River Ridge Keeps On Rockin!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
by Michelle Krentz and Katherine Hansil
Columbus, Ohio - The River Ridge Charity Horse Show has done it again. Attracting some of the best barns in the nation is no small task, but the show staff does it through wonderful hospitality and hosting the show at a great facility. New additions to the show this year included Hackney Pony Park Pleasure Driving, Shetland Pony classes, and additional equitation classes. River Ridge also serves as the first American Saddlebred show in Ohio. A portion of the show’s profit benefits the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, giving children with the disease a chance to go to summer camp. That experience helps them learn to cope with the disease while having fun.
The show’s superior hospitality offers many perks for trainers, exhibitors, and caretakers. The show staff offered complimentary coffee and doughnuts daily, a grooms’ lunch on Tuesday, sponsored by Honey Baked Ham, a pizza party on Wednesday, a Honey Baked Ham party, sponsored by Honey Baked Ham on Thursday, a progressive barn party on Friday, and a chili and cornbread luncheon on Saturday sponsored by Chuck and Lynn Hutchinson of World Champion. The show also had lively chuck-a-duck competitions. Tuffy Owens kept the crowd excited, while announcing, Howie Schatzberg shot the winning photos inside the ring, and Seehorse Video caught it all on film. Seehorse Video also streamed the show live on its website giving horse enthusiasts as far away as Senegal, Africa the chance to cheer for their favorite horses and riders.
Five-Gaited
At his first show of the season, Thunderstorm Warning wowed the crowd to win the Five-Gaited Grand Championship with master showman, Tammy DeVore aboard. Martha Pope owns the powerful Attaché’s Thunderbolt gelding. Reserve in the stake class went to J. Crew and Clark Clouse. Owned by Dr .Tina Mayes, the bright gelding was also reserve in the limit class.
Seen with Lionel Ferreira last year in the harness division, with a blue at Midwest and good finishes at Lexington, Kris Knight debuted the beautiful, bay horse in the open five-gaited division to a blue. The fancy gelding with a headset to die for and motion to spare won the stallion/gelding class for John Bulmer. Clark Clouse had another reserve finish with I’m Lucky Too, by I’m A Lucky Charm and out of the grand gaited pony, CH Bahia Belle. Harold Denton Jr. owns this flashy chestnut.
Rock This Town was the mare winner for the second year in a row with George Knight in the irons. This big, chestnut mare is full of motion and personality, and is owned by Carolyn Garrett. Billy Jarrell’s attractive bay mare, Battle Rattle made a great show for the red ribbon.
Proving that equitation girls can ride too, Jacqueline Beck won the added Ladies Five-Gaited Championship aboard Divine Asset. A member of the Five-Gaited World Cup team, JJ rides her gorgeous gray mare, who is only five, under the direction of Todd and Bille Rae Graham’s Royal Winds Farm. The showy chestnut trimmed in white, Boxers ‘N Chaps was reserve with owner Barbara Gaynor riding under the direction of Clark Clouse.
The ladies’ UPHA Pink Ribbon qualifier class was quite lively and full of quality horses. Vicki Reed rode to win aboard her Last Serenade to top the class under the direction of elated trainers Bill and Kris Knight and Alex Wille-Irmiter. Reserve honors went to last year’s Reserve World’s Champion of Champions in the Junior division, Break On Through and owner Laura Dozer Elliott.
The bay mare with the motor, Ava Gardner, was at it again to win the Amateur Five-Gaited tri-color and mare blue with expert owner and rider, Ashley Alden. Trained under the direction of Tammy DeVore, this mare was the Five-Gaited Amateur Mare World’s Champion and Amateur Five-Gaited National Champion last year. Another extremely well-decorated horse with a motor, CH Colonel Hoss and Harold Denton won the amateur stallion/gelding class, and came back for a strong reserve in a very tough class in the championship. Expert rider extraordinaire, Brittany Baird rode the hair off CH Ima Star-Buck to earn the red ribbon in the stallion/gelding class and a good top three finish in the championship for owner Jerry Horoschuck, under the direction of Grey Ridge Farm. The very elegant full sibling to CH Castledream, Dream Castle was reserve in the mare class with proud owner, Carissa Marshall, under the direction of Royal Winds Farm.
As announcer Tuffy Owens correctly stated it, "This boy is always a good choice for a catch-rider because he comes with his own cheering section." Tyler DeVore sure does, and his fan club was going nuts when he rode Rebel Rooster to the tri-color in the Juvenile Five-Gaited Championship for Kathleen Bagdasarian. The very excited Kristen Bagdasarian and Shane Mullins greeted Tyler and Rooster in the winner’s circle. After a great blue in the qualifier, CH Heirrison Ford and Morgan Billig came back for a strong reserve in the championship for her famous uncle, Carson Kressley. Already the reserve grand champions from Kentucky Spring Premier, Prairie Sunrise and Andrew Nadder were reserve in the qualifier here.
Lucinda Hartley has yet another promising gaited horse in Zombie Stomp. Tammy DeVore showed the nice horse to the blue in the Limit Five-Gaited class. J. Crew always shows with a lot of charisma, and this show was no different. Clark Clouse showed him to the red ribbon in the limit class for Dr. Tina Mayes.
Callaway’s Guy Park keeps producing one nice horse after another, especially after Treasures In The Park’s class, people were a buzz about how Guy Park is quite the breeding horse. Treasures In The Park is a big, handsome bay gelding that can trot and rack up a storm. He was last years Reserve National Champion in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic, and won the large Junior class year. Todd Graham showed the talent-filled horse for owner, Melvin Blakenship. Reserve honors went to A Sharp Temper in her showring appearance with Tiffany Wheeler aboard for Fox Grape Farms. A Sharp Temper is by Dorian Wild Temper and out of a dam by Callaway’s Blue Norther and out of CH Garland’s Dream.
Another Autumn Hills-trained and Fox Grape-owned entry, The Veldt Queen won the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic with Steve Wheeler aboard. Also in it’s showring debut, and also by Dorian Wild Temper, this filly is out of a Supreme Heir mare. The red ribbon in the gaited classic went to Party Nut, by Undulata’s Nutcracker and out of a Roseridge Heir mare. Alex Will-Irmiter showed the nice chestnut filly for Pleasantview Farm.
Three-Gaited
Already a winner from Raleigh in the amateur division, Simbara’s Bountiful made a picture perfect show to win the Three-Gaited Championship with Smith Lilly aboard for Krysten Malcolm. Reserve honors in both the qualifier and the championship went to Cloverdale’s three-gaited stake winner, More Than Enough. Mike McIntosh did the showing honors for owner, Linda Thorin Johnson. Let’s Talk, last year’s Three-Gaited Reserve National Champion, won the open qualifier with Dena Lopez for her daughter, Alyssa, in their only appearance.
The stellar combination of CH Thunder Cloud Nine and Erin Obenauf made a trip down victory lane in their first class of the season, winning the Ladies’ Three-Gaited class. Another elegant combination, Kent Brockman and Bridget McNeese made two grand performances to garner reserve finishes in both the ladies’ class and the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship. Already two-time winners from Pro-Am, Handsome Heir and Susan Hanna won the Amateur-Three-Gaited championship under the direction of Tammy DeVore. The amateur qualifier blue went to last year’s Reserve World’s Champions of Champions in this division, Angel Innocence and Laura Dozer Elliott. Sandy Sessink and William Woods University had Enchanting Hour and Kaitlyn Alemian to perfection to win the red ribbon in the amateur qualifier.
A winner since his first Louisville in 1998 in the junior division with Larry Hodge, CH Yes It’s True is still a winner through and through. Teamed with Karly Morgan, under the direction of Mercer Springs Farm, Yes It’s True won both juvenile walk/trot classes in high style. Reserve in both classes went to dark horse and the beautiful red-haired girl, Lady Latte and Lexi Rueff, under the direction of Betsy Webb.
Harold Denton added another blue to his collection aboard He’s A Jim Dandy to win the Limit Three-Gaited class under the direction of Clark and Sheila Clouse. Reserve honors were given to Callaway’s Well-Heeled and Todd Walker for Bruce and Karen Paverd.
Legendary horse trainer, Nelson Green is known for his current and past superstars. With Zensation, he can add another to his list. When Zensation, or "Zoe" as she is affectionately known around the barn entered the ring, your eye was immediately glued to her. The gorgeous chestnut filly by Montainview’s Heir To Fortune, and out of the hall of fame mare, Callaway’s Zerelda has a perfect headset and absolutely perfect manners. "Zoe" is proudly owned by David and Kelly Mount and won the junior class. A proven champion his three-year-old year, Sir Robin Hood earned wins from Oklahoma, Midwest, The All-American Horse Class, and St. Louis. He also had top three finishes from Louisville and the Royal. In his junior debut, the handsome liver chestnut gelding was reserve with Bret Day aboard for Rose Hochner. He is royally bred, boasting Sir William Robert as his sire and a CH Will Shriver mare as his dam.
Last year’s Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Mares World’s Champion, Caroline Brackenridge showed that she is quite special under saddle too, as she won the UPHA Three-Gaited classic with Bille Rae Graham aboard for Mr. and Mrs. Michael Curry. This blonde filly is another example of Callaway’s Guy Park’s grand get, she is out of a Callaway’s Full Power mare. Reserve honors in the walk/trot classic went to Peri Dazzle, in his showring debut with Todd Walker aboard for Bruce and Karen Paverd. Peri Dazzle is by Supremacy’s High Time and out of a Periaptor mare.
The always-charismatic bay pony, trimmed in white, Cloudsplitter added another blue to his extensive collection by winning the Three-Gaited Pony class with Ashton Veno. Last year’s World’s Champion from the 14-17 division, Manhattan’s Irish Cream was reserve with his owner, Dylan Hines on his 18th birthday.
A special, special mare, and only a four-year-old, Nutcracker Ballerina won the Park Grand Championship as well as the Junior Park class with Clark Clouse aboard for Harold Denton. In her first ever season, last year, Ballerina was the Park National Champion. Already with a red ribbon from the Kentucky Spring Premier, Guy From Vegas, another mature four-year-old was reserve in the park championship with Kristen Bagdasarian aboard for her mom, Kathy. Last year, Guy From Vegas made some outstanding shows to finish reserve in both the ASR National Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure Futurity and the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic National Championship. The open qualifier blue went to the bold and powerful mare, Callaway’s Local News and Bret Day for Keith Kurz. Local News made pass after pass in perfect form to really catch the judge’s attention. Billy Jarrell had Callaway’s Mediator in top form to earn the reserve in that nice, big class. South Beach Stormy, a necky and charismatic bay gelding was reserve in the junior class with Robert Gardiner for proud owner, Katherine Hansil.
The king of the amateur park division was at it again to win both classes at River Ridge. CH His Supreme Reflection has a neck, motion, and hocks that make him virtually unbeatable. Teamed with his fabulous rider, Jacqueline Manzo, his presentation is perfect. This grand gelding is owned by Kimberly Jones and trained by Tom Sworm. Reserve in both amateur classes went to Reedann’s Heir To Glory and Brittany Kale in their debut performance. Heir To Glory racked up a great number a blues last year in the open division with trainer, Smith Lilly.
Two exciting and talented horses each got to take their turn down victory lane in the juvenile park division, Callaway’s Forty-Niner and Fox Grape’s Forever Yours. Forevermore known as CH Callaway’s Forty-Niner, the bright, up headed, always ears forward, gelding has given owner Lexie Flint the chance to not only get to show a great horse, but also the abilities that have turned her into a superb rider. To celebrate Forty-Niner’s "CH" milestone, which he earned by winning the juvenile championship, the Flints threw him a big party with a big cake back at the Grey Ridge Farm stalls. Forty-Niner was reserve to Forever Yours in the qualifier, and Forever Yours finished reserve in the championship. This beautiful chestnut already has two wins under his belt from Raleigh with owner Elizabeth Ververeli under the Kierson Banner. Both horses look to be top contenders in this division.
Fine Harness
Going back to her three-year-old roots as a harness horse, She’s Gone Was back on top of the harness division after a successful last year as a gaited horse. She’s Gone is blonde and beautiful and was expertly guided to the winner’s circle in the Fine Harness Championship, after a reserve in the qualifier with Clark Clouse for Tri-Color Saddlebreds. Everyone at River Ridge got a special treat went they saw CH Along Came A Spider come through the gate in the open harness qualifier. The gorgeous black mare is always on top of her game and always has a huge cheering section. As always, teamed with George Knight she is always a favorite for everyone at the show and especially for owner, Georgia Herpin Baker. Just a junior horse, She’s Like The Wind made a great show for the reserve finish in the stake class with Clayton Caldwell.
The aptly-named Miso Pretty won the ladies’ harness class with owner Mary Strang at the lines. Can’t Catch Me and Betsy Reynolds were reserve in both the ladies’ class and the Amateur Fine Harness Championship. The Wings Of The Dove won both amateur classes with Vernon Wise Jr. at the whip.
The spectators at the show were in for a treat when the Junior Fine Harness class was called in. A full class of nice horses treated everyone to a showing of nice, young Saddlebreds. Last year’s Three-Year-Old Fine Harness Stallion/Gelding Division A winner, HS Dignitary was again at the top of the card to continue his nearly undefeated showring career. Presented by George Knight for Hagan Saddlebreds, this young star is destined for greatness, right down to the magic in his pedigree of the Sir William Robert and A Daydream Believer (BHF) cross. Out of Kris and Kelsey Price’s famed gaited mare, The Rose Lady, and by Belle Reve’s Renaissance Man, Three Gables Cracklin’ Rosie was a sensation at Shelby County and Shelbyville last year, and continued to sparkle at River Ridge to earn the red ribbon in the junior harness class with Bill Knight at the lines for Three Gables.
A winner last year at the All-American and the Royal, World Turning has a very special look to her. Her long, stretchy neck and cadenced motion makes her already a harness star, only as a three-year-old. She won the UPHA Fine Harness Classic at River Ridge with Bret Day for Rose Hochner. By Bret and Susi’s The Mac Attack and out a Fox Creek mare, World Turning has a great amount of raw talent and potential that will keep in her the winner’s circle for years to come. Last year’s Reserve World’s Champion Two-Year-Old Fine Harness Mares winner, If The Tiara Fits is another filly that has a lot of raw talent and extreme quality. By Such A Salesman and out of the Reserve World’s Champion Five-Gaited Mare Stake winner, Princess Shalimar, is bred for greatness. Shown by George Knight for Kim Skipton, this is another young horse to watch for.
Road Horse
Only one road horse made the trip to River Ridge, but it was a good one. John T. Bert ‘N Me won both roadster to bike classes with speedster Holly Powell Russell at the lines.
Hackney Ponies
Adding two more wins to the two he’s already stacked up from Kentucky Spring Premier and Harrodsburg Spring, CH Stat and Maureen Campbell sped away with the tri-color and blue in the Open Road Pony division. A grand pony indeed, last year Stat was the 50 to 52 Inch Road Pony World’s Champion for proud owner Dr. Robert "Chip" Pugh. Another great pony, Heartland Most Wanted and Beth Jones were reserve in both classes.
Sweeping the amateur division were It’s Go Time and Ginny Ledinsky. Lieutenant Dan and Georgia Blevins were third in the qualifier and moved up with a good reserve finish in the championship. Dr. Robert Flint had his pony, Aarobrook’s The Aviator in top form to garner the red ribbon in the qualifier.
Regal’s Mysterious Stranger LF and Heartland Range Rover did a flip flop in the juvenile road pony division. Regal’s Mysterious Stranger LF and Alex Terry won the championship after a reserve finish in the qualifier for Ford and Janet Blair. Heartland Range Rover won the qualifier and was reserve in the championship with Allison Pullin.
The team of Bob Phillips and Faydelle Schott turned out another great pony in Hawkeye’s Seven Eleven. This pony won the novice class, while Heartland Chant and Bryan Barkhaus were reserve.
Majestic Oaks added another blue to their banner after Holli Hayes drove Heartland Vanessa to the blue for Chip Pugh in the UPHA Road Pony Classic. Heartland On The Go and Matthew Schuckert were reserve for Rick McQuown.
Already a winner from Kentucky Spring Premier with Cheyenne Mabey, Aragorn added another blue to his collection with Tyler DeVore to win the Road Pony Under Saddle class for Bent Tree Farm. Reserve to Aragorn at Spring Premier and again at River Ridge was Melbourne’s Classic Headlines and Alex Terry for Ford and Janet Blair.
Impressive he was, Impress My Daddy topped both open harness pony classes with owner Georgia Blevins at the lines under the direction of Matt Schuckert. Mi Leonard was reserve in the championship, while Crystal Creek’s Hot Shot was reserve in the qualifier with Bob Phillips for Faydelle Schott in their only appearance.
In their debut year together, Dun-Haven Truly Impressive and Donna Zimmerman won the Amateur Harness Pony class. They also won the Open Harness Pony class in Cloverdale. Romeo’s Best Girl LF and Kathy Buente were reserve in the amateur class.
Hackney Pony
Sweeping the Open Hackney Pony division at River Ridge for the second year in a row, last year’s Reserve World’s Grand Champion, Heartland Fortune Maker did it in perfect form with Bob Phillips for Faydelle Schott. Reserve World’s Champion of Champions last year in the Amateur division, Classical Dancer and Kathy Buente were reserve in both the championship and the amateur qualifier. Stately Affair was reserve in the open qualifier with Donnie Ross. A World’s Champion last year in both the Hackney Pony Mares and Amateur Ladies Hackney Pony classes, Heartland Moonglow and Kay Marschel won the amateur qualifier.
Maureen Campbell was in a class of her own to win the UPHA Hackney Pony Classic with Heartland News Leader for Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Kolkman. This is this pony’s, by Heartland Head Of The Class and out of a Sky King dam, first show season, and he already won the Open Hackney class at Cloverdale.
In it’s inaugural year at River Ridge, the Hackney Park Pleasure Driving class had one fine entry in Cre’s O’ Lars Captain Jack. Driven by Jana Lee Inkrott and owned by Jared Lee Studio, Captain Jack won the blue.
Pleasure Pony
A World’s Champion from the Adult Pleasure Driving Pony Division A class last year, Heartland Breaking News and Kay Marschel were in the winner’s circle again to win the tri-color in the Pleasure Driving Pony Championship. Donna Zimmerman had Heartland Smooth Operator in top form to win the reserve honors in the class. In the qualifier the blue went to Kentucky Spring Premier’s Pleasure Pony Grand Champion, Heartland Spindazzle and Beth Jones. Nearly undefeated last year, Early Edition and Georgia Blevins are continuing their streak of top ribbons, as they were reserve in the qualifier.
In the juvenile ranks, it was Amber’s Monogram to take home the blue with Jessica Wise, while A Touch Of Magic and Chloe Burnham Fleck were reserve for Tish Graf.
Heartland Accolade and Kay Marschel topped the UPHA Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Classic. Accolade is by Heartland Code Of Honor and out of a Dun Haven Bandolier mare.
Y R U So Happy and Tonia Becker topped the country pleasure driving pony field with Tonia Becker for Terry Griesinger. Kilbro’s Ranier was reserve in both classes with Tracy Reed for Patricia Reed.
Five-Gaited Pleasure
In their first year in the pleasure division, Superior Revelation and Joan Hammond have made a splash. By her stud, CH Superior’s Successor and out of a Sultan’s Santana mare, Revelation has all the qualities of a powerful open horse, but all the manners of a perfect pleasure horse. After a reserve finish in the qualifier, they won the adult championship. Always a fun horse to watch, CH Summit UP and Kristen Thorin were reserve in the stake class. In their first show together, Take A Guess and Michelle Krentz topped the 15-entry qualifier field under the Grey Ridge banner. A lost shoe in the championship forced them to withdraw from the competition early.
Another comeback was had in the juvenile ranks where Manhattan Whirlwind was reserve in the qualifier, but made a perfect show for the tricolor in the championship. Elizabeth Ververeli expertly guides Whirlwind. They show under the direction of Kierson Farm. Thunder Beauty and Emily Rhoads could not have made trainers Kristen Bagdasarian and Shane Mullins prouder as they wont the juvenile qualifier and were reserve in the championship.
Park Pleasure
In his first showring appearance, Whole Lotta Verve came home with a tri color and a blue from the Park Pleasure Driving division. Mike Richardson did the driving honors for owner, Kathleen Ververeli. Desirea made her driving debut to earn a good third finish in the qualifier and a reserve finish in the championship with Shanna Gish for Indian Creek. The Open Park Pleasure Driving winning from Cloverdale, My Domain, earned the red ribbon at River Ridge in the qualifier and rounded out the top three in the championship with Cameron Boyer for Roselane Farm.
After a year as a three-gaited horse, CF Prowler’s Rare Affair grew his mane back over winter to enter the park pleasure division. He did so in winning style to win the Park Pleasure Championship as well as the novice class with Lauren Burin aboard for Lisa Mazey. A successful show pleasure horse for Laurel Nelson last year, Ryan Stodd took over riding duties to earn the reserve title in the park pleasure championship aboard Ridgefield’s Fireman. After owner Allyson Ehle earned a nice red ribbon in the Adult Country Pleasure division with CH Sir Winston C at Raleigh, trainer Jessie Richardson, got her turn with the grand gelding at River Ridge. The tea won the Open Park Pleasure qualifier and finished at a good third in the championship. The Amateur Park Pleasure winner, Timely Caper was reserve in the open class with Tom Sworm for Tiffany Sharp. Keep It Simple looked as elegant as ever to earn the red ribbon in the amateur class with Alyssa Boushon for William Woods University. High Point’s The Cat’s Meow was reserve in the novice class with Kendra Fisher aboard for Toree Lewis Hefner. He also won the Adult Open English Pleasure class with Shelly Fisher aboard.
This Blue’s For You topped a tough, full class of junior park pleasure horses with Steve Wheeler aboard for Fox Grape Farms. This Blue’s For You is by Deep Blue and out of the same dam as Cat’s Don’t Dance, who is Just Maggie, by Penny’s Superior Stonewall. Deep Blue also sired the second place horse, Mad About Blue. This pretty chestnut filly is out of a Supreme Heir mare and was shown and owned by Lauren Burin.
When former equitation star, Sarah Taylor first began to work for Nelson Green in September, it was on a whim. Sarah instantly loved her work at Nelson’s and learned so much everyday. Her winter of hard work certainly paid off because Nelson let her show the beautiful, bay filly, Brookhill’s Dancing With Daisy in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic. This class was Sarah’s first-ever professional win, and a moment she will remember forever aboard one of her favorite horses. Owner Cindy Maloney was ecstatic with "Daisy’s" showring debut to the blue. Daisy is by Periaptor and out of a Catalyst mare. Sarah’s hero, Jenny Taylor was reserve in the class aboard the royally bred, Stonecroft A Sweet Sensation. This beautiful bay mare is by CF First Night Out and out of CH A Sweet Treat. She is owned and bred by Stonecroft.
Three-Gaited Show Pleasure
In the large Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship, your eyes could not help but be drawn to the beautiful buckskin mare, Sultan’s Sable And Sand. Shown by Diana Kressley Billig for Carson Kressly, the flashy mare won the tri color. Reserve in the championship and the qualifier went to Shawn Stachowski’s lovely entry, Rebecca Cash. In their debut and single performance together, Dr. Morgan Wolin’s newest addition, Schroeder won the qualifier under the direction of Chuck Herbert.
Shawn Stachowski’s former mount, Santana’s Gypsy Gal continued to take the juvenile show pleasure division by storm with Dakota Reiser to win the 14-17 qualifier and juvenile championship. Tribal Chief and Katelyn Crisp were flawless for a reserve finish in the championship after their win in the 13 and under class. American Prime Time and Paige Bundy were reserve in the qualifier and finished in a great top three position in the championship under the direction of Cape Cod.
Cathy Schueler turned out another nice horse to win the Owner Trainer Rider Show Pleasure class aboard Quite Delightful. After two wins from the Spring Kick Off Event, Unlisted Number and Kathleen Ververeli were in top form to win the Novice Rider Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class under the direction of Mike and Jessie Richardson. Seaside Santana and Carolyn Stuart were reserve in that class under the direction of Reiser Stables. Seaside Santana’s barnmate, Pola Negri won the Novice Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class with Stefani Hanes aboard. After a 16-year break from showing Saddlebreds, Rose Hochner showed she still has all the skills necessary to perform and dominate. She showed the versatile Hasani to the red ribbon for Grey Ridge Farm.
A winner for many years and many years to come, CH Kool Tyme BH won the Show Pleasure Driving Championship with proud and loving owner Iris James at the whip. The dynamic duo was reserve in the qualifier. After a successful year under saddle, Worthy’s Alright Son made the switch to pleasure driving to earn the reserve in the championship with Meagan Hensler. A sensation from the harness classic all last year, it was time for owner Paige Bundy to take over the lines from Reese Richey to show Chantilly Lily. Paige’s wins in the pleasure driving qualifier and juvenile classes were especially gratifying since she used to show the filly’s dam in the same class. Unfortunately the dam died, but her tradition lives on through Lily. Woodside’s Watch Me also made a debut in the pleasure driving division at River Ridge to earn the red ribbon in the juvenile class with Sydney Kent.
Country Pleasure
When Carissa Marshall shows a horse, it is clear to all watching that she is having the time of her life and truly loves her horses, no matter the outcome. Your first year as an adult amateur rider is always a transitional year, but for Carissa the year has started with a bang. Carissa purchased Callaway’s Summer Solstice, affectionately known as "Cuervo" late into the season last year, but together they were immediately a perfect match earning top ribbons everywhere they went. In their first show as an amateur team they picked up a red ribbon in the Adult Country Pleasure qualifier and went on to win the tri color in the championship, leaving Carissa and her trainers Todd and Bille Rae Graham ecstatic. Reserve in the championship went to the always eye-catching Carameaprize and Lucinda Rea for Krussell Stables. Raleigh’s Adult Country Pleasure Grand Champions, A Midnight Kiss and Erin Obenauf won the adult qualifier for Cheryl Friedman under Chris Reiser’s direction.
Another Reiser-trained entry, Sir Andrew took top honors in both 14-17 country pleasure classes with proud owner, Dakota Reiser. The always-smiling Dylan Hines was reserve in the championship with his blonde beauty, Protector. Lindsey Redifer put in a great ride aboard her My Christmas Eve for the red ribbon in the 14-17 qualifier. Always animated and always bright, Castle Wizard topped both 13 and under classes with smart-riding Kayla Yutzy aboard. Royal Crest’s Stones From Tiffanys put in two nice shows for the reserve honors in both classes.
Arrowhead’s Captain Morgan and Marti Lockwood won the Owner Trainer Rider Country Pleasure class over Winsdown Ton ‘O Steele and Ashley Gleis. Kristen Eve Gardner got a special treat by being able to show her former mount, Callaway’s Gold Reserve in his first ever country pleasure class to win the blue in the novice class. Looking the part "Bling" also won the novice rider class with proud owner Mary Anne Calabria under the direction of Robert and Jonelle Gardiner’s Landmark Farm. Clever Trevor repeated his reserve finish from Kentucky Spring Premier in the novice class with owner Ashley Alden.
Lexington’s Country Pleasure Driving champion, Flashyheir looked flashy again to win the Country Pleasure Driving Championship with proud owner, Tess Cunningham. My Killian’s Irish Red was reserve in the championship with loving owner, Cassandra Lynch. Highpoint’s High Adventure and Beth Jones won the qualifier, while Theology was reserve with Iris James.
Country Western Pleasure
Already a winner from Kentucky Spring Premier and Harrodsburg Spring, Willie Angel and Dave Lopez were back in the winner’s circle to be crowned the Country Western grand champions. Nation’s Chief and Kay Marschel had a successful show to be crowned reserve in the championship and the Shatner class. Dena Lopez took over in the western pleasure prospect class to earn the blue. Royal Crest’s Dancing On Stones won the western qualifier as well as the owner trainer rider class with Susan Hoskins aboard. After a successful Mid-America Spring together, Harlem’s Mojo and Toni Nastali made a splash at River Ridge to win the Shatner class and the red ribbon in the qualifier under the direction of Ray Krussell. Already in the top ribbons from Cloverdale and Kentucky Spring Premier, Tubac Jan Canine were reserve in the owner trainer rider class. Gypsy’s Spot Check and Cherylyn Howard were reserve in both the western and hunter pleasure prospect classes for Lynn Shaw.
Country Hunter Pleasure
A trainer’s first tri color is always a moment to remember, and this was the case in the Country Hunter Pleasure Grand Championship. Stacy Hess just went out on her own and her entry, Emerald’s Sea Of Gold KPHFS was a star to win the championship, which was his first ever win, with Kara Petruzzelli aboard for owner Tish Graf. Already in the top ribbons from Cloverdale, Staffordshire was reserve in the championship, the qualifier, and the Hunter Seat Classic with Corey Coovert aboard for Roselane Farm. Too Wong Foo went into River Ridge with two blue ribbons and two red ribbons from Cloverdale. He came out of River Ridge with a blue from the qualifier and the Hunter Seat Classic with Terry Meade showing for Paul Price. In his first ever showring appearance Vaelen won the Hunter Pleasure Prospect class with Jonelle Gardiner aboard for Christine Johnson.
Equitation
Always a dominating force in the equitation division, Cape Cod Farm took over the equitation division at River Ridge. Their team of Kathy Boggs and Erin and Reese Richey is clearly a dream team. It is clear that Hallie Sansbury and Linus Van Pelt have worked hard over the winter because her improvement was undeniable. The perfect pair won the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship and UPHA Senior Challenge Cup, as well as the red ribbon in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal. While Aleia Brown’s new horse, I’m Satori, is being prepared for patterns, she rode her stablemate, Abbey Elinger’s horse, Tender Troubador to the UPHA Junior Challenge blue and equitation championship reserve.
Coming into River Ridge two wins strong from Pro-Am, Payton Walker dominated the walk and trot division to win the championship and qualifier aboard Believe Her and under the direction of Tammy DeVore. Jozee Johnson was reserve in both classes aboard Kalisto VF in their debut together under the direction of Jimmy and Georgia Morrison.
Equitation superstar, Taylor Newton has started this year in undefeated fashion. At Cloverdale she won the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup and the "Good Hands" class. At River Ridge she was the USEF Saddle Seat Medal champion, as well as the Pleasure Equitation Medallion champion under Shelley Fisher’s expert eye. Morgan Gocke was reserve in the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup, while Brett Self was reserve in the UPHA Junior Challenge Cup and the "Good Hands" class. Madison Enderson won the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup, while Lexi Bragg won the "Good Hands" class. Dakota Reiser took Sir Andrew to new heights by winning the pleasure equitation age group. Already a winner from Cloverdale, Jennica O’ Reilly made her mark at River Ridge by winning the Morgan Saddle Seat Equitation class, as well as finishing reserve in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup and the pleasure equitation age group. Allison Boyd was reserve in the Pleasure Equitation Medallion.
Morgans
The Morgan division was alive and well at River Ridge with some of the top Morgan barns from the Midwest starting the season competing with top champions of previous years along with some promising new entries.
A Grand National Champion and Reserve World Champion in hand in 2009, Spring Mill Stardust enjoyed a sensational saddle debut as Kurt Hufferd rode the Liberation First Star son to the Open Park Saddle blue and tricolor for Springmill Morgans. Whitney’s Welcome stepped up to the park division with a stylish performance to capture the reserve tricolor with Kyle Peel aboard for Liz Connor.
Donna Zimmerman made many victory laps at River Ridge, including her Amateur Park Saddle win aboard Patchwork Simply Amazin under the direction of Jim and Jenny Taylor. Donna and Simply Amazin were the Grand Nation Park Saddle Amateur Mare and Gelding Champions the past two seasons. Hylee’s Dann Right and Annie Morgan returned to the show ring to claim reserve honors under the direction of Selvin Torrez.
Kurt Hufferd also introduced another winning performer in PLS High Pine Davinci. The son of world champions Serenity Masterpiece and Firewind Diva claimed the Open Park Harness blue and tricolor for owner Alvin Lehman. Dragonsmeade Fusion and Tim Roesink teamed up for the reserve honors performing for Dragonsmeade Farm.
A very special mare indeed, MEM Bonnie Blue won both Amateur Park Harness classes with owner Nancy Hendricks. This athletic and animated mare performed for the blue and tricolor under the direction of Tim Roesink. Bri-B XTC was reserve in the qualifier with Lauren Bruss handling the lines for owner Brian Stewart.
Last year’s Reserve World’s Champion English Pleasure Four-Year-Old, Skywarrior made two more very impressive shows to top both open English Pleasure classes with Tim Roesink aboard for Mary Fisher Davila. CKH Packin Heat and Kathi Hummel put on a pair of bold performances to claim the reserve honors.
Last year’s Grand National Champion English Pleasure Three-Year-Old Mare made another blue ribbon performance here. Bri-B Lady Malicious and Jenny Taylor won the Ladies’ English Pleasure class for Donna Zimmerman. Clonmel Commandant and Erin Koenig were reserve for Jane Faldetta in the large and competitive field.
Century Oak March Madness and Martha Edwards teamed up for a big win in the English Pleasure Amateur Championship to add to the Grove Pointe banner. Hi Time’s Wild Pistol was reserve in the championship after a win in the qualifier with Danielle Benson aboard for William Woods University. Sandy Sessink coached the pair. Favorite Son and Annie Morgan were reserve in the qualifier.
The bright, new combination of JP’s Livin On The Edge and Audrey Moses won both the English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor Saddle class and the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving class under the direction of Damian and Melinda Hyde. Carlyle Upper Caisse was reserve in both classes with Christen Beard riding and Mikaela Linden riding. He also won the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Walk-Trot 11 and Under class with Miya Segedi aboard.
In only his second performance of his career, Cedar Creek Eragon won the English Pleasure Junior Horse class with Tim Roesink aboard for Lora Lyons. A Reserve World’s Champion Gelding as a Two-Year-Old in 2008, Indian Creek High Stakes was reserve in the junior class with Shanna Gish aboard for owner Indian Creek Farm.
2009 Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion Will-O-Way Moment In Time made three victory passes at River Ridge to start the season in top form. The dynamic gelding topped the Pleasure Driving Championship and ladies qualifier with Sammi Hazen on the lines after Donna Zimmerman started off with the amateur blue for PlayMor Farm. MEM Bad Boy and owner William Shean teamed up for the reserve in the championship, while Kurt Hufferd won the open class with the sporty bay. Last year’s Grand National Champion Park Saddle Four-Year-Old Stallion, RJMF Chandler was reserve in the Open Pleasure Driving Qualifier with Selvin Torrez at the whip for Robert and Jean Morgan, while Debbie Roarbaugh handled the lines of SSL Unique Creations for reserve in the amateur class for Cheryl Brooks and Joyce Hoy. Reserve honors in the ladies class as well as top honors in the junior class went to CKH Hola Senor and Kathi Hummel for owner, Kathleen Conway. In his show ring debut, DBS Cavalier and Kelli Dreher won the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic for Dan J. Bowman. Fieldcrest Bravo debuted with Craig Hummel to drive away with the red ribbon for owners Tim and Carol Selinsky.
Starting off her cantering career in top form, Megan Buckley rode Med-E-Oka French Morocco to top the Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship to the delight of the Indian Creek cheering section. Reserve Grand National Champions last year in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Ladies Gelding class, Rage and Annie Morgan were reserve in the championship.
Last year’s World’s Champion Classic Pleasure Saddle Masters winner, C’est La Vie and Donna Zimmerman won the Classic Pleasure Saddle qualifier. Catch rider, Taylor Newton did a superb job to garner the red ribbon in that class aboard Fateful Heart for Eckert Klump.
Ensbrook Chain Of Command and Jim Bayman teamed up for a crowd-pleasing victory in the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. They started off with a reserve in the qualifier directed by Kurt Hufferd and Shanna Gish for Champions Way. Reserve World’s Champions last year in the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Horse division, MEM Shock Wave and Donna Zimmerman were reserve in the championship after their qualifier win under the direction of Memory Lane Farm.
Donna Zimmerman made four victory passes at River Ridge in her newest division as she matched up with Wildcard’s Satin Rose to add to the three blues they’ve already collected Spring Warm Up and Kentucky Spring Premier. At River Ridge the fancy pair won matching blues and tricolors in both the open and amateur western pleasure divisions coached by Sammi Hazen. Patchwork Broadway jogged away with reserve in both open classes with Shanna Gish aboard for Janet and Eugene Siddle.
The jewel of Cape Cod, Aquila’s Stardust won the Walk/Jog Western Pleasure 11 and Under class with Sophia Stillings aboard for Connor Chaffin Farley. Last year with Olivia Wendell aboard, the beautiful mare won the Grand National Walk/Jog Western Pleasure 9 and Under class. The wonderful mare also carried Reagan Richey to her first ever blue in the leadline class.
Jax Black Jack and Manya Locascio won the tricolor in the Hunter Pleasure Championship as well as the blue in the Open Road Hack class for Shirley Keller. After Hours Premier and Lauren Burin were reserve in the championship as well as the open qualifier for Joni Canby. The Mizrahi son DMH Dark Of Night and Shayna Butts debuted to win the open class for Dragonsmeade. HG Mon Amie and Victoria Peskar won the amateur qualifier for owner, Kim Thomas. In the juvenile ranks it was Cozumel to take home the blue with Hayley Broich for Manya LoCascio. Hayley also won the Hunt Seat Equitation class and the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal. Two Dayan Birchler entries rounded out the second and third places in the juvenile hunter division, Ken Mar Jill was reserve with Jamie Sekerak, while Victory’s Selection was third with Jerry Acklin. Jerry Acklin was also reserve in both the Hunt Seat Equitation and AMHA Hunt Seat Medal classes, as well as in the Open Road Hack class aboard Ken Mar Jill.
Open English Pleasure
River Ridge had a large and filled Open English Pleasure division giving horses of all breeds and backgrounds a chance to compete, as well as an opportunity for trainers to prepare their horses for the pleasure division.
Some horses are just good all around. Epitomizing pleasure Mr. Bigglesworth won the Open English Pleasure Championship after a reserve in the amateur qualifier with Murphy McSemek aboard for Krussell Stables. One of William Woods’ grand Friesians, Oedsek was reserve in the championship with Addie Miller aboard. Every year Jonny B. Good shows at River Ridge, he gives the Saddlebred and Morgan exhibitors the chance to see one of the best National Show Horses ever. Owner Patti Carleton, under the direction of Bob Phillips expertly guided the gray beauty to the red ribbon in the adult qualifier. In the amateur qualifier, Executive Search and Brenda Helt made the victory lap for Meadowview Farm.
In the juvenile class it was In A Blue Moon to win the blue with proud owner, Will Rhoads aboard. Call Me Too and Presley Adkins were reserve in that class. Two wonderful horses through and through held the top two honors in both walk and trot pleasure classes. Cheetah’s Admiral and Raegan Morrison won both classes, while Pecan Prince and Delaney Webb were reserve.
Marko was in a class of his own to win both Open English Pleasure driving classes with Linda Lewis. Legendary Nobelle Roze was the Hunter Pleasure Champion with owner Susan Sunday.
With a great show staff and wonderful hospitality, River Ridge keeps getting better and better. A great show this year, next year will be one for the books too.
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