Roanoke – A Hometown Favorite
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Officials Judge: Marilyn Macfarlane
Ringmaster: Bill Whitley
Announcer: Richard Morgan
Photographer: Doug Shiflet
Ringmaster/Hornblower: Albert Sabrsula
Organist: Jane Frye
Executive Director: June Camper
Manager: Glenn Petty
Assistant Manager: Andrew Ellis
Office: Scarlett Mattson, Sue Tallon, Jane Labyack and Becca Mispel
Videographer: Horse Videos, Inc.
by Katherine Hansil
ROANOKE, Va. - The Roanoke Valley Horse Show celebrated its 36th anniversary this year from June 18-23. It is a hometown favorite drawing as many as 25,000 people from the community over the course of the week. 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, Tennessee Walking Horses, Friesians and more.
The jumpers begin the evenings from Tuesday to Friday, drawing a crowd and most stayed in the seats while the Saddlebreds, roadsters and Hackneys perform. The late start is nice because it allows time for the summer heat to cool. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the speed demons of barrel racing showed off their talents. In droves the little ones showed their stick horses on Thursday, racing their hearts out and on Friday one of the favorite events, the Jack Russell Terrier races, were held. Friday evening closed with a great breakfast for exhibitors sponsored by Leatherwood Stud. Saturday evening was a little different as the Saddlebreds, roadsters and Hackneys showed first and then the $50,000 Grand Prix was held and it was an event not to be missed.
Five-Gaited
The Five-Gaited Championship was a crowd pleaser as five great entries burst through the gate to close out the Saddlebred section of Saturday night. With huge approval the handy Champagne Property captured the tricolor with Roger Meade presenting for Jan Frame. Reserve honors went to the ladies champion, Packin’ A Pistol. Kristen Shiflet was in the irons aboard this bold moving chestnut for Kathy and Rudy Bagdasarian. Graduating from the junior exhibitor ranks, Megan Graham presented Callaway’s New Day to the reserve in the ladies qualifier. Winning the open qualifier was I’m Good and Andre Fourie for Imogene Lusk. In their only appearance Platinum’s Crescendo and Smith Lilly earned the qualifying reserve for Platinum Stock Farm.
The high-headed Whimsicality swept the amateur division with two outstanding performances with Kaitlyn Grom in the irons. Earning reserve in both classes was Star Dreamer and Darlene Rose.
Grant Shiflet took over the reins aboard I’m Fantabulous, topping the junior exhibitor championship and qualifier for Beth Ann Rhoads. Reserve honors went to Rushmore and Jordan Banner. The pony division was also swept with two bold performances from Little Lord Huntley and Andrea Wolkoff. Small Packages and Camille Cowart garnered both red streamers.
Smith Lilly made the trip to the winner’s circle in the Virginia owned qualifier with True Blue Cat for Lisa Lucas. Earning reserve were Not A Moment Too Soon and Melanie Carroll. Lady Encore topped the novice qualifier with Matt Shiflet in the irons for Kathy and Rudy Bagdasarian. Merchant Commander and Shirley Trail debuted for Tina Gunby Smith garnering the red streamers.
In the junior class the blue ribbon went to the Shamrock Santana prodigy Frosty Shamrock. Andre Fourie presented this sporty grey for Gina Moore. Roseridge End and Burt Honaker topped the Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited for Brian Turner.
Three-Gaited
The magnificent Sightline was in top form to win the Three-Gaited Championship with Rob Turner in the irons for Holli Esposito. This team also won the qualifier. The solid performer CH Caramac’s Norma Rae earned both reserve titles with Steve Demjen presenting for Stacey Bare.
West Wind stablemates April Hi Lite and Spool’s Top Star RHF were the one-two punch in the Amateur Three-Gaited Championship. April Hi Lite with Catherine Munsey topped the championship and the amateur qualifier while Spool’s Top Star RHF and Brenda Pulis earned the reserve championship title. This team also won the ladies qualifier in their debut performance. Heir Popper had a great show earning the reserve in the amateur qualifier with Kaitlyn Grom. Reserve in the ladies class went to Styles By Cavalier and Christina Lloyd for Pansy Moore.
Brenda Pulis and Catherine Munsey
CH Absolutely Exquisite live up to her name as she had two perfect performances with Tara Grom winning the junior exhibitor championship and 14-17 qualifier. Holly Wilson debuted aboard the elegant Milady A La Lucie capturing both reserve titles in the championship and 14-17 qualifier. Winning the 13 and under was Willie Stop with Sarah Allred presenting. Lexi Rueff turned in a nice show aboard Lady Latte to capture the reserve and return to earn the top third in the combined championship.
Carol Reedy was thrilled with winning performance aboard Omerta. This team topped the Virginia Owned qualifier. Reserve honors went to Periaptor’s Dancing Star and Dr. Teresa Miller. Winning the novice qualifier was Bubble Bath and Jamie Mullins for Jordan Banner.
Simbara’s Bountiful marched down the rail and into the winner’s circle with Matt Shiflet capturing the Junior Three-Gaited for Kathy and Rudy Bagdasarian. Reserve honors went to the dainty Callaway’s Compatible and Leslie Tickle for Platinum Stock Farm. Golden Market looked elegant and refined to win the UPHA Classic with Smith Lilly in the irons for Sue Nifong. Bay My Way and Shirley Trail were reserve for William and Susan Griffith.
Powerful Tango and Molly Trent had two super rides to sweep the three-gaited pony division under the direction of Scott Perrelli. Manhattan’s Irish Cream and Grant Shiflet captured both reserve titles.
Park
Hometown favorite Caramaya and Nancy Troutman did not disappoint as they had two fabulous shows, sweeping the open park division. Reserve in the championship went to Mountainview’s Steel My Heart and Leslie Tickle while Tornaado’s Touchdown and Jamie Mullins earned the qualifying reserve for Darlene Mannix.
Perfect Vengeance was outstanding with Kaitlyn Grom to sweep the amateur division. The expressive CH Justa Rascal earned both reserve titles with Megan McClure.
Andrea Wolkoff was in the irons aboard the sensational four-year-old Callaway’s Cinnamon Bay sweeping the junior exhibitor division for Platinum Stock Farm. The flashy Katie’s Dream and Britt Mitchell earned both reserves under the direction of Robert Lucas.
The titles continued to add up for Mercer Springs as Cats My Daddy won the junior class with Smith Lilly presenting for Hawley Tool Sales. Miss Kit Cat and Erin Bolster turned in one of their best rides for the reserve.
Fine Harness
The open championship might have been light in numbers but it was not light in quality as two amazing horses vied for the title. Mother Mary with Sandy Lilly on the lines had a perfect performance driving all the way to the winner’s circle for Platinum Stock Farm. Earlier this neat mare earned the reserve title in the open qualifier with Smith Lilly on the lines. Winning the qualifier and returning for the reserve championship honor was the leg waving Day To Rejoice with Matt Shiflet presenting.
Callaway’s Four Leaf Clover and Karen Thornhill debuted in a new division this week. With a stunning performance this team earned the amateur title in their only appearance. Le Femme Nikita and Patience Ergish topped the ASHAF Youth Fine Harness Challenge.
Winning the junior class was Juliette’s Deja Blue with Matt Shiflet on the lines for Athanasuleas/Bowdre. Topping the Three-Year-Old Fine Harness was Fashionista and Smith Lilly for Dr. Nancy Trent. Windy Hill’s Spring Heir and Karin Smith earned the reserve. Smith Lilly returned to the winner’s circle in the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness with Sergeant Bailey for Bill Beckley.
Roadster
Jesse James and Harry Chapman were in top form to win the Roadster To Bike Championship under the direction of David Cunningham. This team also won the open qualifier and earned the reserve in the amateur qualifier. Winning the amateur qualifier and returning for the championship reserve was Joanna’s Lost with Rae Lee Mills presenting for Jason Stoltzfus.
Harry Chapman and David Cunningham
Ponies
Danny Troutman piloted the speedy but always in top form Stat to the winner’s circle not once but twice. This team topped the open championship after a win in the novice qualifier for proud owner Dr. Robert Pugh. Reserve championship honors went to the open qualifier winner Black Jack with Sherri Surface on the lines for Stanley and Sharyn Lang. Bobby Burgess presented China Princess to the open qualifying reserve for Dustin Deaton. Aragorn and Lee Hudson garnered the reserve in the novice class for Bent Tree Farm.
Moving up a notch to win the amateur championship was Top Choice and Harry Chapman. The Jack Richards-owned Charnita topped the qualifier and returned for the championship reserve.
Sarah Allred was back in the spotlight sweeping the junior exhibitor bike division with Wonmore’s Dutch Treat. This team also earned the reserve in the AHHS Medallion Under Saddle. Anna Hudson had quite a show earning two reserves with Miss Scarlett in the junior exhibitor to bike, the win with Bagheira in the AHHS Road Pony Medallion and the win with Rhett in the AHHS Medallion Pleasure Driving Pony. Bagheira made a second trip to the winner’s circle with Caitlin Leith in the AHHS Medallion Under Saddle.
Psycho had two great performances with Jack Richards to sweep the harness pony division in front of their hometown crowd. Bo Lucas was on the lines to sweep the Hackney Pony division with Unique Rhythm.
The sporty Heartland Parade Time with Tamra Arndt turned in to pleasure perfect performances to sweep the Hackney pleasure driving pony division. Reserve in the championship went to Portrait Of A Lady and Barbara Pippin while MH Joker’s Wild and Laura Hash garnered the red streamers in the qualifier.
Pleasure
Stonewall’s Stargate and Stefanie Sanchez have become a force in the five-gaited show pleasure so far this season. They turned in two pleasure perfect performances to sweep the competitive division. The bright Undulata’s Sweet Heir earned both reserve titles with Susan Shepherd presenting for owner and trainer Meaghan Prouty. The consistent Callaway’s Sea Horse brought home double wins for Rebecca Klenk in the junior exhibitor five-gaited show pleasure division under the direction of Lewis Meadows.
Mountainview’s Dark Penny topped the Open Park Pleasure class with Jamie Mullins piloting the sporty horse to the winner’s circle for Ronald Mullins. Bob and Ann Eldridge’s entry from their breeding program, Holly Wood’s Last Hurrah, earned the reserve title with Gary Altizer. Bill Shiflet captured the Junior Park Pleasure blue ribbon with Rare Rita for Sandra Brake. Reserve honors went to Sultan’s Radiant Princess and Jessica Verrill for David and Olivia Tillman. Winning the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic was Cape Grace with Smith Lilly in the irons for Roger and Stephanie McMahon. Roseridge Get Ready and Rob Turner garnered the red streamers for Caton/Collins.
Sultan’s Lovely Boy and Stephanie Gonyaw had a comeback ride in the 18-40 show pleasure championship, winning the top honor for Sandra Brake. Reserve honors went to Stonehedge Supreme Contender and Kaitlyn Grom. Earlier this team earned the blue in the qualifier with a flawless performance. Barclay de Wet debuted aboard homebred Leatherwood’s Sassafras, capturing the reserve in the qualifier under the direction of Scott Perrelli. Winning the 41 and over championship was the flashy Heavy Hitter with Mary Dunker. This team won the Virginia owned qualifier earlier for the Meadow Wood banner. Stone Captive and Katherine Brown Shaver topped the 41 and over qualifier and returned to earn the reserve championship title for Sharon Borich. New York’s Hot Stuff and Deborah Black were reserve in the 41 and over qualifier. Reserve in the Virginia owned went to Fort Chiswell’s Spanish Music and Ashley Linkous for Carolyn Maddy Bernstein.
Elizabeth Rhoads was thrilled when her number was called out in the 14-17 qualifier and again in the championship. She debuted aboard Worthy’s Independent Son and had only ridden him a handful of times before sweeping this division. Stonecroft Ring Leader and Tara Grom had two beautiful performances to earn both reserve titles.
Elizabeth Rhoads and Kristen Shiflet
The Chesapeake Bay and Austin Hazelwood topped the 13 and under division with back-to-back wins under the direction of Lori and Gordon Ingram. Sarah Klenk was thrilled with her move up through the ribbons to claim the reserve championship aboard Radiant’s Town & Country. In the qualifier Harlem’s Moni Maker and Jackie Walthall earned the reserve for Teresa Lee.
Gitchigumi Girl and Conor Patrick Henry had a comeback ride to win the 12 and Under Walk and Trot Pleasure Championship. Irish Hill’s Mountain Star and Dre Fourie claimed the reserve championship title. Winning the qualifier was the cute team of Heirilee and Skylar Rueff with The Salem Caper and Kelsey Moore in reserve.
Stevie Nicks and Pat Yeatts had a comeback drive earning the top spot in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. Meadow Wood stablemate CH Unforgiven and Karin Banks captured the reserve championship honor. Winning the qualifier was Made Of Steel and Sarah Bennett with Truly A Vision and Jeanette Jones in for reserve.
S.S. Catch My Act and Taylor Young swept the pleasure pony division with What A Doll and Jordan Burks in for both reserves.
Country Pleasure
An excited Lesley Amrhein topped the competitive Adult Country Pleasure Championship with Curly Day adding another ribbon to the Meadow Wood banner. Earlier this team captured the Virginia owned blue with Laugh Outloud and Kimberly Crist in for reserve. The grey beauty Heir’s Intoxication with Joy Bowman had a comeback ride to earn the championship reserve. Winning the qualifier was the sporty Platinum Asset and Roberta Hirshon. Callaway’s Torch Bearer moved successfully into the adult country pleasure division earning the reserve qualifying title with Kim Grom.
Mountain View’s Mr. York and Katie McDaniel put it all together to win their first tricolor in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship. Earlier they earned the reserve in the 14-17 qualifier. Winning the 14-17 qualifier were Uwharrie’s Patriot Sage and Tara Grom. Reserve championship honors went to the 13 and under reserve titleholder, Lucky Curve and Emily Rhoads. Winning the 13 and under qualifier was Endear and Margaux Clark.
Mountain View’s Mr. York and Katie McDaniel
Really Worth It topped the country pleasure driving division in both the championship and qualifier with Barby Thornton catch driving for Anita Simpson. Reserve in the championship went to Windy Hill Super Star and April Pomeroy while Shamrock’s Versace and Carol Reedy earned the reserve in the qualifier for Rebecca Tobey.
Beaux’s Radiant Empire’s win in the Western Country Pleasure Championship was bittersweet as it was his last victory pass out of the show ring with owner Pat Yeatts. After eight very successful years together Yeatts will retire this great champion to her farm. This team not only won the championship but also garnered the red streamers in the Saddle & Bridle’s Shatner Western Pleasure. Winning the Shatner class was The King Of Wishful Thinking and Melanie Carroll. This team also earned the reserve in the qualifier. Winning the qualifier and returning for the championship reserve was Heir Cooled and Sallie Turner-Tonguet.
Heir Cooled and Sallie Turner-Tonguet
Equitation
Alexis Taylor Pearson was polished to win the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship under the direction of Deidre Henry. This team also topped the 13 and under qualifier and the NHS Good Hands. Kerry Jefferies had three nice rides to claim all three reserves under the direction of Karen F. Smith. Nina Hobbs made her only equitation appearance winning the pleasure equitation under the direction of Betsy Webb.
Alexis Taylor Pearson and Deidre Henry
Kaitlyn Creekmore aboard CH Sarah Katherine won the UPHA Walk and Trot Challenge Cup under the direction of Nancy Troutman. Creekmore also won the 10 and Under Walk and Trot Equitation. Sarah Ann Fourie earned the reserve in the 10 and Under Saddle Seat Equitation for her proud dad, Andre. Reserve in the UPHA class went to the Diamond View instructed Lexie Flint.
Kaitlyn Creekmore and CH Sarah Katherine
Friesian
Oedsek and David Trail thrilled the crowd with two stunning performances to sweep the Friesian Under Saddle Championship and qualifier for William Woods University. Qualifying reserve went to Godiva and Staci Griffin for Bruce Griffin.
This concludes the highlights of the Roanoke Valley Horse Show. Complete results can be seen and searched by clicking here.
Also seen at Roanoke:
Jamie Bo Lucas and B.J. Fourie
The Shiflet gang: (l. to r.) Andrew, Doug, Grant, Claude, Kristen and Matt
Mercer Springs gals: (l. to r.)Stephanie Miller, Andrea Wolkoff, Holly Wilson and Leslie Tickle
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