River Ridge Offers Stellar Early Season Showcase
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
by Leeann Mione and Cindy Throneberry
COLUMBUS, Ohio - For 60 years prior to 2005, the River Ridge Horse Show
has hosted top American Saddlebred, Hackney, Roadster and Morgan horses, as
well as top equitation riders. For 60 years, River Ridge has drawn barns
from throughout Ohio and numerous surrounding states to the Ohio State
Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio for this early-season contest. Some years have
been great, others less so as River Ridge followed the trends in the
industry and fluctuated in numbers from year to year, as all horse shows do.
Every horse show in the country experiences growth from time to time.
Sometimes everything just seems to come together; the dates, the weather,
the judging panel, etc., and people and horses flock to a particular show.
To say everything came together this year for River Ridge Charity is a
gross understatement. Loyal supporters of the show have worked hard in
recent years to make sure that River Ridge is a show that people want to
come to. The show has experienced growth in attendance by new barns every
year and this year, Columbus, Ohio was absolutely the place to be April
27-30.
There were horses everywhere, and not just horses, but great horses.
Competition in many divisions was first rate, but the story of the day was
the young stock. From the UPHA Fine Harness Classic to the huge Junior
Five-Gaited class and numerous other classes for the younger equine entries,
numbers were impressive and quality was absolutely over the top.
In an effort to attract more barns and keep the support of the many
loyal trainers and exhibitors who show at the fairgrounds year after year,
management went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome.
Hospitality included a pizza party on Wednesday and an old fashioned
chicken dinner on Thursday, sponsored by Barbara and Ray Blanton of Windgate
Farm.
Lynn Gutches Snowden and Murphy Stables teamed up to put on a touching
retirement ceremony on Friday evening for multi-titled champion CH
Stonewall's Blazing Blueprint. After the evening session, everyone was
invited back to the stalls for carrot cake and champagne.
Chuck and Lynn Hutchinson, of World Champion Horse Equipment, sponsored
a chili and cornbread lunch on Saturday afternoon in-between sessions.
Stable Manager Jim Kuhlwein provided cookies and lemonade each day and
customers at Heritage Stables, Infinity Stables, Memory Lane Farm, and Steve
Demjen Stables all teamed up to make sure coffee and donuts were available
each morning.
Bill Waller judged the Saddlebreds, Hackneys and Roadsters and Sammi
Hazen judged the Morgan and Carriage divisions. Andrew Shupe was steward,
David Rice was announcer and John Frye was ringmaster.
Howard Schatzberg photographed the big number of entries and Gene Wright
was horse show organist. Vernon Ridgely was the farrier and Dr. Michael
Schmall served as show veterinarian. Guy Brown was paddock master and PM
Productions videotaped classes on request as official videographers. Steven
Moody handled the concessions which offered an array of items to eat and
drink, no matter what a customers preference or price range.
A concerted effort to make River Ridge a great show led to a happy group
of owners, trainers and exhibitors for the 61st annual show and what a show
it was.
"We are up over 100 head, and it has continued to grow annually. Jim
Taylor, who does the footing, turned the show around. We got advice from him
and followed his directions and it has paid off, " said show manager Barbara
Dunham who was assisted by show secretary Dayne Maple.
Bill Marple is often enthusiastic about horse shows, although to him
probably none can top his upcoming beloved Indianapolis Charity. Marple was
quick to praise the River Ridge show and pay tribute to the tremendous
quality of entries, "It's back. Like a mini Louisville. What's great is that
we not only have great numbers but who knew it would have so much depth?",
said Marple.
Show treasurer Bob Morgan expressed the philosophy of the show, "I've
been very pleased with the show for the last three years. Everything starts
in the office, and we try to provide a friendly but professional atmosphere.
We try to listen to the customers, trainers and owners and accommodate their
wishes. We try to meet the needs of both to make this the best show possible
and to make people want to come back next year. I think we succeeded."
Succeed they did. Class after class in division after division
entertained the crowd and showcased talent, both human and equine, that
proves the 2005 show season is off to a great start.
Five-Gaited
Saturday evening¹s Five-Gaited Grand Championship was a great ending to
a great weekend of competition at River Ridge. Six strong entries came
through the gate ready to impress judge Bill Waller and the crowd and they
definitely delivered.
Sharla Deuschle¹s stallion Sharp Believer, with Lindsay Lavery on board,
joined Jerry Hutson and Desert¹s Gaits of Fire for Burbank and Collins and
Larry Sanders¹ Summertime Song with Mark Utoft up. Macaroon, winner of the
mare class, joined the group with Lori Boyd van Gordon up for Ann Boyd.
Jenny Taylor and Fred and Phyllis Rhue¹s Beringer Red and 5 O¹Clock with Don
Harris up for Chris and Jean Nalley completed the group.
The crowd enthusiastically supported their favorites and when the class
reversed the momentum continued until a thrown shoe at the rack brought
things to a halt temporarily. After repairs, the class continued and when
entries lined up to strip, it was anybody¹s guess as to how it would go.
When Waller turned in his card, it was stallion and gelding winner 5 O¹
Clock and Don Harris who went to the winner¹s circle. In only his second
show and season debut, 5 O¹ Clock proved that his one year anniversary of
training was reason to celebrate his move into the open ranks.
Beringer Red and Taylor left the ring to a huge ovation as the reserve
grand champions after their strong showing to end a great weekend for the
Memory Lane group. Macaroon and van Gordon finished in third and were
followed in the ribbons by Sharp Believer, Desert¹s Gaits of Fire and
Summertime Song.
The Ladies Five-Gaited class, with 11 entries, was one of the best
classes of the division and a huge test for competitors early in the season.
Karla Kucera and Lucrative earned the right to wear the blue streamers under
the direction of Don Harris. Tip Me Do and Lindsay Lavery put together the
reserve performance in the big class for owner William Norton.
The Amateur Five-Gaited Stake was also a terrific class. The amateurs,
like the ladies, definitely had to demonstrate all their skills as they
maneuvered their entries in the big crowd. The ring at River Ridge is not
especially large and straightaway¹s are short. With so many entries in the
ring in such an early season test, ringmanship and showmanship definitely
paid off.
Globetrotter¹s Fantasy, winner of the amateur mare qualifier, turned it
on in the stake class with owner Ann Moro-Gioffre up. Hayden Bracknell and
SA Kami Kazi, no strangers to strong competition, turned in the reserve
grand championship performance under the direction of Matt and Kristen
Shiflet.
The amateur stallion and gelding class featured 10 teams vying for the
win and that award went to It¹s All About Me and Chris Nalley in their team
debut from Don Harris Stables.
Sarah Sessoms and Assets and Attitude picked up where they left off last
season; in the winner¹s circle. They turned in two strong performances to
sweep the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Stake and qualifier from Diamond
View.
Kaitlyn Grom had a busy weekend at River Ridge, representing Revelation
Farm in their first time at the show. She showed in several different
divisions including the juvenile stake where she rode trainer Michael
Richardson¹s You¹ve Got Mail to the reserve tricolor.
Young horses at River Ridge not only faced big classes on more than one
occasion, but their classes also featured tremendous depth of quality time
after time. The junior five-gaited class was just one of those classes that
left people truly impressed at not only the big numbers at River Ridge, but
the strong performances so early in the season.
Heirrison Ford made a name for himself last season in the three-year-old
ranks and went to the winner¹s circle in the huge 16-entry Junior
Five-Gaited class. Sandra Corney¹s grey contender did everything he was
asked to do by Don Harris for the win.
Tre Lee, from Rosemont Manor, was up on more than one top mount during
the weekend and he did a great job of piloting Enchanting Memories to the
reserve spot in the big class for owner Carson Kressley.
According To Lynn turned heads with her performance in the UPHA
Five-Gaited Classic and carried Tre Lee to yet another victory pass
performance. Lee picked up the blue ribbon for Golden Creek Farm.
The limit horse class featured 10 entries and was also one of the
division's many highlights. George Knight went to the winner¹s circle with
Georgia Herpin Baker¹s Angelone and was followed in the ribbons by What¹s
The Hoopla and Bret Day. Day rode for owners Sandra Salmen and Coe London.
Showing under the direction of Tammy DeVore, Sammyshine turned in the
winning performance in the Five-Gaited Pony class with Cydni Simmons on
board to continue their successful career in the division.
Three-Gaited
The three-gaited division, like the five-gaited, featured top
competition in many classes but it was the junior exhibitors who faced the
biggest numbers.
The Three-Gaited Grand Championship showcased only two entries but both
worked hard to earn the tricolor. When riders remounted after the class was
stripped, it was Bad Moon Rising, winner of the Three-Gaited Limit Horse
class, taking the title with owner Caroline Kamer up for Apples & Oats.
Kamer showed under the direction of Jimmy and Helen Robertson. England¹s
Rose and Kelli Bill were reserve after winning the Three-Gaited Over 15.2
class for Susan Mamrose.
Lime Twisted Gin and Clark Clouse took the title in the Three-Gaited
15.2 and Under class for Liberty Saddlebreds in their only appearance.
Eight strong teams came through the gate for the Ladies Three-Gaited
class and put on an entertaining show for the crowd. When Caramac¹s Norma
Rae was called out as the winner, an elated Stacey Bare and trainer Steve
Demjen met in the winner¹s circle.
Callaway¹s Dubonnet and Kristy Wallace went to the head of the class as
winner¹s of the competitive Amateur Three-Gaited Stake. Wallace rode under
the direction of Cape Cod Farm and proved her return to the industry was off
to a great start with the winning ride in the 12-entry class. Bare and
Caramac¹s Norma Rae pressed hard and finished as the reserve grand
champions.
Let¹s Boogie and Linda Sullivan topped the eight-entry amateur qualifier
for a great start to the season.
Thirteen junior exhibitors faced the formidable task of showcasing their
entries in front of the big crowd and judge Bill Waller; they did a great
job of showing why the juvenile riders in the industry excel in meeting
challenges. Emily Druckman and Spool¹s Top Star were in the right spot in
the crowded ring and they topped the stake class after winning the 13 and
under qualifier under the direction of Diamond View Farm. Heart of Blue and
Brittany Kale scored the blue in the competitive 11-entry 14-17 qualifier
before returning in the stake to claim the reserve tricolor streamers.
Barbour Childress, of Evergreen Farm, directed Kale and Heart Of Blue.
Jacqueline Hawkes rode Miss Olivia O¹ Claire to the winner¹s circle in
the seven-entry Junior Three-Gaited class for Pamela Jelly Boyers, adding
another top ribbon to the Steve Demjen Stables tack room wall.
Son Moon and Stars, with Clark Clouse, started the season off right with
the win in the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic for owner Elmo Greer.
Olivia Weber and Cloudsplitter closed out the three-gaited division with
their winning performance in the Three-Gaited Pony class for Morgan Reiser.
It was a clean sweep in the open park division for owner Sharla
Deuschle. Trainer Lindsay Lavery rode Deuschle¹s Burnished Steel straight to
the winner¹s circle in the Open Three-Gaited Park Full Mane and Tail Stake
after having won the open class. Mark Utoft rode The Muffin Man to the
reserve title for owner Kristi Nichols.
The amateur riders in the park division have been facing bigger, deeper
classes every year and River Ridge showcased a strong group indicating the
division is continuing to grow. Nine strong teams competed in the amateur
full mane and tail stake after a big 12-entry qualifier. All That N More and
Cameron Byford were met by trainer Tom Sworm after they were called out as
the winners of the stake. Byford was ecstatic with the impressive win and
great start to the season.
Lynn Gutches Snowden had a River Ridge Horse Show that she will never
forget and will more than likely stand out as one of her most cherished
memories. In addition to the poignant retirement ceremony of her beloved CH
Stonewall¹s Blazing Blueprint, she continued her tradition of showing top
mounts with her park horse, The Lady¹s Heir. Showing under the direction of
longtime trainer Bobby Murphy, Snowden rode The Lady¹s Heir to the winner¹s
circle in the amateur full mane and tail class and returned in the stake for
the reserve grand championship.
Sultan¹s Gold and Coe London continued their successful partnership
under the direction of Grey Ridge and claimed the red streamers in the big
qualifier.
The Grand Master and Bob Phillips topped the six-entry junior park class
for owner Lyric Laughlin to close out the park division.
Fine Harness
The Social Butterfly made a terrific season debut for owner Candy Hyman
and Hy Horse Farm as the River Ridge Fine Harness Grand Champion. Bret Day
drove the mare to the title after having won the open class. Billy Jarrell
and Harlem¹s Beau Dandy were reserve in the grand championship for Betty
Jarrell.
The new team of Sharla Deuschle and Dances On Air topped five other
entries for their win in the Ladies Fine Harness class and also won the even
bigger Amateur Fine Harness under the direction of Lindsay Lavery.
Cary¹s Moonraker has been a star in the harness division for Margo Baird
under the direction of Robert Gardiner of MBA Equestrians. The elegant mare
continued the winning tradition when Brittany Baird drove for the blue
ribbon in the ASHAF Fine Harness Youth Driving Challenge.
The Junior Fine Harness class started the Friday afternoon session off
right and showcased seven top entries. Hello Boys, another strong young
contender from George Knight Stables, took the victory pass for owner
Barbara McCune. Platinum¹s First Asset and Tom Sworm claimed the reserve
title for Al and Shelli DeVore.
George Knight also got things started off right with the session-opening
UPHA Fine Harness Classic on Thursday evening. He drove Surfer Boy to the
win in the class for Georgia Herpin Baker and topped six strong entries for
the win.
Judy Whitney Harris was in the buggy with two-year-old winner That¹s
Exactly Right to close out the division.
Roadster Horse and Pony
Delorenzo and Brad Bacon swept the open road horse division with both
wins and Bacon also went to the winner¹s circle in the amateur class with
The African Queen. Jimmy Robertson sat behind The Intimidator for the
Roadster To Bike Reserve Grand Championship for Laranbo Farm.
Infinity Stables was also represented in the winner¹s circle in the
Roadster Pony Championship. Dreaming and Scheming was named the winner with
Jimmy Robertson driving for Ann Boyd. Junior exhibitor Chelsea Simon drove
like a veteran with Robert Grom¹s Whims and Wishes to earn the reserve
tricolor under the direction of Revelation Farm¹s Michael Richardson.
Jim Taylor drove Heartland City Boy to the blue ribbon in the open class
for Bill and Shelley Silber and Buckwheat was the winner of the amateur
class with Ann Fitzpatrick driving for Rigby¹s Green.Wes and Sena Bowling
met Lindsay Hensler and Just Watch for the presentation of the blue ribbon
in the junior exhibitor class.
Rob Wilson, of Shamrock, drove Otis to the win in the UPHA Roadster Pony
Classic.
Turbo Blue and John Maloney won the Novice Roadster Pony class under the
direction of Infinity Stables.
Hackney and Harness
Broadmoor, owned by Kathy Buente, proved to be the one to beat in the
Harness Pony Stake and open qualifier with driver Lonnie Lavery of Richlon
Farm. Connie Smith took second in the stake with Late Nite¹s Midnight Mist.
Smith drove for longtime River Ridge supporter Beth Jones under the
direction of B. J. Taylor at High Hopes Farm.
Caroline Kamer and Heartland Flirtation won the amateur class, topping
two other entries for the win from Infinity Stables.
The Final Contender and Linda Lewis captured the Hackney Pony
Championship under the direction of Jim McIntosh to add to the Lewis/Ecksten
team's successful show at River Ridge. BRJ Ace In The Hole and Michael
Gallagher, after winning the amateur class, finished with the reserve grand
championship streamers under the direction of Matt Schuckert.
Kelsey Herbert and Heartland's Parade Time continued their successful
partnership from Cedarwood Farm and picked up the wins in the Hackney Pony
Pleasure Driving Championship and junior exhibitor classes. Bristol Fashion
and Betty Jarrell, directed by Billy Jarrell of Ainsley Farm, took the
reserve in the championship after having won the open qualifier.
Show Pleasure
Peppermint Sonburst and junior exhibitor Sarah Sessoms had a repeat
performance from last year¹s show in the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Stake and
qualifier. They made it two for two for the second year in a row under the
direction of Diamond View Farm. Lauren Pope and Callaway's Editors Note took
the reserve ribbon in the large 11-entry stake.
CH Uncle Abe and Piper Granger came out on top in both the qualifier and
the Three-Gaited Park Pleasure Stake with two commanding performances. Hola
Buenos Heiress and Casey Morgan Tibolet, directed by Cape Cod Farm, rode to
reserve in the very competitive championship class of 16 entries. Tres Chic
and Bret Day were second in the 15-entry open qualifier for Stonecroft Farm.
His Heirness and Debbie Ecksten took the top honors in the amateur class
under the McIntosh Stables banner after a strong effort.
The Straight Guy and Chuck Herbert went straight to the winner¹s circle
in the Park Pleasure Junior Horse class which, although not as large as the
open division, was host to nine top quality youngsters.
George Knight was aboard another promising three-year-old and judge
Waller named Man What A Dream the winner of the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic
for Knight and the Jean McLean Davis Trust.
Trainer Todd Walker, of Spring Hill Stables, drove Tu-Wicki to both wins
in the Park Pleasure Driving division for owner Jackie Landis. Dust For
Prince was reserve in the stake with Clark Clouse in the buggy for owner
Jerry Mayes.
The Three-Gaited Pleasure division was well filled and competitive and
like the five-gaited pleasure, park pleasure and country pleasure divisions,
earning a ribbon, let alone a blue ribbon, was no walk in the park.
Owner and rider Cathy Klasek and Square Dance put together a strong
performance and won the Three-Gaited Pleasure Stake under the direction of
Robert Gardiner of MBA Equestrians. Undulata's Jimmy Hollywood and Abby
Campbell showcased their partnership with the reserve tricolor effort under
the direction of Cape Cod Farm. CH Sultan¹s Hot Copy and Carolyn Garrett won
the competitive 11-entry Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure qualifier under the
George Knight Stables banner.
The junior exhibitors showed up in droves and their three-gaited
pleasure qualifier had to be split into two groups, although it was not
split by age. Each split returned for their stake classes on Saturday
afternoon.
Callaway¹s Jess Lovon and Carianne Gibson won their 11-entry Junior
Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure Sec. One Stake and were directed to their
impressive win by Jim and Jenny Taylor. Tara Clifton and Tender As Iron took
reserve in the stake after winning their qualifier section as well.
Suzanna Crews has become a veteran junior exhibitor with her various
mounts shown under the direction of Matt and Kristen Shiflet. Riding hard in
the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Pleasure Sec. Two Stake, Crews earned her
first tricolor ribbon when Waller named Sultan's Gold Digger the grand
champion. Ashley Baird and Star Spangled Steel have teamed up successfully
for many strong performances and they were able to exit the ring as the
division two reserve grand champions. Brittany Kale and Ain¹t She Something
To Talk About won the blue in their juvenile section and added a blue ribbon
to the Evergreen Farm total.
My Genie In A Bottle and Stacey Siess went home with the blue in the
Three-Gaited Pleasure Amateur Owned/Trained class.
Terry Woodruff and Harlem¹s Moonstruck were the novice rider winners,
topping a pair of competitors for their victory from DeVore Stables.
Show Pleasure Driving
Nichole Sedivec drove Highpoint's Golden Flame to top honors in the
four-entry Show Pleasure Driving Stake. This was a repeat of their
performance in the qualifier which continued Steve Demjen Stables' winning
weekend. Megan Loescher and Wild Cody Megan claimed the reserve ribbon in
the stake under the direction of Shelley Fisher.
Threepeat was driven to the win in the ASHAF Junior Exhibitor Show
Pleasure Youth Driving Challenge by Jessica Williams for owner Lynn Goff.
Country Pleasure
Kendra Fisher and CH Bi Mi Add Lib topped both the seven-entry stake and
adult qualifier classes in the country pleasure division which was well
filled at River Ridge. Tom Sworm directed Jacqueline Manzo and CH Spike
Leigh to their reserve grand championship tricolor in the entertaining
class.
The juvenile riders faced the biggest classes of the division but
handled the big crowds with ease. Brittany Baird rode Crimson Blue to the
winner's circle in both the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Country Pleasure
Stake and qualifier to add two more wins to the MBA count. Piano Man and
Sara Mitchell were reserve in the 12-entry stake class.
Toree Lewis Hefner and Highpoint¹s Fancy Cat took the victory pass in
the amateur owned and trained class for TLH Farm.
Melissa Jones and Roman¹s Star added another blue to the Sugar Knoll
Farm tack room when they were named the winners of the novice rider class.
Country Pleasure Driving
Linda Park and Georgia Road teamed up for a blue ribbon drive in the
Country Pleasure Driving Stake. Steve Demjen directed the pair to their
tricolor effort after a move up in the ribbons from the qualifier. Jim
Morgan and Redneck Romeo were the reserve grand champions for Kelli Morgan
under the direction of Lisa Paxton.
Kathleen Moses drove Chief's Approval to the blue ribbon in the
qualifier for owner Ray Blanton. Katelyn Kelley put the winning team in the
ring.
Western Country Pleasure
Hide A Ways Golly Miss Molly and Autumn Hunt were on fire in the western
country pleasure division at River Ridge. Owner/Trainer/Exhibitor Hunt put
her western contender in the winner's circle three times. They won the
Western Country Pleasure Stake, open class and Saddle & Bridle's Shatner
Western Pleasure class. Class¹s Symbol of Darkness and Elizabeth Kady
finished as the Western Country Pleasure Reserve Grand Champions for owner
Cherylyn Howard.
Morgan Park and English Pleasure
The Morgan contingent at River Ridge continued their faithful support of
the show and numerous barns were well represented in the winner's circle
after judge Sammi Hazen marked the cards.
Although numbers weren't huge for the majority of the classes, the
quality of entries was quite high and exhibitors rode and drove hard to earn
Hazen's approval in this early season test.
Jenny Taylor rode Patchwork Simply Amazin¹ to the win in the Park Saddle
Championship for owners Eugene and Janet Siddle after also winning the open
class. Bellagio, directed by Damian Hyde and ridden by owner Tina Lessnau,
was the reserve grand champion.
Tara Clifton and OFS Noble Belle took the blue ribbon in the amateur
class for owner Tom Roe.
Springmill Sequel was just one of the winners showing under the Indian
Creek Farm banner. John Huse drove to the win in the Park Harness
Championship after a winning performance in the amateur qualifier.
Jason Wolfe directed Annie Morgan and Exceptionallee to the reserve
tricolor in the championship for Bob Morgan and Morgan Horse Farm.
HDP Warrior Princess was the winner of the Open Park Harness class with
owner Tina Lessnau.
Like the park saddle and park harness championships, a trio of entries
competed in the English Pleasure Championship. Shanna Gish was in the irons
for the winning ride with SBS In The Mood for Springmill Morgans. Merriehill
High Spirits was the reserve winner in the championship with Elizabeth
Burick showing from Memory Lane Farm.
The open class showcased six entries and SBS In The Mood took that title
back to Indian Creek as well.
On Eagles Wings won the ladies class with owner Melinda Hyde riding.
The amateur riders turned in two entertaining classes for their English
pleasure division and J.W. Nobella was twice victorious with Melissa Holt
riding for Ben Holt and Holt Oaks Farm. Patchwork Rhapsody and owner Joy
Scala were the Amateur English Pleasure Reserve Grand Champions under the
direction of Jim and Jenny Taylor.
Marissa Hamilton rode Wind-Blu Mustang Sally to the blue ribbon in the
junior exhibitor class for owner Roger Barricklow.
Blade closed out the Morgan English Pleasure division with the win in
the Junior Horse English Pleasure class. Ashley Wilson rode for Shamrock
Farm.
Pleasure Driving
Dragonsmeade Virtuoso and Kurt Hufferd teamed up to win the Junior Horse
Pleasure Driving class for King¹s Point, Inc. and then returned in the
Pleasure Driving Championship for the winning drive as well.
CN Grand Style claimed the reserve tricolor with Jenny Taylor driving
for Karen and Ann Maile.
DMH Agent Orange and owner Bonnie Attleberger took the blue ribbon in
the open qualifier and Linda Stewart drove Bri-B Guinevere to the win in the
ladies class for owner Brian Stewart.
Sandra Benko and King-Lehr¹s Bravado were victorious in the amateur
class and Scott Gunberg teamed Acheron to the UPHA classic win for Larry
Bolen to close out the pleasure driving division.
Classic Pleasure
Melissa Holt had yet another divisional sweep under the direction of
Shamrock Farm when J.W. Gay Paree won both the Classic Pleasure Saddle
Championship and qualifier for Ben Holt.
Bri-B Guinevere switched gears successfully and carried Talia Stewart to
the winner¹s circle in the 11 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure class for
owner Brian Stewart.
Wind Blue Supreme Anthem also proved to be a versatile competitor after
showing in the classic pleasure saddle division and taking the tricolor and
blue ribbon in the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship and open class with
Marissa Hamilton driving for Beverly Duncan.
Hunter and Western Pleasure
Bear Brook Power Bar and Shelli Devore increased the Tom Sworm Stables
win count when Sammi Hazen named them the Hunter Pleasure Grand Champions
after their win in the open class. Ye Old Rising Sun was the reserve grand
champion with Melinda Hyde riding for Katherine Kareus. Devore and Power Bar
also won the amateur qualifier before finishing as the Amateur Hunter
Pleasure Reserve Grand Champions behind Cingate Jack Flash and John Thomas.
Thomas won the junior exhibitor class with Cingate Jack Flash earlier in the
week for owner Kim Thomas.
Shaker's La Strada and Annie Morgan captured the tricolor in the Amateur
Western Pleasure Championship to up the win count for Morgan Horse Farm and
Robert Morgan.
AMHF Bal Du Masque continued the Indian Creek winning streak with the
victory in the open western pleasure class with Shanna Gish riding, and in
the amateur Western Pleasure class with John Huse up. Huse returned in the
amateur championship to take the reserve tricolor streamers.
Morgan Equitation
The equitation riders showing Morgans had only two classes to compete
in; the 17 and under class and the 11 and Under Walk and Trot class.
Marissa Hamilton rode Wind Blue Supreme Anthem to the 17 and under win
for owner Beverly Duncan and Talia Stewart was up on Bri-B Guinevere for the
victory pass in the walk and trot class. Stewart rode for owner Brian
Stewart.
Equitation
So often, it seems, the equitation division suffers from small numbers,
especially at the early season shows when riders are still in school. It was
great therefore, to see eight talented competitors riding hard in the Saddle
Seat Equitation Championship.
After performing on the rail, five riders were asked to perform the
workout: Shana Jo Brown, riding Hatcher's Pride; Kaitlyn Grom, riding
Callaway's Show Me When; Tara Grom and Easter Hero; Emily Garten, riding
Highpoint's Syncopated Rhythm; and Maggie Marcyan on board her pleasure
horse, Hasani.
All five riders performed well and when the card was turned in, it was
Kaitlyn Grom taking the tricolor victory pass. The win started off the
stellar championship session for Saturday night and added to Revelation
Farm's successful first time appearance at River Ridge.
Emily Garten was named the reserve grand champion from Cape Cod Farm and
was followed in the ribbons by Shana Jo Brown from Memory Lane Farm, 17 and
Under Pleasure Equitation Champion Maggie Marcyan from DeVore Stables, Tara
Grom from Revelation, Casey Morgan Tibolet from Cape Cod, 13 and Under
winner Kelsey McDonald from Sugar Knoll Stables and Kelly Self from Taylor
Creek Stables.
Leslie Cooley rode Say You Will to top honors in the 14-17 age group
qualifier. Cassidy Dolby, on Cedar Creek Mr. Money Man, worked hard for the
top position in the 10 and Under Walk and Trot class which showcased seven
talented young riders. Dolby rode under the direction of Tom Sworm.
The six and under lead line class was tied and the blue ribbon went to
Connor Chaffin, riding Harlem's Night Moves under the direction of Kathy
Boggs.
Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Grand Champion Emily Garten also scored
the win in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Class earlier in the week. Shana Jo
Brown was reserve in the medal class from Memory Lane and also won the NHS
Good Hands class. Kaitlyn Grom was reserve in the good hands class.
In the UPHA challenge cup divisions, it was the sister act from
Revelation that scored the top two slots in the 14-17 challenge cup. Kaitlyn
Grom rode York Coppertone for owner Pauletta Daw to take the blue ribbon.
Tara Grom and Easter Hero were reserve.
Kelsey McDonald and CH Preferred Prince were the team to beat in the 13
and under challenge cup. Sarah Lawson and The Material Girl garnered the
reserve.
Taylor Newton on Tantara's Magic Blessing and Cassidy Dolby on Cedar
Creek Mr Money Man took the blue and red ribbons, respectively, in the UPHA
Walk and Trot 10 and Under Challenge Cup with seven entries.
The UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup class was won by first time winner
Danielle McGarry on Callaway's Royal Request to the delight of Robert and
Jonelle Gardiner. The reserve win was awarded to Kaitlin Morrison on
Radiant's Town & Country.
Amateur Three-Gaited Grand Champion Kristy Wallace and Callaway's
Dubonnet started their week with the win in the UPHA Adult Equitation
Challenge Cup. Brooke Jacobs, on Harlem's Night Moves, took second for owner
Michelle Riling.
A pair of veteran performers battled it out in Saddle & Bridle's
Five-Gaited Equitation class. Brooke Jacobs, riding She's Fancy Free, took
the blue for Werk Way Stables and Cydni Simmons was reserve with her
multi-titled, CH Sammyshine.
Friesian
Debbie Ecksten has been showing Friesians for years and she continued
her success in the division with Marko and claimed wins in both the Friesian
Under Saddle Stake and qualifier. Connie Smith and Witse-Krist were reserve
grand champions for Beth Jones.
Carriage
River Ridge is one of only a handful of shows that offer carriage
classes and a pair of entries battled it out for first place in the
division.
Sultan's Last Swing and Clare Ann McDonald were winners in the Concours
D'Elegance and Carriage Driving Turn Out Single classes traded places with
LSC Creme De La Creme in the Carriage Driving Working Single class and
Carriage Driving Reinsmanship class. Peter Smith drove for owner Robert
Wyatt in the working class and Wyatt himself drove in the reinsmanship
class.
River Ridge experienced a big increase in entries this year and
management and staff were thrilled with the increased numbers. A big group
of loyal supporters have worked hard in virtually every area needed to help
River Ridge grow and get bigger.
Hard work and dedication always pay off and the proof was in the show
ring. Large, quality-filled classes, happy exhibitors, owners and trainers
and a helpful and friendly staff enjoyed the fruits of their labors this
year and seemed to be headed for a winning tradition.
This highlights the 61st River Ridge Charity Horse Show. Complete
results follow and can be seen on our web site at www.saddlehorsereport.com.
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