in pleasure. He won the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Novice Horse class with Gretchen Bentz aboard for Steve and Linda Goodrich.
Thea Treiber was ecstatic with her Junior Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake win aboard Merchant’s Legacy for Chainski and Purnell. Trained under the direction of Belle View acres, this is this fine horse’s fourth win of the season. Qualifier winners Ro & Me’s Bubblelicious and Amy Weiler made a great showing for reserve in the championship. Impeccably bred, by I’m A New Yorker and out of CH Lady Maya, Hopefully and Bevan Sukowaty were reserve in the qualifier under the direction of Winsome Farm.
The beautiful bay Itzy Glitzy and Sharaon Worzalla won the AOT class, while Sonoran Select and Sarah Bosshard were reserve. Itzy Glitzy also won the Junior/Novice Show Pleasure Driving class with Janene Steggeman.
Mayo Moctezuma had the one-two punch in the Show Pleasure Driving Stake, allowing two of his horses to win. Qualifier reserves winners Midnight Starmaker and Judy Ashby came back to win the tricolor for Sheri Johnsen. This elegant horse was also reserve in the Novice Show Pleasure class with Nicole Laroussa. Yellow Rose Memories and Amy Weiler looked picture perfect to win the pleasure driving qualifier and come back for the reserve in the championship.
In his sixth win of the season, Mr. Smarty Pants won the Five-Gaited Country Pleasure Stake with proud owner Sandra Dyer aboard under the direction of Mark and Toni Utoft. Qualifier winner Royal Crest’s Stone Passion was reserve in the championship with Lisa Simonis aboard for Ginger Schinktgen and Elizabeth Wildenberg. Royal Crest’s Shot On The Rocks was reserve in the qualifier with Dena Hall.
Never placing lower than second this year, CH Bella Marietta and Claudia Gardner Sipp won the Adult Country Pleasure Stake after a reserve finish in the 39 and over class. Wind Up Toy and Nancy Rothe were reserve in the stake after winning the 39 and over class. The great pair of It’s Ladies Night and Stephanie Chatham won the 18-38 class under the direction of Knollwood. Halle Hallelujah and Corie Allen were reserve in the 18-38 class and the novice class. Carameaprize and Lucina Rea continued their successful season by winning the Novice Country Pleasure class for Krussell Stables.
Catch-rider extraordinaire, Breanna Lukan had Paper Heiress JJW in top form to win the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Stake for Jay and Jean Wood. The incomparable CH CF First Light Of Dawn and Maya Manilow won the juvenile qualifier under the direction of Skyline Stables. The delightful team of Salt Heir and Garrett Weiler were reserve in both classes under the direction of Mayo Moctezuma.
Making it four wins this season, Mercantile Exchange and Kennedy Biederman won the ASAW Members Only Country Pleasure class under the direction of Equitate. Reserve honors in that class belonged to the Ginger Schinktgen-trained entry, Matisse and Narin Avci. In the Novice Rider Country Pleasure division, Crovenay’s Springing Biscuit and Emily Teehan won, while Royal Crest’s Instone and Tori Brindel were reserve.
Jayne Tillman and Mike Bletsoe have a great system, with Tillman showing CH Hard Day’s Night TS in the championship, and Bletsoe showing "Baby Ringo" in the qualifier. The dynamic duo swept the Country Pleasure Driving division under the direction of Ray Krussell. Carissimo and the always-elegant Donna Beck were reserve in both classes under the direction of Jared Ratzloff.
Susan Honkamp’s newest addition, Crowned Prince, was a perfect three-for-three at Summerfun in his debut with his new owner. Before Honkamp won the Shatner class, trainer Carol Matton won the Open Country Western Pleasure class, and then Honkamp won the tricolor in excited fashion. In his first western classes of the season, Worthy’s Son In Law and Marcia Scott were reserve in the Country Western Pleasure Stake and Shatner classes.
Winsdown Diamond Dee won the 30 and over class with Char Sondrall, while the black beauty Harlem’s Mojo and owner Toni Nastali were reserve. In just his first year as a western horse, CH Star Spangled Steel won his ninth class of the season at Summerfun by winning the 29 and under class with proud owner Ashley Baird aboard. Miss Lotta Santana and Leah Southgate were reserve in that class.
High Alpine and Jennifer Miller swept the hunter division under the direction of Northern Tradition Farm, while Star Hill Ricochet and Corie Allen were reserve for Arthur and Jane Schallock under the direction of Rick Wallen.
Jenna Winquist showed off her poise and position to win the 17 & Under Saddle Seat Equitation class aboard the beautiful Tango ‘Til Dawn under the direction of Knollwood. Tess Holmes, a decorated equitation rider, won the Adult Saddle Seat Equitation Stake under the direction of Heather Linzmeier. Connie MacQueen won the USEF Adult Saddle Seat Medal, while her daughter, Meaghan, was the winner of the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup and reserve in the adult championship. They both ride under the direction of Knollwood. Versatile rider Corie Allen was reserve in the adult medal.
Equitate’s Monet Harrison went three for three by winning the Walk & Trot Championship, UPHA Challenge Cup and Pleasure Equitation classes. In his only appearance of the show, equitation superstar Nick Maupin and his Coco Mojo won the USEF Saddle Seat Medal. Knollwood stablemate Alexandra Friedrich was reserve aboard Tantara’s Magic Blessing.
Knollwood swept the 17 & Under UPHA Challenge Cup with Shelby Hader winning the blue and Cori O’Brien winning the red ribbon. O’Brien was also reserve in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup, and Hader was also reserve in the Pleasure Equitation 13 & Under Championship.
Zac Cutting won the 11 & Under Challenge Cup as well as the Pleasure Equitation 13 & Under class under the direction of Sheri Brandl, while Adam Van Ess was reserve under the direction of his grandma and mom, Marlene and Neva LaFleur. Killian Sukowaty was elated to win the NHS Good Hands class under the direction of Winsome farm.
Teamed with Reserve World’s Champion The Bourne Supremacy, Caitlin Donohue was the Pleasure Equitation 14-17 Champion after a reserve in the NHS Good Hands class under the direction of Donna Pettry-Smith. Age group winner Allison Gutenkunst was reserve in the championship, paired with the gorgeous CH Louisville Lass under the direction of Knollwood. Another Knollwood team member, Ashley Baird won the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup and was reserve in the 14-17 class aboard Molly O’Donnell.
Knollwood had the one-two punch in the Pleasure Equitation 13 & Under qualifier with Sydney Budzinksi and Oh What A Feeling winning the class, and Alexandra Friedrich and Tantara’s Magic Blessing coming in reserve. Budzinkis also won the Pleasure Equitation Medallion, while Claire Mogren was reserve.
|