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Roanoke - Celebrating 37 Years of Tradition



by Katherine Hansil

SALEM, Va. - The Roanoke Valley Horse Show celebrated its 37th anniversary this year from June 23-28. It is a hometown favorite drawing as many as 25,000 people from the community during week. New to the job this year, announcer Peter Fenton remarked on what a great venue this is for the horses with the crowds that come to watch. The crowd has always been a large draw for exhibitors with so few shows having the community come out to see the horses and ponies. Benefiting area charities, including the Bradley Free Clinic, it provides an education for spectators during the week, showing them various breeds from Saddlebreds, roadsters, Hackneys, hunters and jumpers, Quarter Horses, racking horses, walking horses, Friesians and more.

The jumpers begin the evenings from Tuesday to Friday and this year they came in droves. The late start is normally welcomed because it allows time for the summer heat to cool off but with the large number of jumper entries, it provided a very late start on several nights for the Saddlebred/roadster/Hackney shows. The management team already is looking to the future to make possible changes in the schedule and address the concerns of the exhibitors and trainers. With this being Manager Glenn Petty’s last show before he embarks on his new career in the Arabian industry, a new manager is being sought and will have big shoes to fill to address the scheduling concerns and grow the number of exhibitors to hopefully bringing the show back to its glory days.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the speed demons of barrel racing showed off their talents, giving the crowd a thrill. The ever popular stick horse class had little ones show in droves on their stick horses to kick off Thursday evening, and on Friday one of the most favorite events, the Jack Russell Terrier Races, were held. Friday evening closed with a great breakfast for exhibitors sponsored by Leatherwood Stud. The great southern hospitality that Roanoke is known for didn’t stop there as breakfast and lunch were offered every day and a junior exhibitor ice cream party was held Saturday around lunch.

Saturday evening is a little different. The evening began with the sponsors and box seat holders’ party and was followed with the Saddlebreds, roadsters and Hackneys showing first and then the $50,000 Grand Prix was held. It is one of only three Grand Prix competitions in the United States and it is an event not to be missed with 26 teams on the schedule to compete.

Five-Gaited

The Five-Gaited Championship thrilled the packed arena with five entries bursting through the gate one by one. The young star Anadon’s Ruth, with Matt Shiflet, was on top of her game as Shiflet expertly piloted her pass after pass, getting the crowd’s attention and approval along with the judge’s for the win. Roger Meade was aboard the flashy Champagne Property, campaigning hard for the top honor, which they garnered in 2007 for Jan Frame. That night they settled for the reserve along with a loud cheer from the crowd. Earlier these two finished in the same order in the qualifier.

Meade’s daughter, Darlene Rose, had two great rides aboard the sporty Star Dreamer for a pair of blues in the amateur division. Apollo Gold and Ginger Roseman racked their way to the winner’s circle in the ladies qualifier with Sherri Surface and Only At Night in for reserve. Roseman returned for the reserve title in the amateur championship. Reserve in both the amateur and Virginia owned qualifiers went to Not A Moment Too Soon and Melanie Carroll. Topping the Virginia owned qualifier was hometown favorite French Resistance and Nancy Troutman.

She’s Fancy Free was a sight with Cory Vetter in the junior exhibitor division. Under the direction of Marilyn Macfarlane, this team swept the division. The young team of Captain Roseridge and Camille Cowart captured both reserve titles. Billy Jewel and Allison Combs were quite the pair sweeping the pony division with two outstanding performances.

Harrison Shiflet didn’t let his son, Matt, have all the glory as he racked the sporty Tobie McGuire to the winner’s circle in the novice qualifier. Midd’s Pearl Buck and Jon Walker received the red streamers for Sallie Cheatham. Smith Lilly was aboard the bold moving Callaway’s Azul for the win in the junior class for Platinum Stock Farm. Harrison Shiflet was back this time with Rhonda Boone’s Roseridge Many Tears garnering the red streamers.

Three-Gaited

Winner of the open qualifier, the high-stepping Bubble Bath with Jamie Mullins returned, capturing the tricolor for the Banner/Simpkins partnership. Reserve championship honors went to the new team of Worthy’s Pure Love and Brittany McNamara. They also topped the novice qualifier for the Betsy Webb Stables banner.

Megan McClure had a great catch ride, winning the amateur championship with Champagne’s China Doll for Little Cahaba Properties. Earlier, Alexis Braswell was in the irons for the qualifying win. Stablemate Spool’s Top Star RHF and Brenda Pulis topped the ladies qualifier and returned for a strong third in the open championship. Reserve amateur championship honors went home with Periaptor’s Dancing Star and Dr. Teresa Miller.

Carol Reedy was thrilled when her number was called to the winner’s circle in the Virginia owned qualifier aboard Omerta. This team also earned the reserve in the amateur qualifier. Jordan Banner with First Shot earned the Virginia owned reserve.

The elegant MJB High Fire with Anna Stoddard had two impressive rides, winning the junior exhibitor qualifier and the 14-17 qualifier for Heck and Carol Newton. Reserve championship honors went to the striking Callaway’s Paisano with Jenna Norton. This Harrison Shiflet trained team also garnered the red streamers in the 14-17 qualifier. Topping the 13 and under qualifier was Bippity Boppity Boo with Alex Kerns. CH Royalty In Black and Stephanie Miller were victorious in the pony championship and qualifier with The King’s Firestorm and Alexandra Rapadas capturing the reserve titles.

Gary Altizer presented the flashy My Ultimatum to the Junior Three-Gaited blue for David and Carol Frazier. In the UPHA Classic, Smith Lilly was back to the winner’s circle with Bill Beckley’s Sergeant Bailey. Reserve honors went to the homebred Dance On The Inside with Greg O’Kelley for Fish N Fun Farms.

Park

The trimmed in chrome Cats My Daddy was explosive for Alexandra Lilly in the open championship and qualifier. They swept the division for owner Hawley Tool Sales, Inc. Steve Demjen and Brookhill’s Tom Tom claimed both reserve titles for Danielle Loar. Smith Lilly and Cape Grace added another win to their successful season after an impressive performance in the junior class for Roger and Stephanie McMahon.

Mercer Springs continued to dominate the division with Broadway’s Mamma Mia and Krysten Malcolm turning in two superb performances, earning both victory passes in the amateur division. Katie Scott had a great catch ride aboard CH Callaway’s B. Gratz Brown for the championship reserve for Karin Banks. Reserve in the qualifier went to Ranten N Raven and Cindy DeMarco.

Camille Cowart had her time in the spotlight with the high-headed CH Justa Rascal sweeping the junior exhibitor division. Sarah Bennett presented Central Park West to both reserve titles.

Fine Harness

Two young stars returned for the Fine Harness Championship. The CH The King Of Highpoint daughter Fashionista paraded around the ring for the win with Smith Lilly on the lines. Earlier, this team topped the junior class for Dr. Nancy Trent. Reserve honors went to the I’m A New Yorker son Tribeca, with Matt Shiflet. This toppy colt appeared earlier in the week winning the Three-Year-Old Fine Harness for Gaited, Inc. Reserve for the three-year-olds went to New York City Kitty and Greg O’Kelley for Fish N Fun Farms. Karin Folkers-Smith was on the lines for Ted Graham and Windy Hill Farm, winning the open qualifier with the flashy gray First Union in their only appearance.

Roadsters

The roadsters are always a thrill for the crowd and on Saturday they did not disappoint as they flew around the small ring. Cosmical returned in the championship with Greg O’Kelley on the lines with an explosive drive into the winner’s circle for Fish N Fun Farms. Harry Chapman was behind Jesse James for the reserve championship honor after an earlier win in the amateur qualifier. Amateur qualifying reserves went back to the Fish N Fun Farms banner with Postmaster Mike and Jon Dabareiner. In the open qualifier, Mary Jo Schmidt presented Valentino Express to the reserve. Barbara Matthews blazed a trail to the winner’s circle with the speedster Eclipse in the Roadster Under Saddle Championship and reserve.

Ponies

Let’s Take A Chance and Holly Hale sped away with the Road Pony Championship after an earlier win the open qualifier. Only a four-year-old, Regal’s Viking LF and Chip Pugh gave them a run for their money, cashing in for the reserve championship title. This team also topped the novice qualifier.

Pugh dominated the road pony division as he presented the talented Stat in the amateur division. The team returned in the championship determined, and moved up a notch from their qualifying reserve for the win. The qualifying blue went home with Rees Woody driving Blue Grass Impression. Reserve championship honors went to Charnita and Jack Richards. In the novice qualifier, Cindy Jackson was behind Rare Wine for the reserve.

Chip Pugh made another appearance in the division, this time with Razz-Ma-Tazz in the wagon class. Giving the crowd a thrill, the powerful pony sped away with the blue.

In the junior exhibitor division, Rolex and Leigh Kauffelt were on top of their game, winning the championship and reserve under the direction of Glenda Altizer. Reserve went to Heartland High Alert and John Paul Jones for Rae Lee Mills. Kelsey Moore was aboard Hoochie Mama for the AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony Under Saddle for Kimberly Humphries.

Tamra Arndt had a successful week with her ponies under the West Wind banner. In the harness division she presented It’s Showtime to win the Harness Pony Championship and amateur qualifier. Arndt also was on the lines in the pleasure driving division with Heartland Parade Time. The sporty pony swept the division, winning the championship for the third year in a row. Jack Richards was behind Psycho in the harness division, winning the open qualifier and returning for the championship reserve. Under the direction of Betsy Webb, Barbara Pippin expertly presented Portrait Of A Lady for a pair of reserves in the pleasure driving division. In their single appearance, Karen Waldron debuted the high-stepping Highlander to the win in the Junior Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony.

Show Pleasure

The flashy Oscar De La Hoya and Stacey Halloran had a comeback ride in the Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship for the win under the direction of Matt Shiflet. In the qualifier, the blue went to the ever consistent and bright Stonewall’s Stargate with Stefanie Sanchez. The West Wind trained team returned for the championship reserve. Reserve in the qualifier went to the new team of Callaway’s Wish Me Luck and Jennifer Heather for the Meadow Dream banner.

In the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship, Jenna Norton and Desert Supreme Kid were on a mission as they confidently performed, earning a trip to the winner’s circle. Earlier they were reserve in the qualifier. Winning the qualifier and returning for the championship reserve was the multi-titled CH Summit Up and Allison Combs.

CH Five Minutes More and Barbara Matthews continued their successful season sweeping the 41 and over three-gaited show pleasure division. Deborah Black and In The House moved up, claiming the championship reserve while Callaway’s Jess Luvon and Jackie Hawkes earned the qualifying reserve. Earning both victory passes in the 18-40 section was the sporty Leatherwood’s Sassafras with Barclay de Wet under the direction of Scott Perrelli. Laugh Outloud and Kimberly Crist moved up for the championship reserve while Irish Hill’s Dance Dance and Christie Van As were reserve in the qualifier.

CH New York Style and Ben Ferreby owned the ring in the 14-17 championship for the victory. Moving up in the ribbons, Thomas Edison and Stephanie Miller claimed the reserve championship title under the direction of Leslie Tickle. Winning the qualifier was the punched up Main Marina with Elisha Goff for the Meadow Dream banner. Reserve went to the bright Rosewood’s Potpourri and Emma Jefferies under the direction of Karin Folkers-Smith.

The Chesapeake Bay and Austin Hazelwood had two great performances, sweeping the 13 and under division under the watchful eye of his aunt and trainer, Lori Ingram. Worthy Caper and Britt Parnell had a comeback ride for the championship reserve while New York’s Hot Stuff and Lexi Rueff claimed the qualifying reserve for Deborah Black.

CH Heirilee and Skylar Rueff moved up a spot for the championship tricolor in the Walk & Trot Show Pleasure Championship for the Betsy Webb banner after an earlier reserve. Winning the qualifier, was the cute team of Callaway’s Royal Mark and Taylor Hiestand. They returned for the championship reserve.

Brother Move Over and Chelsea Camper topped the Pleasure Pony Championship for Martha Claire Dantzler. The Salem Caper and Kelsey Moore earned a pair of reserve titles while What A Doll and Jordan Burks claimed the qualifying win for Windy Hill Farm.

Stevie Nicks and Pat Yeatts captured the Show Pleasure Driving Championship with an outstanding drive for the second year in a row. In the qualifier, the team garnered the red streamers. Winning the qualifier and returning for the championship reserve was CH Highpoint’s Coming Attraction with Kaelyn Donnelly. Sarah Bennett was on the lines with Made Of Steel for the ASHAF Youth Show Pleasure Driving Challenge win for Sandra Whittington.

Bill Shiflet presented the toppy Leatherwood’s All Smiles to the Open Park Pleasure win for the Holmes/Shiflet partnership. Reserve went to Irene Brock’s Sir Country with Erin Bolster. In the junior class, Mat Lightner was in the irons aboard the striking Winsdown Jack Malone for the win for Steve Crabtree. Smith Lilly presented Dr. Nancy Trent’s King’s Lovebird to the reserve. Bill Shiflet returned to the winner’s circle in the UPHA Classic with I’m Worth New York for Riley Shiflet. Whitney Bennett expertly piloted Dazzling Deliver to the reserve for Ashley Walker.

Country Pleasure

Courageous Reflection and Sandra Whittington had two great shows, sweeping the adult country pleasure division. Debbie Dyson was in the irons to claim both reserves with My Chesapeake Bay. Topping the Virginia owned qualifier was the Meadow Wood trained Touch The Clouds and Jennifer Crozier, with Mountainview’s Supreme Ruler and Rachel Fitzgerald in for reserve.

In the junior exhibitor championship, Curly Day and Anna Hudson had a comeback ride for the top title for Pamela McCulloch. Rock The Night and Allison Womack had a great week winning the 13 and under qualifier for the Longacre Stables banner. They returned for the championship reserve for proud grandmother Jeanette Womack. Winning the 14-17 qualifier were Hurricane’s The Dance and Hevyn Richie for Kerry Jefferies. The 14-17 reserve title went to Something For Nothing and Jesse Lynch for Margaret Gardiner while from Mercer Springs, Maggy London and Hannah Knapp captured the 13 and under reserve.

Flashyheir and Tess Cunningham were pleasure perfect, sweeping the country pleasure driving division for the Meadow Dream banner. Debbie Dyson and My Chesapeake Bay proved their versatility by claiming the qualifying reserve.

Magnolia Morning and Suzanne Heizer had a great week. The beautiful gray captured the Western Country Pleasure Championship after an earlier reserve in the qualifier and won the Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure. Also from the Heizer show string, Mountainview’s Supreme Ruler made it a one-two finish when he earned reserves in the championship and Shatner qualifier with Rachel Fitzgerald. Winning the qualifier was the bright Callaway’s Son Of A Son and Alicia Patrick.

Equitation

Lauren Hogge had three polished performances under the direction of Karin Folkers-Smith, winning the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, NHS Good Hands and the 14-17 qualifier. Reserve in the 14-17 qualifier went to the Betsy Webb instructed Nina Hobbs. Anna Hudson returned for the championship reserve after a win in the Pleasure Equitation qualifier. Under the direction of Mercer Springs, Catherine Wheeler had two confident performances, winning the UPHA 10 & Under Walk & Trot Challenge Cup and 10 & Under Walk & Trot Equitation.

Friesians

The Friesians were featured this week in the under saddle division. Sweeping the division was the majestic Wals Koning with Anna Hudson presenting for Bent Tree Farm. Reserve honors went to Apollo and Kelly Morck.

Academy

For the first time Roanoke offered an academy division and it was well received as riders from programs at Andre Fourie, Countryside, Leatherwood, Longacre, Meadow Dream, Meadow Wood, Mercer Springs and Windy Hill competed. Winning top honors were: Rebekah Jarrell, Blake Ferrante, Taylor Meade, Rebecca Doss, Victoria Fitzgerald, Kimberly Hall, Olivia McCraw, Katie McCray, Hayley Black, Amber Collins, Lacey Coulter, Sydnie Bumpus, Maggie Price, Gabbie Clauser, Jamie Bo Lucas, Olivia Horan, Catherine Horne, Lauren de Wet, Katie Smith, Sallie-Mason Wheeler and Rachel Sanchez.

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