Judge - Gary Garone
USEF Steward - William Munford, Jr.
Announcer - Peter Fenton
Ringmaster - Don Baker
Stall Manager - Scott Snider
Veterinarian - Equine Services
Show Secretary - Beth Snider
Photographer - Doug Shiflet
Video Photographer - Richfield Video
Organist - Earl Gregory
Farrier - James Quiram
President Emeritus - Harold B. Morgeson
Chairman - Moe Anson
Co-Chairman - Gail Kline
President - Gary Waggoner
Manager - Scarlett Matteson
by Margaret Cordes
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On June 6-9, a powerful presence descended upon Rock Creek this year drawing Saddlebred barns from as far away as California, Louisiana and Texas. The skies stayed clear and the nights cool, it was a forecast made to order for a show that promised to be one of the best in years. New incentives this year included a trainers’ purse. The trainers of winning entries were eligible to win an additional $100. The owners got a chance at cashing in too on a lottery for $1,000. A big thrill for Betty Thom whose entry of CH O’Me O’My K.F. brought in a blue ribbon and the big cash prize.
Each year Rock Creek chooses a groom to honor: someone selected by trainers and exhibitors whose contributions and dedication to their team extends above and beyond. This year the honored groom came all the way from Louisiana. He was sought out by many of his colleagues who missed his presence and cooking at shows. Dennis Williams is back on the road with his teammates this year despite Hurricane Katrina’s attempt to tear him away. He has worn many hats at Cascade Stables from caregiver to counselor, barn manager to even babysitter. Williams helped raise many of Cascade’s equitation riders including Lauren McMichael, Victoria McHenry, Kristin Nielsen, Kelsey Smith and Jon Paul and Joel Dorignac.
Williams was lured to the ring Friday night because trainer Barbe Smith asked him to help another barn strip a horse. Williams was a little worried about Smith when he realized she had called him to the ring for a country pleasure class. The class left the ring without needing his help but then Peter Fenton called out his name, paging him to center ring. Williams later admitted to all, that when he heard his name called he thought, to himself, “Hey, I know that guy.” Within seconds of the call, his Cascade crew was escorting him to center ring.
Lauren McMichael, Barbe Smith and Scooter
Scheurich congratulate Dennis Williams
on his well-earned Top Groom Award.
Williams took refuge at a chicken farm in Mississippi after Katrina. Now, he’s relieved to be back in the horse business and cooking up his Cajun specialties late night at the shows.
It’s been a long time since Rock Creek enjoyed four nights of perfect weather. Cool enough for comfort and keeping fans in the stands all night long. The Rock Creek grounds filled up every night, proving to be an inviting setting to neighbors and newcomers, offering great food, unique shopping and of course a competitive show.
Five-Gaited
The Five-Gaited Jackpot Stake was completed Saturday night after the loss of Spider Red (see separate tribute). It was no doubt a tough decision whether to continue the show or dismiss the class without a tie, however, the class continued in dedication to the world champion mare. Four teams waited in the ring for their comrade to be peacefully retired. Then they were called back to the rail to complete the show. Michele Macfarlane’s CCV Casey’s Final Countdown honored Mike Spencer and Spider Red with a victory pass calling for an end to the 2007 show. I’m First and Nelson Green finished in reserve for Stonecroft Farm.
Ladies Five-Gaited entries brought out several top contenders including blue ribbon winner Zara Spook and Melissa Moore for owner Dr. Wendy Troyer. Out of Reach and Karen Blankenship Shumate were in reserve.
The amateur five-gaited division offered top ribbons to four different teams. The championship title went to amateur mare winners CH Amusing and Amy Dix Rock with reserve mare CH Have You Ever and Barclay de Wet riding up for the reserve championship for Leatherwood Farm. Judge Gary Garone brought Callaway’s Kit Carson and Susan Shepherd in for the blue ribbon in the amateur stallion/gelding division and CCV Casey’s Final Countdown and Macfarlane in reserve.
CH Amusing and Amy Dix Rock
Junior exhibitors were gutsy and strong in their performances with Kelsey Price and Fiesta Fling up for the win in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship and qualifier. Rachel Kelley and Roseridge’s All Mine earned the reserve ribbon in the championship round moving up from fifth place in the qualifier. Harlem’s Supreme Lady and Ali Judah started the show with the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Reserve.
The Novice Five-Gaited class brought out the best in Our Saturday Night with Rob Byers up for Patrice Watson and Joe O’Brien. Cumberland Crescent and Bill Knight were in reserve or Blythewood Farms.
Last Serenade and Kris Knight were first for the ribbon in the Junior Five-Gaited Stallion/Gelding class for Vicky Reed. And I’m Stickin’ To It and Debbie Foley stuck with it for reserve. Callaway’s Born For This was just that in the Junior Five-Gaited Mares class with Nelson Green up for Stonecroft Farm. Chris and Jean Nalley’s Zippers & Snaps came together for the reserve place with Steve Wheeler in the saddle.
The UPHA Five-Gaited Classic brought out Temptress Too and Tiffany Wheeler for the win for owners Chris and Jean Nalley. A Bolt From The Blue took home the red with Chantell Coetzee riding for Cindy Maloney.
Precise as ever, CH Sammyshine and Cydni Simmons earned two victory passes in the five-gaited pony division. Callaway’s Exception To The Rule was in reserve twice with Alexa McWilliams in the irons for Cindy McWilliams.
Three-Gaited
Tré Lee thrilled owner Melissa Moore with his Three-Gaited Championship ride on The Starwalker. Fox Grape’s Farm’s Madeira’s Love, shown by Milligan Stable’s Liz Cortwright, earned their second reserve of the season at Rock Creek.
The Great Gaspar and Sarah Byers entered the ladies division and were escorted to the winner’s circle for Pidgeon Roost Farm. Suddenly Single and Tate Bennett were not far behind for Helen and Charles Crabtree Stables.
The amateur division welcomed CH An Heir About Her and Sarah Rowland for two blue ribbon finishes, first in Three Gaited 15.2 and Under and then for the final championship round. CH Undulata’s Perfect Gift and Mary Jane Glasscock Kirkpatrick finished in reserve in the 15.2 and under division. Cindy Hettinger Carcione with her new three-gaited teammate, Kalarama’s Twister, made their debut, earning the red award in the championship. The Amateur Three-Gaited Over 15.2 class saw Sir Andrew and Margo Coleman march down victory lane followed by reserve winners CH The Super Nova and Dr. Morgan Wolin.
CH An Heir About Her
and Sarah Rowland
Lindsay Haupt and her Kiss Of The Zodiac topped the junior exhibitor division, earning their second blue in the championship after a previous victory pass in the qualifier. Cabernet’s Will Command and Kristen Thomas followed Haupt’s lead with two reserves for Sailwind Stables.
Traveling all the way from across the pond, SJ The Smart Lady and Lionel Ferreira worked their way out of the novice division with a blue for John Bulmer of Hereford, England. Suddenly Single and Tate Bennett finish in a second for Crabtree Stables.
In only her second time into the ring, Angel Innocence and Chris Reiser came together nicely to find their way to a blue ribbon in the Junior Three-Gaited class for owner and breeder Ramona Whipps. My Original Sin and Linda Lowary finished this dynamic young class in reserve. Alone in the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic, Joe Elam earned a blue with Join The Dance for Steve and Debra Hultquist.
Ashley Biggins and her Lost Token earned two blue ribbons in the three-gaited pony division. June Adams earned a reserve in the qualifier with Night Whisper for Margaret Holdren.
Park
The Three-Gaited Park Jackpot class welcomed the Texas team of Catalyst Commander and Liz Cortwright for Maguire Hall to the winner’s circle. In reserve, Riders On The Storm and Darrell Case made a good show for Willowbank Farm and Mary and Gene Russell.
Amateur team Pistolero and Mary Jane Peebles move up to the blue ribbon in the championship after a reserve in the qualifier. Maureen Jenner and her Early Angel also came on stronger in the championship, finishing in reserve after a third place ribbon in the qualifier. Tax Man and Peggy Councilman earned the top ribbon in the Amateur Park qualifier.
Fine Harness
The Fine Harness Jackpot Stake welcomed the familiar blue ribbon team of Call Me Ringo and William Shatner. Headhunter and Redd Crabtree took home a sizeable jackpot for the reserve prize.
A champion performance from Sharla Deuschle and her Dances On Air put them in the Ladies Fine Harness winner’s circle. Simbara’s Sweet Lorraine and Kelly Mount marched up for the in reserve.
The Amateur Fine Harness class welcomed Joan Adler and her Gothic Revival for a victory pass.
Daring Don and Melissa Moore took their turn wearing the blue in the Junior Fine Harness class for Nancy Bryan. Mike Spencer drove Minna Hankin Mintz’s Dancing With The Stars for the reserve. Three-year-old Stonecroft Sweet Confection and Nelson Green earned the victory pass privilege in the UPHA Fine Harness Classic. Peter Palmer showed Magic Fire Music to the reserve for Don Rich Enterprises.
Green returned to the ring with Two-Year-Old Fine Harness prospect Stonecroft Our Treat to earn yet another blue ribbon for Stonecroft Farm. Lupe Valencia drove Onion In The Stew to reserve for Barbara Von Borries.
Roadsters
Like rumrunners, Jennifer Robertson and her Rum’s Last Shot out showed the competition in the Roadster To Bike Jackpot Stake. A quick delivery of the reserve ribbon went to Mike Felty and Fed Ex for Deborah Butler’s Melrose LLC.
Amateur team All Glory and William Shatner raced down victory lane for a Rock Creek blue. Geronimo and Anna Marie Dempsey in for the summer from Texas finished in reserve.
Under saddle it was The Big Show and Alison Walker who raced to the blue. Shane Sallee and his Hustle Hector finished in reserve.
Free Willy and Georgia Blevins continued their blue ribbon run in the road pony division with the Jackpot Stake win. Turbo Blue and John Maloney were right on their heels for reserve.
It’s Go Time and Becky Brayton Buhl earned the blue in the combined amateur and junior exhibitor championship with JBS Amadeus and Debbie Gabbert in for the reserve. In the amateur qualifier Beaulah Jean finished with a blue for Golden Creek Farms. JBS Amadeus and Debbie Gabbert captured the reserve.
The AHHS Youth Medallion Hackney Road Pony class brought out several nice teams including the blue ribbon team of Kirstie Buerkly and Dun Haven Grandiose for Blevins Farm. Buckwheat and J P Stilz were in reserve for Rigby’s Green Farm LLC.
Rock Creek also offered an AHHS Youth Medallion Road Pony Under Saddle with honors going to Power Of Attorney and Sarah Bushell. Heartland Little Gem and Alyssa Lopez picked up the reserve.
Ponies
Maureen Lydon presented Heartland Beautiful Dreamer for the blue in the Open Harness Pony class for Darrel Kolkman. Twin Willows Wild Thing and Jeff McClean park-trotted up for the reserve.
In the Amateur Harness Pony class Senor and Perry Grieme were in perfect form to take the blue. Heartland Flirtation and Caroline Kamer finished in reserve.
Open Hackney honors went to General Mills and Gene van der Walt for Singing Hills Stables. Monte Verde and owner Wendy Winstead earned the reserve ribbon.
Blues continued for Classical Dancer and Kathy Buente in the Amateur Hackney Pony class. Austin Powers and Mia Morris finished in reserve for Blevins Farm.
Hackney/Harness Pleasure Driving Pony Champion team Heartland Special Special and Janet Sterba continued down the road after earning two more blue ribbons at Rock Creek. Portrait of A Lady and Barbara Pippin were in reserve in the championship after a strong show season start in 2007. Kay Marschel and her Breaking News finished in reserve in the qualifier.
Pleasure
The pleasure divisions welcomed strong and numerous entries starting in the Adult Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Championship that resulted in some of the country’s top teams. The tricolor went to Charlotte Kurtz and Absolutely Robust followed by Callaway’s High Roller and Eddie Lewis. Jennie Garlington and Champagne Treat earned the qualifying win with Chris Nalley and his Miss Genevieve making a nice ride for reserve.
All the way from New Orleans, Scooter Scheurich and Slicker’s Society Man racked up storm for the junior exhibitor championship before heading up the road to Midwest Charity. In Between The Lines and Lindsay Haupt were right behind them for the reserve after taking the win in the qualifier. Susanna Crews brought Wild and Wonderful in for the qualifier reserve honors for Greg Crews.
Susan Shepherd directed Undulata’s Sweet Heir to the blue ribbon in Novice Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class for Meaghan Prouty. Oscar Dela Hoya and Stacy Halloran were reserve for Gaited Inc.
Park Pleasure, one of the largest divisions at Rock Creek, saw Lenore’s Prairie Whoopster and Steve Wheeler make two victory passes in the open section for John and Dorothy Lenore. Reserve honors in the championship went to CH Like An Admiral and Liz Cortwright for Carol Winters. In the qualifier My Jose Cuervo and Danette Musselman earned the second place prize for Dale Musseleman.
That’s Exactly Right was exactly that in the Junior Park Pleasure class for owner and rider Amy Dix Rock. Stonecroft I’m Radiant was in reserve with Melissa Moore up for Stonecroft Farm.
Renee Biggins showed Worthy Big Budget to the blue ribbon and to the victory pass in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for co-owner Mike Felty. Heirs Halo and Darrell Case were reserve for Kathleen Ruwoldt.
Erin Obenauf and her Thundersnow were consistent in the adult three-gaited pleasure division to take home two more blues, continuing an undefeated streak that goes back to four horse shows for this team. Santana’s Gypsy Gal and Shawn Stachowski finished in reserve in both the championship and adult pleasure qualifier.
Mollie Kregor and The Petite Princess continued their season with blue ribbon passes at Rock Creek in the junior exhibitor pleasure division. They added two more to the collection after strong rides in at Rock Creek. Main Marina and Elisha Goff were in Reserve both times out for Brian and Rebecca Jarrell.
Chris and Jean Nalley celebrated an exciting win with their owned-and-bred Gangster who earned back-to-back blues in the Novice Three Gaited Pleasure from Indianapolis Charity and Rock Creek. Erin Obenauf brought Tribal Chief to the reserve for Alicia Leonoro.
The Last Straw was first in line for two victory passes with John Scheidt in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier for Stonecroft Farm. Heirs Curtain Call collected both reserves with Joyce Cashman at the lines.
Christine Broder continued her winning ways with her Callaway’s Winning Numbers in the Adult Country Pleasure Championship and qualifying class. Sarah Russell moved into reserve in the championship with her Haunting. Tara Duff was strong in the qualifier, finishing in reserve with her Val Hallelujah.
Junior exhibitor Hallie Tyler showed champion teammate CH O’ Me O’ My K.F. to the blue ribbon in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship. Suzanne Bradshaw’s granddaughter, Alexandra Sowell, earned two reserves with her America’s Lass. Mallory Greaves also finished on top with a blue ribbon in the qualifier with You’re Looking Swell Dolly for Betty Warren.
Two top contenders in the Novice Country Pleasure class brought The Royal Lad and Melissa Flint to center ring to receive their blue ribbon prize. Delightful Diamond and Gale Lazarus finished in reserve.
Cheryl Rhoton called this spring the beginning of her “dream season” with several wins behind her Country Pleasure Driving horse Sweet Intention. She added two more prizes to her blue collection from Rock Creek. Ms Greta Garbo finishing strongly as well for Moe Anson and Gail Kline, taking the reserve tricolor in the championship. Heidi Bowie drove Heirithmatic to the qualifier reserve ribbon for Orlando and Donna Smith.
The Country Western Pleasure Champions came all the way from California this year as CH Like Thunder and Michele Macfarlane took the victory pass twice. Chelsea Ruxer rode in for reserve in the championship with her Samuel Charles. Highly Charmed also earned a reserve ribbon in the qualifier, shown by Charlotte Kurtz for New Millennium Equine Endeavor Inc.
Equitation
Rock Creek lured out several top equitation riders from all over the country; many of them heading up to Midwest afterwards. Ali Judah with teammate Feng Shui earned the championship title in Saddle Seat Equitation with Eleanor Watkins and teammate Marie Claire in reserve. Judah also earned the USEF Medal honors and NHS Good Hands blue ribbon. Watkins picked up the Medal reserve while Kristen Thomas was reserve for the Good Hands award.
The Walk/Trot 10 & Under class brought Alexa Flint in for a championship ribbon with Kolette Weaver in reserve. Madison Hawes earned the UPHA Challenge Cup in the 10 & under division. Joanna Jackson finished in reserve.
Alexa Flint and Kristen Shiflet
New Orleans native Victoria McHenry rode her best to make two victory passes in the Pleasure Equitation Championship and qualifier before heading up the road to the Midwest Charity. Kelsey Olson finished in reserve in both classes.
This concludes the highlights from Rock Creek. Complete results can be seen and searched by clicking here.