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Saluting The 2010 Morgan Grand National and World Championship



The 2010 Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show

Lead Story By Diana Davidson
Coverage by Diana Davidson, Bob Funkhouser, Tuffy Owens, Christy Parsons, Kara Hose 

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Lead Story

Saturday October 9
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Sunday October 10
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Monday October 11
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Tuesday October 12
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Wednesday October 13
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Thursday October 14
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Friday October 15
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

Saturday October 16
Coliseum
Performance Arena
Sport Horse Arena

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The theme of the 2010 Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show was a salute to Oklahoma City. For the 36th consecutive year of its 38-year history, this show has called the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds its home. This year they came from over 40 states as well as three foreign countries. Oklahoma City was the place to renew old friendships and make new ones. Some were here for the very first time to compete or as a spectator, while others were taking part in this time-honored tradition for the 38th time. The one thing they all had in common was their love and appreciation for the Morgan Horse.

The beauty, athleticism and versatility of the Morgan breed were on proud display from October 9 – 16. Those in attendance saluted a marvelous array of well over 1,000 horses competing. The show was filled with optimism as the Morgan community gathered to celebrate its magnificent horses, the spirit of competition and wonderful friendships.

Show manager Fred Nava heads the team of world class show officials and volunteers who continue to bring this show to new heights. The teamwork of Nava and the Grand National Show Committee headed in 2010 by Fred Dills as chair deserve a lot of credit for their efforts in putting on a show of this caliber. Nava reflected on this year’s show, "I feel as the Grand National Manager for the past fours years I have witnessed the show’s continued growth in spite of the economy. The energy, cooperation and teamwork that surround me from the Show Committee and Chairman to the exhibitors and trainers are outstanding, second to none. This year the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show was truly the Best of the Best. I am proud and honored to be a part of this great show. I look forward to the continued success of improving and growing our Morgan breed showcase."

With everything in place, the show ring competition at the 2010 Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show featured unforgettable moments from the first Saturday morning’s performances straight through until the final spotlight victory pass eight days later on Saturday night. The 2010 World Champions represented some of the winningest performers the show ring has ever known returning to victory lane. The crowd also saluted the underdogs battling to unseat the reigning champions. In addition, there were phenomenal success stories of horses and riders taking their first pass down Oklahoma’s victory lane.

The camaraderie in the Morgan world and especially at this show of shows is legendary. The barns were once again filled with parties and celebrations, entertaining conversations, enthusiastic horse shopping, and the important work of preparing to compete for the nearly 500 Grand National and World Championship titles.

The equine celebrities started their eight days of exciting competition early on Saturday morning. The In Hand World Champions were the first to wear the roses as they took their place in the vibrantly decorated blue and gold winner’s circle.

The first blanket of red roses featured three-year-old CBMF Avenger (Ben’s Rhapsody x Ariel) earning his place in history as the World Champion Gelding for owner Frances Pugh and Tara Farm. This victory gave Mrs. Pugh the distinction of being the first to ever own a reigning World Champion Gelding, World Champion Mare (Tara’s Anasazi in 1997) and World Champion Stallion (Apollo’s Reflection in 1981 and Man In Motion in 2000 and 2001).

For trainer Ken Swanson, it was his fourth consecutive World Champion Gelding victory, following three consecutive wins with the late CBMF Ruling Class for owner Holly Johnson. "What an honor after showing ‘Chief’ three years in a row to have another horse to step into his shoes. I am delighted to be able to help Mrs. Pugh earn this distinction as well," Swanson added.

The Saturday afternoon session featured three-year-old Flawless (Reality Check Dot Com x Wide Eyed Innocence) taking over the crown as World Champion Mare. In her first trip to Oklahoma, she certainly lived up to her name earning the honors won by her full sister Decadence in 2007 for trainer Keith Nelsen and the Woolley-Lee family.

"It is a rare opportunity to own one World Champion Mare, let alone two!" enthused Debra Woolley-Lee. I am very blessed to have such great horses. Both mares are unbelievably beautiful and talented, each in their own way. Keith really does an outstanding job of showcasing every horse’s talents. The countless hours of care given to each horse is seen through both Decadence and Flawless. It was such a thrill to watch ‘Baby Sister’ head into the ring this year and to have an amazing Oklahoma."

Keith Nelsen added, "When the Lees bought her, I thought she had a big name (Flawless), but she certainly lives up to it. I just can’t find a fault, she is just as her name implies. She is really a good one."

The World Champion Stallion competition closed out the first day of show ring action with Dragonsmeade Icon (Mizrahi x HVK Obsidian) wearing the ultimate crown. The victory by the charismatic six-year-old black stallion was a monumental win for trainer Tim Roesink and breeder/owners The Fu Family of Dragonsmeade Farm.

"In all of our years of breeding and showing Morgan Horses, we never thought of owning, much less breeding, the World Champion Stallion. We are thrilled, proud, humbled, in awe, in shock … words simply do not do justice to our range of emotions. We are honored to compete in the same classes as the beautiful world champions SLB Mastroianni and SYP High Definition.

"As all breeders know, the horses we envision when making a cross are not always what is produced. Each individual horse is destined for whatever division their conformation and disposition will warrant, and as breeders we must accept this. To think that two special horses in our lives such as HVK Obsidian and Mizrahi produced Onyx (Dragonsmeade Icon) is a true blessing. We’ve been proud to watch Onyx develop into the horse that carries the blood of world champions in his pedigree.

"He has a good life, and he has had a happy training career from the beginning. Tim and Onyx have a wonderful relationship. As with all of his horses Tim engages Onyx to be a confident stallion and a happy show horse. Onyx is sensible while also being a hot show horse. To think that he showed well in all three in-hand classes while not at all breaking a sweat shows how confident he is. Moreover, he went on the next night to show under saddle and never let down.

"It was an adrenaline rush for me each time in the warm up ring because of all of the show horse energy he had for both park saddle classes. He didn’t want to stand to wait for the classes so we had to park walk until they called for us. I still shake my head wondering why he didn’t feel any different during our class from the colic he had shortly after our last class. He has a lot of heart. Thank God for Tim catching it so quickly when he had other horses showing, and thank you Dr. Johnson and Dr. Crisman, Shayna, Harry and Jessica (Sebring). Onyx is just fine and we are most proud," concluded Iann Fu Longenecker.

The 2010 In Hand World Champions each proved that form and function do go hand-in-hand. For the first time in many years, all three In Hand World Champions (CBMF Avenger, Flawless and Dragonsmeade Icon) also showed in performance with each again earning tricolor honors. This was a theme throughout the week as the crop of young horses earning world titles in both performance and in hand also featured LPS Out Of Bounds, AMHF I’ve Got A Secret and Merriehill Black Betty.

Moving to the open performance World Championships, the victors featured a combination of history-making repeat champions and a pair of youngsters who battled to emerge with the highest honors for the first time.

Wednesday night’s Classic Pleasure Saddle World Championship featured the division’s record-setting legend Boogie Nights (Born To Boogie x UVM Unity) returning to the winner’s circle with a new partner. Following four consecutive victories in 2005-2008, the charismatic performer returned in 2010 with new owner Bonnie Howard to add her first personal world title to the winning streak performing under the Grove Pointe banner.

The theme of repeat champions continued on Friday night as the Classic Pleasure Driving World Championship saw L’Cima Exclusive (L’Cima’s Spence Jr. x Salem Kristine) and Terri Travers repeat as victors.

The eldest of this year’s open champions, the multi-titled 14-year-old bay gelding added the honors to the Taylor River banner.

Friday night’s Hunter Pleasure World Championship featured another 2009 winner returning to glory. Here, MEM Bailamos (Futurity French Command x AFF Beulah) and Keely Sogoloff again earned the ultimate achievement for Jerry and Mary Jane Nau and Nau Is The Time LLC.

Sogoloff paid homage to the ten-year-old stallion, "Bailamos, in Spanish, means ‘we are dancing’. And that is precisely what we were doing all the way back to our stalls after the world championship class. We danced because our horse was wonderful, and we danced because Wendy was with us again for the win. We danced because Bailamos' children won all week. And we danced because we were so happy. And now, Bailamos will concentrate on his breeding career so that we can see more of his incredible get in the ring."

A record-setting night continued as Bada Bing, one legendary champion who hails from the state of Vermont, broke the record he shared with another legendary World Champion from Vermont, Long View Sundance. In 2009 Bada Bing and Peggy Alderman tied the record set in 1982 by Sundance and Bonnie Sogoloff as they won their third English Pleasure World Championship. On Friday, October 15, 2010, Bada Bing broke the record as the first four-time English Pleasure World Champion (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010).

Peggy Alderman knew that Bada Bing (AFF Leroy Brown x Trade Secrets) was special the day he was born. The ten-year-old gelding has been a star ever since, he has never been defeated in the English pleasure division in Oklahoma.

Peggy Alderman reflected, "Bada Bing winning his fourth world open title was a very emotional experience for me. I really, really wanted the record for him. He is a unique horse - a great horse. He loves the show ring, he loves life, and I love him!"

The storyline from the Friday evening session seemed to be dominated by great champions returning to the familiar spotlight. However, the nightcap added another dimension with the crowning of a new champion in the Park Harness World Championship. As 2009 champion SYP High Definition moved to the amateur division in world championship style and the record-setting JW That Special Flaire did not compete in 2010, a new champion would enjoy the spotlight.

It was a proud moment for Team Merriehill as four-year-old Merriehill Home Stretch (Tug Hill Whamunition x Futurity Chicago Whitesox) was named the 2010 Park Harness World Champion. It was quite an emotional moment as 2009 winning trainer Rick Stevens presented 2010 winning trainer Stan Bodnar with the tricolor. Merriehill Home Stretch provided the final spotlight memory from Friday night for owner Ruthann Peterson.

However, this was not the end of the storyline for Team Merriehill, as exactly 24 hours later they did it again. They brought a junior horse back to win an open performance World Championship. This time it was the Pleasure Driving World Championship (which Stan Bodnar had won in 2009 with Fox Hollow Talk About Me) with three-year-old Cingate Starry Night (Astronomicallee x Cingate Vincent’s Song) driven by Whitney Bodnar for owner/breeders Cindy and Gaeton Lorino of Cingate Morgans.

Team Merriehill reflected on the victories and their decision to show the youngsters back in the big stakes. "To be honest it is still so surreal. It was one of those things where all the stars aligned perfectly. Both horses had great shows and the crowd and fellow horseman were very supportive and it was very special to have Rick Stevens in the winner’s circle with ‘Stretch’ and Judy Whitney Harris to be one of the first ones back with congratulations after the class. Stretch holds a special place in our hearts as he is the first Merriehill bred horse to win a World Open Park title.

"To us ‘Star’ is like the energizer bunny she keeps going and going, you can depend on her to be there and fire for every class. To be honest we only drove her twice between New England and Jubilee then once between Jubilee and Oklahoma. The rest of the time Jessie rode her and really had her ready to go under saddle for Oklahoma but we decided to go for the Open driving instead. Much of the credit for Star being so solid should go to Jessie and all the work she did with her and to Whit for having her so finished in harness for a three-year-old. We are thrilled for Lorinos and their first Cingate bred open World Champion.

"Both Stretch and Star improved as the season went on and each show passed that by the time OKC came around they were as ready as we could make them. Both of their first classes were spot on and we figured there was nothing to lose and everything to gain by showing them back in the opens after talking to both owners. The judging panel deserves a lot of credit for having the courage to pin two deserving junior horses on consecutive nights. It was a show of a lifetime."

The final night also featured the Western Pleasure World Championship where both the winning horse and rider had won this title before, just not together. For Grand Cru Beaujolais (Tug Hill Commando x Double M Temptation), it was a tricolor return as he earned the honors in 2004 for his former owner and trainer. For the 2010 winning rider Daryl Hopson, it was his third victory in this class in the past five years, having won in 2006 and 2009 with Firecrest E-Ticket. For Beaujolais’ proud owner Sandra Nelson of Madison Avenue Morgans, it was a glorious moment.

"I never stopped believing in Beau. I knew that Daryl was capable of bringing the best out of him, but even I was thrilled with his spectacular performance. I'm still on ‘cloud nine,’" Nelson commented.

Hopson added, "Beaujolais is such a stunning individual, it is an honor to show him and share his beauty in the western division."

The history of the Grand National has featured a number of great horses dominating in the Roadster To Bike World Championship over the decades with the likes of Greentree Maryjane (6 times), Rake’s Progress (3 times), HVK Derigueur (4 times), Trinity Royal Bay (3 times), JW Romantic Ways (3 times) and HVK Baymarch (4 times). The first two horses to repeat as world champions were Irish Lane in the 1970s and Irish Hawk in the 1980s for Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. They were joined in the 1990s by Kohler Stables’ four-time champion HVK Derigueur.

On Saturday night, the record of ten Roadster To Bike World Championships for Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. and Kohler Stables was set by HVK Bold Spirits (HVK Bold Look x HVK Wine And Roses). Steven DeBolt drove the ten-year-old gelding to the unanimous victory.

DeBolt commented, "Road horses are very special to Mr. Kohler. I am very proud to have won this honor. He is my favorite horse, he just has so much personality and we have a special bond. He is not a horse that backs down, he is tough but I love working with him."

The final spotlight pass of 2010 came with the crowning of the Park Saddle World Champion. It was a memorable finish to an amazing week on so many different levels as Lamborghini In Black and David Rand carried home the roses with the unanimous victory. For the 13-year-old sired by Simply Maserati and out of JL’s Deer Sal, it capped an incredible year. Having been gelded in January 2010 for his debut in the junior exhibitor division with Hannah Kelley, Lamborghini In Black made headlines throughout the year. A season filled with spectacular victories for the majestic black horse and his pink-clad rider finished off with a unanimous Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle World Championship on Friday.

However this was not the end of the story or the season. When the horn sounded for Saturday night’s grand finale the Park Saddle World Championship, the first to burst through the gate was none other than the 2007 Park Saddle World Champion. With David Rand again in the irons, there was indeed a dark horse in the Open Park Saddle World Championship - THE dark horse. David Rand and Lamborghini In Black were reunited to put an exclamation point on a sensational show for the Kelley family of Victory Lane.

David Rand commented on the decision to show Lamborghini In Black on Saturday night. "During the week I had a lot of people ask me, ‘Are you showing Lamborghini back?’. There seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm and interest from the public to show him back. The response from the crowd every time he comes through the gate is so enormous. I wanted to wait to see if he was rested enough after his Junior Exhibitor World Championship with Hannah on Friday before making the decision. It is a true testament to the horse and the breed that he was capable of winning both. This horse is a legend, winning world championships from the time he was a two-year-old and now at age thirteen. We all feel blessed to be a part of his life."

In addition to the open champions, there were several others that added onto their record world championship achievements in 2010. Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall tied the record set ten years ago by Opies Boy and Cindy Nord with four consecutive Amateur Pleasure Driving World Championships (2010 and 2009 with Dan Kelley, 2008 and 2007 with Stephanie Connor). The ladies division featured some of the most decorated show ring performers of all time when Festival Calypso and Stephanie Connor added their seventh Ladies Pleasure Driving World Championship with another unanimous decision. In spite of retiring her record-setting six-time Ladies Park Harness World Champion HVK Ancient Cry in 2009, Helen Crawford continued her record showing Cry Baby (Tug Hill Whamunition x HVK Ancient Cry) to the same unanimous decision in 2010. The Ladies Park Saddle World Championship featured a special victory for Dawn Fire as she earned the honors for the third time in four years, and second in a row with Treble’s First Take.

"Winning the Ladies Park Saddle for three out of the last four years (I was unable to compete in 2008 due to my horse losing a shoe) is an amazing dream come true for me. I still remember sitting on the rail my first time at OKC. I was watching Judy Whitney-Harris win the Open Park Saddle World Championship and thinking "one day I will be in a park class". My accomplishments at this point are well beyond my dreams come true.

"As much as I love a beautiful stallion, for me, a game and beautiful mare is much more thrilling. Nothing is more fabulous than a mare that can hold her own with the boys. It was an honor for me every single time I sat on Erotic Dancer's back. When she retired, I didn't think I would find a mare that was near as much fun as Erotic Dancer was. Treble's First Take has (fortunately) proven me wrong. They are both outstanding mares, and it is a privilege to have them in my life.

"Of course, none of this is possible without Phil and Kristen's expert guidance. Not only do they do an amazing job with the horses, it is a joy to work with both of them," concluded Dawn Fire.

While many repeat champions made headlines, there were several great stories of first time winners in Oklahoma. From longtime owners such as Beverly Olson whose Tracemark Touch Of Gold won the Gentlemen’s Western Pleasure tricolor to first time Oklahoma competitors such as Walk-Trot Classic Equitation World Champion Kristina Mauro. The list of first time winners was long and impressive. It leads to a world of possibilities for them and others who aspire to similar achievements.

One of those first time winners who made her share of headlines was Michaela Gillispie. In her first time showing in Oklahoma and her first season of Morgan Saddle Seat Equitation, Michaela became only the fifth rider to earn the Morgan Saddle Seat Equitation Triple Crown in the same year.

Gillispie commented on her amazing show, "When they called my name for the Medal I was in shock. I knew I had ridden well but for them to actually call my name. I couldn't believe it. I just burst into tears.

"It was as if this was all a dream and I didn't want to wake up. After we came out of the ring I just wanted to stay on Oz (The Wizard) and never get off. I didn't want the experience to EVER end.

"I rode six days a week to prepare for Oklahoma, practicing every day without stirrups. I felt ready for Oklahoma and having Oz as my partner, I couldn't have felt better about going into the competition, he is the perfect partner.

"I want to thank Suzanne (Haberek) for all she has done in helping me prepare and train all year for this competition. She has been there for all of the rough rides as well as the good ones and I couldn't have done this without her. Thank you for helping me reach my dreams."

It was an amazing experience for Gillispie’s instructor/trainer Suzanne Haberek as well, "This is something that you work for and dream of as a trainer. You put your heart and soul into these horses and riders and they do the same. This whole experience embodied the essence of Trinity - the horse, the trainer, and the rider - all together as one.

"The Triple Crown win was not just a win for Michaela and Oz, but for our entire Trinity Family. We had people back in NY watching the classes online as well as the support and love of all the families and friends in OKC. It was as if every one of us was riding a victory pass.

"Seeing Oz wearing the roses was such a moving experience for all of us since we've had him from the very beginning, but especially the Lynch family who has never lost the belief that this is truly what he was meant to do and always knew he would wear the roses!

"I've always believed in Michaela as a rider, and working with Michaela and Oz to mold them as a team has been an incredible and rewarding experience. She has an undeniable love for the sport (not to mention her love for Oz) and the drive to make her dreams a reality. The biggest hurdle for Michaela was faith in herself, and what better place to finally master those fears than at Oklahoma. She has worked so hard, riding six days a week, jumping on anything and everything to prepare both physically and mentally. Oz is not for the faint of heart to drop stirrups on, and watching her progress to fearlessly riding without stirrups showed how much she truly wanted to be at the top.

"The Morgan industry is one in which the very people you compete against can also be the ones who cheer you on. I am so grateful for the support I have received over the years from fellow trainers, who have helped Trinity to develop and grow."

The Morgan community is a family all in itself. For anyone who has ever been involved in the Morgan industry, that sense of family shines through. The Morgan world turns out to support one another in good times and in bad. One of those good times was Thursday night as Indian Creek Farm, the Quilhot family and clients celebrated Kurt Hufferd’s 20th year training and managing at Indian Creek.

"Kurt began his long-time partnership with us in 1991, and in our first year together, he and the Indian Creek horses won three World Championship titles." Jeanette Quilhot commented during the party, "Even after twenty years, our relationship and goals are as strong as ever."

The festivities at Indian Creek lasted well into the evening, and at one point Kurt was seen wearing an Indian headdress as he thanked the Quilhots and everyone attending for their friendship and humor during the past two decades.

The show also featured several emotional tributes. From the American Veterans dedication, to the annual memorial service on Saturday afternoon, to a memorial tribute to Show Committee member Jim Stewart, and the recognition of last year’s Park Harness winner Rick Stevens, these dedications truly brought us all together as one large family.

Show manager Fred Nava saluted Jim Stewart with this tribute, "I had known who Jim Stewart was for as long as I have been involved in Morgan horses. But it was not until I was hired as the Manager of this great show that I really found out who the man behind the name and the face truly was. From the day of my first show committee meeting it was evident that all his goals were focused on the good of the Morgan Horse.

"This past Wednesday evening when Bill Carrington read the poem titled ‘Have You Ever Looked At A Soldier’s Face’, I remembered that I had seen exactly what he described in the poem in Jim’s face - wisdom, faith, happiness and laughter. As well as a huge commitment to what is right.

"Jim stood by my side for the first three years as I managed this show. It was just like he was breaking a young colt letting me move on but never letting me get myself in trouble.

"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to speak about Jim tonight because everyone on this committee has a much longer and even deeper relationship than I had with Jim. However, the last three years I spent with Jim meant a lifetime to me. In my eyes if I am to be remembered to be half the man Jim Stewart was to me then I have successfully accomplished what I have wanted to in my lifetime.

"Jim Stewart not only loved the Morgan Horse, he loved this country and what we stand for and he was a decorated Veteran."

We are all fortunate because we share a bond thanks to the Morgan breed. Let’s stand and salute our Morgan family and the 2010 Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show.

Saturday, October 9

Coliseum

The 2010 edition of the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show kicked off Saturday morning with a slate of nine classes in the Coliseum. The In Hand Gelding competition was first up with judges Sandy Sessink, Lewis Eckard and Harold Angell evaluating the entries.

The first 2010 tricolor was awarded to the Yearling Gelding Grand National Champion, LBJ Toy Town. Sired by Man In Motion and out of Candle Dreams, Toy Town struck the winning pose to add to the victorious partnership of breeder/owners Laura and Jim Braddock and trainer/handler Tim Roesink. With Bob Kellert recovering from emergency surgery just days earlier, John McDonald stepped in to assist Mary Cockriel as they began a tricolor show with entries hailing from The River’s Edge. They handled the reserve yearling entry RDL Adonis. By Basic Black and out of Roy-El’s Sweet Sophia, the well-named youngster is owned by Brian Berry and Victoria Markley.

The top placing handlers in the previous class were back in the winner’s circle in the Two-Year-Old Gelding class, but the results were reversed. This time John McDonald and Mary Cockriel took top honors with AMHF I’ve Got A Secret. Yearling National Champion a year ago as well as the Yearling Futurity World Champion, I’ve Got A Secret was all set to put on a show today for owner/breeders David and Cindy Vogels. Tim Roesink had the reserve tricolor entry this time with Town Affair. An entry of Selvin, Gina and Emily Torrez, this handsome bay is by Town Assets and out of JLH So Lovely.

The aforementioned four returned for the Junior Gelding World Championship, and it was a repeat of the Two-Year-Old placings that sent AMHF I’ve Got A Secret to the winner’s circle as 2010’s first World Champion with a unanimous vote from the judges. Junior Gelding Champion at New England, I’ve Got A Secret had the tandem of McDonald and Cockriel handling for David and Cindy Vogels. Sired by Whispering Whammunition and out of AMHF Chatterbox, by Grandiose, I’ve Got A Secret was all correct form and sparkling show horse as the World Champion. Reserve World Champion honors went to Town Affair. Jim Lowry took over at the helm in this one with Larry Bolen tailing once again. Owned by Selvin, Gina and Emily Torrez, Town Affair was also Junior Reserve Champion at Jubilee Regional.

It was two husband/wife teams that led down to the far end of the ring in the Three-Year-Old Gelding ranks. The well-bred young star, CBMF Avenger, was the top choice in this one, with Ken and Dini Swanson making the show for Frances Pugh and Tara Farm. Sired by Ben’s Rhapsody, he is out of Ariel, by War And Peace. His second dam is RRG Flash Dance, by Cedar Creek Harlequin. The dark bay son of Man In Motion, ADC Last Man Standing, was reserve with Lynn and Kathleen Peeples handling for Deborah and Alex Cojocar. The Cojocars are also the registered breeders of this gelding, as well as the owners of both the sire and the dam, You Never Know GSF, by Trija Mr. Pepperpot.

Kurt Hufferd and Shanna Gish had the lone entry in the Four-Year-Old Gelding class, as Indian Creek High Stakes was the unanimous choice of the judges for Indian Creek Morgan Farm. A second-generation Indian Creek product, High Stakes is by DBA Street Talk and out of Indian Creek Lucky Charm, by Pot Of Gold.

Kurt Hufferd left Shanna Gish to make the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old class, as he had to rush out to collect his Five And Over entry, SpringMill Stardust. That worked out well, as he returned to take back-to-back tricolors, this time with Jim Lowry as his running mate. Stardust is by Liberation First Star and out of the grand Pleasure Driving mare, Treble’s Unchained Melody, by Tug Hill Commando. Big and rangy, Stardust was the judges’ choice in this one for SpringMill Morgans. Polar opposite of Stardust, Boogie Nights was the reserve winner with Tim Roesink and Larry Bolen presenting for Bonnie Howard. All sorts of punched up and typey, Boogie Nights is by Born To Boogie and out of UVM Unity, giving him a pedigree full of Morgan type. Grand Champion Gelding at Jubilee, Boogie Nights was the World Champion Gelding in 2006.

CBMF Avenger returned to claim his second World Championship, as Ken and Dini Swanson led down to victory lane for Tara Farm in the Senior Gelding World Championship. Last year’s Junior World Champion, Avenger was also three times a Reserve World Champion in 2009 in the Gelding World Championship, as well as the Two-Year-Old In Hand and Pleasure Driving Futurity classes.

Reserve Senior World Champion honors went to the Five and Over winner, SpringMill Stardust. This marked a fourth Reserve World Championship for Stardust, as he was Reserve World Champion Junior Stallion in 2007, as well as Two-Year-Old In-Hand Futurity Reserve World Champion. In 2009, he was reserve in this very class after winning the Four-Year-Old Gelding National Championship. Kurt Hufferd and Jim Lowry did the honors here for SpringMill Morgans.

After the usual five-minute intermission and breather for the horses and handlers, the 2010 World Champion Gelding was set to be crowned. The four entries returned from the Junior and Senior ranks, with CBMF Avenger coming away with the top honors. This marked the fourth year in a row for Ken Swanson to be the winning handler in this Gelding World Championship, as he led the late great CBMF Ruling Class to this title the last three years. A bright, coppery bay with a white blaze, Avenger packs a ton of show horse attitude into his punched-up frame. Correct in all ways, Avenger was crowned the Gelding World Champion by a unanimous vote of the judges. Kurt Hufferd tapped Kenny Swanson on the back number with his whip as Bill Carrington read off the digits of his number, 1-1-9, sending a smiling Swanson team down to the far end of the ring. Kurt Hufferd’s number was called out next, as he and Jim Lowry were the Reserve World Championship team with SpringMill Stardust for SpringMill Morgans. It was 1993, when Stardust’s dam, Treble’s Unchained Melody, took her reserve round of honor as Junior Mare Reserve World Champion and 1999 when his sire, Liberation First Star, took the last pass of the show as Park Saddle World Champion. Royally bred to be a show horse, Stardust was all that in reserve today.

Amateur Gentlemen’s Western Pleasure closed out the morning session, with five entries showing for their National Championship. Mary Cockriel made the long run to the far end of the ring, with AMHF Mr. Courageous and Ray Bendele. An entry of Drs. Ray and Alison Bendele, Mr. Courageous is by HVK Courageous Flaire and out of Cy Don’s Miss Trophy. A National Champion in this class the last two years, Mtn Laurel Election Day was reserve today with Tony Lee, in autumnal black and orange attire aboard his handsome teammate. Dwayne Knowles headed up the reserve round of honor.

It was the fillies and mares that took center stage on Saturday afternoon, with the Grand National Yearling Filly class up first on the schedule. The River’s Edge continued their fantastic day with a win in the seven-entry Yearling Filly class with AMHF Mata Hari. Once again it was John McDonald and Mary Cockriel handling for the Andover Morgan Horse Farm breeding program of David and Cindy Vogels. Sired by TRE Master Of Disguise, Mata Hari is out of Noble Event, by Noble Command. Noble Event was the winner of this very class in her yearling season, 1986. Mata Hari’s winning pose was a sight to behold. Reserve in this one went to Absolute Eye Candy, with Phil Fountain on the lead for Peeper Ranch. By Cedar Creek Harlequin, Eye Candy is out of the reigning Ladies Park Saddle World Champion, Treble’s First Take, by Liberation First Star.

Adding to the list of impressive tricolor winners sired by Man In Motion, LPS Out Of Bounds was the Two-Year-Old Mare National Champion, with Lynn Peeples and Nancy Flower presenting for Lynn Peeples LLC. Junior Champion Mare and Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion at New England, Out Of Bounds is out of the Oklahoma winner, Illicit Love. Talent begets talent once again. Hope Floats was reserve here with Gerry Rushton and Stacy Hennessy. An entry of Jim and Kathy Cook, Hope Floats was the Junior Champion Mare at Morgan Medallion. She is sired by the World Champion CCR’s Outrajus Corajus and out of DRF French Riviera, by Futurity French Command.

In the Junior Mare World Championship, LPS Out Of Bounds looked every part the finished show horse as she carried off the top prize for Lynn Peeples and Nancy Flower. Enjoying a fabulous start to her young career, Out Of Bounds is an expressive representative of her sire Man In Motion, who continues to impress as the sire of young champions. The Reserve World Champion title went to AMHF Mata Hari. Named after the famous World War I spy, Mata Hari added the reserve title with John McDonald and Mary Cockriel handling for David and Cindy Vogels. She was the Circle J Yearling Futurity Champion earlier this year.

From the Three-Year-Old Mare division, it was two teams of brothers that took the top two places. First of these was the team of Keith and Chris Nelsen with Flawless for owner Sarah Lee. Sired by WWW Reality Check Dot Com, Flawless is out of Wide-Eyed Innocence, a full sister to DBA Street Talk. Grand Champion Mare at Morgan Medallion and Far West, she was also the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Champion in Santa Barbara. Reserve honors went to Merriehill Black Betty with the Bodnar Brothers ™, Mark and Whitney. Twice a World Champion a year ago in the Junior Mare and Two-Year-Old Park Harness Futurity classes, Black Betty had already won the UPHA Morgan Park Harness Classic National Championship for Graycliff LLC.

In the Four-Year-Old Mare class, the Bodnar boys were back for more, this time earning the tricolor with New England Grand Champion Mare Unraveled for Equine Holdings LLC. Sired by Centerpiece, Unraveled is out of WWW Virtual Reality, by WWW Reality Check Dot Com, sire of the Three-Year-Old winner. Unraveled returned to the winner’s circle where she was Three-Year-Old Mare National Champion a year ago. SCH Cheyenne and Shawn Amazeen collected the reserve tricolor with a fine showing for Margaret Foley. By Aljak’s Double Whammy, Cheyenne is out of Tara’s Tsunami, by Tara’s Cherokee.

In the Five-and-Over Mare ranks, it was the blonde and beautiful MSV Miss Judy taking the last pass with Jaisen and Meghan von Ballmoos for Kathleen Pierce. She is an evident product of her bloodlines, sired by Minion Millennium and out of Aljak’s Miss Wham I Am, by Aljak’s Double Whammy. Miss Judy was reserve in this class a year ago. Reserve honors this year went to Willowick Maria La Bella, with the father-son team of David and Bryan Earehart leading for Margaret Keeler. The fancy bay sired by Nemour’s Royal Command and out of Willowick On A Whim completed a season filled with blues and tricolors.

Flawless followed in her big sister’s footsteps with a win in the Senior Mare World Championship, taking a unanimous victory with Keith and Chris Nelsen for Sarah Lee. Her full sister, Decadence, was the Senior Mare World Champion as well as the World Champion Mare in 2007. It would be quite difficult to fault this mare, hence the name. Whitney Bodnar teamed with wife Jessica in this one to take the Reserve Senior World Championship with Merriehill Black Betty for Graycliff LLC. Junior World Champion last year and now Senior Reserve World Champion, Black Betty is by Astronomicallee and out of Merriehill Great Day, by Stonecroft Byzantine.

With another unanimous decision, Flawless continued the family legacy with the World Champion Mare victory. Keith and Chris Nelsen put on a picture perfect performance once again for Sarah Lee. This mare just oozes elegance and correctness, fitting of her World Champion titles. The Bodnar Brothers, who apparently have morphed into a single unit, no longer possessing first names, were Reserve World Champions for Graycliff LLC with Merriehill Black Betty. The magnificent black mare packs a ton of type, character and charisma into a tricolor package. The young, jet black mare started her week in Oklahoma off in high style here today.

Changing gears, a trio of performance classes rounded out the afternoon session. With 14 entries, the Amateur Masters Hunter Pleasure class was a well-filled affair. Winning for the third time in Oklahoma City this year, Legal Eagle and Mary Hunter Novotny earned the blue for Janie Denning. This chestnut gelding was twice a winner at Oklahoma Centennial earlier this year. They made a smooth performance for the National title, with daughter Caitlin Novotny joining for the victory pass. Reserve in the class went to Epona’s Perrier Jouet and Donna O’Neill for Jerry and Donna O’Neill. Campaigning all over the central part of the country this season, Perrier Jouet was the Four-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure World Champion a year ago, and the Three-Year-Old World Champion the year before that.

There were 12 that came to the ring to vie for the first Futurity World Championship of the week. This one was the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Futurity. Bright chestnut with a wide white stripe, Indian Creek Broadway Joe followed up his Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure win at New England with a World Championship here today with Shanna Gish up for Indian Creek Morgan Farm. Sired by Stand And Deliver, he is out of Long Acres Broadway, by Tug Hill Whamunition. Showing close to home, Kelly Kraegel Varner was reserve with Gulfwind To The Max for breeders Paul and Evelyn McKnight and new owner Ali Denzel. Sired by Gulfwind Sir William and out of Treble’s Monique, To The Max was the Three-Year-Old winner at Jubilee and Circle J Regionals. A handsome bay, Jaklee Bravo Papa was third with new owner Annie Morgan under the direction of Sammi and Jennifer Hazen.

The final class on the Saturday afternoon session was the eight-entry Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout Singles. Dr. Kimberly Caruso was decked out in black and gray, with a black hat accented with a white flower. She drove to the winner’s circle with JMF Midnight Express. They were back in Oklahoma blue after three top-three finishes a year ago. Midnight Express is jet black and was trimmed with white braids to match his driver’s attire. Breeder Art Perry called out his congratulations, as Intrepid Sabrina was driven to the reserve honors by Mary Scronce. This team picked up four wins at Morgan Medallion in August. Scronce was in all black to drive her sleek dark mare.

The evening’s festivities started out with The Heritage Salute to America class, celebrating the rich heritage of the Morgan horse and how it is intertwined with the history of the United States. It represents some of America’s finest moments with vintage-style apparel and carriages. The Chairman Of The Board started off the first Saturday night session of the week with a blue ribbon drive. His trainer, Karen Holford, was at the lines for Bob and Judi McCoy. Holford and her co-pilot were decked out in turn of the 20th century garb, with their back-story being that they were two young ladies on the way home from a successful fly-fishing trip. The hats they wore were crafted and designed by Karen Holford herself. As Bill Carrington announced, "They went on a fly fishing trip and came back with a tricolor ribbon and cooler too." This was Holford and Chairman Of The Board’s second year in a row to win this class, as well as the third time overall. Velvet’s Black Image and Lisa Caylor earned the reserve prize from their home base of Loveland, Colorado in their first day of Oklahoma competition together.

With 17 entries making their way to the Coliseum ring, it was time for the always large and competitive Amateur Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class. With the same bold form that was on display at Southern States and New England, MEM Gentleman Jack made his first trip to Oklahoma a successful one. Sired by Hunter Pleasure World Champion MEM Bailamos, Gentleman Jack was the Southern States Hunter Pleasure Champion with Sarah Gove and the New England Amateur Hunter Pleasure Champion with tonight’s rider, Sara Heffernan, in the saddle. Sarah Gove made the long run to the far end in brisk style to greet her winning entry. Reserve in this big class went to Roadshow Jesse James, with Britni Olsen aboard for Five O Farm. This longtime team matched their best ever Oklahoma finish with what was one of their best performances together. They were Reserve National Champions twice in 2007.

Twice a Reserve World Champion in Pleasure Driving as a young horse, CBMF Double Down has certainly hit his stride in his adult career as a Road Horse. Six for six on the year coming into tonight, Double Down and Dr. Alison Bendele made it a perfect seven for Drs. Ray and Alison Bendele and The River’s Edge banner. The chestnut speedster won three times at both Circle J and Morgan Medallion. Speaking of more recent converts to the Road Horse ranks, SLB Puccini was last year’s Amateur Masters English Pleasure Reserve World Champion. Under the direction of Blackridge, he made the switch to high gear at Morgan Medallion. Tonight, with Lisa Howa at the helm, that decision paid off with a Reserve National Championship. A full brother to World Champions SLB Da Vinci and Dragonsmeade Vivace, Puccini is by HVK Bell Flaire and out of Dancity Gracious Remark, by Troutbrook Hallmark.

Another big class of hunters came into the ring, with Pembroke Annabella and Kathleen Vaughan earning the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Mare National Championship. With a big hug for her horse, Kathleen rode down to the winner’s circle under the direction of Mike and Liz Murphy. By CN The Commanding Touch, Annabella is out of Stonecroft Bella Donna, by Stonecroft Masquerade. Moving up a spot from their 2009 finish, Graycliff Miss Liberty and Teri Rumens were reserve for Fire Run Farm. Making the trip in from Kirkland, Washington, worthwhile, they put on a strong show. Miss Liberty was Hunter Pleasure World Champion in 2007 and 2008. Darlene White earned third with MEM Triple Sec for Darlene and Jeff White, while Hylee’s Marquessa was fourth with Lora Lyons up in this deep class.

Saturday night was stallion night at the Morgan Grand National, and this year’s edition was outstanding. Winner of the All American Yearling Sweepstakes at New England, Take Cover was the Yearling Colt Grand National Champion in a field of eight. David Rand was on the lead, with "King Midas" John McDonald as the tailer for Firewind Morgans. McDonald gets that tag, since everything he’s touched today has turned to gold, with wins and reserves coming by the boatload for most all of the entries he has accompanied to the ring. Sired by 2007 Amateur Park Saddle World Champion BKC Valiant Star, Take Cover is out of Queen’s Midori, by Mizrahi. Jubilee Yearling Futurity Champion RWJ Ancora was reserve with Phil Fountain and Mike Carpenter for Dr. Robert Jones. By Astronomicallee, Ancora is out of LCS Simply Sensational, the dam of two-time Junior Stallion World Champion, RWJ Commanding Topic.

From a group of 10 in the Two-Year-Old Stallions, LLL Tzar Alexander was called out for a memorable tricolor with the Bodnar Brothers leading the charge to the winner’s circle for owner/breeders Dr. Boris and Emelia Tabakoff. By the Astronomicallee son, Cingate Lucky Star, he is out of Merriehill My Maria, by Brentwood Command. Continuing a sensational season, Tzar Alexander had Whitney Bodnar at the helm, with Mark Bodnar tailing. He was also the Junior Stallion Champion at Jubliee Regional. Rodney Hicks and Mike Murphy had the reserve winner in CBMF Moving Man for Copper Beech LLC. Sired by the great Park stallion Stand And Deliver, Moving Man is out of FRF Stolen Moment, by Cedar Creek Harlequin. His second dam, Exhale, is the dam of FRF Seattle Reign.

The Junior Stallion World Championship featured LLL Tzar Alexander earning the tricolor and roses with a unanimous decision. Whitney and Mark Bodnar guided the handsome youngster to add to a great start to the week for Team Merriehill. This dark bay sensation was fantastic, trimmed in tricolor. Rodney Hicks and Mike Murphy returned with CBMF Moving Man for Copper Beech LLC to take the Reserve World Championship. Square and true-trotting, Moving Man captured lots of attention with his performances.

From the Three-Year-Old Stallion division, it was Mini Cooper driving down victory lane in unanimous fashion with Phil Fountain and Mike Carpenter presenting for Peeper Ranch. World Champion a year ago in the Two-Year-Old Stallion In Hand Futurity, Mini Cooper is by the great HVK Bell Flaire and out of the World Champion Plum Haven Minuet, by Immortal Command. JDS Cosa Nostra earned the reserve nod with Damian Hyde handling for Debbie LaMay. Sired by The Last Don, Cosa Nostra is out of RWF To Have And To Hold, by Stonecroft Masquerade.

Whispering War Chant was the pick of all three judges in his first time to the Oklahoma coliseum. The impressive bay captured the Four-Year-Old Stallion National Championship with Craig Hummel and Brian Stewart leading for Tim and Carol Selinsky. Sired by Centerpiece, he is out of the Noble Flaire mare, Whispering Out Loud. New England Grand Champion Stallion Roberto Cavalli earned reserve honors with Jaisen and Meghan von Ballmoos showing for Darryl and Kathy Pierce. Three-Year-Old Stallion National Champion a year ago, he is by Hollybrook Stage Rage and out of the great Schiaparelli.

What happened next in the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum can only happen when the setting is just perfect and the stars align. The stars literally did just that in the Five-and-Over Stallion Grand National Championship. First to the ring came two-time defending World Champion Stallion, Mastroianni. His first lead brought the entire crowd to life, seeming to pause for just a second at the top of each stride to float down the rail with Bob Hughes and Debi Jeppesen presenting for Sherry Bartolucci. Next up was Dragonsmeade Icon, with Tim Roesink and Ken Swanson putting on a show for Dragonsmeade. They got a big cheer from the crowd as they hit the ring strong and flashing brilliance all over. It was another big ovation that greeted the final entry, SYP High Definition. Gerry Rushton and Stacy Hennessy brought him down the chute in bold fashion for Ted and Elaine Olsen.

With this unbelievable scene set, the class got underway, and the judges had some difficult decisions to make. First out of the line to work was Mastroianni. His lead was one for the ages, as he pranced in perfect time with Bob Hughes. Dragonsmeade Icon was next up, parking out and not moving a muscle. He looked like a statue standing under the bright lights as the photographers snapped picture after picture. High Definition was the last to work, and he put on a show of his extreme athleticism, with all of his polished beauty on display.

When all three had worked individually, judge Sandy Sessink brought them all out to be lined up side by side in the middle of the ring, as the delighted crowd went wild. This was Stallion In Hand competition at its finest. The crowd was on the edge of its seat the entire time, seemingly cheering on all three magnificent stallions evenly. After a few long looks from the judging panel, the team of Tim Roesink and Ken Swanson were the ones headed to the far end first with Dragonsmeade Icon. Sired by 2006 World Champion Stallion Mizrahi and out of 2001 World Champion Mare HVK Obsidian, Dragonsmeade Icon earned the tricolor with the unanimous support of the three judges. So perfectly proportioned and well put together, Icon has Morgan type etched into him. He was simply stunning as the Champion. It was Mastroianni receiving a strong salute in reserve with Bob Hughes and Debi Jeppesen, making that familiar trip to the far end of the ring. This was the first time in this five-year-old stallion’s career that he would leave the ring with anything but the top prize. Sired by Mizrahi and out of Kim’s Bellegante, Mastroianni was all masculine power and presence in reserve. SYP High Definition was a well-received third for Gerry Rushton and Stacy Hennessy. Sired by HVK Vibrance, High Definition is also out of Kim’s Bellegante. They took a long loop around ringmaster Bill Whitley, as they picked up their prize.

The top two places were sired by the same stud, the second and third finishers were out of the same mare. Additionally, every one of these stallions holds a World Championship title in the Park division as well. Icon was the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion in 2008 and the Amateur Park Saddle World Champion in 2009. Mastroianni was the Four-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion just a year ago, while SYP High Definition famously won the Park Harness World Championship in 2009. It will take a long time to match the unbelievable talent present in this show ring in this one.

The Senior Stallions returned straight away, with Dragonsmeade Icon once again getting the unanimous call as the Senior Stallion World Champion. Tim Roesink and Ken Swanson were on the lead again for Dragonsmeade. Mastroianni completed the sweep of the top two prizes for sire Mizrahi. Bob Hughes and Debi Jeppesen headed up the reserve round of honor for Sherry Bartolucci.

After the customary five-minute break, the four qualified entries returned to vie for 2010 World Champion Stallion honors. Bill Carrington called out the unanimous choice of the judges, Dragonsmeade Icon, to take the top prize here on the first Saturday night of the show. The Grove Pointe and Dragonsmeade sections erupted in applause along with the rest of Icon’s supporters all over the ring, as he earned the highest honor for a Morgan stallion. Undefeated in his first two attempts at this title, Mastroianni was the Reserve World Champion tonight with Bob Hughes presenting for Sherry Bartolucci.

It was a great night for the Morgan breed, as the horse show audience showed its support for great horses and outstanding performances. It was an incredible way to end the first day of the horse show, and the stage is now set for great things to come, as the next seven days of competition loom large on the horizon.

Performance Arena

Grand National competition was off to a great start in the Performance Arena with eight competitive classes from the Saddle Seat and Classic Equitation divisions on Saturday morning. The stands were filled with supportive parents, friends and alumni equitation riders.

The Saddle Seat Equitation 16-17 age group started the session off with a competitive field. Julia Strier began her final equitation competition with a trip down victory lane as she topped the field with a beautiful ride aboard MEM Star Power. The 2006 Junior Saddle Seat Equitation World Champion, Julia is a very elegant rider, who has enjoyed wins this year at the New York Regional, Mass Morgan and New England. Julia is trained by her proud family at Lingering Hills. Reserve honors went to Hanna Johnson as she displayed her polished form and great personality as she was matched today with TE Ammunition under the direction of Stacy Hennessy and Gerry Rushton. Hanna has had an amazing final season with wins from the Morgan Medallion to the New England Regional. Nikki Rae Woodworth directed Nena Marlin to a polished ride to earn the third place ribbon in this competitive class.

The ever-talented Annie Thurber had a stellar ride in the Saddle Seat Equitation 14-15 age group to earn the unanimous win. Annie has beautiful lines, poise and charisma and is trained under the Sterling banner. Annie and Upper Echelon also earned wins this year at the Michigan All Morgan, Gold Cup and the Bluegrass Morgan Classic. Reserve in this strong class was Michaela Gillispie, who rides under the direction of Suzanne Haberek. Michaela’s form and style were on display as she matched up with the veteran equitation horse The Wizard.

The Saddle Seat Equitation 12-13 age group was brimming with young talent with 13 riders vying for top honors. It was Cameron Kay, the winner of the 11 and under class the past two years, who stood above the rest and earned the win under the Crystal Farms banner. Cameron is well matched to her new equitation mount CN’s Stylish Debut. Last year’s Walk-Trot Equitation World Champion Hannah Carr teamed up with AMF Exodus for a fine ride to add the reserve ribbon to the Trinity Farm banner.

There was a trio of aspiring young riders in the 11 & Under Saddle Seat Equitation. Alena Graves and French Episode enjoyed their trip to the winner’s circle under the watchful eye of Mary Carlton. Ellen Erchul and Clara Maxam showed off their style and polish for the second and third place ribbons along with strong audience support.

The Classic Saddle Seat Equitation division started off with the 13 and under class. Savanna Marie Miller rode skillfully to earn the unanimous win aboard Festival Mariachi to the delight of proud parents Frank and Ann Miller. Sarah Grace Kucza earned the second place honors aboard the multi-titled Coalition X-Static.

Megan Richards and her partner, MJK Fire N Ice enjoyed a winning Oklahoma team debut as they topped the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 10-11. They added the unanimous victory to a stellar season under the direction of Liberty Stables. Reserve honors went to Emma Hayman aboard Chimera Wild Enchantment under the direction of Crystal Farms. Emma turned in a determined ride and is well matched to her sporty chestnut mare.

Hayley Porter and Versailles topped a strong field of 15 in the Classic Saddle Seat Equitation 14-17 age group. Under the direction of Nikki Rae Woodworth, Hayley also earned wins this year at Vermont, Connecticut and the New England Regional. Second in this competitive class of top riders from coast to coast went to Taylor Long followed by Kelsey Robinson, Vanessa Ybarra and Lauren Lang.

The Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 9 and Under class closed out the morning with two top young riders hailing from New England. It was back-to-back victory passes for Nikki Rae Woodworth and her students as Nicole Kaufman and MEM Feel The Heat earned top honors. Spencer Shample added the reserve ribbon to his list of accomplishments aboard Hollybrook Romeo under the direction of Taylor River.

The afternoon session was devoted to young showmanship and western seat equitation competitors. The Fitting and Showmanship 9 and Under class was won by the adorable team of Anna Ryan Rowe and Elk Creek Elegance. Kaydee Crow picked up the reserve ribbon matched with DVF High Chapparell.

The AMHA Western Seat Medal Preliminary was held next and consisted of two sections of railwork and along with individual patterns. A total of 23 riders competed for their chance to return to the coliseum on Tuesday afternoon for the finals. The riders who earned a spot in the finals were Bethany Towne, Lauren Osborne, Cassandra Davis, Mary Kris Revard, Brianna Berg, Ryne Swope, Mallory Stacy, Lauren Little, Madison Wurster, Melissa Monty, Kimberly Forester, Meghan Hanrahan and Ashley Carkin.

Catriona Kozijn saw her name in lights as she topped the Walk-Jog Western Equitation 10-11 aboard Lord Of The Dance. They had a beautiful ride and great ring placement to earn the win in this competitive class. The competitive field saw the red ribbon go to Paige Crowley; while Connor Chaffin Farley captured the third place ribbon.

The 14-17 Fitting and Showmanship gave Marissa Klimkiewicz a tricolor start to the show handling the hunter presentation of FRF Backtalk. Brianna Berg matched up with the flaxen celebrity Kern’s Endeavor to pick up the reserve honors under the Cottowood Creek banner.

The Cape Cod team made another trip to the winner’s circle in the Walk-Jog Western Seat 9 & Under. This year it was Sophia Stillings, in her bright yellow outfit, who jogged to the winner’s circle aboard Connor Farley’s Aquila’s Stardust. In just her second show riding western, Kira Gendjar picking up the reserve honors aboard MCA Seawind Serenade under the direction of David Rand.

After two consecutive wins in the 9 & under division, Connor Chaffin Farley continued his Grand National Fitting & Showmanship winning streak in the 10-13 division. Again dressed in his khakis, blue sport coat, and of course the signature cowboy boots and hat, Connor’s winning presentation this year was made with the Torrez family’s Dragonsmeade Leilana under the direction of Summerbird Farm. Riley Rowe and Elk Creek Elegance, also sister Anna’s partner, added the reserve tricolor to the Gwinfield Farm banner with their presentation.

The evening session featured the hunt seat equitation age groups and it was crystal clear that the riders from Crystal Farms were on fire as they won five of the seven classes of the evening. The judging panel of Patty Kent, Anne Judd and Bill Moroney were in charge of evaluating the large field of riders competing.

Starting the evening, Michelle Quinlisk won the 11 & Under Hunt Seat Equitation title for the second year in a row aboard Manchester In Demand. Christine Nava once again directed the winning team down victory lane. Cassie Solberg and her Whitemud St. Louis Blues garnered the reserve ribbon to start out a memorable show directed by Bre Schultz.

Kaylan Hayman kicked off the Crystal Farms winning campaign with a strong performance to best a field of ten entries in the 12-Year-Old Hunt Seat Equitation aboard Delaware’s Night Life. Sophie Nonweiler claimed the reserve aboard Lone Star Bill to the delight of the hometown crowd.

Ellery Walker continued her winning career in the junior equitation ranks with a unanimous win in the 13-Year-Old qualifier aboard Partridge Hill Prophet under the Crystal Farms banner. Walker was last year’s Junior World Champion and she has positioned herself well to reclaim her crown. There was a big shout out to Canada as Ashlee Wheaton had a good ride to claim reserve in the very competitive 14-entry class riding Easy To Love.

Mary Carlton ran into the winner’s circle for the third class in a row to assist unanimous victor Gabrielle Graves in the 14-Year-Old Class. Graves is no stranger to the winner’s circle in Oklahoma, as she has won equitation and performance titles here the past two years as well with Twin Peak Heritage. Samantha Delaney followed up her wins at Citrus Cup and Southern States with a reserve Grand National title aboard Monnington Soul under the direction of Tricia Waclena.

Emma Thompson posted another blue neck ribbon on the Crystal Farms wall of wins by besting a field of eight entries in the 15-Year-Old Hunt Seat Equitation mounted on Hampshire Sergeant Tibbs. New England Regional champion Kendra Peeples earned reserve honors in the competitive class with WSG Mystic Impression to the delight of the Waterford cheering section.

Sascha Mills has enjoyed many triumphant performances in Oklahoma City and she had quite the cheering section to support her on her trip to the winner’s circle in the 16-Year-Old Hunt Seat Equitation competition. Jonalyn Gwinup directed Mills and Ha Ho Windstar as they received the unanimous vote of the judges in the competitive class of eight. Last year’s 15-year-old winner and AMHA Gold Medal Champion Alexandria Warner earned the reserve honors aboard Pondview Pure Elegance.

Marissa Klimkiewicz earned her second Grand National victory pass of the day with her win in the evening’s final class, the 17-Year-Old Hunt Seat Equitation competition. She once again teamed up with FRF Backtalk for the winning performance with assistance from Crystal Farms. Olivia Lahr continued her memorable final season with a reserve finish here aboard D Bar J Habakkuk.

Sport Horse Arena

The Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show opened with an early start on Saturday morning in the Sport Horse Arena with the Dressage competition. Virginia Norris won the first class of the show by directing WRP Sultans Kruggerrand to a score of 73.036 in the Training Level Test 2 Open. Julie Haugen ably rode Thunder Alexander to the reserve finish for Ann Bialkowsky.

A huge field of young riders vied for the honors in the Training Level Test 2 for Junior Exhibitors. Caroline Fernalld kicked off a great show aboard Orrwood Madison Bay to claim the victory. Alexis Acres The Scotsman, 2009’s World Champion in the Training Level Open competition, was capably ridden by Mattie Rohs to earn the reserve honors in the junior exhibitor class.

Sacred Paths Ice-T and Kim Fullerton topped a field of six to claim the Training Level Test 2 Amateur title followed by Georgia Kelton and South Star Sebastian for owner Terri Lynn Yeakley.

Misty Green Merlin and Gia Dawn Grayson won the Training Level Test 3 Open competition for the second year in a row posting a score of 73.2 for the Misty Green Farm. Julie Haugen and Thunder Alexander were reserve in the six-horse competition for owner Ann Bialkowsky.

Topping a field of five, Rebecca Moore directed Wildside Chile to the win in the First Level Test 1 Open competition for owner Lisa Bryant. Susan Garmier and Wintergreen Beaufort were reserve in Test 1 and would later win Test 2 for owner Ann Taylor’s Wintergreen Morgans.

Caroline Fernalld earned her second blue of the day aboard Orrwood Madison Bay in the First Level Test 1 Junior Exhibitor competition. TNP Rob Roy and Erika Noelle Wolff were reserve champions.

Austin Oplotnik returned to the Grand National winner’s circle to claim the AMHA Dressage Seat Gold Medal with a fabulous score of 80. Austin first won at the Grand National in 2007 as a nine-year-old, and returned this year aboard DVF Kingsway to earn the Gold Medal. Bethany Towne earned the reserve honors in the large class aboard The Devil’s Image.

Moondance Maverick and Karen Rossen bested a field of four to claim the First Level Test 1 Amateur win. Anne Schmid and her Grayfriar’s Epic Nchanter earned reserve honors. The placings were reversed in the First Level Test 2 Amateur competition with Nchanter and Schmid posting the top score.

Another field of four vied for honors in the First Level Test 2 Open. Susan Garmier directed Wintergreen Beaufort to the winner’s circle for Ann Taylor and Wintergreen Morgans. Karen Stephens and WLA Born To Perform were reserve champions for Patricia Waliga.

Whitney Haugen and TJR Destiny’s Tiara continued their winning ways. This year they topped the First Level Test 2 Junior Exhibitor. Last year the team claimed Test 2, 3 and 4. Erika Noelle Wolff and TNP Rob Roy were the reserve winners.

The Second Level Test 1 came down to a percentage point tie between Barbara Richardson-Lewis and Iron Forge NYPD Blue along with Jaime Hardy and Rogue Hill’s Woodsman.

Gia Dawn Grayson won her second blue of the day, this time aboard Misty Green Cim Maron for the Misty Green Farm in the Third Level Test 1. Gayle Davidson and Derwanda Hercules earned the reserve honors in the class of four.

Two entries entertained the crowd with the Fourth Level Test 1 competition. BCM Unforgettablee and Andrea Doelling earned the winning score for owner Kylee Lourie. Gayle Davidson and Derwanda Hercules earned their second reserve ribbon in as many classes.

Rounding out the day’s competition, last year’s World Champion FEI Level team of David MacMillan and West Mt. Winston performed a delightful solo in the Intermediate II competition to the delight of all dressage enthusiasts.

Sunday, October 10

Coliseum

Day two in the coliseum began with a slate of eight classes in the pleasure and classic divisions. Seventeen Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Geldings opened the morning session vying for the attention of judges Lisa Waller, Lewis Eckard and Steve Davis. Enjoying a stellar debut season in the classic saddle division, Dragonsmeade Bravura and Jeanne Fuelling added a Grand National victory pass to their list of accomplishments. They showed style and elegance to earn the top honors directed by Nancy Flower. Laurin Johnson and Harlan’s Star Material followed up their blue ribbon New England debut with a Grand National Reserve Championship for owner Grace Steere. The parade of ribbon winners also featured Basic Black and Lauren Fischer, Gotti and Kim Germ, Rage and Annie Morgan, and Leviticus and Teri Rumens.

The Junior Exhibitor 12 & 13-Year-Old English Pleasure featured 15 top teams from coast to coast vying for a spot in the winner’s circle. In her first time in the Oklahoma coliseum, Jessica McGoldrick earned that opportunity as she piloted her white trimmed four-year-old gelding VVM By Design to victory. The top two entries both hail from the state of Maine as David Rand directed the winning team as well as the reserve team of Gamepiece and Max Liberty, the 2009 13 & Under World Champions.

Jacqueline Clapp won the Masters Classic Pleasure Driving World Championship last year with Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize. This year she happily passed down Nobel Prize to her grandson Austin McLallin who claimed the 14-entry Junior Exhibitor 14-17 Classic Pleasure Driving Class with a unanimous victory for Playmor Farm. KHF Nikko Blue and Allison Harding claimed reserve honors under the Triumph banner for Daniel and Sheryl Cota.

Broadmoor posted back-to-back wins starting with the English Pleasure Four-Year-Old Mare class. Mike Goebig topped the class of ten with Dutch-Mor’s Joy, a dynamic Astronomicallee daughter owned by William Haines and the Ledyard Company. Ann Slomkowski and Playmor’s Shall We Dance were ready for the big stage as they collected the reserve honors for owner Jeanine Gray.

Dwayne Knowles assisted in the winner’s circle with Broadmoor’s second win in as many classes when Stacey Foster directed MSV Genuine Risk to the unanimous victory in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Ladies Mare Class. Ah La Lucie and Sarah Wishall Flauding were reserve in this large class with a fine ride for Rebecca Opp.

The River’s Edge team was back in winning form as Mary Cockriel earned the top honors in the English Pleasure Four-Year-Old Stallion & Gelding qualifier, ably assisted by John McDonald. The AMHF Mr. Courageous son, BJB The Gambler turned in a sporty ride to garner the top honors for Bruce and Jean Beckman. Keely Sogoloff directed UVM Odyssey to the reserve honors with a bright performance for Bold Moves LLC.

The Pleasure Driving Amateur Masters competition featured a ring filled with top winning performers from the past several seasons in numerous divisions. Jeff Gove, last year’s winning driver with FRF Seattle Reign, enjoyed a return trip to victory lane. This year he matched up with Sea-Vu Justified to make the winning drive for the Gove Family Partnership. Grace Steere took over the lines of the multi-titled CN Grand Style for a bold drive to post reserve honors on the Rand banner for Steve and Jill Tassinari.

All three judges agreed that Ling Fu Wylie and AWS Fruition were the best of the best in the English Pleasure Ladies Mare class. They closed out the morning session with a big win for Dragonsmeade under the direction of Grove Pointe. Alicia Fraser directed Stone’s Throw Contessa to a stellar performance to garner the reserve award in her first trip to the Oklahoma coliseum for Jane R. Elliott.

The Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Mares were first in the schedule of eight afternoon classes. Some of the most prominent lady riders of the hunt division were on hand to introduce a wonderful crop of young mares. It was a sweep of the top two spots for the state of Michigan, as Katie Mair and Mary Carlton earned the top two ribbons. Katie Mair had Century Oak Notorious looking right at home in the show ring for Muriel and Robert Hendrick. They emerged the winners with a smooth and consistent performance, the young mare’s first at Oklahoma. By JDS Legal Enforcer, she is out of Century Oak Red Hot. Mary Carlton was the reserve winner with Indian Creek Bali Hai, the UPHA Morgan Hunter Pleasure Classic National Champion. By HVK Bell Flaire, Bali Hai is out of MEM Exotica, a full sister to Hunter World Champion MEM Bailamos. Bali Hai shows under the ownership of Chris and Phil Lasky. Third in this deep class went to SpringMill Tea Party, with Kathleen Peeples aboard for the Brown-Klein family. They were Three-Year-Old winners at New England. Fourth was Merriehill Roxie Hart with Jessica Bodnar up for Merriehill Farm. They were UPHA Morgan Hunter Pleasure Classic Reserve National Champions at Jubilee Regional.

It was "Hail to the Victors" again in the Classic Pleasure Saddle 11 and Under division, as the blue ribbon once again went back to Michigan, this one to Crystal Farms with French Episode. With two top-three finishes in walk-trot here a year ago, the team of French Episode and Alena Graves made the transition to the cantering ranks midway through this year and have now earned two Oklahoma victory passes in as many days. Longtime campaigner Whitemud Forever Sunbeam was reserve with Isabella Bertolani aboard for Jill and Mike Bertolani. This well matched team added to a stellar season under the Friday Farm banner.

It was a unanimous choice of the judges that sent Stacy Hennessy the length of the ring to greet her winning team, TE Ammunition and Delaney Weed, in the English Pleasure 14-15 class. Two years ago, this team earned the top spot in the 12-13 division, and last year it was Rachel Miller making the winning ride in the 16-17 ranks. Miller returned to take the 14-17 Reserve World Championship in 2009. The Showcase Stables team of Gable’s Top Quark and Taylor Ashley White were reserve in this class for the second year in a row. Another Michigan-based team, Top Quark and White have won nine times on the year, in addition this was their sixth reserve win of the year. WTS Simply Outrageous and Kate Kielceski rounded out the top three with a fine ride for Lory Kielceski.

Making a huge name for himself as a young horse, Pondview Park Avenue made his Oklahoma debut in aged competition a great one, winning the Western Pleasure Gelding National Championship. World Champion in the Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Futurity in 2008, Park Avenue was the Four-Year-Old World Champion in 2009. Judy Nason, sparkling in burgundy and black with her white hat in place, had Park Avenue primed and ready to take home the blue today to owner/breeder Melanie Small. Sired by Western Pleasure World Champion Treble’s Tanqueray, he is out of Western Pleasure World Champion Pond View Portrait. Garn Walker brought a promising newcomer to the Western scene to the show ring. This was Roy-El’s Messiah, owned by Kathy Gomer, and winner of the reserve title here in this one. Treble’s Take The Stage earned third place in this large and competitive group for Cheri Barber and Stacey Resler, with BDM Aruba’s Destiny and Melinda Dennis in fourth.

It was Craig Clapp pinning the blue ribbon on Change Of Heart, as Clara Maxam took the 11-and-Under English Pleasure blue for Marie Frank. Jubilee Regional Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Champions, they are in their first year as a team. The Cape Cod trained team of MHS Nobleman and Rebekah McKinley finished reserve for Timothy McKinley. Nobleman is by Noble Excellence and out of a Windy Hill Maestro mare.

One of the big highlights of the afternoon session was the Two-Year-Old Park Harness class, with Arboria Arion putting on a scintillating display with Diane Conrady at the lines for Arboria Morgans. The crowd in attendance picked up on him early and got excited, cheering him on as he made a leg-waving Oklahoma debut. It should come as no surprise that Arion was the unanimous National Champion in this division, as his sire, SpiceOLife Present Tense was the winner of it in 2004. In 1987, it was grandsire Arboria Noble Victor taking top honors here in the Two-Year-Old Park Harness Futurity. Bred to park trot, Arion did just that. Eloquent Danseuse was reserve with Damian Hyde driving for Julie Opipari. With a pedigree of big trotting horses herself, she is sired by JDS Paladin Pazazz and is out of HDP War Dancer, by Carlyle Upper Caisse.

The 16-17 English Pleasure class was loaded with talent in the form of eight entries with the top four each having earned New England tricolors. Daisy Beisler and Graywood’s Arthur were the top pick in this class, repeating their New England performances, where they were twice winners in the Youth English Pleasure division in huge classes. Sally Lindabury and Jennifer Lake joined them in the winner’s circle after a fantastic performance in a deep class. Second in the class went to Comiskey Park and Leah Ling, 14-17 Reserve Champions at New England. An entry of David Ling, trained at Tara Farm, this team has enjoyed an outstanding first season together. Comiskey Park was the 2008 Amateur English Pleasure Reserve World Champion with Amanda McHatten up. Ultras Proclaimation and Nena Marlin were third in this all-star field. Another New England winner, they were 14-17 English Pleasure Champions there. Reserve Champions in the Youth Championship at New England, Queen’s Cocoa Puff and Rachel Perreault were fourth for Donald and Hope Perreault.

The stream of New England winners trotting down Oklahoma’s victory lane continued in the afternoon’s final class. In the Three-Year-Old Classic Driving event, it was Whispering Magnum Opus and Laura Spengler who carried home top honors. They were Junior Classic Driving Champions at New England under the direction of Mike Scanlon. Amanda Hill and Sunny Acre’s Stage Fright were reserve here for Nancy Vidler. Will Vidler was heading up this son of Hollybrook Stage Rage out of an HVK Bell Flaire mare.

The tradition of excellence continued here at the Morgan Grand National on Sunday night. This evening session featured the Amateur Park Saddle qualifiers, one at the very beginning, and one toward the very end of the session. Tara’s Firewalker made an Oklahoma victory pass for the third year in a row, taking the Amateur Park Saddle Mare and Gelding class with owner Krista Headley up. Directed by Tara Farm, Firewalker was met in the winner’s circle by Ken Swanson. A National Champion in 2009 in Pleasure Driving, Firewalker was again a National Champion in 2008, this time in the Amateur English Pleasure division. Winner of this class the past two years, Patchwork Simply Amazin’ was the reserve winner tonight with Donna Zimmerman once again aboard, directed by Memory Lane Farm. Sired by Simply Maserati, she is out of a Hollybrook Wham Bam mare.

Hannah Kelley closed out her walk-trot career with a pair of world championships in 2009, and she was right back in the winner’s circle in 2010. One of her partners from last year, Cherrydale Acappella was her mount for a unanimous victory in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle 12-13 directed by David Rand. Queen’s American Idol picked up the reserve title with Kylee Keller aboard. Reserve in Classic Walk-Trot last year, they have had success in the central states this season in the cantering ranks. They made a strong show today for second directed by Ronda Collins.

Undefeated in his young career, SpringMill Patriot Act scored a fifth consecutive win for Kelly Kraegel Varner and owner Amie Van Dorn, taking the Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding blue. Sired by the World Champion MEM The Patriot (Futurity French Command x AFF Beulah), Patriot Act is out of Shaker’s Nandi. Mary Cockriel earned reserve with sporty performer GMH Sun Dance for Eutha Giesick. Sired by Nocturnal Flash, Sun Dance is out of FCF Flamenco, by Duke Of Wynne.

In Three-Year-Old Park Harness, the choice of all three judges was SYP Show Stopper. Jim Taylor drove the entry of owners/breeders Phil and Gloria Blevins. Sired by ZZ Top, Show Stopper is out of the grand Park mare, HVK Madonna, a World Champion herself. The chestnut Show Stopper put on a great show in this ring once again, just as she did last year in winning twice in the Two-Year-Old Park Harness ranks. Reserve went to Equinox Fear This, who was also Two-Year-Old Park Harness Reserve National Champion in 2009. Jaisen von Ballmoos was once again at the lines for Darryl and Kathy Pierce.

Fielding 20 entries, the Amateur Masters Western Pleasure class was once again one of the deepest divisions of the show. Decked out in green tones, an excited Anne Margaret Korver rode down victory lane aboard Highland Ridge Daniel, headed up by Jennifer Hazen. Twice a winner here a year ago in the Youth and 16-17 National Championships for Playmor Farm, Highland Ridge Daniel took his new owner to that same winner’s circle from her home base in Brush Prairie, Washington. Suzanne Hazelkorn repeated her New England finish in this class, taking reserve with Wellspring Immortal Star under the direction of Judy Nason. Crossing the country to tie the top two in this division, Hazelkorn hails from Rindge, New Hampshire.

The Ladies English Pleasure Gelding class pitted the two horses that have won this class the past three years against each other, with a field full of top contenders pressing them hard for the top prizes. Kathleen Peeples held her position atop the division with Uppercase Innovation for Cynthia Fawcett. Winner of this class as well as the Ladies World Championship in 2009, Innovation simply defines the division with his refined look and smooth as silk cadence. In 2007 and 2008, it was Fait Accompli and Katie Mair taking the top prize for Marie and John Frank. Tonight, they carried home the reserve ribbon, with their sights set on a rematch later in the week. Third in this great class went to ECP Scandalous, with Kate Vieyra aboard for Erik Jensen. Put those two names together and you will get a name quite familiar to Saddle Seat Equitation fans of the mid-90s, as Kate Jensen was a force to be reckoned with under the DeLovely banner with Dark Command. She is now a force to be reckoned with aboard her grand Mizrahi son.

Number 222 was "1-1-1" in Four-Year-Old Classic Driving, as Donna Zimmerman was called out of the line as unanimous choice of the judges with Bri-B Lady Malicious. Trained by Memory Lane Farm, Lady Malicious was the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Mare National Champion a year ago with Jenny Taylor aboard. She made a smooth and expressive show tonight, bright in the bridle and happy. From Merriehill Farm, The Piano Man moved to the music for the reserve win. Whitney Bodnar headed up the entry of Susan Simon, with Frank Garguilo at the lines. Sired by And The Beat Goes On, Piano Man is out of HVK Noble Embrace, by Noble Flaire.

All 15 of the scheduled entries came to the ring in the Western Pleasure Stallion class, getting an unsolicited round of applause from the crowd on the way into the lineup. With all kinds of Western beauty on display, it was Grand Cru Beaujolais returning to the winner’s circle for Madison Avenue Morgans with Daryl Hopson aboard. Having shown just once this year, this multiple World Champion knows his way around this ring quite well. Four-Year-Old World Champion in 2003 and Western World Champion in 2004, Beaujolais was the toast of Oklahoma tonight. Worked In Gold and Jeff Bessey are also quite familiar with their way down victory lane. Four-Year-Old Western World Champions in 2006, they performed in polished fashion to collect the reserve honors for Francis Beers. Reserve National Champion in 2009, Saralin Blues Brother finished third with Tim Roesink riding for Richard and Linda Hawkins. They were Reserve Champions at Jubilee Regional last month. Ashley Morris was the fourth-place finisher with Trebles Tanqueray for Greg and Carol Fleck. Another former World Champion, Tanqueray’s year to reign was 2007 in both the open and amateur divisions.

Apparently it is the year of incredible three-horse stallion classes, as the Amateur Park Saddle Stallion class brought the house down on Sunday night. Three multi-titled Oklahoma winners hit the ring to put on a scintillating show. First to the ring was the reigning Amateur World Champion, Dragonsmeade Icon, with Iann Fu Longenecker once again aboard. The crowd loves this black beauty and let him know about it as he came through the gate. Next up was the great Stand And Deliver, continuing his comeback tour with owner/breeder Tara Good up. The 2005 and 2006 Park Saddle World Champion with Mike Goebig, Stand And Deliver hit the ring, and his fan club made the rafters shake. Shannon Turner heard the cheers from the crowd as well, as she came down the chute with 2008 Park Saddle Reserve World Champion CRD Bugatti. The rest of this class was a blur of animation and exquisite show horse attitude.

The park trot first direction would be hard to match, as all three set the crowd ablaze. They came ready to show tonight, primed to put on an historic performance. The class tied in the way it came to the ring, with the crowd cheering as Dragonsmeade Icon and Iann Fu Longenecker rode to the winner’s circle for the second year in a row in this class. Stallion World Champion the night before and Amateur Park Saddle Stallion National Champion on this day, it has been a memorable start to the week for Icon. What happened next had to be one of the best feelings of Tara Good’s horse show career, as the crowd went absolutely wild for the horse that she bred, raised, watched and now had the opportunity to show as Stand And Deliver was named the Reserve Champion. Three times a National Champion and the 2008 Park Saddle Reserve World Champion, CRD Bugatti got a nice salute in third, with Shannon Turner riding for the Arcuri banner and parents Tom and Stephanie Connor. Bugatti made a consistently strong and striking performance. This class had everyone already looking forward to Friday night.

The always-entertaining Open Roadster to Bike class capped off the Sunday night session, with Flairetation making a breakthrough performance with Peggy Alderman to take the top spot for Salem Farm. Reserve World Champion in 2008, this was Flairetation’s first Oklahoma win. Peggy Alderman, the winning driver of six Roadster To Bike World Championships, returned to victory lane in her trademark green and gold silks. Steve DeBolt and HVK Bold Spirits geared up for the final round with the Sunday night reserve finish. Bred by Kohler Stables, home to nine Roadster To Bike World Championships, Bold Spirits is sired by HVK Bold Look and out of HVK Wine And Roses, by Noble Flaire. Following a day filled with outstanding performances and great crowd support, day two closed with a fast and furious finish.

Performance Arena

Sunday morning featured six classes on the abbreviated schedule with the Western Pleasure Mares first to perform with a lovely field of 16 vying for top honors. With a world titled resume, Bears Covergirl returned to the Oklahoma winner’s circle with Daryl Hopson providing the winning ride for Peeper Ranch. Sonja Lorenson and BMF Xota proudly represented Canada with a polished performance and the reserve ribbon for Birch Meadow Farm.

The young riders were the focus for the remainder of the session. The Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 11-Year-Old Riders were first to compete with Cori Tipton and NKS Gentle Persuasion teaming up for a unanimous victory directed by Jonalyn Gwinup. Futurity Frontier Justice and Dana Weiner received the second place with their polished ride for Anne Ebbert.

Cedar Farm Lancelot and Bonnie Tom enjoyed their time in the winner’s circle as they carried home the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 11 & Under top honors.

Catriona Kozijn and Lord Of The Dance were the lone entries in the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 10-Year-Old. They earned a big round of applause to go along with a very special trip to the winner’s circle. The 9-Year-Old class featured a great start to a memorable show for She’s My Calendar Girl and Brooke Perlee as they made the victory pass under the Cedar Spring Farm banner. Properly and Linel Mullendore added to their list of accomplishments with the reserve ribbon.

The Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 8 & Under class closed out the morning session with many time world champion Nemours Courageous introducing yet another rider to the Oklahoma winner’s circle. Alexandra Streicher was the fortunate and talented young lady who made the victory pass cheered on by the Liberty Stables team. Anna Ryan Rowe and Elk Creek Elegance added to the Gwinfield banner as they collected the reserve ribbon.

World Championship competition shifted into high gear early in the week as 12 young riders competed for the Walk-Jog Western Seat Equitation World Championship. Hometown favorite Paige Crowley put forth that little something extra to earn world championship honors. Her victorious smile said it all as she rode Hi-Bridge Regal Night to the winner’s circle where she was congratulated by trainer Ronda Collins. Hailing from Alberta, Canada, Catriona Kozijn and Lord of the Dance celebrated the reserve world championship performance to add to an already great show in Oklahoma.

Twelve beautiful horses and carriages entertained the crowd next with the Pleasure Driving Working Single class. Kimberly Caruso directed JMF Midnight Express to his second victory pass of the show. Birthday girl Mary Scronce followed in second, as she handled the lines of Intrepid Sabrina.

There were 33 entries in the AMHA Hunt Seat Gold Medal Preliminary. The riders were worked in three sections of 11 on the rail and then each rider performed the individual workout. The diverse and talented riders competed for the limited 12 spots in Saturday afternoon’s Gold Medal Finals in the Coliseum. The 12 talented and fortunate riders who made it to the finals were: Brianna Berg, Sophie Nonweiler, Rachel Emmons, Marissa Klimkiewicz, Angelica Lengyel, Molly Kern, Olivia Lahr, Lauren Osborne, Gabrielle Graves, Ellery Walker, Kendra Peeples and Sascha Mills.

With only one class in the arena on Sunday evening, the carriage entries returned to perform in the Reinsmanship competition. Mary Scronce continued her birthday celebration with a trip to the winner’s circle on the lines of Intrepid Sabrina. Lisa Caylor directed Velvet’s Black Image to the reserve Grand National honors.

Sport Horse Arena

Dressage competition resumed bright and early on Sunday morning in the Sport Horse Arena. Orrwood Madison Bay and Caroline Fernalld continued their winning streak from Saturday earning their third Grand National title of the year, this time in the Training Level Test 3 Junior Exhibitor competition with a score of 72.4. Jamie Michelle Clarke and Phil’s Ridge Harry Potter earned the reserve honors in the competitive field.

Kim Fullerton and Sacred Path’s Ice-T added Test 3 to their Test 2 win from yesterday at the Training Level for the amateur riders. Georgia Kelton and South Star Sebastian earned the reserve finish for owner Terri Lynn Yeakley. The first two places were identical in the Test 4.

Right back in the winner’s circle again were Caroline Fernalld and Orrwood Madison Bay in their second of what would be three more wins today. Austin Oplotnik and DVF Kingsway were reserve in the Training Level Test 4 competition for junior exhibitors.

TNP Rob Roy and Erika Noelle Wolff put on a nice solo performance to earn the Grand National title in the First Level Test 3 Junior Exhibitor Class.

Moondance Maverick and Karen Rossen added Test 3 to their Test 1 victory yesterday at the First Level Amateur rider competition. Gayle Davidson and Oakwyn Cooper were reserve winners.

Making it five for five, Caroline Fernalld and Orrwood Madison Bay returned to the winner’s circle in the First Level Test 4 Junior Exhibitor Class. TNP Rob Roy and Erika Noelle Wolff were the reserve champions.

Anne Schmid and Grayfriar’s Epic Nchanter added the First Level Test 4 Amateur win to their victory from the previous day. Moondance Maverick and Karen Rossen were second in this test.

Six riders vied for the Second Level Test 2 title. Jaime Hardy and Rogue Hill’s Woodsman earned the top spot followed by Iron Forge NYPD Blue and Barbara Richardson-Lewis.

Misty Green Cim Maron and Gia Dawn Grayson earned their second blue of the show in the Third Level Test 2 competition besting a field of four. BEF Ivan showed off his versatility with the reserve performance ridden by Julie Adams.

BCM Unforgetablee and Andrea Doelling topped the Fourth Level Test 2 (as well as Test 1) for owner Kylee Lourie. Last year’s World Champion Second Level Derwanda Hercules and Gayle Davidson were reserve in the Fourth Level Test 2 competition this year.

Caroline Fernalld and Orrwood Madison Bay closed out a great day with a blue ribbon performance in the Musical Freestyle First and Second Level for an impressive score of 74.583.

There were three entries in the Musical Freestyle Third Level and Above to the delight of the audience. Andrea Doelling and BCM Unforgettablee returned to the winner’s circle with a delightful performance. WC FEI Level rider David MacMillan and West Mt. Winston earned the reserve honors for owners Larry and Karin Weight.

Monday, October 11

Coliseum

The western and hunter pleasure horses filled Monday morning’s schedule in the coliseum. Kathleen Vaughan and Pembroke Annabella made their second trip to the Grand National winner’s circle by besting a field of nine to earn the Hunter Pleasure Ladies Amateur Mare title. The Char Mar LLC team also laid claim to the Hunter Pleasure Amateur Mare class earlier this week. Last year’s World Champion Ladies Amateur team MEM Triple Sec and Darlene White earned the reserve honors in this year’s competition.

The twenty-four entries in the Hunter Pleasure Ladies Amateur Gelding Class were split into two sections. Storyville and Brooke Lynn Shingledecker earned a memorable trip to the winner’s circle in the first section, followed by Alyssa Peechatka and TTA Knight of Glory for owner Andrea Graeff. The Merriehill Farm trained team of Nicole Peterson and Tudor Oaks The Real Deal claimed a unanimous decision in the second section followed by last year’s World Champion Four-Year-Old Epona’s Perrier Jouet ridden by owner Donna O’Neill.

Stephanie Abel and Annie Get Your Gun topped a field of seven for owner Willa Schwab in the Western Pleasure Three-Year-Old Mare Class. Melissa Votaw directed her own Miss Ruby Slippers to the reserve honors.

The judges all agreed that Nicolette Geddeis and Merriewold Diplomat earned the Grand National title in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-Year-Old Class to the delight of the Stoneledge cheering section. Two-time 13 & Under World Champions Gabrielle Graves and Twin Peak Heritage earned the reserve honors in today’s competition.

For the second year in a row, AMHF Missiplicity and Monty Kugeler earned a trip down victory lane in the Western Pleasure Amateur Mares performing under The River’s Edge banner. Out of the Blue Willow and Charlene Edleson carried home the reserve ribbon in this year’s competition.

Ryne Swope and SSLLC On Demand bested a field of seven to earn the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 15-Year-Old victory directed by Kelly Kraegel Varner. Emma Thompson and the bold-performing HDP Noble Warrior teamed up for the reserve honors.

A very competitive field of eleven western pleasure stallion and geldings were on hand for the youth competition. Megan Evans directed BEF Ivan to an outstanding performance to capture the victory for owners Jill and Malcolm Smith. Marissa Klimkiewicz matched up with Season’s Commandant for the reserve honors for owner Cheryl Keenmon.

Rounding out the morning session were the Versatile Morgan Finals, a venue that features entries performing in driving, riding on the rail, and finally jumping two fences. The three entries, who all perform well in a multitude of disciplines, made clean jumps and had nice presentations, but it was 2008’s top team of Phil Ridge’s Harry Potter and Jamie Michelle Clarke who returned to the winner’s circle again this year. Jaime Hardy and Rogue Hill’s Woodsman earned the reserve honors.

The afternoon session began with a competitive class of thirteen Western Pleasure Three-Year-Old Stallions & Geldings. Kasey Monty introduced her handsome Santa Fe Renegade son Meadowcreek Bay B Fe to the Oklahoma winner’s circle in only his second show. Meredith Rosier and Jax Auto Pilot added the reserve finish to a stellar season.

Jax Black Jack continued his winning season for owner Shirley Keller with a victory lap in the Hunter Pleasure Ladies Gelding class presented by Manya Locascio. Jessica Bodnar gave Wish List a top ride to garner the reserve honors in the field of 14 for Trotwood Stables.

The ring was filled to the brim as 18 top-flight teams vied for honors in the Western Pleasure Amateur Geldings. In just their first season, Laurie Revard and Whispering Non-Stop bested the field of multi-titled competitors directed by Kelly Kraegel Varner. Last year’s winning team of Ling Fu Wylie and Troika’s Black Russian added the reserve tie to their long list of accomplishments performing for Dragonsmeade under the Peeper Ranch banner.

D Bar J Habakkuk and Olivia Alexandra Lahr have enjoyed a sensational season in the pleasure and equitation divisions, and Oklahoma was icing on the cake. Today, they added the Grand National win in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 17-Year-Old Class for David Harding under the Triumph Stables banner. Ali Denzel and French Grand Design earned the reserve honors in the 12-entry class in their first Oklahoma performance.

Sascha Mills won a world championship in 2007 as the 13 & Under Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor World Champion. She’s back in the winner’s circle this year with Ultra’s My Guy to top a field of eleven in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 16-Year-Old Class. Courtney Colvin and Whispering Fancy That earned the reserve honors in this good class under the Keith Nelsen Stables banner.

Last year’s Three-Year-Old World Champion won a unanimous decision in the Western Pleasure Four-Year-Old Stallion & Gelding qualifier. Kasey Monty and Pardon My Prince earned the Grand National honors for owner Pamela Engblom. Valarie Siemer directed Be My Hunk O’Spunk to the reserve finish in the large and competitive field for Barbara and Anton Nesse.

Following three days of top scoring competition in Sport Horse Arena, the Dressage High Point World Championships were awarded in the coliseum. The audience welcomed; Training Level Open World Champions Misty Green Merlin and Thunder Alexander, Training Level Amateur World Champions Sacred Paths Ice-T and South Star Sebastian, Training Level Junior Exhibitor World Champions Orrwood Madison Bay and DVF Kingsway, First Level Open World Champions Wintergreen Beaufort and Wildside Chile, First Level Amateur World Champions Grayfriar’s Epic N’Chanter and Moondance Maverick, First Level Junior Exhibitor World Champions Orrwood Madison Bay and TNP Rob Roy, Second Level World Champions Rogue Hill’s Woodsman and RWD Direct Class, Third Level World Champions Misty Green Cim Maron and Derwanda Hercules, Fourth Level World Champions BCM Unforgettablee and Derwanda Hercules, and three-time FEI Level World Champion West Mt. Winston.

The final class of the afternoon was the Carriage Pleasure Driving World Championship competition that boasted nine top-performing competitors. Phil Ridge’s Harry Potter and Kathryn Clarke drove away with the roses and tricolor honors to the delight of their fan club. The Chairman Of The Board and Karen Holford collected the reserve honors in this competitive field for owners Bob and Judi McCoy.

The Park Harness division book-ended the Monday night session, with two phenomenal performances leading the way to trips down Oklahoma’s victory lane. Leading off the session was the Ladies Park Harness Mare class, which for most of the past decade had been the HVK Ancient Cry Invitational. Helen Crawford and her exceptionally talented mare defined this division through to their final heartfelt victory just a year ago. Helen was back at the lines once again here in 2010, in this very same class where she has found success after success, but tonight it was with a new partner. This was Cry Baby trimmed in blue tonight, sired by Boston Morgan’s own Tug Hill Whamunition and out of none other than the great HVK Ancient Cry. It was a unanimous decision that sent Bob Hughes to the far end to meet his winner. Cry Baby made her debut with Helen Crawford driving at the Morgan Medallion, with a Ladies Park Harness win. In just her five-year-old year, Cry Baby has made great strides even since then, making an absolutely elegant show tonight. This class was no cakewalk, as the other competitors were as highly decorated as they come. Winner of both the Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old Park Harness World Futurities, Indian Creek American Girl epitomizes a Ladies horse for Ann Hailey and Copper Beech LLC. Harry Sebring was heading up the reserve winner. American Girl is by Mizrahi and out of Cache, by DBA Street Talk. World Champion as a two-year-old and Reserve World Champion as a three-year-old, Signed Sealed Delivered rounded out the top three with Kim Germ Cramer driving. By Stand And Deliver, she is out of Tempest Ariel, by none other than Tug Hill Whamunition.

From the English Pleasure Stallion division, it was Cherished Assets putting on an impressive display to take the unanimous win with David Rand up for Victory Lane Farm. Cherished Assets made perhaps his best show tonight, working with that same brightness in the bridle that horse show crowds have become accustomed to. It was a stellar showing and served notice that this team is ready to tackle Friday night’s English Pleasure World Championship head on. Reserve went to MLF Sharper Image. Jennifer Sommers made a game performance with the entry of Craig and Jennifer Sommers. When last he graced the Oklahoma ring, it was in harness, as Craig Sommers guided him to the Amateur Gentlemen’s Pleasure Driving Reserve National Championship. He acquitted himself well tonight, making a performance that would have won a lot of classes in a lot of different venues.

Two nine-horse classes followed, with the Hunter Pleasure Mares coming to the ring first. Susanne Dawson was the winner here with Belle Bradford riding for the Old Dawson Ranch of Idabel, Oklahoma. Owned and bred by Old Dawson Ranch, she left the ring with the blue ribbon in this one. Earning their second reserve ribbon of the week, Graycliff Miss Liberty and Teri Rumens picked up the red for Fire Run Farm. Winner of all three of her classes at Far West, Miss Liberty is by Liberation First Star and out of HVK Metaxa, by Rapidan Apollo.

It was nine again in the Classic Saddle Masters division, with Narragansett Spirit receiving the unanimous support of the judges with Donna Zimmerman. It was a familiar win for Zimmerman who put the sporty chestnut in just the right places to take the blue for the PlayMor Farm team. Veterans of many a Classic battle in this very ring, Rare Obsession and Shirley Haas finished reserve in this class for the second year in a row directed by Mike Carpenter. Between the driving and under saddle divisions, they now have five wins and five reserves here since 2006 in the Classic division.

A personal favorite of Whitney Bodnar, Cingate Starry Night made Whitney look like an awful smart young gentleman in the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity. In one of the deepest Futurity fields of the week, 11 entries came to the ring for the big prize purse and the World Champion title. Tonight, Starry Night was the star, as she earned the tricolor and blanket of flowers for Geaton and Cindy Lorino’s Cingate Morgans. Bred by the Alabama-based Cingate, Starry Night is by the Alabama-owned stallion, Astronomicallee, and she is out of Cingate Vincent’s Song. Starry Night is remarkably fine and never seems to back an ear. Rich Campbell headed up the winning entry for his good friends, the Bodnars, with Mark Bodnar swooping in to save the day when the ribbon came off in the victory pass. Reserve World Champion a year ago in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity, CBMF Avenger was Reserve World Champion once again, this time with Ken Swanson driving for Tara Farm. World Champion Gelding on Saturday, the product of the Copper Beech program displayed his good looks and style in harness. Third went to Indian Creek Cachet. Kurt Hufferd did the honors for Indian Creek Farm. By Stand And Deliver, Cachet is out of Cache, the dam of Indian Creek American Girl, reserve winner earlier tonight. Gerry Rushton got a big ovation in fourth as well as a first-place vote with last year’s Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity World Champion, Ultras Private Eye. An entry of Kristen and Eric Yang, Private Eye is by Ultras Special Agent and out of Ultras Body Language, by Cedar Creek Legality.

Luman Wadhams made the trip to the winner’s circle in the Park Saddle Mare/Gelding class aboard Street Smart for Ann Maile and Pamela McLellan. The Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion in 2009, Street Smart is by DBA Street Talk and out of Honeytree’s Simply Unique, the dam of LPS The Boogie Man and Town Assets. Winner by a unanimous decision, the bay gelding has matched stockings on his front right and hind left legs, so when he is striking that sporty park trot, the two white ankles go up at the same time, then the two black ankles go up, making for an eye-catching show. With all sorts of curve and power, Hylee’s Dannation finished in reserve with Kenny Guell aboard for Hylee Farm. In Dannation’s first trip to Oklahoma, he received a great ovation of appreciation from the crowd, as Guell tipped his hat to the crowd before exiting with the red ribbon. Another Hylee-bred entry, the multi-titled Hylee’s Dann Right, was third with Selvin Torrez riding for the Morgan Horse Farm.

A winner here every year since 2006, Hylee’s Fanflaire took that familiar path to the winner’s circle, this time in 12-13 Western Pleasure with teammate Sara Heidenreich aboard for M.J. Sklenicka. They took the ribbon back to Crystal Farms, with Mary Carlton heading up the round of honor. 13-and-Under World Champions a year ago, these two were 11-and-Under Walk-and-Jog World Champions in 2008. In 2007, it was Kali Hutchinson riding to the tri-color in 14-17 Western Pleasure. Earning their second Reserve National Championship of their career together, Affinity One In A Million and Angelica Lengyel made a solid show, in from Spokane, Washington. In 2007, they were 9-and-Under Walk-and-Trot Hunter Pleasure Reserve National Champions.

The Amateur Pleasure Driving Gelding class was another entertaining class here on Monday night, with Dan Kelley driving Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall to the winner’s circle for Victory Lane Farm and the Rand banner. Perfectly rated throughout the class, Carnegie Hall looked every bit the reigning World Champion in victory tonight, capturing the first place votes of all three judges. Carnegie Hall will seek his fourth consecutive Amateur Pleasure Driving World Championship later on this week. So incredibly fine, Carnegie Hall can put his head and neck in a place that few horses can reach. World Champion in Amateur Masters Pleasure Driving a year ago with Jeff Gove, FRF Seattle Reign was reserve here with Jeff’s son Jared Gove driving for the Taylor River team. A powerful, muscular gelding, Seattle Reign is by HVK Courageous Flaire and out of Exhale, by Centerpiece.

The final piece of the English Pleasure puzzle fell into place, as the English Pleasure Geldings vied for their National Championship. The three-time English Pleasure World Champion held serve tonight, winning in unanimous style. This was, of course, Bada Bing with Peggy Alderman riding for Salem Farm. Peter Wheeler was out to greet them in the winner’s circle after their sparkling performance. So the stage is now set for another showdown on Friday night. Reserve in this Gelding class went to the multi-titled National and World Champion, Roadshow Steppin Out. Sired by Atticus and out of Century Fancy Free, by Wham Bam Command, Steppin Out has three wins and four reserves now on his Oklahoma resume. It was Jamie Willard making the good ride again, just as she has the past three years with this consistent performer. Kate Vieyra and ECP Scandalous earned their second top three finish in as many days for Erik Jensen. They were third in the Ladies Gelding class last night.

Square-trotting and bright in the bridle, CHMH Spice Town Girl topped the Amateur Pleasure Driving Mare division. As Peter Fenton said, "All three judges agree, it’s C.A. "Tony" Lee." Dwayne Knowles greeted the unanimous victors in the winner’s circle. By Town Assets, Spice Town Girl is out of a half sister to CN The Commanding Touch. Just three years old, she is more than holding her own with flair against the aged competition, winning this one just as she did a year ago as the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Champion. Another former World Champion, Extreme Obsession, finished reserve with Paul Brisco driving for Paul and Danica Brisco. The Gerry Rushton Stables crew cheered on this dark bay mare with two white hind feet. She is by Nicoria and out of Complete Obsession, by Simply Maserati. Her second dam is World Champion Hyland Acres Obsession.

Trebles Tanqueray has enjoyed many trips down victory lane, but perhaps none more special than tonight’s Amateur Western Pleasure Stallion win with Carol Fleck doing the honors with her beloved stallion. Ashley Morris joined her mom in the winner’s circle to congratulate her as the unanimous choice of the judges. Tanqueray is about as beautiful and picturesque a horse as you could ever hope for. His beauty through his head and neck are tough to match, as he carries himself with such exquisite flex and curve. Carol Fleck was trimmed in a blue ribbon blue outfit as the winner of this class. All in the family, it was Tanqueray’s full brother in reserve, as Treble’s Mucho Uno and Chuck Hudson rode to the red ribbon. Sired by Tug Hill Commando and out of Trebles Margarita, by Trebles Willy Wild, Mucho Uno has many of the same characteristics as his World Champion brother, including a World Championship of his own. He was Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure World Champion in 2005.

The Park Harness Stallions capped Monday’s show ring action with some highly anticipated match-ups. As the horse show season played out, it seemed that the talk of the Open Park Harness division centered on an East Coast vs. West Coast showdown, as Dragonsmeade Axios swept the eastern seaboard in his debut season with Tim Roesink, taking the Southern States and New England Park Harness Championships. Out West it was the great Mastroianni that put on an awe-inspiring display at Morgan Medallion with Bob Hughes driving for Sherry Bartolucci. But hold the phone, wait just a minute. From the middle of the country came the Jubilee and Gold Cup Champion, SpiceOLife Present Tense. Park Saddle Reserve World Champion a year ago and Park Saddle World Champion the year before that, Present Tense hasn’t lost a step, trotting to his nose and snapping his hocks. Athletic as the day is long, the chestnut son of Arboria Noble Victor threw down the gauntlet with Diane Conrady at the lines for Arboria Morgans, winning tonight’s National Championship. Four-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion from 2009, Mastroianni finished reserve with Bob Hughes driving for Sherry Bartolucci. So bold and exuding masculine power and presence, Mastroianni is just beginning his open career. Jet-black and turned out impeccably Dragonsmeade Axios came third for Tim Roesink and Dragonsmeade. Sired by And The Beat Goes On and out of the great HVK Obsidian, Axios made a strong show in his Oklahoma debut. With a new champion to be crowned in this division, everyone looked forward to Friday night’s finale.

Performance Arena

Monday marks the daytime shift of the Park and English/Classic Pleasure classes to the Performance Arena. Making sure everyone is up on time, they Four-Year-Old Park Harness Stallion class is first on the agenda. Two-Year-Old Park Harness Futurity World Champion in 2008 and Three-Year-Old Park Harness Reserve World Champion a year ago, Merriehill Home Stretch put on possibly his best performance to date, earning the blue with Stan Bodnar. An entry of Ruthann Peterson, Home Stretch is by Tug Hill Whamunition and out of the Merriehill Chicagoan mare, Futurity Chicago Whitesox. His second dam is Futurity’s Nobelle Prize, a full sister to Futurity French Command. Reserve went to HVK Brass Ring, with Steve DeBolt driving for Herbert Kohler. Sired by ZZ Top, he is out of HVK March Belle. His second dam is Nobelle, producer of greatness. Third dam of the winner and second dam of the Reserve Champion, Nobelle certainly continues to influence today’s show ring.

Back to back Park classes to start the session featured the 15-and-Under riders next with the Park Saddle horses. Southern States Junior Exhibitor Champions Lake Holiday Magic and Bailey Bartley were the winners for John and Claudette McCoy. Phil Fountain and Kristen Tramposh made their way to the winner’s circle to head up the Peeper Ranch-trained entry. Sired by Astronomicallee, Holiday Magic is out of FCF Seductress. Winner of all six of his classes with Hannah Kelley coming into today, Lamborghini In Black was reserve with Hannah making her first Oklahoma ride with the highly decorated performer for Dan and Leslie Kelley’s Victory Lane Farm. Junior Exhibitor Champion at New England, David Rand brought Lamborghini back in the Open Stake to take the East Coast Park Saddle Championship.

Making the trip in from Las Vegas, Shaunicy Sturm was the 10-11 Walk-Trot English Pleasure National Champion for Terri Sturm. Trained by BJ Schafer, Willowick Mafia Princess had the winning number here, just as she was in both Walk-Trot Pleasure classes at Morgan Medallion. This veteran team is in their third Oklahoma together, showing for the first time as a team when Mafia Princess was just a four-year-old. Mary Carlton had the reserve winner in Chimera Wild Enchantment. Emma Hayman made the strong ride for D’Anne Hayman. Emma and Wild Enchantment put on a good show in second place as they had two days earlier in the equitation division.

The Sebring Stables team will have plenty to toast to, as NDT French Impressionist and Patsy Lloyd made the last pass in Ladies Park Harness Geldings. Undefeated in this class, "Art" was the winner in 2007 and 2009 as well. He strutted his stuff in victory today, as Harry and Jessica Sebring joined in the ring for the round of honor. By Futurity French Command, French Impressionist is out of a Wham Bam Command mare. Owned and bred by Craig and Jennifer Sommers, Deer Creek Sharp Dressed Man was reserve, with Stacy Hennessy driving the Gerry Rushton Stables-trained entry. Amateur Park Harness Champion at Morgan Medallion with Craig Sommers driving, Sharp Dressed Man was Two-Year-Old Park Harness Reserve World Champion in 2007.

Kira Gendjar had the look on her face that a little kid gets when they get exactly what they wanted for Christmas, as she was called out atop the 9 & Under Walk-Trot English Pleasure class with Gradell’s Wild Reflection. That look of elation continued through her victory pass with the unanimous winner, a DanTree Farm entry, trained by David Rand. Winner of this class a year ago and 11-and-Under Walk-Trot Pleasure Reserve World Champion, Almost Famous was reserve today with Ariella Silber riding for Kourt Jester Morgans and the Grove Pointe banner. Ariella always puts on a good show with her perfectly matched mount.

Earning their second National Championship in as many days, MSV Genuine Risk and Stacey Foster were the Classic Saddle Mare National Champions today. The Broadmoor trained team won the Ladies Classic Saddle Mare class on Sunday. Last year’s Classic Driving Mare National Champion, GLB Amazing Grace, was second here, showing mostly under saddle this season. Jessica Carlino was the rider today for Lorraine Bumb and trainer Cathy Grimes. Kate Aldinger made an excellent comeback ride today to take third with Dreammaster J’st Outrajus for Jean Stewart and Kate Aldinger.

What a way to make a debut with your new horse! Hannah Kelley began her show ring career with Fox Hollow Talk About Me with a blue ribbon performance in the 12-13 Pleasure Driving class. They came in the ring in perfect form and never missed a beat. It was a spectacular display, especially for their first time out together. The reigning Pleasure Driving World Champion was selected for Hannah at New England, where he earned the East Coast Pleasure Driving Championship. Top three under saddle yesterday, L.A. Ricochet was reserve here in harness with Katie Kabel once again showing for Kathleen and Steve Kabel. Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Champion at Morgan Medallion, Ricochet is by Tug Hill Whamunition and out of Mantic Mardi Gras, by Nobility.

Winning for the eighth time on the season, Miz Saturn Star topped the field in the English Pleasure Mare class for the second year in a row with Mike Goebig. An entry of Kim Germ-Cramer, the unanimous choice of the judges was also the Amateur Mare winner a year ago with Kim Germ riding. Sired by Mizrahi, she was the English Pleasure Champion at Southern States and New York Regionals. Andy Marlett and Alors On Danse made their Oklahoma debut a strong one, finishing reserve for Jane Jensen. By Hollybrook Stage Rage, she is out of Performing Art, by Troutbrook Hallmark.

Dragonsmeade Carnaros hit the ring strong and ready to go, head high and looking through the bridle with Nancy Hendricks at the lines for Carreg Wen Morgans. They took top honors in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallion class back to the Grove Pointe curtains. Winners of their last six classes now, they were Amateur Masters World Champions in 2007. Carnaros is by And The Beat Goes On and out of HVK Noble Wine, by Noble Flaire. RJMF Chandler and Annie Morgan earned the reserve title for Robert Morgan. Chandler was the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Stallion National Champion last year with Selvin Torrez. He is by Serenity Masterpiece and out of JW Pictaire Perfect, by Aristocratic Aire.

From the always filled to the brim Classic Saddle Stallion/Gelding class came a unanimous winner. It was Boogie Nights topping the field of 19 with Bonnie Howard putting together a fabulous piece of horse showing. Directed by Tim Roesink, they won the Classic Saddle Championship at Jubilee Regional last month in their team debut. In nine trips to the ring in Oklahoma in the Classic Saddle division, Boogie Nights has taken the last pass all nine times. He was the unanimous choice of the judges in this huge field. Leviticus and Teri Rumens made a show of biblical proportions for Fire Run Farm. Winners all over the Northwest, they were strong contenders here in Oklahoma as well. Leviticus is by FRF Exodus and out of BMF Kristen. Lila Tatar more than held her own against the big kids here, earning a top three finish with VVM Mark My Words. Directed by Glyn-Rae Stables, Lila made a strong ride to stay out of the pack and get seen among the adult riders. Third in the Ladies Gelding class, Basic Black was fourth today with Lauren Fischer showing for Eric and Lauren Fischer.

With 12 entries being split into two sections in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Futurity, they capped off the morning session with no prizes being presented. The judges selected 11 of the 12 to return for the Finals. Those 11 were Seriously, Man In Black, Dragonsmeade Onegin, AMHF I’ve Got A Secret, GGG Untouchable, CBMF Winning Spirit, Siren, Hope Floats, Abalone, CBMF Momentarily, and Aljaks Bright Lights.

A shorter session of seven classes in the Performance Arena set the stage for the AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal Preliminary Round on Monday afternoon. First of the seven to the ring was a solo entry in the 16-17 Park Saddle division. Travis Wilson made the most of his time in the ring with MEM Tough Enough. Putting together a strong performance for Triumph Stables. No stranger to the Oklahoma winner’s circle, Tough Enough was winner of this class a year ago as well. He was Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Reserve World Champion in 2008.

From one entry to 14, the Youth English Pleasure Finals was the same as always, a deep and competitive event. Two of the best catch riders in the business made two great rides and took the top two places. Luman Wadhams’ selection for SPR Pompeii’s jockey was Alyssa Wick. It was an excellent choice, as she guided this son of Ultras Special Agent to the winner’s circle with a great performance. Pompeii is out of the grand Serenity Masterpiece mare, Pompp and Pazazz. She is the dam of Dutch-Mor’s Joy, a winner here yesterday, as well as the grand stallions Continental Vision, Graycliff Tony and Minion Millennium. Reserve honors went to AFF Nor’Easter, an entry of Catherine Ehnle, trained by Travis Neidlinger. It’s no surprise who one of the Neidlinger boys put aboard when in need of a young rider, as their cousin Julia Strier is one of the best young riders in the country. Their final trot rocketed them up the cards for the reserve tricolor finish. Earning another strong top three finish against older riders today, Lila Tatar was third with Sarde’s Sinful, under the direction Glyn-Rae Stables.

QVM Jocelyn Rose earned her third Oklahoma win in three trips to the ring with Ken Swanson, taking a unanimous decision in the Four-Year-Old Park Harness Mare and Gelding class for Nate and Krista Headley. Three-Year-Old Park Harness and Park Harness Futurity World Champion a year ago, this mare is by the Park Saddle World Champion Centerpiece and out of Park Harness winner HVK Take The Roses, by Noble Flaire. Bred to park trot, she certainly can do that. Reserve National Champion for the second year in a row, Masterclass and Harry Sebring earned the reserve win for Tom and Joanna Meyers. They were second in Three-Year-Old Park Harness a year ago. Sired by The Master’s Touch, Masterclass is out of NBN At Your Command, producer of Love Her Madly and Stand And Deliver. GI Jane made a good show for Mary Cockriel and Monty Kugeler, gaining ground as the class progressed. They finished up in third.

The Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Geldings were up next. In their first Oklahoma performance against aged competition, Floored and Tara Good reigned supreme once again for the Broadmoor banner. World Champion in English Pleasure as a Three and Four-Year-Old, Floored is by Stand And Deliver and out of Willorock Sable, by Ultimate Command. He is so consistent, with his head and neck always in just the right spot, moving in perfect cadence. Annie Morgan made the ride for PlayMor Farm aboard their beloved full brother to Mizrahi, Bellissimo. Eight times a winner in Oklahoma, Bellissimo is more used to the Coliseum than the Performance Arena, but looked bright and happy in reserve. Beth Fanscali took the third place prize back to the Merriehill banner aboard MEM La Vida Loca, a repeat of their 2009 finish.

If you would like to define the term "consistently brilliant" you might not have to look much further than Festival Calypso. He was simply born to show in Pleasure Driving. Sure he won some classes in hand as a youngster, but once he hit that Oklahoma ring in harness, he set the Pleasure Driving world on its ear. He won his first six classes in harness here at the Grand National. The first time he came away with anything but the top prize, he was four, showing against aged horses. The next year, he avenged those losses to take the Ladies Pleasure Driving World Championship. That was in 2000. Ten years and 11 Oklahoma wins later, the reigning Ladies Pleasure Driving World Champion is back at it again with Stephanie Connor looking elegant in gold. They were unanimous Ladies Pleasure Driving Gelding winners again here today, with Tim Arcuri heading up the round of honor. Will-O-Way Moment In Time was reserve here with Sammi Hazen driving for PlayMor Farm. The 2003 Park Harness World Champion, Moment In Time was last year’s Youth Pleasure Driving National Champion with Whitney Hazen Downs. Sammi Hazen brought him back in the big stake to earn Reserve World Championship honors in 2009. Debra Hurst rounded out the top three with her multi-titled partner Total Request, performing under the direction of The River’s Edge.

The Ladies Amateur English Pleasure Mares followed soon after their gelding counterparts with a most entertaining group of entries. The top honors went to TTMF French Enchantress and Sandy Hendrick for Queen’s River Farm. Regal in the saddle as always under the direction of David Rand, Sandy Hendrick was the Ladies Mare winner with French Enchantress at New England, as well as the Amateur Ladies winner at Southern States. Sired by Futurity French Command, French Enchantress is out of Boston Enchantress, by Tug Hill Whamunition. Whamunition figured in to the reserve prize as well, as Enthusiastic (Tug Hill Whamunition x JLs Deer Sal) took that award with Elizabeth Burick riding for Tom and Elizabeth Burick. Enthusiastic was Ladies Mare Reserve National Champion, as well as Ladies Reserve World Champion in 2009 with Jenny Taylor in the irons. Enthusiastic is a half sister to Lamborghini In Black as well as And The Beat Goes On.

It was a field of four in the Amateur Masters Park Saddle ranks. With a unanimous vote of the judges, it was no contest for No Contest and Linda Hawkins. An entry of Mountain Hawk Farm, No Contest was Amateur Masters World Champion in 2009. Trainer Tim Roesink rode him to the East Coast Park Saddle Reserve Championship back in July. Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Reserve World Champion last year, Temptation’s First Star made her Oklahoma debut with owner Linda Sheridan aboard to take reserve. By Liberation First Star, she is out of GLB Temptation Eyes, by Tug Hill Commando.

The AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal Preliminaries closed out the Monday afternoon session in the Performance Arena. After both sections of railwork and patters were complete, the judges stood in center ring to select a group of 12 from the 26 that showed to return on Wednesday night for the Gold Medal Finals. While they chose the final group, horses started coming to the now empty Performance Arena ring to work. Sarah Gove brought in Pondview Pure Elegance and stopped at the in gate when she noticed that the stands were still full of young riders, family, trainers and fans awaiting the final numbers. As she walked into the ring, the crowd cheered. Then it got fun. Sarah started executing the pattern that had just been done by the young riders, with the crowd cheering for each correct element. On a missed lead on a straight-line change, it was a loud, "awwww!" that came from the crowd. With a look to the crowd, she dropped her irons for the trot around the corner, finishing the pattern to a big salute before going about working her horse. She did not make the cut. However, these riders did. Mattie Frances Willard, Kelsey Robinson, Kate Kielceski, Michaela Gillispie, Amelia Coomber, Anya Pierson, Nena Marlin, Hanna Johnson, Annie Thurber, Julia Strier, Courtney Segulin, and Cameron Kay.

Sport Horse Arena

The final day of Dressage competition kicked off early Monday morning. Kristi Haines and Fenway Park performed for outstanding scores to earn back-to-back wins in the Training Level Test 4 and First Level Test 3 for the Open competitors. Julie Haugen directed Thunder Alexander to the Test 4 Open reserve title for owner Ann Bialkowsky.

Susan Garmier and Wintergreen Beaufort earned the reserve honors in Test 3 and returned to win the First Level Test 4 Open competition for Ann Taylor and Wintergreen Morgans. Rebecca Moore and Wildside Chile earned reserve honors in the Test 4 for owner Lisa Bryant.

Rogue Hill’s Woodsman and Jaime Hardy also won back-to-back classes to add to yesterday’s win and earn the distinction of being the Grand National Champion Second Level winner in Tests 2, 3 and 4. Barbara Richardson-Lewis and Iron Forge NYPD Blue earned reserve honors in Test 3. Tricia Waclena and RWD Direct Class earned the reserve title in Test 4.

Misty Green Cim Maron and Gia Dawn Grayson topped the Third Level Test 3 to give them the title in Tests 1, 2 and 3 at the Third Level for Misty Green Farm. Gayle Davidson and Derwanda Hercules earned the reserve honors in Test 3 at the Third Level and returned in the next class to reserve honors in the Fourth Level Test 3 behind BCM Unforgettablee and Andrea Doelling. This top team claimed Tests 1, 2 and 3 at the Fourth Level for owner Kylee Lourie.

Finally, the accomplished David MacMillan and West Mt. Winston put on an impressive solo performance to claim the Dressage Grand Prix title for owners Larry and Karin Weight.

The sport horse arena hosted the Carriage Dressage Driving Finals in the late afternoon. Six entries were on hand for the Preliminary Level Finals. The Chairman Of The Board and Karen Holford topped the class of six earning yet another Grand National victory pass for Judi and Bob McCoy. Last year’s winners of this class Amie Van Dorn and Watch Me Till Dawn earned the reserve Grand National honors.

There were four entries in the Intermediate Level Finals. It was a big day for Phil’s Ridge Harry Potter and Kathryn Clarke as they topped the intermediate level competition in addition to earning the World Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving. The versatile pairing of Jaime Hardy and Rogue Hill’s Woodsman earned reserve honors.

The evening session in the Sport Horse Arena featured the Working Hunter and Jumper competition. After the schooling rounds, 14 entries competed in the Low Working Hunter I Class. Susan Garmier and Wintergreen Beaufort continued their winning ways from the First Level Dressage wins to include the Grand National title in this Low Working Hunter Class. Jamie Michelle Clarke saddled up Phil’s Ridge Harry Potter, and they were the reserve champions.

Former World Champion Flintwood Starlet and Mallory Mignot topped the Jumper I qualifier besting a field of six for owner Anne Mears. Nicole Patterson and Reverence Astarte earned the reserve Grand National title.

Tuesday, October 12

Coliseum

The morning schedule, filled with a dozen classes, was off to a great start as seven entries answered the gate call in an entertaining Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old Gelding Class. The former World Champion Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old and World Champion English Pleasure Three-Year-Old, Indian Creek Bellagio continued to light up Oklahoma with a beautiful performance to earn the victory directed by Kurt Hufferd for the Indian Creek Morgan Farm. With a victorious season on the west coast, Keith Nelsen and Lux Stargait Antares were also in top form to earn reserve honors for Avona L’Carttier amid the talented group.

The Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 16 & 17 Year Old Class was offered in memory of former junior exhibitor Kaitlyn McCartney. Hayley Porter and Versailles continued a stellar week with their second trip to the winner’s circle. Nikki Rae Woodworth congratulated her top team who also won their equitation qualifier days earlier. World Champions in this division in 2008, Abby Meyer and Outrageous Courageous added the reserve honors today in the competitive class of 13 entries. Last year’s world titled team of Lookaway’s Hot Ticket and Moniqua Dube were happily reunited as they took home the yellow ribbon.

The ring was filled to its maximum capacity of 16 entries for the Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Gelding Class. After an initial round of railwork, the judges selected ten entries to remain for a workout. Nicoria is certainly familiar with the path to the winner’s circle as Amy Gatewood Gendjar drove her longtime partner to claim the victory for DanTree Farm under the direction of David Rand. Former World Champion Junior Classic Pleasure Driving performer Tomeri Swingtime and Teri Brisco turned in a stellar performance as they earned reserve honors in the class. The lineup of world titled ribbon winners also featured; Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize, Stonecroft Neoclassic, RCV All The Rage, Noteworthy’s Nobel Heir and CBMF Mozambique.

The Gatewood family members stayed glued to their seats after Amy’s win as her daughter Kira Gendjar entered the ring next aboard Gradell’s Wild Reflection. The team had won the 9 and under qualifier already this week, and the focused youngster and the experienced champion were in top form to claim the Walk-Trot English Pleasure World Championship. When the winning number was announced, the smiles on the faces of Kira and trainer David Rand were priceless. Three generations of the DanTree Farm family celebrated the victory alongside the newly crowned champion. The reserve world championship went to 10-11 year old qualifying winners Shaunicy Sturm and Willowick Mafia Princess. The perfectly matched team proudly carried home the reserve streamers directed by BJ Schafer.

Kris Johnsen and Dragonfire Shaolin returned to the Oklahoma winner’s circle for the second year in a row as they successfully defended their victory in the Pleasure Driving Amateur Gentlemen’s Finals. They put on a stellar show to earn the tricolor under the direction of Forest Nealon. William Shean enjoyed a great drive with MEM Bad Boy as they matched up for the reserve honors directed by Kurt Hufferd.

It was a big morning for the young horses with four consecutive classes featuring the three and four-year-olds. Jenny Taylor directed last year’s World Champion Three-Year-Old Park Saddle performer PLS High Pine Picasso back to the Oklahoma winner’s circle in the Park Saddle Four-Year-Old Mare & Gelding qualifier with a bright showing for owner Donna Zimmerman. Jubilee Champion Cosmos Double Oh Seven and Lyle Wick entertained to earn the reserve honors for Susie Weiss.

Keith Nelsen continued a great show for the Woolley/Lee Family mares as he showcased DBA Glamorous to the win in the Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old Mare class. Kurt Hufferd continued a busy morning with stylish pleasure driving entries as he presented The Fashionista to the reserve Grand National honors for Kings Point Inc.

Three sharp youngsters entertained the audience for the Classic Pleasure Saddle Three-Year-Old competition. Melanie Johnson and Sunny Acres Stage Fright enjoyed the Oklahoma stage as they emerged victorious for owner Nancy Vidler. Laura Spengler and Whispering Magnum Opus added the reserve ribbon to their driving win from days earlier directed by Mike Scanlon.

Not many four-year-olds can claim Oklahoma victory passes four years in a row, but RWJ Commanding Topic certainly can. With world titles already under saddle and in hand, Phil Fountain directed the Tug Hill Commando son to the unanimous Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old Stallion victory pass for owner/breeder Robert Jones. As Predicted added the reserve title to a stellar debut season for PlayMor Farm as Jennifer Hazen directed the son of world champions Liberation First Star and Prediction.

Jacqueline Beck made a Herculean effort to make it in time for the Youth Park Saddle Finals after airport snafus. She arrived dressed and ready just before her class, but her efforts were worth it when she and Toscanini were crowned Park Saddle Youth Finals Champions for owners Daniel and Janet Unrein under the Blackridge banner. Kelsey Ramsey and Queen’s Spice Girl teamed up for a dynamic ride to garner the reserve tricolor for Queen’s River Farm under the direction of David Rand. Both of the tricolor performers are just four-year-olds.

GLB Amazing Grace and Geneveive Carlino Gomez were reunited in victorious fashion to claim the Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies Mare class. Their proud family cheered them on to victory under the direction of Cathy Grimes. Marsha Shepard returned to the show ring in grand style to present Mis Isabella to the reserve Grand National title under the Bobbin Hollow banner.

The Classic Pleasure Saddle Four-Year-Old competition closed out the morning schedule with Ultra’s Special Diva making the victory pass with Caitlyn Scholl for owner Stephen Smith. Lora Lyons and Cedar Creek Eragon added the reserve ribbon to the Grove Pointe banner with a polished ride.

As the caption on his photo at Howie Schatzberg’s photo table says, Whitney Bodnar is the "Man with the Magic Hands." To this point in the horse show, the World Futurity competitors would have to agree, as he is now two for two at the lines, winning the Three-Year-Old Park Harness Futurity with Merriehill Black Betty for Lynn and Jeff Yelton. Two-Year-Old Park Harness Futurity winner a year ago, Black Betty continued her win streak as she brought the crowd back from the lunch break with a unanimous World Championship. Just a few days ago, she was crowned Reserve World Champion Mare. Repeating the order of finish from the UPHA Park Harness Classic National Championship, CBMF Moment In The Sun finished as the Reserve World Champion with Tim Roesink driving for Copper Beech LLC. Sired by Ben’s Rhapsody, he is out of FRF Stolen Moment, a half sister to FRF Seattle Reign by Cedar Creek Harlequin. According to Ann Hailey when the dam’s barn name is "Bunny," and the colt is born on Easter Sunday, you get the barn name "Rabbit." That is how Moment In The Sun morphed into "Rabbit." Stacy Hennessy finished in third with Mrs. Steven Rudy making a fine showing. The entry of Sue McCullough Worsley, Mrs. Steven Rudy is sired by CCR’s Outrajus Corajus and out of Bellamor.

Youth Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding was once again a chance for Alyssa Wick to showcase her talents as a catch rider. This time it was Triumph Stables who made the call for a jockey for Graycliff Jack Star. Ladies Hunter Pleasure Gelding National Champion a year ago, Jack Star is a dark chestnut with a wide white stripe. He was the unanimous choice of the judges here for owner Misty Pleiness in a big crowd of 18. Sired by Liberation First Star and out of Graycliff Precious Metal, by Pot Of Gold, Jack Star shone bright to stand out from the crowd. Josey Wales held up ringmaster Bill Whitley to steal off with the reserve ribbon. Krystle Pennington made the strong ride to earn the honors. Auhl Turned Out and Ali Denzel turned in a nice go in third, while Delaware’s Shadow Dancer and Alana Little were fourth.

Third in 2008, second in 2009, and now the National Champion in 2010, ML’s Shock’n Y’all was the Road Hack Saddle Seat winner with Alexis Armour Nunan riding for Thomas and Elizabeth Molin. Amelia Coomber and Stonecroft Make A Wish earned the Reserve National Championship for Skip and Maureen Coomber under the Rancho Del Mar banner.

Following closely behind the Stallion/Gelding qualifier to compete for the first-ever Youth World Championship, the Youth Hunter Pleasure Mares fielded a total of seven. Pulling double duty today, She’s My Calendar Girl earned a second Tuesday victory pass and a third already on the week! A winner twice with Brooke Perlee in the walk-trot division including a world title scarcely an hour earlier, My Calendar Girl matched up here with Hailey Perlee for a trip down victory lane with Keely Sogoloff directing. In reserve it was Gracious Moment Immortal, with Chelsea Lehrbass riding. An entry of Francine Bretschneider, Moment Immortal is by Immortal Command and out of Lookaways Antoinette, by HVK Bell Flaire.

The 9-and-Under Walk-Jog Western Pleasure class looked like a rainbow touched down in the show ring, as all of the young competitors were turned out to the nines in yellows and pinks and purples and blues. It was the young lady in all yellow that stood out from the rest, as Sophia Stillings rode to the blue aboard Aquila’s Stardust under the direction of Cape Cod Farm. This is the fourth year in a row that Stardust has taken the last pass in this class, winning with three different riders. The first two years it was owner Connor Chaffin Farley who was aboard. Last year, Olivia Wendell did the honors, and now it is Sophia Stillings’ turn to shine. It was a fun day at the horse show for Kira Gendjar, as she earned the reserve ribbon with MCA Seawind Serenade. The Futurity French Command daughter was the 14-17 Western Pleasure Reserve World Champion a year ago with Anna Tassinari and the 2003 Ladies Amateur Western Pleasure World Champion with Kira’s mom Amy.

With two World Championships already under his belt, Miyake is thriving in his new division winning the Classic Pleasure Driving Masters class. Dr. Grace Steere made the winning drive for Pauline Dube. Directed for the round of honor by David Rand, Grace pushed all the right buttons in this big class. Pleasure Driving Futurity World Champion as a two and three-year-old, Miyake is by Mizrahi and out of And The Dream Goes On, by And The Beat Goes On. Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Champion just a year ago, Indian Creek Warbird finished second for his new partner, Alexandra Ellsworth. They made their debut with a blue ribbon at Morgan Medallion under the direction of Bob Hughes. Sired by Futurity French Command, Warbird is out of Cache, the third top ribbon winner out of the DBA Street Talk daughter in the last 24 hours. A Reserve World Champion the last three years, twice in this division, Trebles Spring Loaded was third today with Vikki Paulson driving for the Illahee banner. Sarde’s Manistique and Julie Rohrer rounded out a talented top four.

The Three-Year-Old Western Pleasure Mare National Champion from 2009 returned to take the similar title as a four-year-old, winning her National Championship today with Daryl Hopson up for the second year for Fire Run Farm. Sired by Pondview Tres Bien, the winning entry Fire Run Natalia is out of Rush To Judgement, a half sister to the grand producing mare, Pompp and Pazazz. Stonecroft Liza jogged in as the Reserve National Champion, with Cheri Barber riding for Mountain Ridge Farm. By Stonecroft Masquerade, this dark chestnut is out of Century Suite City Woman, a half sister to World Champion Mare and World Champion producer, Century Enjolie.

Junior Exhibitor Classic Driving World Champion and 14-17 National Champion last year with Amy Podesva, Pondview EZ Spirit was awarded another win in 2010. This time his driver was Emma Kate Flanagan in the Junior Exhibitor 13 & Under as Keith Friday again served as header. It was two reserve finishes in as many classes for Mountain Ridge Farm as Kitty D handled the lines of Grand Cru Black Pearl to collect the red ribbon under the Cheri Barber Stables banner with a winning assist from Randy Cates.

Kelly Kraegel Varner was stunning in stark white with tan and turquoise accents in the Ladies Western Pleasure Gelding class. She showed Whispering Non-Stop to the top spot, his second win of the week. Owner Laurie Revard made the winning ride in Amateur Western Pleasure Geldings yesterday. By Suite After, Non-Stop is out of Whispering Windsong, by Waseeka’s In Command. Melinda Dennis teamed with the palomino BDM Aruba’s Destiny with her black outfit with gold accents. They earned the reserve win, coming from Adairsville, Georgia to make one of their best shows together. Leslie Armstrong shimmered in a white top and black chaps aboard Playmor’s Imperial Star in third.

Queens Starfire served notice to the boys that last night’s Park Harness Stallion class was not the only qualifier for the Friday night finale. Five times an Oklahoma winner, including the Park Saddle Mare/Gelding class a year ago, she put on a phenomenal display of park trotting presence today, taking a unanimous victory with Jim Taylor driving for Rocky and Diana Schliefer. Sired by Lamborghini In Black, Starfire is out of HVK Tiz Flaire, the winner of this same class in 2000. By a Park Saddle World Champion and out of a Park Harness Reserve World Champion, she is bred to be a factor on Friday. The chestnut gelding, Cedar Creek Danseur, finished reserve with Jaisen von Ballmoos at the lines for Edward and Jane Leonard. Splitting time between Park Saddle with Alissa Leonard and Park Harness with von Ballmoos, Danseur has been in the top ribbons everywhere he has gone this year.

Paige Crowley and Connor Chaffin Farley renewed their friendly Oklahoma rivalry in the 10-11 Walk-Jog Western Pleasure, as they are a year apart and only get to show in the same division for one season at a time. When they were in 9-and-Under, it was Connor Farley getting the win with Aquila’s Stardust. Paige Crowley, then and now teamed with Hi-Bridge Regal Night, was reserve in that 2008 event. Two years later, it was Paige turning the tables to take the 10-11 blue for the second straight year. From just down the road in Edmond, Oklahoma, Paige has been cleaning up all over the place this season, with wins at Red River Classic, Wheat State Regional, Bluegrass Morgan Classic, Tulsa Summer Classic, and Jubilee Regional. Connor Farley has enjoyed a stellar season with a trio of different horses including his partner today Dragonsmeade Leilana, owned by the Torrez family. Directed by Jeff and Amy Bessey, Connor made a strong showing for the boy riders, taking reserve honors with this four-year-old mare.

A group of 13 were called back for the AMHA Western Seat Gold Medal Finals to conclude the afternoon session. Another round of railwork came to the ring first in which things were switched up a bit, reversing at the jog and going through the second way gaits before turning back around. After that, each rider performed the individual pattern work, putting their skills to the test. Included in the normal figure work was a part of the pattern that called for an extended jog, as well as a portion that asked for a back across half of the ring. The Top 10 riders returned to the show ring after the individual testing, with the riders being called out in reverse order from tenth up to first. Called out first in this order was tenth-place finisher Kimberly Forster with Sunshade Mister Kahler. Ninth was Meghan Hanrahan aboard Cedarfarm Sir Galahad. The eighth award was earned by Lauren Osborne with Cingate Jack Flash. For seventh it was Cassandra Davis taking the honors with Sugar Magnolia CW. Bethany Towne finished sixth aboard The Devil’s Image, while Mary Kris Revard was fifth aboard Radiance In The Knight. Brianna Berg earned fourth with Hylee Blood Sweat & Tears, with Lauren Little in third on Futurity’s Such A Twist. All three of the previous riders were instructed by Kelly Kraegel Varner.

Varner made it four of the top five, as her rider, Ryne Swope, was called out as the Reserve Gold Medal Champion with HVK Counsel. Ryne is a dynamic young gentleman, with top prizes competing in Hunt and Western. He was Reserve Gold Medal Champion in this event a year ago as well. The cheer for the Reserve Champion in these events always sounds the loudest, because not only is the Reserve Champion’s crew cheering for him, but the Champion’s crowd also erupts, as they know that their rider has been crowned Gold Medal Champion. In this case, it was the Triumph Stables crew that got to cheering, as Belle Hufferd ran down to the far end to greet the Gold Medal Champion, Madison Wurster, aboard Evil Knievil. The 2008 Junior Western Equitation World Champion, Madison Wurster is showing now in her 15-year-old season. Her elated cheering section joined her for a big round of hugs and congratulations at the end of the chute coming out of the ring.

Tuesday night kicked off with the Ladies Pleasure Driving Mare class, as back number 701 was called out as the unanimous winner. The problem was that nobody in the ring knew who #701 was, including the winning driver and her header. As nobody moved forward from the line, Bill Carrington said, "I wonder who that could be?" Finally he called out Dragonsmeade’s Infusion as the National Champion, with Iann Fu Longenecker driving for Dragonsmeade. Jim Taylor was serving as header for the Grove Pointe entry. Amateur Pleasure Driving Mare winner at New England, she is by HVK Bell Flaire and out of Cedar Creek Pirouette, making her an obvious full sister to Dragonsmeade Fusion. Reserve went to Alliteration, with Alexandra Ellsworth. This was a repeat of their 2008 finish in this event. Last year, they stepped up to the challenge in the World Championship to take Ladies Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion honors. Always a contender in this division, Alliteration is by Shaker’s Alimon and out of a Century Free Spirit mare. Shanna Gish and the charismatic four-year-old Indian Creek Miss Margret rounded out the top three for Indian Creek Morgan Farm.

Another unanimous winner hit the ring in the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle Stallion class. This was QVM National Anthemn. Ryan Arcuri introduced this star bred by Quincy Valley Morgans and now owned by Lila Tatar and Lawson Creek Farm. Sired by Serenity Masterpiece, he can really rock back and strut to the rafters. He is out of the Noble Flaire mare, HVK Noble Jest. His first pass into the ring was absolutely fantastic, sending him up to the top of all three cards. Three-Year-Old Park Harness National Champion in 2009, KJM Five Star was reserve in this class with Tim Roesink riding for Dr. Barbara Lindauer. Junior Park Saddle Champion at Southern States, he was the Four-Year-Old winner at New England. Sired by Liberation First Star, he is out of a half sister to Cherished Assets and El-Toro, by Futurity French Command.

With 11 on hand, the 14-15 Classic Pleasure Saddle class came to order. It was The River’s Edge entry, Plum Haven Minuet, taking the last pass here, with Kristen Wade making the blue ribbon ride for Michael and Dawn Wade. In her fourth year showing with the Wade family, Minuet has eight wins or reserves with Kristen or Lauren Wade aboard. Announcer Bill Carrington let the crowd know that a big part of The River’s Edge family would be exiting the hospital tomorrow, as Bob Kellert will be coming back to the horse show after emergency surgery last week. Mary Cockriel headed up the victory pass tonight. Hunter Wade of Edmond, Oklahoma, finished reserve with NKS Express Mail. Express Mail was the 13-and-Under World Champion a year ago with Audrey Lowry aboard. Express Mail is by En Possession NKS and out of HVK Flight Of Fancy, by HVK Wild Flight. Tayler Walters was rockin’ the pale pink formal coat in third with MLF Caliente, an entry of Debra Hurst trained by Rancho Del Mar. It was just four years ago that Tayler was aboard for a Reserve National Championship in 10-11 Walk-Trot English Pleasure.

This past winter’s YouTube sensation, SpringMill Superstition made good on all that promise tonight winning the Two-Year-Old Park Harness World Futurity with Kurt Hufferd. Owned and bred by SpringMill Morgans, Superstition is by Nostradamus and out of the grand Pleasure Driving mare, Trebles Unchained Melody, by Tug Hill Commando. Superstition came in strong and just kept getting better as the class went on, winning the Futurity World Championship by a unanimous decision. Luman Wadhams got the crowd pumped up when he hit the ring with New England winner SSLLC Vantage Point. Extreme in the bridle, this expressive colt garnered the reserve world title for owner/breeder Dr. Kevin Schengrund. Vantage Point lists Serenity Masterpiece as his sire, with the bottom line listing SSLLC Colour My World, by HVK Man About Town. His second dam line is rather impressive, as it is the World Champion, AFF Evening Episode.

Besting a field of 10, the Ladies Western Pleasure Mare winner was BMF Xota. Sonja Lorenson made the winning ride for Canadian-based Birch Meadow Farms. They were reserve in the Western Pleasure Mare class on Sunday, their first performance here in Oklahoma. Lorenson wore a stark white hat with her black on black ensemble. World Champion as a three-year-old and a four-year-old in the hunter pleasure division, Cherrydale Melania was reserve with Allyson Hughes riding for Stoney Point Farm. Sired by Minion Millenium, she is out of a Nobility mare. Futurity’s Such A Twist picked up third with Kelly Kraegel Varner riding for Lon and Virginia Frieden. Such A Twist was reserve twice here a year ago.

Just two showed in the Classic Pleasure Driving Mare division, with Ima Class Action taking top honors with Tamra Lynch. It was an outstanding driving debut here in this Coliseum, garnering the blue ribbon directed by Suzanne Haberek. CBMF Crime Of Passion and Mike Grimes were reserve for Windcrest Farms.

The West Coast was the dominant force in the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Mare class, as the top two prizes will ride off into the sunset on their way home. Angel Eyes and Courtney Zimmermann were the winning ticket in this event to continue a great show for the entries of Debra Woolley-Lee directed by Keith Nelsen. Dragonfire Nefertiti left the ring first, carrying off the second-place ribbon for the third year in a row. Jennifer McFall was once again up for Antonia Casados. They were Hunter Pleasure Mare National Champions in 2009.

The Roadster Under Saddle Finals tricolor went back to PlayMor Farm, as Jennifer Hazen rode CBMF Clear Victory to the winner’s circle for Donna Zimmerman. Cheered on by the crowd, the chestnut with a white stripe is new to the Road Horse division this season. He is by GLB Bell Pepper and out of MSV Victoria, by Arboria Noble Victor. Black Tuxedo Wildfire and Andy Marlett were Reserve National Champions, scoring wins at Morgan Masterpiece as well as Jubilee Regional this year, also his first in the division.

The chestnuts ruled the roost in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure World Futurity, as RCV Patent Pending and Lux Majestic swept the top prizes. Patent Pending was teamed with Jim Lowry for Kathleen Gatien. A bright chestnut with light touches in his mane and tail, he was bred and raised by Gatien’s RCV Farms. Sired by Minion Millennium, he is out of an HVK Bell Flaire mare. His first pass into the ring was one to write home about, as he was way up in the bridle and sailing down the rail. The dark chestnut Lux Majestic took Reserve World Champion honors with Luman Wadhams. Two-Year-Old In-Hand Futurity World Champion a year ago, Lux Majestic has light highlights in his mane and tail that offset nicely against his dark coat. He is by DBA Street Talk and out of Mantic Sabrina.

Kelly Kraegel Varner trained another winning entry in the Road Hack Hunter Seat Finals, joining Delaware’s Shadow Dancer and Alana Little in the winner’s circle. Longtime partners, Shadow Dancer and Little were winners of this class in 2006. Lacy’s High Fashion Magic and Louise West Fraser finished reserve in this field of 14. James Sanders trains this one. The crowd likes it when horses go fast, so they got into this one, cheering on the hand gallops.

The big winner in the Classic Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class was Salem Kristine, as the Entertainer daughter is the dam of the top two ribbon winners. Also the winner a year ago, it was L’Cima’s Exclusive driving down victory lane with Terri Travers at the lines under the Taylor River banner. Cathy Miller and Without Limits made their best Oklahoma show to earn reserve for Walnut Ridge Farm, home of Salem Kristine. Without Limits was sired by Astronomicallee and competes under the direction of Waterford Farm.

The Park Saddle Stallion class set up as a two-horse affair, with CBMF Crown Prince and SLB Da Vinci squaring off for an exciting tilt. That was derailed after the first trot, as Da Vinci lost two shoes that were deemed not to be able to be replaced in the time allotted. He is still qualified to show back in the Championship on Saturday night, however. After that it was down to a one-horse race, as Crown Prince put on a crowd-pleasing performance with Mike Goebig riding for Copper Beech LLC. Three-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion in 2008, Crown Prince is by Stonecroft Masquerade and out of CBMF Crown Jewel, by GLB Bell Pepper. One of breeder/owner Ann Hailey’s personal favorites, Crown Prince has all sorts of athleticism and an attitude about him.

So the Saturday night finale open qualifiers have all now shown, and the next days will be rife with speculation as to who might show back to try to get their piece of the big prize. It has the potential to be a great one.

Performance Arena

The morning session in the performance arena featured a slate of 11 classes starting off with the Hunter Pleasure 11 and under class. Whitemud St Louis Blues and Cassie Solberg celebrated a trip to the winner’s circle with the victorious ride. Directed by Bre Schultz, this well matched team started off the year in walk-trot before making the winning move up to the cantering ranks. MEM Once Again and Michelle Quinlisk added the reserve finish to a stellar debut season together under the Timber Hill Stables banner.

Winners in the four-year-old division last year, CBMF Whispers of War and Ling Fu Wylie returned to victory lane in the Ladies Amateur Western Pleasure Mares. They continued a stellar show for the entries of Dragonsmeade performing under the Grove Pointe banner. The world titled pairing of VVM Aleesa and Ellen McCook added to their list of accomplishments with the second place finish directed by Mary Luedtke.

With a field of 20, the Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class came ready to show. Undefeated in both 2009 and 2010, MEM Bailamos continued that winning streak with Keely Sogoloff up for Jerold Nau. They made the unanimous victory pass in this class for the second year in a row. Mary Carlton had a picture perfect ride aboard SSLLC Bourne Supremacy to receive the second place honors for Dr. Kevin Schengrund.

The next class featured a unanimous repeat winner as well. Briar Oaks Pep In My Step and George Liberty successfully defended their victory in the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 14-15 for Lakefront Farm under the Rand banner. Madison Wurster and Evil Knievil started off a memorable day with the second place finish for Triumph Stables.

A 15-horse field of talented youngsters certainly felt their oats this morning as they competed for the Four-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding honors. Following a trio of Oklahoma victories in 2009, EKL Assets Vision returned to victory lane with Kathleen Peeples turning in another beautiful ride with Martha Simpson’s Town Assets son. Jennifer McFall introduced west coast champion Dragonfire Timeless to the National stage with a second place ribbon in this competitive class.

Mallory Stacy and GDT Boucheron enjoyed the applause of their cheering section as they earned a trip to the winner’s circle in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 12-Year-Olds under the direction of Kelly Kraegel Varner. Delaware’s Night Life and Kaylan Hayman enjoyed a fine ride as they added the reserve ribbon to their equitation victory under the Crystal Farms banner.

Seventeen beautifully turned out teams filled the ring for the Ladies Amateur Western Pleasure Gelding competition. Graycliff Rimfire and Caitlin Novotny matched up in victorious fashion to add the Grand National victory to an outstanding season for Janie Denning under the direction of Crystal Farms. The charismatic new team of Ultras High Definition and Caitlin Harrison jogged away with reserve honors to continue a stellar season under the Waterford Farm banner.

Natalie Golota’s smile lit up the ring as she rode Sight Unseen down victory lane in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13-Year-Olds. They took command of the ring to earn their round of honor directed by Katie Mair and Craig Clapp for Sandman Associates. Sydney Withers matched up with Orrwoods Special Edition to collect the second place in this competitive division prepared by Triumph Stables.

The second qualifier for the Hunter Pleasure Four-Year-Old World Championship featured the mares. It was a blue ribbon wish for Jeannie In A Bottle and Amanda DuPont as they made the victory pass for Ellen Coffman. Also a winner here as a three-year-old, the Three Wishes daughter has enjoyed wins this year at Southern States, Mid-A and the New York Regional. MSV Miss Belle and Laura Laney teamed up for reserve honors competing for Janet Brown.

Olivia Lahr continued her victorious show as she matched up perfectly with MJL Rochallor for a unanimous victory. They jogged down victory lane in the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 16-17 to add to the Triumph Stables banner for Gary and Neecy Rohrs. Meghan Hanrahan and Cedar Farm Galahad matched up for a smooth and steady ride to garner the reserve honors in this deep class.

The last class of the session was the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure World Championship. With a total of 17 entries, the class was divided into two sections with a callback. All of these young riders did an outstanding job. With the tricolor, roses and cooler awaiting them, She’s My Calendar Girl and Brooke Perlee were crowned world champions to the delight of their proud family and the Cedar Spring Farm team. Nemours Courageous, himself the winner of this class in 2008, and Alexandra Streicher added a great ride for the reserve world championship under the direction of Liberty Stables. The top ten teams also featured; NKS Gentle Persuasion and Cori Tipton, KH Chapter One and Lilly Ann Hansing, Pembroke Sweet Treat and Emily Iovanna, Wild Jam Master Surprise and Shanti Rood, True Gold and Alexandra Varveris, Lasting View Royal Design and Kristi Darrow, Pomp & Circumstance and Jenessa Preston, and Cingate Lucky Strike and Jessica Lambert.

After a 30-minute course walk and a short break, five entries drove the obstacle course in the Carriage Driving Gambler’s Choice Single competition. Anita Meinert successfully navigated HVK Hard Rock through his paces to earn the Grand National title followed by Lisa Caylor and Velvets Black Image.

Sport Horse Arena

The Sport Horse Arena was home to hunter/jumper and trail competition on Tuesday. After an hour of schooling rounds early in the morning, the Grand National Jumper II competition kicked off the competition with six entries. 2008 World Champion Jumper Flintwood Starlet and Mallory Mignot earned their second 2010 Oklahoma win, taking both titles in Jumper I and II for owner Anne Mears. Natalie Ann Monsieur and Gotno Gamblin Man earned the reserve finish for the Rough Diamond Ranch.

Elizabeth Vieira struck gold as she topped the field of five in the AMHA Hunter Seat Over Fences Gold Medal Finals aboard Bay State Vista. Morgan Eddy rode MKM Imperial’s Reflection to the reserve finish proudly representing Whispering Oaks.

Amid a large field of competition, Susan Garmier directed Wintergreen Beaufort to the title in the Low Working Hunter II competition. The team had earlier garnered the title of Low Working Hunter I for owners Ann Taylor and the Wintergreen Morgans. Rebecca Boorstein and MXM Breezy Knight teamed up as reserve champions coached by Jamie Gerardi for Equilateral Enterprise Inc.

Elizabeth Vieira returned to the winner’s circle for the second time of the morning with Bay State Vista to earn the nod in the Low Working Hunter Under Saddle Class followed by Casey Puckett with W’s HoneyPine On Deck.

Repeat winners were the theme as Susan Garmier did the same making her second victory pass of the morning aboard Wintergreen Beaufort, besting a field of eight in the Working Hunter I competition. Fawn McDaniel and Melendy Cash Bonus earned the reserve in this class as well as the very next class, the Hunter Hack Finals for Laurel Robinson. Rebecca Boorstein put MXM Breezy Knight through his paces in perfect from to win the nine-entry Hunter Hack Finals competition to close out the morning session.

The English Trail competition was held in the sport horse arena in the afternoon and the Western Trail classes were the evening’s feature attraction. Dawn Barker and R Keepsake maneuvered their way to top a large field of entries to earn the English Trail Open title. From then on Megan Welch and RG Regency Chester had their game on. The Grunden Ranch team earned reserve honors in the English Trail Open class, but went on to claim victory in the English Trail Amateur, Western Trail Open and Western Trail Amateur competitions.

Grace Jacobus and I Love Lucy were reserve champions in the English Trail Amateur Class. Ann Taylor and Wintergreen Treasure earned reserve honors in both the Western Trail Open and Amateur competitions.

Megan Motter and Fortune’s Valentino made a nice solo ride to earn the Grand National title in the Junior Exhibitor Trail Finals.

Wednesday, October 13

Coliseum

A crisp, sunny morning welcomed trainers, exhibitors and officials back to the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds as 16 classes were on tap in the Coliseum, starting with the five-horse Classic Pleasure Driving Gentlemen’s Finals. It proved to be a ground shaking performance as an earthquake took place just up the road in Norman and was felt throughout Oklahoma City, including the coliseum. When it was all said and done in the ring, the top two ribbons went to New England entries. Covering ground with an expressive look, the Michael and Mary Scanlon owned Capes Yankee Clipper was the first entry called to the winner’s circle with Michael Banach at the helm. Will Huse provided a great catch drive for Bob Neimeth as he drove Fury’s Fortune to the reserve honors directed by Scott Neidlinger.

Instructors lined the in-gate area and nervous parents cheered their offspring as nine competed for the Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure Saddle 10-11 title. It was a smooth performance for all as these riders had definitely done their homework, at least in the saddle anyway. Photographer Howie Schatzberg walked the lineup taking close ups as judges Lewis Eckard, Steve Davis and Harold Angell marked their cards. A rainbow of colors was represented in the riding suits worn by these young equestrians and on this morning it was the beautifully turned out Sydney Savage and the multi-titled Cabot Carte Blanche taking the top prize under the watchful eye of Jim and Fay Lowry. The New York based Jenessa Preston and Reuben-Ide Celebrates commanded reserve honors in the deep class, while the California team of Kristina Mauro and MLF Caliente were the third place finishers.

With seven entries in the program it was extremely disappointing when only two came down the ramp for the Grand National Pleasure Driving Mare class. This was an East Coast/West Coast two-horse showdown. Never backing and ear and beautiful with every step, LBJ Uptown Girl was the Grand National winner with Ken Swanson continuing a stellar show for Frances Pugh and Tara Farm. Morgan Medallion Pleasure Driving Champion Seeing Is Believing received the red streamers with Keith Nelson at the whip for Holly Linden and Clayhill Farm.

The water got deeper with the Amateur Masters English Pleasure with five top lady exhibitors going head to head with their talented campaigners. Judges Lisa Waller, Eckard and Angell had their work cut out for them, but Cynthia Fawcett and the Waterford Farm trained Uppercase Innovation made it easier for them, delivering a performance worthy of the Grand National plaque. They paraded a big trot both ways of the ring in addition to having flawless transitions. This was the second victory pass of the week for the And The Beat Goes On son having already won the ladies gelding class with Kathleen Peeples. In her trademark crimson coat and gold vest, last year’s winner Donna Zimmerman also received a nice round of applause as she was called out in reserve aboard the celebrated stallion Stonecroft Byzantine.

As announcer Bill Carrington said, we changed gears with the Western Pleasure Three-Year-Old World Championship. After a parade of 18 entries made their way down the chute and into the ring, it was show time for the young stars. Following their rail work, the 18 were lined up and asked to back before being lined up for the strip portion of the class. The best of these grand stars turned out to be the Santa Fe Renegade son, Meadowcreek Bay B Fe, ridden by Kasey Monty for Kasey and Aaron Monty of Arlington, Washington. Their tricolor was the second winning ribbon of the week as they also jogged to the Three-Year-Old Stallion/Gelding title. The World Champion Futurity winner and New England’s three-year-old champion, the royally bred Indian Creek Broadway Joe was the reserve world champion today. Donning a black cowboy hat, Kurt Hufferd accompanied Shanna Gish and Broadway Joe in the reserve victory pass.

There were no entries for the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Mare class so we moved right on to the Ladies Park Saddle Mares. Now this was a nice group of athletic performers and in the end it was a unanimous repeat decision for Treble’s First Take and Dawn Fire. Under the direction of Phil Fountain the Liberation First Star offspring was also Ladies Champion at Jubilee and New England. The 2008 and 2009 World Champion Mare Cherrydale Casseopia commanded the reserve title with Kathy Peeples aboard the lofty chestnut for Robin Herrick.

It was a good morning for Dawn Fire and Peeper Ranch as she took back-to-back victory passes. This time it was the multi-titled world champion Graycliff Tony winning the Amateur English Pleasure Stallion title. Another big time performer, LPS The Boogie Man was given the reserve nod with Kristin Johnson in the irons.

The professionals returned to the ring for the Grand National Pleasure Driving Gelding competition. A top group of drivers and horses went at it in this round. Making a good case for a shot at the roses later this week, Mid-A’s grand champion CBMF Restless (GLB Bell Pepper x Relentless) and Harry Sebring starred on victory lane for Copper Beech. Giving Copper Beech the one/two sweep of the class, Tim Roesink drove Cedar Creek Carillon to the reserve honors for Ann Hailey.

By far the deepest class of the morning, the Amateur English Pleasure Gelding class brought the coliseum audience to life, as there were many reasons to cheer, many being the operative word here. This was a Grand National class worthy of the name as 14 champions from coast to coast vied for the title. Pass after pass they turned it on with the charismatic Skywarrior soaring to victory. Escorted to the winner’s circle by Tim Roesink, Skywarrior and Mary Fisher Davila looked the part of the champions in their trip down victory lane. Annie Morgan got the call aboard Bellisimo to capture their second reserve finish of the week for PlayMor Farm.

As they have done all year long, City Kitty and Kathleen Peeples left no doubt that they owned the Three-Year-Old Park Saddle class. An animated and athletic daughter of Man In Motion and City Limits, City Kitty is owned by William Haines and Ledyard Company LLC. Dawn Bien and JDS Cosa Nosta provided the competition in reserve performing for Debbie LaMay under the direction of Damian Hyde.

There would be a new champion in the Junior Exhibitor 16 & 17 Park Harness class this year. A star from start to finish, the leg waving MEM Tough Enough and Travis Wilson topped the judge’s cards. The liver chestnut gelding paraded a nice park trot to take the Grand National title with John Hufferd greeting the champions in the winner’s circle. Brian Stewart sent Samantha Brobst and Minion Valentino to reserve.

Kim Germ and Miz Saturn Star repeated their 2009 Amateur English Pleasure Mares title with a stellar Wednesday morning performance adding yet another blue prize to the Broadmoor tack room. No stranger to top prizes, GLB Perfect Harmony brought home the reserve streamers with Kirsten Johnson riding for Arcola Farm.

The Noblest starred in the small yet entertaining Grand National Pleasure Driving Stallions. Robert Hughes had the son of Tug Hill Whamunition and Nobelle in top form for the victory pass for Tomeri Morgans. Steven DeBolt was at the lines of the charismatic HVK Noble Italia to take reserve home for Ron Campbell.

With five riders possessing tons of cute factor, the audience got into the Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure 9 & Under class. As the judges walked the lineup, the crowd roared with support. Continuing a fabulous show, third generation Morgan exhibitor Kira Gendjar rode SBS Powerplay to the winner’s circle directed by David Rand under the ownership of Hannah Kelley. A great round of applause also went out to the only young man in the class as Ann Slomkowski directed the reserve champion as Quintin Roberts entertained aboard Rae Of Light.

Leading a parade of champions, Nancy Hendricks and MEM Bonnie Blue were the first to enter the ring for the last class of the morning, Park Harness Amateur Masters. Six entries made this a nice class for the five women and one gent. "Mr. Park Harness," Harry Sebring, had the top entry in this one as he sent Patsy Lloyd and NDT French Impressionist to the top as Lloyd delivered a flawless drive. Suffering their first defeat of the year, Hendricks and MEM Bonnie Blue were the reserve champions on this day with strong support from the Grove Pointe cheering section.

Announcer Peter Fenton called the first class of a beautiful Wednesday afternoon to action at 1:00 with the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares. This session started off a lot like this morning with a light turnout, but that didn’t stop Nancy Flower and LPS Out Of Bounds from putting on a Grand National caliber performance to take home the blue. New England’s Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Grand Champion and this week’s World Champion Junior Mare did her breeding (Man In Motion/Illicit Love) proud. Carol Addison drove Early Surprise to the reserve ribbon.

Junior exhibitors cranked it up with 10 riding for the 13 & Under Classic Pleasure Saddle World Championship. It was truly the best of the best in this division and it was a unanimous decision for Massachusetts’ own Hannah Kelley teamed with her expressive Cherrydale Acappella. A walk-trot world champion last year, Hannah enjoyed another trip down the famed OKC victory lane. It was the second victory pass of the week for Acapppella, an HVK Courageous Flaire son who also won the championship at New England back in July. Hometown favorites Queen’s American Idol and Kylee Keller represented trainer Ronda Collins as the reserve world champions. Representing the west coat in fine fashion, CPM Man Oh Man and Lila Tatar rounded out the top three.

Another junior exhibitor class, this time 15-year-olds and under driving park harness horses, took over the coliseum for their qualifier. Three household names were presented by their capable drivers with the winning loot going to Celebrity Marquee, a Bobbin Hollow entry driven to victory today by the talented Ariana Varveris. Sophie Germ made her Grand National debut with Signed Sealed Delivered to receive reserve honors with a good round of applause from her international fan club.

The first hunter class of the afternoon came as nine entries hit the ring for the World Champion Three-Year-Old Futurity. Synonymous for Hunter Pleasure titles at the highest level, Mary Carlton added yet another title to her long resume as she guided Indian Creek Bali Hai (HVK Bell Flaire x MEM Exotica) to the world championship for Chris and Phil Lasky. Also a veteran of many hunter titles in this building, Kathleen Peeples was aboard Reserve World Champion SpringMill Tea Party (MEM The Patriot x SpringMill Cherry Bomb) to add to a long list of top champions for the Brown/Klein family.

What a year it has been for Mary Carol Chruscicki and GLB Leader Of The Band and it got even sweeter when the results were announced for the Pleasure Driving Amateur Ladies Finals as they were named the unanimous Grand National Champions. Sally Lindabury and Jennifer Lake greeted the champions in the winner’s circle. Cathy Grimes escorted the reserve champions, GLB Bell Of The Ball and Genevieve Carlino Gomez, from the ring. The storyline in this class was GLB Bell Of The Ball is actually the dam of the champion, GLB Leader Of The Band. It was a win-win situation for breeder Lorraine Bumb and Silver Creek Stables.

At the conclusion of the seven-horse Classic Pleasure Saddle Masters World Championship the entries were asked to line up single file to be stripped. Announcer Peter Fenton sent word that this class does not strip and he jokingly announced that this was a test to see if the riders followed orders and they all passed. After sending them back to the lineup, the winning rider from the past two years, Donna Zimmerman, was called out as the champion again. This year Narragansett Spirit was her winning teammate from PlayMor Farm. Narragansett Spirit was the third horse Zimmerman has won this World Championship with in as many years. Tim Roesink provided the Reserve World Champions MEM Have You Ever and Carolyn Gibbard. Last year’s World Champion with Zimmerman, C’est La Vie was third this year with new owner Erin Kelley riding.

Last year’s Pleasure Driving World Grand Champion Fox Hollow Talk About Me had the ring to himself this afternoon as Hannah Kelley drove him to the 13 & Under World Championship. It wasn’t their fault no one else showed up and they put on a show worthy of the title under any circumstances. It was Hannah’s second World Championship of the day. David Rand was the winning trainer for the Kelley family’s Victory Lane Farm.

With a west coast stamp all over it, the English Pleasure Three-Year-Old Stallion/Gelding class featured CFF Personal Advantage (Futurity French Command x GLB Bell Of The Ball) at the top of the judges’ cards with Cathy Grimes making the winning ride among a strong field of contenders for owner Susan Carlino. This was Bell Of The Ball’s second champion offspring of this session. Reserve honors in this one went the way of Baccarat’s Rhythm & Blues and Stacy Hennessy, a blue ribbon winning team this season at New England for Gerry Rushton.

As the session moved along to the Junior Exhibitor 14 & 15 Pleasure Driving class it was another California owner taking the top prize, this one prepared by Colorado based The River’s Edge. Mary Cockriel headed Total Request and Tayler Walters and then escorted them to the winner’s circle following their unanimous victory for Debra Hurst. PlayMor’s Shall We Dance had all the right moves with Janelle Gray to pick up the reserve streamers. The expressive four-year-old earned her second reserve title of the show directed by Showcase Stables.

It was refreshing to see seven park saddle horses in the ring at the same time. This group was competing for the Park Saddle Ladies Gelding blue and a nice class it was. Applause came from all parts of the arena with fans cheering their favorites. For the third class in a row the top prize belonged to a California exhibitor. Kathleen Kabel had a great ride aboard the sporty black gelding DMH Back In Black. Following the reserve finish in this class for each of the past three years, the Blackridge team broke through with a great victory. A reserve winner in park harness the day before, Cedar Creek Danseur was reserve today under saddle. Alissa Leonard provided the good ride with the expressive chestnut for Ed and Jane Leonard and trainers Jaisen and Meghan von Ballmoos.

Another class and you guessed it, another California winner. Stacy Hennessy earned the Grand National plaque with Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding Champion Abalone, owned by Jean Stewart and Kathryn Aldinger. While wife Megan von Ballmoos was at the ring with Cedar Creek Danseur, Jaisen was busy warming up Kinzu Gaelic Storm, the reserve champion in the two-year-old class for owner/breeders Darryl and Kathleen Pierce.

The Hunter/Jumper World Championships were presented next as the audience had the chance to applaud several of the athletes performing in Sport Horse Arena. The parade included Low Working Hunter World Champions Wintergreen Beaufort and Bay State Vista, Working Hunter World Champions Wintergreen Beaufort and Melendy Cash Bonus, and Jumper World Champions Flintwood Starlet and Reverence Astarte.

One class remained for the afternoon session, Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor 16 & 17. Julia Strier put on an exhibition with MCS Bandini for Loek and Robert Neimeth as they warmed up for some competition later in the week in the world championship round.

Prior to the start of the Wednesday evening session, the Horse Show Committee held a well-attended reception to thank Oklahoma City for its partnership with the Morgan Grand National. After treating the large number of guests to delicious food and drink, Horse Show Chairman Fred Dills recognized the partnerships with various Oklahoma organizations that have helped the Grand National grow into the grand show that it has become.

Officials from the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, local hotels and restaurants were pleased to be invited and formally recognized. Horse show manager Fred Nava credited the support of the local community with a large portion of the success of the horse show.

Dills began his remarks with his "hat in his hand," in appreciation for the hard work of everyone involved with making the show so successful.

A shorter slate of classes on Wednesday night paved the way for the nightcap, the AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal Finals. With a short program on tap, they started out fast and furious with the Amateur Roadster Under Saddle Finals. It was hot pink with black polka dots on the shoulders making the quick trip down victory lane, as Annie Morgan cruised along with RJMF Hudson to take the top prize for Robert Morgan. In their first season together, they have now garnered a National Championship. Sired by Hollybrook Stage Rage, Hudson is out of a Born To Boogie mare. The four-year-old gelding was bred and raised by the Morgans. Sara Tesler wore navy and maroon silks to debut aboard Black Tuxedo Wildfire to take the Reserve National Championship. Owner Andy Marlett joined them in the winner’s circle for the reserve round of honor.

Armada Line Drive and Dan Kelley made their debut drive tonight, taking the Three-Year-Old Classic Pleasure Driving Futurity World Championship for Victory Lane Farm. Sired by On Line, the bay colt is out of VL Mandalay, by HVK Bell Flaire. Mike Carpenter directed the victory pass. It was a good 2007 for the combination of Ben’s Rhapsody and Ariel, as CBMF Avenger was crowned Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity Reserve World Champion as well as World Champion Gelding. Tonight it was his full brother, CBMF Inside Out, taking a Reserve World Championship with Kelsey Ramsey driving for Copper Beech LLC. Harry Sebring headed this reserve winner.

It was a World Championship victory pass for the fourth year in a row for Hylee’s Flanflaire, his third with Sara Heidenreich aboard. The 2008 Walk-Jog Western Pleasure World Champions, this team also earned World Champion honors in this very same 13-and-Under Western Pleasure World Championship just a year ago. The unanimous winning team is directed by Mary Carlton and Crystal Farms. Such incredible consistency is something to be marveled at, especially in a division as competitive as Western. It was a repeat one-two finish from the 12-13 National Championship, as Affinity One N A Million was once again reserve with Angelica Lengyel. Sired by Mtn Laurel Maximilian, he is out of Century Spiritess, by Wham Bam Command. Angelica rode the chestnut to the reserve win in a shimmering top, sparkling under the bright lights.

Krista Headley was turned out in high style at the lines of Amateur Park Harness Mare and Gelding winner Tara’s Firewalker. Wearing a copper jacket with an Elizabethan collar, she rocked out a pair of sequined pants to add a touch of flair to the ensemble. Having a horse like Firewalker didn’t hurt the picture, as they park trotted up a storm under the direction of Tara Farm. By HVK Bell Flaire, Firewalker’s dam is Tara’s Anasazi, a World Champion in the In-Hand division. Earlier this week, Firewalker and Krista Headley took top honors in the Amateur Park Saddle Mare and Gelding class. Last night, it was Infusion taking the Ladies Pleasure Driving Mare National Championship, tonight it was Fusion earning Reserve National Championship honors, as Iann Fu Longenecker drove Dragonsmeade Fusion to the reserve title for Dragonsmeade and the Grove Pointe banner. The HVK Bell Flaire son out of Cedar Creek Pirouette was the 2007 Amateur Park Harness World Champion.

It was time to crown another World Champion, this one in the Amateur Hunter Pleasure division. A winner at Southern States and New England, MEM Gentleman Jack continued his winning ways with the Amateur World Championship. Sara Heffernan was once again aboard, as she was in the Amateur Stallion/Gelding qualifier on Saturday. Sired by MEM Bailamos, Gentleman Jack is out of the hall of fame broodmare Miss Bluegrass. It seems fitting that the reigning Hunter Pleasure World Champion would sire the two world title winners in a Hunter class, and that was the case here, as MEM Triple Sec was the Reserve World Champion with Darlene White riding for Jeff and Darlene White. Reserve in the Amateur Ladies Hunter Mare National Championship, Triple Sec was last year’s Amateur and Amateur Ladies World Champion. She is out of Star Lake Ellisa, yet another hall of fame broodmare for Maine Event Morgans. Reserve National Champion in both the Amateur and Open Hunter Pleasure Mare classes, Graycliff Miss Liberty finished third with Teri Rumens riding for Fire Run Farm.

If you would like to discuss winning records in Oklahoma, it would be hard to top that of Boogie Nights. In his previous four trips to Oklahoma, Boogie Nights has left the ring as the champion each time under saddle. It has been as blue as the skies have been all week here in Oklahoma for Boogie Nights. He earned his fifth Classic Pleasure World Championship tonight with a beaming Bonnie Howard. While Bonnie Howard has owned her share of top champions, this was her very first personal world championship victory. It was a great victory for the Grove Pointe team.

The field of 16 in the Classic Pleasure Saddle World Championship came down to a tricolor battle between the two horses who have cumulatively earned the title for the past five years. Last year’s victorious team of Leslie Kelley and IGF Coeur et Ame added the reserve streamers this year. Shimmering and shining in her dark silver formal coat, Leslie Kelley made a fantastic ride tonight for Victory Lane Farm and the Rand banner. Teri Rumens garnered top three honors for the second class in a row, riding Leviticus to the yellow prize for Fire Run Farm.

While it was the same sire of the top two Hunters tonight, so it was in the Western Pleasure Gentlemen’s Finals, as Pot Of Gold was the sire of both the National Champion and Reserve National Champion. Top honors went to Tracemark Touch Of Gold. Daryl Hopson’s cheering section went wild as his number was called out with the Beverly Olson entry. Dapper as always in a lavender shirt aboard the glistening mare, Hopson tipped his black cowboy hat to the fans in the winner’s circle. This is Touch Of Gold’s first season as a Western horse and she is fancy. It was Worked In Gold finishing in reserve with Jeff Bessey up for Francis Beers. Out of Gradell’s Work Of Art, his dam’s sire is Tug Hill Commando. Repeating their 2008 finish in this class, Bessey and Worked In Gold have enjoyed great success throughout their career together. Rum Brook Immortal Valor and Richard Boule capped off the top three in this most competitive division for Jacqueline and Nicole Harrington.

The Amateur Park Harness Stallion class was a solo affair, but what a show Elaine Olsen put on with SYP High Definition. They looked ready for primetime under the direction of Gerry Rushton and Stacy Hennessy. Owned by Ted and Elaine Olsen, this was High Definition’s seventh career victory pass at Oklahoma. His most famous came of course a year ago as the heralded Park Harness World Champion, with Rick Stevens at the lines. Coming off two simply sublime wins at New England, including the $10,000 Amateur Park Harness Championship, High Definition was once again in top form tonight.

The AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal Finals capped off the Wednesday night session, holding the place of honor as the final class. Following the preliminary round on Monday, 12 riders called back to perform tonight in the quest for Gold Medal excellence. Following the railwork as a group, the riders left for the paddock and returned individually to do their patterns. While some questioned the lack of difficulty the pattern required, it truly measured the desired level of perfection to crown the champions. Following the tabulations, the top ten riders were brought back into the ring for what most believed to be the customary ribbon presentations in reverse order.

Bill Carrington changed things up and called out the AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal Champion first, sending the Trinity Farm team into a tizzy, as Suzanne Haberek and her crew by the in gate stood in a circle looking at each other for a moment and then screamed at the top of their lungs, as Michaela Gillispie and The Wizard headed to the winner’s circle. Her adoring family and faithful fans gathered outside where there were lots of hugs and cheers and congratulations. A throng gathered out in front of the stabling area to take pictures of the winning team along with trainer/instructor Suzanne Haberek.

Winner of the 14-15 class as well as being one of the most highly-decorated Equitation riders today, Annie Thurber was the Reserve Gold Medal Champion, directed by Katie Mair and Craig Clapp. Thurber was the Reserve Gold Medal Champion a year ago, also serving as Senior Equitation World Champion and UPHA Senior Challenge Cup Reserve National Champion. In 2008, she was the Junior Equitation World Champion and the UPHA Junior Challenge Cup National Champion. The multi-titled field of AMHA Saddle Seat Medal Top Ten ribbon winners also featured; Julia Strier, Kelsey Robinson, Hanna Johnson, Anya Pierson, Nena Marlin, Kate Kielceski, Cameron Kay and Amelia Coomber.

Performance Arena

Western Seat Equitation and Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation took center stage Wednesday morning in the Performance Arena, with eight classes scheduled in an every other class Western/Hunter rotation. We started off the session with the Western Seat Equitation 16-17 year olds. This division is always competitive in any equitation seat as many riders are aging out and are at the top of their game. This was very true in this class. There were top riders from coast to coast, but after the railwork was performed it was the Brianna Berg who rose above the rest to earn the Grand National title in this strong class. Brianna was paired with Hylee’s Blood Sweat & Tears and dressed in a beautiful green outfit with direction from Kelly Kraegel Varner. Second in this deep class was Marissa Klimkiewicz followed by world titled performers Sascha Mills, Olivia Lahr and Lauren Little.

The next class to come in was the first of the four divisions of the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation. This class was for the youngest group, the 8 and under riders. The winner didn't have to travel far as Anna Ryan Rowe hails from Edmond, OK. Matched with Elk Green Elegance, the winning team added to the Gwinfield Farm banner. Adding to a great show already in the performance division, Alexandra Streicher added the red ribbon to the Liberty Stables banner with Nemours Courageous.

The 14-15 western equitation riders were next into the performance arena. Gold Medal winner the previous day, Madison Wurster earned today’s victory in unanimous fashion with her trusty steed Evil Knievil. Cottonwood Creek riders followed with Mary Kris Revard picking up the second place with Ryne Swope earning the third place honors.

Brooke Perlee and She’s My Calendar Girl continued their amazing show. With a world title in the pleasure division already securely won, Brooke exhibited grace and style to top the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 9-year-old class under the direction of Cedar Spring Farm. Reece Hart and Maple Ridge Ty One On represented the Midwest in reserve, while Alexandra Varveris and True Gold brought the yellow ribbon back to Florida’s Bobbin Hollow banner.

The action turned back to the Western Equitation with a grand field of 14 riders vying for top honors in the 12-13-year-old class. Sara Heidenreich looks picture perfect all the time as the judges recognized in her first victory pass of the day with Hylee’s Fanflaire. Emily Jones, Lauren Osborne, Mariah Knight and Mallory Stacy picked up the remainder of the top five ribbons respectively.

Catriona Kozijn enjoyed all of the attention in the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 10-Year-Old class as she made the victory pass with Lord Of The Dance. It was back-to-back exhibitions as Bonnie Tom matched up with Cedar Farm Camelot for the Western Seat Equitation 11 & Under victory.

The Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation 11-Year-Old Class capped the morning’s competition with another Oklahoma rider nabbing a blue ribbon. Cori Tipton and NKS Gentle Persuasion enjoyed the cheers from the Gwinfield Farm contingent on their victory pass. Rachel Darrow and Lasting View Royal Design turned in a confident ride for the reserve finish.

It was double jeopardy time in the Performance Arena on Wednesday afternoon as the entertaining carriage competition was the only class on the schedule. After a brief course walk and a short break, six entries drove the Double Jeopardy course. The Chairman Of The Board navigated to victory in this class for the second year in a row, earning his third Grand National title this week for trainer Karen Holford and owners Bob and Judi McCoy. Anita Meinert directed HVK Hard Rock to the reserve finish in this always-entertaining class.

Sport Horse Arena

The Hunter Seat Over Fences Equitation 17 & Under Finals was first up on Wednesday morning’s schedule. The top two ribbons were earned by two exceptionally versatile young ladies in their final Grand National as junior riders, Rebecca Boorstein and Kelsey Robinson. A world champion performance rider in the Morgan and Saddlebred breeds, Rebecca Boorstein added this win to a memorable junior rider career in Oklahoma. Jamie Gerardi directed Boorstein and MXM Breezy Knight to the victory, while in the coliseum Jim and Fay Lowry were directing Gerardi’s daughter Sydney Savage to the winner’s circle. After earning the victory in this class for the past four years, Kelsey Robinson finished with the reserve today aboard her celebrated partner Melendy Cash Bonus. Robinson has enjoyed an amazing equitation career including AMHA Gold Medals in the Dressage, Hunt Seat and Hunt Seat Over Fences in addition to victories in western and saddle seat.

These teams reversed their order just two classes later in the Working Hunter Junior Exhibitor Finals. Kelsey Robinson and Melendy Cash Bonus won these finals for the second year in a row, while Fawn McDaniel also rode the versatile performer to the reserve tie in the Working Hunter II competition. MXM Breezy Knight and Rebecca Boorstein added the reserve ribbon in the Junior Exhibitor Finals to the Lowry Stables banner.

In between these two classes, four entries competed for the Working Hunter Amateur Finals Grand National title. Elizabeth Vieira and Bay State Vista earned their first of two victories this morning followed by SFX King’s Braveheart and Kristen Betit. Bay State Vista returned to best a field of eight in the Working Hunter Under Saddle competition. The well decorated Wintergreen Beaufort and Susan Garmier were reserve champions in the under saddle class, but claimed victory in the Working Hunter II class. This talented team won both the Working Hunter I and II classes at this year’s show. They earned World Champion High Point Awards in the Open and Low Working Hunter divisions for Ann Taylor.

For two years in a row, Mallory Mignot and Flintwood Starlet have claimed the Jumper III title. This team swept their division winning the Grand National Jumper I, II and III honors on the way to the World Champion Jumper Award for Anne Mears. Nicole Patterson directed Reverence Astarte to the reserve honors in the six-entry competition.

Thursday, October 14

Coliseum

The lights were down in the coliseum on Thursday morning as it was a morning off for some, while the Hunt Seat Equitation World Championships in the Performance Arena and one Reining class in the Sport Horse Arena kept many others quite busy. The competition picked right back up at 1:00 in the coliseum with a schedule of a dozen classes split between some of the final Grand National qualifiers and some highly anticipated World Championships.

The Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares were welcomed to the ring to kick off the session in stylish fashion. Coming off victory passes at Far West Regional and the Morgan Medallion along with the World Champion Mare victory five days earlier, Flawless was just that again to take the Grand National title for Keith Nelsen and owner Sarah Lee. Reserve in the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic at Jubilee, Set The Stage was a Reserve Grand National Champion as well with Phil Fountain at the controls for proud owner/breeder Sally Ann Lyle.

It was horse show time when 16 junior exhibitors flooded the ring with their 14-17 Classic Pleasure Saddle entries vying for a World Champion tricolor, cooler and plaque. It was stellar field representing some of the top training barns in the country that worked long and hard, and it turned out to be a repeat victory for the chestnut trimmed in white that stood out from the crowd. Moniqua Dube and the always-marching Lookaway’s Hot Ticket returned to the winner’s circle as the Rand team was on top of the world for the second consecutive year. The World Championship team from 2008, Outrageous Courageous and Abby Meyer added the Reserve World Championship this year. Under the direction of Mike and Ann Slomkowski, Abby Meyer out hustled 14 other riders to command honors aboard this highly decorated campaigner. Hayley Porter and Versailles took a good third place ribbon home to Monson, Massachusetts and they were followed by Plum Haven Minuet and Kristen Wade as well as NKS Express Mail with Hunter Wade to round out the top five in this great championship.

Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares opened the session and now it was time for the stallions and geldings which featured seven contenders. From this field of top youngsters came the finely chiseled bay gelding with a small star, a white nose and plenty of show ring presence, ADC Last Man Standing (Man In Motion x You Never Know GSF). This Grand National Champion was brought to us by the longtime team of Lynn Peeples and the Cojocar family. Already a 2010 Reserve Grand National Champion under saddle, the Tequila Rhythm son, Baccarat’s Rhythm & Blues picked up his second reserve title of the week, this time with Gerry Rushton on the lines.

The session proved to be a good one for junior exhibitors in their world championships as a nice sized crowd cheered on nice sized classes. It was a good combination that had the feel and excitement of a World Championship Horse Show. The 13 & Under English Pleasure riders rode well beyond their years on this Oklahoma afternoon as judges Lewis Eckard, Steve Davis and Lisa Waller had their hands full with 15 spirited, young riders and their mounts performing for world championship glory. One by one they walked the lineup and at each stop, the cheers rang out.

It got really loud when the Blackridge team of Katie Kabel and L.A. Ricochet (Tug Hill Whamunition x Mantic Mardi Gras) was called out for a trip to the winner’s circle where Debi Jeppesen met them. This well-matched team had worked their way up the ladder this week and had now reached the very top to the delight of their fan club and proud family. It was a tricolor sweep for the west coast as Lila Tartar and QVM Rocket Man met Glynis Snowden in the winner’s circle. With a sensational season, tricolor streamers were icing on the cake. The impressive lineup of top-five ribbons winners also featured HVK Flash Back with Lauren Wade, VVM By Design with Jessica McGoldrick and the dapper Nicholas Roberts with Raintree Picasso.

There was lots of talent to be found in the Four-Year-Old Park Harness World Championship but there could be only one world champion and after cranking his legs on both ends both ways of the ring, the ZZ Top sired HVK Brass Ring was the undisputed champion with Steven DeBolt driving for Herbert V. Kohler. Brass Ring was a park horse through and through and had the expression to match as he earned the unanimous victory. A totally different look, the elegant QVM Jocelyn Rose marched to the Reserve World Championship. Sired by Centerpiece and out of the Noble Flaire daughter, HVK Take the Roses, Jocelyn Rose won the mare and gelding qualifier with Ken Swanson driving for Krista Headley. In addition to being this year’s New England Junior Grand Champions, they were last year’s Three-Year-Old World Champions.

Thirteen wasn’t an unlucky number for Daisy Beisler. That was the number of entries in the Junior Exhibitor 14-17 English Pleasure World Championship in which she and Graywood’s Arthur exited with the World Champion cooler, streamers and plaque. Once again the crowd was fully behind the young riders inspiring them to ride even harder and on this afternoon, Daisy gave the Reindance Stables team of Sally Lindabury and Jennifer Lake another victory, this one a world championship. They started this week with a victory pass in the 16 & 17-year-old class. Trainer Ken Swanson had Reserve World Champions in back to back classes, this one Comiskey Park, ridden by Leah Ling. They had also been reserve to Beisler in the qualifier to add to a great season for David Ling. Delaney Weed and TE Ammunition made a strong push to finish third in this great class. Kriskroft Keynote and Adam Lewis went home with fourth place honors while MEM Star Power and Julia Strier rounded out the top five.

Thirteen was also the number of entries in the lineup of the Walk-Trot Classic Pleasure Saddle 11 & Under World Championship. One young lad was pitted against 12 of the cutest, bun-wearing riders; all 13 meaning business. Americans are always for the underdog and when the three judges stopped at the last rider, the lone boy – small but mighty, the cheers and screams came from all around the coliseum. Silence then took over as parents, instructors and spectators anticipated the results being called out by announcer Bill Carrington. The cheering started again as the celebrated Cabot Carte Blanche and Sydney Savage were named the World Champions. The proud team of Jim and Fay Lowry as well as Sydney’s mom Jamie Gerardi put this world champion combination together and for the second time this week they were picture perfect. The just turned six-year-old Quintin Roberts didn’t let his many fans down as he and Rae Of Light were announced as the Reserve World Champions with Ann Slomkowski as their coach. Rae Of Light started flagging himself on Quintin’s reserve victory pass making for quite a picture for the future of the show world.

Patricia Lloyd had enjoyed a good week up to this point and it got even better as Jessica Sebring drove her Whitemud Dixie DanceKing to a repeat victory in the Youth Park Harness Finals World under the direction of trainer/dad Harry Sebring. This team also claimed the Youth Championship at New England this year. Just a junior horse, Gordels Deliverance was the Reserve Champion with Tyler Hufferd catch-driving the dynamic son of Stand And Deliver for George and Glendel Campbell and trainer Forest Nealon.

They came 12 strong for the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure World Championship. Following their crowd-pleasing performances they lined up six on each side of center ring to walk the lineup for conformation judging. When judges Davis, Eckard and Waller turned their numbers in, number 133 was the number that came out on top and that belonged to Optimus Prime and Kristen Tramposh. A product of Futurity French Command and Erotic Dancer, Pepper Ranch’s homebred star suffered the first defeat of the year in the stallion/gelding qualifier but came back today showing the same form that resulted in six other 2010 victory passes to be named the World Champion. Mike Goebig piloted Dutch-Mor’s Joy for William Haines and Ledyard Company to command the Reserve World Champion honors. This daughter of Astronomicallee and Pompp and Pazazz won the four-year-old mare qualifier in addition to being both Mid-A’s and New York Regional’s Junior Pleasure Grand Champion. Mary Cockriel finished this deep class in third aboard BJB The Gambler.

Youth drivers were on tap for the second time this afternoon, this one being the Grand National Youth Pleasure Driving Finals. The Lorraine Bumb owned and bred GLB Bell Of The Ball (HVK Bell Flaire x Fletcher Music Lee) had quite a week. Not only was she the dam of two different Grand National Champions to this point, she herself had a reserve title earlier in the week and was now the Grand National Champion of the Youth Pleasure Driving Finals with Cathy Grimes directing Genevieve Gomez to the title. Julia Strier and AFF Nor’Easter put on a good performance to earn the Reserve Grand National Champion streamers. This made a matching set as they had finished in the same position in the Youth English Pleasure for owner Catherine Ehnle and the Lingering Hills team.

In the strip portion of the World Champion Futurity Park Saddle Three-Year-Old event the audience let the judges know their favorite was Cedar Creek Flambeau (Astronomicallee x Cedar Creek Wind Chime) and unanimously, they agreed. Jim Lowry rode the big doing chestnut for Cedar Creek Farm. Last year’s World Champion Junior Stallion has been a sight this year under saddle and enjoyed another memorable trip down victory lane. Reserve World Champion Futurity honors went the way of JDS Sweet Obsession (HVK Noble Obsession x JDS Promises Promises). In her saddle debut, she wore the reserve streamers with Katie Mair presenting for Debbie LaMay.

Thursday afternoon closed with another Futurity World Championship, this one for nominated two-year-old pleasure driving horses, 10 in all. These were 10 of the 11 that were invited back from two groups of six in preliminary rounds. Separating themselves from the pack, CBMF Momentarily (Ben’s Rhapsody x FRF Stolen Moment) and Harry Sebring captured the World Champion title to add to a long list of top youngsters bred by Ann Hailey’s Copper Beech and directed by Team Sebring. Continuing their good week, Peeper Ranch provided the Reserve World Champion performance with Phil Fountain presenting Seriously (Hollybrook Stage Rage x JW Noble Gift), a finely chiseled chestnut.

The Coliseum ring had a different look at the start of the Thursday night session, as it was set for the show opener, the Carriage Obstacle Driving World Championship. This "choose your own route" class featured six teams and excitement right down to the last round. Anita Meinert made some sharp turns and quick work of the course with HVK Hard Rock, notching a sub-59 second run with no penalty faults, making her the winner by 12 seconds! A former Carriage Pleasure Driving World Champion with the late Tristanne Weber Childress, this is Hard Rock’s first Obstacle World Championship. In their first Oklahoma together, Meinert and Hard Rock earned two blues and two reserves. UVM Gesture and Lisa Richards earned their best ever Oklahoma finish, taking the Reserve World Championship.

It was a very happy birthday week indeed, as Stephanie Connor celebrated a Ladies Pleasure Driving World Championship along with her birthday back at the Arcuri Stables setup just outside the horse show office. It was a unanimous decision that sent Tim and Ryan Arcuri running to the far end to meet Festival Calypso. The amazing gelding by Immortal Command added a 12th World Championship to his record-setting resume tonight, earning this title for the third year in a row and the seventh time overall. This is a horse that is truly a joy to watch. Stephanie Connor always has him looking just right under the direction of the Arcuris, and she is always turned out just so as well to complete the perfect picture. The Reserve World Championship drive was put on by one of the most well-liked ladies of the Morgan world, Shanna Gish. The cheers of "Go Shanna!" and "Woo Hoo Shanna!" could be heard from around the ring, as she drove to the winner’s circle with Indian Creek Miss Margret. Named after a granddaughter of the Quilhots, Miss Margret is just four years old. A very pleased Kurt Hufferd did a kind of sideways hop step out of the lineup, running to the far end alongside.

No Contest and Linda Hawkins scored a fantastic unanimous World Championship win in the Amateur Masters Park Saddle division. Trained by Grove Pointe, this was the second year in a row for the Mountain Hawk Farm entry to win this class. They truly have just continued to get better and better year after year, winning both of their classes here this week. In his first Oklahoma since winning the 2003 Park Saddle World Grand Championship, Centerpiece was the Reserve World Champion with Donna Zimmerman aboard. Jennifer Hazen joined them in the winner’s circle, as the Serenity Masterpiece son returned to the Coliseum he made his own just seven years ago on Saturday night. Donna wore a bronze formal coat tonight, working nicely with her bay partner.

A Junior Exhibitor World Champion a year ago, GLB Leader Of The Band was the Amateur Masters World Champion this year. This time it was a beaming Mary Carol Chruscicki earning her first world title alongside trainer Jennifer Lake with Sally Lindabury joining in the winning Reindance Team presentation. Amateur Masters National Champion on Sunday, Sea-Vu Justified was reserve here with Jeff Gove driving for the Taylor River banner. Jeff Gove was the winning driver in this class just last season, winning it with FRF Seattle Reign, now partnered with son Jared for an Amateur Pleasure Driving Gelding Reserve National Championship on Monday. Nancy Hendricks made a great comeback drive to earn third with her new partner Sacred Path Indiana Jones. Amateur Ladies English Pleasure Reserve World Champion in 2009 with Shelley Silber, Indiana Jones remains under the Grove Pointe banner.

A seven-year-old daughter of Tedwin Titlist, She’s My Calendar Girl has made the most of her first season in the show ring. Starting out the year as the Youth Hunter Pleasure Champion at Vermont Spring Classic, she has capped off the season in the highest of high styles here in Oklahoma. In six trips to the ring, Calendar Girl has come away with the top prize all six times. Brooke and Hailey Perlee have shared the wins, with Brooke earning a quartet in the walk-trot division. Hailey Perlee took her turn, winning the Youth Hunter Pleasure Mare class. Tonight, she returned to best a field of 20, taking a unanimous World Championship in the Youth Hunter Pleasure division. An emotional Keely Sogoloff ran down alongside her victorious entry, patting both horse and rider as she ran stride for stride to the winner’s circle. Alana Little has also had a spectacular week under the direction of Kelly Kraegel Varner, winning the Road Hack Hunt Seat Finals and this Reserve World Championship with Delaware’s Shadow Dancer. This longtime team made their Oklahoma debut together in 2003 in 10-11 Walk-and-Trot Hunter Pleasure. It has been a great journey to this, their best week ever at the Morgan Grand National. Amateur Masters winner on the first day of the show, Legal Eagle was third here with Caitlin Novotny riding for Janie Denning.

A nice field of 14 followed, with the Ladies Classic Pleasure Driving entries vying for their World Championship. Navigating all the traffic that that many driving horses can create, Whitney Hazen Downs was shining in chartreuse on her way down victory lane with Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize. Many times an Oklahoma winner, Nobel Prize was the Masters Classic Driving World Champion a year ago as well as in 2006 with Jacqueline Clapp. The handsome bay put on a phenomenal performance tonight to take the tricolor back to PlayMor. Amy Gatewood Gendjar continued the winning week for DanTree Farm, as she drove Nicoria to the Reserve World Championship, under the direction of David Rand. Jack Gatewood was the Classic Pleasure Driving World Champion with Nicoria in 2008. It was a tricolor sweep for the multi-titled sons of Futurity French Command.

What better way to earn your first victory in a division than in the World Championship? That was exactly what SLB Puccini did in the Amateur Roadster to Bike World Championship with Lisa Howa driving for Rick and Lisa Howa. Wearing the burgundy and black of Blackridge, Lisa was greeted in the winner’s circle by Bob Hughes. This was a third World Championship win for Puccini, as he was Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Futurity World Champion in 2006 and Three-Year-Old Park Saddle Futurity World Champion in 2007. In just his second show as a road horse, Puccini made a spot on performance for the top prize. The winner of the Amateur National Championship, CBMF Double Down was the Reserve World Champion with Dr. Alison Bendele driving for Drs. Ray and Alison Bendele. The stark white and royal blue silks were trimmed in red, yellow and white tonight, as the dark chestnut speedster raced to reserve.

Speaking of first wins in a division, Richard Boule put on the hunt attire for his first-ever class in the Hunter Pleasure division. The talented Mr. Boule pulled together a collectively donated outfit to hit the ring with Grand Cru Valentino in the Hunter Pleasure Gentlemen’s Finals, taking National Championship honors. "I always said that if I was ever going to show a hunter, it would be a horse like this," said Boule after his victorious performance on the handsome and showy gelding. An entry of Susan and Chelsey Abate, Valentino has only been a Taylor River resident since Mass Morgan. He now has his first Oklahoma win after three reserve finishes last year. Stan Bodnar has gotten the call to ride Narragansett Bay in this class for four years in a row now, and why wouldn’t he? In 2007 they won the class and have been reserve three years in a row since then. Owned by Travis Wilson, Narragansett Bay shows under the Triumph Stables banner. Belle Hufferd made the run to the winner’s circle for the round of honor. By Liberation First Star, Narragansett Bay is out of Cherries Wild, by Serenity Masterpiece.

The young career of Cry Baby continued in undefeated fashion, as Helen Crawford made the familiar unanimous World Championship drive in Ladies Park Harness. Ringmaster Juan Stuckey was the man on the scene to avert disaster in this class, as one of the decorative plants fell from its perch at the far end of the ring, plopping down onto the show surface! Juan’s fleet-footed removal saved a potential problem. Where the plant once rested on the ground near the winner’s circle, Cry Baby took its place for owner Plan B and the Blackridge team. Owned, bred, raised and loved by Helen Crawford and late husband Bill, Cry Baby is the next generation for the great Boston Morgan Farm. She is a product of their boy, Tug Hill Whamunition, and their favorite girl, HVK Ancient Cry, and she represents her roots with a definite show horse flair. The Reserve World Champion was Indian Creek American Girl, with a smiling Ann Hailey driving for Copper Beech and the Sebring Stables team. An impeccably fine mare, she represents the Ladies division to a tee. By Mizrahi, she is out of Cache, by DBA Street Talk. She possesses loads of quality and type, to go along with her athletic talents.

After the Thursday night session, the Indian Creek team continued their party and kicked into high gear, while others went to watch the Triumph Stables team emerge victorious from the quiz show at the Silver Possibility party. The Indian Creek festivities were to celebrate the ever-smiling, fun-loving yet dedicated and talented Kurt Hufferd’s 20th anniversary at Indian Creek. It takes an impressive bond and working relationship to remain in a job for that long, and the Quilhots certainly have that with Kurt.

Performance Arena

A trio of Hunt Seat Equitation World Championships filled the schedule on Thursday morning with a total of 60 riders competing in this most competitive division in front of judges Patty Kent, Anne Judd and William Moroney.

The Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation riders were first to compete with the field 15 vying for world championship roses today. It was a perfect start to what would be another amazing day for Brooke Perlee and She’s My Calendar Girl. They earned their fourth trip to the winner’s circle including their second world championship. It was a dream week for the perfectly matched team from Cedar Spring Farm. The hometown crowd helped to propel Reserve World Champion Cori Tipton. Matched with NKS Gentle Persuasion, Cori had a very steady leg position and great ring placement under the direction of Jonalyn Gwinup.

The Junior Hunt Seat Equitation World Championship was next on the schedule with 21 entries split into two sections. This year, each section did their railwork and then each rider came back to perform the pattern. The pattern was not very complicated, but it certainly helped to show the polish and accuracy of the top riders. With strong performances on the rail and command of their individual patterns, two riders from Crystal Farms swept the tricolor honors. The world champion for the second year in a row was Ellery Walker. Ellery had a picture perfect pattern coupled with solid rail work to secure the unanimous decision aboard Partridge Hill Prophet. Kaylan Hayman joined the victory parade as the Reserve World Champion aboard Delaware’s Night Life.

A large and talented field of 24 riders signed up for their shot at glory in the Hunt Seat Equitation Senior World Championship. The group was again split into two sections to navigate the ring before each rider was asked to perform the individual pattern. When the long-awaited results were announced, Olivia Alexandra Lahr and D-Bar J Habakkuk saw their name in lights as the 2010 Senior Hunt Seat Equitation World Champions. Olivia has had an amazing final equitation season as she carried the honors back to Triumph Stables. A beaming Kendra Peeples was greeted by her proud mom/instructor Kathleen Peeples as Kendra earned the Reserve World Championship. With confidence on the rail and flawless pattern-work aboard WSG Mystic Impression, Kendra added to a great week at Waterford Farm.

A trio of afternoon classes kept the course designers busy, starting off with the Grand National Carriage Obstacle Driving Timed Cones competition. Two of the week’s top winning carriage entries earned the top spots once again as The Chairman Of The Board and Karen Holford turned in the winning time with HVK Hard Rock and Anita Meinert right behind in second.

After the course was set, the Trail World Championship competition ensued. Megan Welch and RG Regency Chester added to their list of accomplishments as they navigated their way to the English Trail World Championship for Grunden Ranch. Grace Jacobus and I Love Lucy gave their fan club plenty of reason to cheer as they carried home Reserve World Championship honors.

Ann Taylor had an amazing show with her Wintergreen Morgans. Ann was in the pilot’s seat to earn the Western Trail World Championship with Wintergreen Treasure. Dawn Barker and R Keepsake collected the reserve streamers for their fine performance. All four of the Trail World Champions had a chance to show off in front of the coliseum audience on Thursday night.

The UPHA Morgan Challenge Cup Phase I competition filled the performance arena on Thursday evening with the Junior and Senior riders competing for first round scores on the rail and in the individual patterns. The preliminary railwork counts as 1/3 of the final score and individual patterns performed by each rider for judges Bill Waller, Anne Judd and Cecile Dunn also account for 1/3 of the final score. For the qualifying riders, the final 1/3 of their score would be awarded in Friday’s final round.

The entire field of 12 competing junior riders was chosen to return the following day for the finals. Lila Tatar, Chloe Deeb, Hannah McBain, Cameron Kay, Sara Heidenreich, Molly Remondino, Savanna Miller, Amelia Coomber, Hannah Carr, Alexa Bik, Ada Johnson and Ellen Erchul earned their shot at the Junior UPHA Challenge Cup National Championship.

An impressive group of 22 was divided into two sections in the senior division. Following the railwork and a challenging pattern, 13 riders were invited back to compete in the finals. Mattie Willard, Kelsey Robinson, Kate Kielceski, Caroline Gaker, Tayler Walters, Michaela Gillispie, Anya Pierson, Hanna Johnson, Annie Thurber, Lyssa Bomgaars, Julia Strier, Gaetana D'Alesio-Spina and Courteney Kabel would compete for the Senior UPHA Challenge Cup National Championship.

Sport Horse Arena

The Reining competitors gave the Sport Horse Arena audience plenty cheer about with some fast paced action starting on Thursday morning. The Non-Pro Rookie competition was the main attraction of the morning session with Flis Sasella officiating. Zachery Roe and his super hot partner Aquila’s Katy Courage had plenty of courage as they slid to the Grand National victory for Tom Roe. May’s Aspen Gwynever and Jerry Acklin matched up for the red ribbon spin in this one.

Caitlin Harrison showed off her versatile talents with SMC Clear Shot as they scored the Reining First Year Green victory to the delight of their fan club. CKH Hot Ice was well named as he was hot and slick in his winning ride in the Reining Second Year Green with John Bratnick aboard for Andrea Hostetler.

The action heated up on Thursday night with a large field of entries competing in a trio of hotly contested competitions. Ellen Palillo and Disco Patricia scored a return trip to the winner’s circle as they again earned the Reining Non-Pro Adult win under the direction of Josette Conti. In an original field of ten teams, Caitlin Harrison and SMC Clear Shot slid away with the reserve honors. A pair of top young riders performed in the Non-Pro Youth, while unfortunately neither received a qualifying score both earned the crowd’s applause.

The pros were next on deck with a field of seven vying for the Open Reining honors. Last year’s world titled team of Josette Conti and Disco Fever were back in top scoring form as they slid away with the victory for Cindy Nord. A Grand National winner in the junior ranks in 2008, Atakapa Déjà Vu garnered the reserve ribbon with Mark Wilcher riding for Odom Farms.

Friday, October 15

Coliseum

With Chamber of Commerce weather and coming off an exciting night of world championships some 12 hours ago, day seven of this great adventure began on a high note. Breeding enthusiasts made the 9:00 a.m. call to welcome the World Futurity In Hand Yearling Gelding competition. For some 30 years the World Futurity program has been recognizing and rewarding the best from breeding programs across the country. Harold Angell, Steve Davis and Sandy Sessink handled the judging in these siz classes.

From a field of five, LBJ Toy Town (Man In Motion x Candle Dreams) had lots of size and quality to top the gelding competition with Tim Roesink on the lead for Jim and Laura Braddock. This was the second tricolor victory of the show for this team as the first came six days earlier in the Grand National Yearling Geldings. The first foal to show by the great Park Harness World Grand Champion JW That Special Flaire, Tara’s Patriot was the Reserve World Champion for Ken Swanson and Frances Pugh’s Tara Farm. This sporty, bay colt is out of KDS Wild America.

There were also five yearling fillies competing for their World Futurity title, again with some of the best in the business presenting. Six days ago AMHF Mata Hari and Absolute Eye Candy were first and second in the Grand National Yearling In Hand class. This morning they tied the same way with John McDonald and Mary Cockriel presenting unanimous World Champion AMHF Mata Hari (TRE Master Of Disguise x Noble Event) for David and Cindy Vogels. Shown by Phil Fountain for Peeper Ranch, Absolute Eye Candy is a daughter of Cedar Creek Harlequin and the grand mare Treble’s First Take.

Nine well-bred and well-made yearling colts occupied the ring next for a shot at the World Futurity title and prize money. Just as in the gelding and filly sections, our World Champion Futurity In Hand Yearling Colt also won the open yearling colt title earlier in the week. David Rand and John McDonald teamed up to present Take Cover for Firewind Morgans. Take Cover is sired by the former Amateur Park Saddle World Champion BKC Valiant Star out of Queen’s Midori. Phil Fountain and Mike Carpenter showed RWJ Ancora (Astronomicallee x LCS Simply Sensational) to claim reserve honors once again as well for Robert Jones.

After three classes of mostly dark bay in hand horses presented by handlers in mostly dark suits, the ring brightened up considerably with multi-colored outfits featuring lots of bling in the 12-entry World Champion Walk-Jog Western Pleasure title round. The sparkles on the tops of most of the young lady riders matched their smiles as they were happy to be competing for a World Championship on this Oklahoma morning. All 12 turned in great performances, but it was lavender suited Kira Gendjar and MCA Seawind Serenade jogging to the winner’s circle with David Rand at their side. Oklahoma 2010 has given Kira and her family a scrapbook full of memories as she had already won the Walk-Trot English Pleasure World Championship. Her mother, Amy Gatewood Gendjar rode Seawind Serenade to the Ladies Amateur Western Pleasure World Championship in 2003.

Reserve World Champion honors went the way of Connor Chaffin Farley and Dragonsmeade Leilana performing under the direction of Summerbird Farm for the Torrez family. This was the third different Walk-Jog horse Farley has shown this year and last year he won this class with RBF Russian Roulette. Winners of the Walk-Jog Equitation World Championship, Paige Crowley and Hi-Bridge Regal Night were third today in this good class.

We returned to World Futurity competition with geldings starting off the two-year-old entries. Results of the top two from the open two-year-old gelding class were switched this morning. Tim Roesink and Jim Lowry presented Town Affair (Town Assets x JLH So Lovely) to add to a tricolor show for Selvin Torrez and his family as the owners of this unanimous champion. Taking reserve this morning was the John McDonald led AMHF I’ve Got A Secret (Whispering Whamunition x AMHF Chatterbox). Longtime breeders David and Cindy Vogels added the Reserve World Championship to a fabulous show for their breeding program.

Ten entries modeled for the World Champion Futurity Two-Year-Old In Hand Mare title and many of these entries already had in hand and/or performance titles to their credit. The air conditioning must have been back on in the coliseum as it was chilly and the first four or five that were presented to the judges kicked up their heels. From the group of 10, three entries were called out for a second look: Seriously (with Phil Fountain), LPS Out Of Bounds (with Lynn Peeples) and Hope Floats (with Gerry Rushton). They were lined up side-by-side at the in gate end and then asked to trot one more time.

Judges Angell, Davis and Sessink marked their cards and on top of all three was the 2010 World Champion Junior Mare and Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mare Grand National Champion, LPS Out Of Bounds. Blessed with good looks and talent, Out Of Bounds delivered the unanimous decision and Lynn Peeples pumped his fist into the air before heading down to victory lane with the Man In Motion and Illicit Love daughter. This was the third champion of the morning sired by a stallion bred by Lynn Peeples. Sired by the multi-titled performer CCR’s Outrajus Corajus, Hope Floats was the Reserve World Champion for Gerry Rushton and owners James and Kathy Cook. Peeper Ranch collected third place honors with the Hollybrook Stage Rage daughter, Seriously.

Two-year-old stallions followed the mares on this morning’s card and ten answered the gate call for the World Futurity competition. The World Champion Futurity Yearling Colt in 2009, Cimi’s Avant Garde matured nicely to come back and take this year’s Two-Year-Old World Futurity title. Tim Roesink, assisted by Jim Lowry, led the toppy son of the great sire Futurity French Command and top show mare MEM Twisted Sister for Anne-Marie and Martin Biron’s Overtime Farm. Minus his trademark black suit, Lynn Peeples led Man In Black (Town Assets x Town Sweetheart) to the Reserve World Championship. Under the training of Nancy Flower, the dynamic black colt has enjoyed a tricolor season for Lynn Peeples LLC and Ledyard Company LLC.

This session ended with six hard riding junior exhibitors aboard their park saddle horses. It was a good class but the young lady in the pink coat riding the black horse with ears that almost touch and legs that never stop cranking on both ends, led the way from start to finish. Of course we’re talking about World Grand Champion Lamborghini In Black, now ridden by Hannah Kelley. David Rand bolted through the gate to meet the newly crowned Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle World Champions in the winner’s circle. The big chestnut horse pumping his front legs, MEM Tough Enough, paraded as the Reserve World Champion for Travis Wilson who was riding from Triumph Stables.

The morning session closed with Lamborghini In Black and Hannah Kelley cranking it up to make the victory pass that had the Oklahoma audience cheering and Hannah smiling from ear to ear. Another in the record books!

Pete Fenton’s opening comments for the Friday afternoon session set the tone, as he described the schedule as lengthy no less than three times in his one-minute opener. He wasn’t lying, as the final victory pass was made some four hours and change later. This was due in large part to two classes being split and then called back for additional work to crown a World Champion. This started out straight away in the first class, Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving. One of the deepest fields of the entire week sported two sections, one of seven, one of eight, with three entries being eliminated before a final field of 12 was brought back. There was a no show in the one section, making the split seem less necessary. This was the second time this week that a no show has made for a bad split, not an uncommon thing in the horse show world, but not ideal either.

From the final group of 12, it was a unanimous choice of the judges that crowned Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize as the World Champion. Austin McLallin did the driving for the PlayMor Farm, with Sammi and Jennifer Hazen both greeting the winning combination in victory lane. While Nobel Prize was the Masters Classic Pleasure Driving World Champion a year ago, one World Championship didn’t seem enough for the grand gelding, as he took his second of the week. Just a day ago, he was Ladies Classic Pleasure Driving World Champion with Whitney Hazen Downs driving. Emma Kate Flanagan made a reserve pass of her own with Pondview E-Z Spirit, an entry of James Podesva. The 13-and-Under Classic Driving National Champion, E-Z Spirit was headed up by Keith Friday. The Century Free Spirit gelding was World Champion in this class a year ago with Amy Podesva. Plum Haven Minuet and Kristen Wade finished third in this event that left those in attendance quite impressed by the depth of the competition.

With a maiden name like Hunter, you are almost required to win a World Championship in the division. Luckily, Mary Hunter Novotny did just that in the Amateur Masters Hunter Pleasure World Championship, riding Legal Eagle to sweep the division on the week. Amateur Masters National Champions last Saturday, Legal Eagle and Novotny were greeted in the winner’s circle by Mary’s daughter, Caitlin. Legal Eagle is a recent convert to the division, having shown at only one show this year prior to Oklahoma in hunt tack. He showed as a hunter here as a three-year-old, notching a top three finish. He is owned by Janie Denning. Legal Eagle definitely had some tough competition to overcome, as defending Champion Night Out was making a strong claim for the title. Jennifer Grey’s black coat and red shirt worked well with the black gelding. They finished as Reserve World Champions, with Katie Mair directing. Longtime teammates, their first Oklahoma together was 2003!

In what would become a bit of a trend on the day, Donna Zimmerman won a World Championship as the only entry listed in the program. Five more entries materialized to challenge for the tricolor, but Bri-B Lady Malicious took on all comers and turned them back in unanimous fashion. Twice a National Champion now, Lady Malicious was Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Mare winner a year ago, and Four-Year-Old Classic Driving winner on Sunday. Sired by Minion Millennium, she is out of Bri-B Classic Piece, by The Classic Touch. Jim Taylor adjusted the World Champion cooler in place as a lap robe, as Donna began her round of honor. Mike Scanlon had his New England Junior Classic Driving Champion in top form to take the Reserve World Championship with Laura Spengler driving. Winners of the Three-and-Under qualifier here, it was Whispering Magnum Opus carrying off the reserve ribbon in this one. A son of Serenity Masterpiece, Magnum Opus is out of Whispering Star Shadow, by Liberation First Star.

The Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure World Champion was a unanimous choice from a large group. This was Pardon My Prince, with Kasey Monty making the trip in from the Pacific Northwest to claim World Championship honors. An entry of Pamela Engblom of Astoria, Oregon, Pardon My Prince is an up and coming star in this division, having won the Three-Year-Old World Championship in 2009. He was the Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure Stallion/Gelding winner on Monday. A black horse with a white face finished as the Reserve World Champion, as Valarie Siemer rode Be My Hunk O’Spunk to the winner’s circle for Barbara and Anton Nesse. Completing a repeat finish from the qualifier, Hunk O’Spunk was Reserve National Champion in the class on Monday. Stoney Point Remington and Shanna Gish finished third in the deep field for owner/breeder Patricia West.

The only rider sporting the shadbelly was crowned the World Champion in Hunter Pleasure 16-17, as Alana Little wore brown and gold aboard Bell South, notching their biggest win together. Kelly Kraegel Varner had yet another winner on the week here, as the 2006 Hunter Pleasure World Champion looked every bit the part here today for owner Lon Frieden. By HVK Bell Flaire, the 10-year-old gelding is out of Elle, by Troutbrook Hallmark. Little and Bell South were undefeated on the season coming into the week of Oklahoma. A top entry in the performance and equitation divisions the past few seasons here in Oklahoma, D-Bar J Habakkuk was a Reserve World Champion for the second year in a row, with Olivia Lahr riding for David Harding. The Triumph Stables team added this to their Equitation World Championship and the 17-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure National Championship on Monday. Third in this deep gathering of 18 was Ultras My Guy. Sascha Mills was aboard her sporty partner for the top-three finish. Arboria Ben Hur and Katie Hodges capped off their season together in fourth.

The other half of Jim Lowry’s dynamic duo of red chestnut three-year-olds came to the ring to earn the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure World Championship. RCV Patent Pending was the unanimous choice here for owner Kathleen Gatien. Bred by Gatien’s RCV Morgans, Patent Pending is by Minion Millennium and out of Bell Flaire’s Rosette sired by HVK Bell Flaire. In just his second horse show, he earned two World Championships, taking the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Futurity on Tuesday. Never backing an ear, Patent Pending wears his head high in the bridle and looks down the rail, Jim Lowry did a masterful job of directing the sporty youngster and keeping him focused. Also out of a Bell Flaire daughter, Reserve World Champion CFF Personal Advantage is by Futurity French Command and out of GLB Bell Of The Ball. Owned and bred by Susan Carlino, Personal Advantage was ridden by trainer Cathy Grimes. Bell Of The Ball is of course a multiple World Champion in the Pleasure Driving division, winning a National title just this week in the Youth division. Personal Advantage rode from the ring with the blue and white National Championship ribbon on Wednesday in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class. In a show of eight days, the three-year-olds are asked to show back on a day’s rest.

The second class of the day to be split with callbacks was 13-and-Under Hunter Pleasure World Championship. This one made more numerical sense, as all 22 scheduled entries showed, with a field of 12 being selected for a second round of competition. It was "Hail to the Victors" as the State of Michigan swept the top two placings. In their first season together, Natalie Golota and Sight Unseen went to the top of the mountain, capturing the World Championship. Craig Clapp and Katie Mair made another trip to the far end of the ring. Owned by Sandman Associates, Sight Unseen was 13-Year-Old National Champion earlier in the week. No stranger to World and National Championships, he took his seventh and eighth Oklahoma blues this week. It was a very excited Cassie Solberg who was called out for Reserve World Championship honors aboard Whitemud St. Louis Blues. Showing in just her first full year out of walk-and-trot, she took on the "big kids" and came away with second from a field of 22. That’s not too shabby for an 11-and-Under rider, even the National Champion, as Cassie and St. Louis Blues were crowned on Tuesday. Cassie hails from Manistee, Michigan. Orrwood’s Special Edition and Sydney Katherine Withers were third for Judy Holden, with GDT Boucheron a game fourth with Mallory Stacy up for Doug and Tadgy Stacy.

Looking lovely in hot pink, Julia Strier guided MCS Bandini to the 14-17 Pleasure Driving World Championship for Robert and Loek Neimeth. Directed by Scott Neidlinger, Strier earned her first World Championship in the Performance ranks with this son of Liberation First Star out of the top producing Tedwin Topic mare Carlyle Flying Colors. A four-year-old entry of Jeanine Gray, Playmor’s Shall We Dance earned her third reserve of the week, this one with Janelle Gray at the lines, headed up by Mike Slomkowski. This Centerpiece mare was Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Mare Reserve National Champion on Sunday and 14-15 Pleasure Driving Reserve National Champion on Wednesday. She capped off her dazzling week with the Reserve World Championship here.

It was a winner’s circle team of Caitlin Novotny and owner Janie Denning for the second time today, but this time it was Caitlin in the saddle, as she rode Graycliff Rimfire to the Ladies Amateur Western Pleasure World Championship. Fighting off a field of 15, this team earned their 15th victory pass of the year. They were Ladies Amateur Gelding National Champions earlier in the week. By Whispering Whammunition, Rimfire is out of Rum Brook Immortal Fire, by Immortal Command. With a second reserve finish on the week, Ellen McCook and VVM Aleesa were Reserve World Champions after notching the Ladies Amateur Mare Reserve National Championship. The 2008 Amateur Masters World Champion was in top form again today for reserve honors. Making a second strong show on the afternoon, Pardon My Prince rounded out the top three, this time with owner Pamela Engblom doing the riding.

A recent transfer to the West Coast, Indian Creek Warbird debuted with Alexandra Ellsworth at Morgan Medallion, winning their Classic Pleasure Driving qualifier. A month and a half later, they were back in the winner’s circle, this time as Masters Classic Pleasure Driving World Champions. Bob Hughes directed Ellsworth and Warbird’s round of honor. Warbird has taken flight since his switch to the Classic division in August. Winners of the qualifier, Miyake and Dr. Grace Steere earned a second victory pass, this one as Reserve World Champions for Pauline and Moniqua Dube. David Rand trains this polished bay gelding by Mizrahi and out of And The Dream Goes On. Let us restate that it was Grace Steere driving, as she never got the credit for her top drives in the show ring all week long, as Pauline Dube was announced as the driver in both classes.

Donna Zimmerman and Stonecroft Byzantine returned to a familiar place as they earned a repeat trip to the winner’s circle as the Amateur Masters English Pleasure World Champions. They scored the unanimous honors adding to a tricolor show for Zimmerman and her entries. They were greeted in the winner’s circle by Jennifer and Sammi Hazen. Glenn Bouvier directed the Reserve World Champion today, sending Key Criterion and Karen Shields to reserve honors, their best Oklahoma finish together. Tears of joy were shed by Shields, as she headed down victory lane.

Olivia Lahr finished off the afternoon session and her week in the Western division with the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure 14-17 World Championship ride in a field of 17 aboard MJL Rochallor for Gary and Neecy Rohrs. Winners of the 16-17 qualifier on Tuesday, Rochallor was Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure Reserve World Champion in 2008 with Belle Hufferd. Belle was once again in the winner’s circle, this time to pin the ribbon on Rochallor. It was a big day and a big week for Olivia Lahr, as she was 14-17 Hunter Pleasure World Champion earlier in the day and Senior Hunt Seat Equitation World Champion just yesterday. Reserve World Champion a year after taking World Championship honors, George Liberty guided Briar Oaks Pep In My Step to the reserve tricolor. With his fan club out in full force, George and his Stonecroft Byzantine daughter were the National Champions in the 14-15 qualifier. This smooth as silk team was 10 for 10 on the year coming into this class, with a 15-class winning streak spanning two seasons under the direction of David Rand for Lakefront Farm.

The horses and people of the Morgan breed are often synonymous, and tonight was an evening that made you proud to be part of the family. It had all the elements of a great night of horse show. From 24 lead liners to start the session all the way through to the crowning of the Park Harness World Grand Champion, there was something for everyone.

In two separate pleasure World Championships we were privileged to witness two of the best in the history of the breed add to their accolades. A few other Friday night world champions were no strangers to that prestigious winner’s circle, also adding to their lore. In between these thrilling showdowns there were a few emotional moments concerning beloved members of the Morgan community.

The common denominator in all of this was a high charged audience that loved every minute of it!

Opening the evening was that huge lead line class and it was worth the price of admission alone. Never have you seen so many wide-eyed youngsters enjoy a ride around the coliseum under the bright lights of a prime time session. There were many storylines for the families of these, the newest of the Morgan exhibitors. Second, third and fourth generations were getting their first taste of the industry’s ultimate. With cameras going off all around the arena, accompanied by waves and cheers, this class seemed to motivate all involved tonight to ensure these youngsters will be left with a Morgan breed they will be proud to be a part of for many years to come.

In the 37-year history of the Amateur Park Saddle World Championship only six horses have recorded multiple titles. Tonight would be number seven. In a battle of titans, Dragonsmeade Icon and Iann Fu Longenecker repeated their 2009 triumph under the direction of Tim Roesink. The powerful black son of Mizrahi and HVK Obsidian represented his world champion family with another Oklahoma tricolor performance. His spotlight victory pass was quite spectacular especially considering he was taken to the clinic a short time later suffering with symptoms of colic.

The two-time Park Saddle World Grand Champion Stand And Deliver was as beautiful as ever marching down the rail with owner Tara Good. They were most formidable Amateur Park Saddle Reserve World Champions on this evening with Mike Goebig, Stand And Deliver’s trainer and former rider, preparing them for this great class.

Two classes, two repeat World Champions. The Taylor River trained L’Cima’s Exclusive once again sailed through the Classic Pleasure Driving competition to earn the World Champion flowers and tricolor for Sean and Terri Travers. Terri put Exclusive in all the right spots to take her second victory pass of the week with the 2009 World Champion. PlayMor Farm had a good week as they were once again at the top in the Classic division. The team of Austin McLallin and MSV Shooting Star added yet another cooler and plaque to the collection with the Reserve World Champion victory pass.

When the gates opened for the 13-horse Ladies English Pleasure World Championship it was game on! This was a hard-fought class with many horses showing flashes of greatness, but there were also some unladylike moments along the way. Emerging from the pack with his trademark expressive performance, Fait Accompli (by Futurity French Command) was the third Friday night World Champion to have previously won the same title, his in 2007. Craig Clapp yelled out a "Yeah boy Honey," as he made his way through the in-gate to accompany his wife, Katie Mair, and the twice world champion Fait Accompli to the winner’s circle for Mr. and Mrs. John Frank.

Delivering the biggest ride of her young career, Alicia Fraser made a spotlight ride aboard Ladies English Pleasure Reserve World Champion Stone’s Throw Contessa. Last year Fraser won a Grand National title in the three-year-old pleasure division and now with another pleasure entry made a picture-perfect ride to win a Reserve World Championship for Jane Elliott. "Now that was a lot of fun," exclaimed Fraser.

Yesterday the ZZ Top sired HVK Brass Ring was crowned the unanimous Four-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion. Tonight the ZZ Top sired SYP Show Stopper made the victory pass as the unanimous Three-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion. A veteran of several Oklahoma park harness victory passes, Jim Taylor was at the whip for Shipyard Point Morgans. And like Brass Ring, Show Stopper had all the assets of a top park horse. The War And Peace sired CBMF Cease Fire was this year’s Reserve World Champion with Jennifer Hazen providing the good drive for Barry Laub. This sporty chestnut campaigner, tastefully trimmed in white, was right there with a nice show.

There was a short pause in the show ring action as Bill Carrington came out from behind his center ring microphone, walking out into the ring where he was joined by the show committee and Linda Stewart. Both Carrington and show manager Fred Nava reflected on the life of the late Jim Stewart and his love of the Morgan Grand National. The audience then showed its love of Jim.

A few tears were wiped, hugs were exchanged and then the gates opened for the Hunter Pleasure World Championship. The classic elegance of the hunter world was on full display as a good group of celebrated stars came back for a shot at the title. There was a little more excitement than usual in the strip portion as one entry got loose as the saddle slipped while the rider was remounting, however, there was no harm done. Once everyone was back up, the second Futurity French Command sired World Champion of the night was crowned. For the second consecutive year, MEM Bailamos and Keely Sogoloff were on top of the world providing a unanimous victory for proud owner Jerold Nau.

Much like Alicia Fraser a few classes earlier, Danielle Paufve had the ride of her young life to garner the Reserve Hunter Pleasure World Championship aboard Bob and Loek Neimeth’s MEM Main Street. What a great day it was for the Scott Neidlinger/Danielle Paufve training team at the Neimeth’s Misty Meadows. Paufve was riding against some of the industry’s best including third place finishers Whispering Incognito with Jill Yerger and fourth place finishers SSLLC Bourne Supremacy and Mary Carlton.

As it historically is, the Amateur Pleasure Driving World Championship was probably the deepest class of the night and the audience roared its approval from start to finish. You could feel the excitement and energy as a ring full of the very best went head to head. It was such a hotly contested world championship that an extra trot was called for following the second way work. This was Oklahoma at its finest. And for the past four years now no one has been finer than Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall (Beethoven x Black Tie Debutante). David Rand had Danny Kelley and Carnegie Hall tuned to perfection to command their second consecutive world championship. Carnegie Hall’s previous two titles were won with Stephanie Connor. This World Champion victory pass tied Carnegie Hall with Opie’s Boy and his four consecutive titles, the most ever won in this division.

While there was no denying the world champions, the future of this division shone through brightly as CHMH Spice Town Girl lit up the ring with Tony Lee making it look oh so easy. This daughter of Town Assets and CHMH Grand Gift Of Honey garnered the Reserve World Championship and a legion of fans with a ground covering, balanced trot and enough expression for two horses. The most amazing part about this Broadmoor trained champion is, she’s only three!

Spice Town Girl had to be outstanding because she was followed in the ribbons by the likes of Dragonsmeade Carnaros, MEM Bad Boy, FRF Seattle Reign, Extreme Obsession, Cedar Creek With Bells On, RJMF Chandler and Exceptionallee.

Although not nearly as large as the Amateur Pleasure Driving title bout, the English Pleasure World Championship played out similarly. While there certainly were some worthy challengers, this was a two-horse race, the new versus the established. And in the end it was the established who became the winningest English Pleasure Horse in the history of the Morgan breed. That of course was the incomparable Bada Bing (AFF Leroy Brown x Trade Secrets). Bred, owned and developed throughout his career by Peggy Alderman, Bada Bing captured his fourth English Pleasure World Championship – this, his third consecutive title. In doing so he surpassed the legendary Longview Sundance, a record that has held for nearly 30 years. In his spare time, Bada Bing has also garnered two Amateur English Pleasure World Championships with Peggy’s husband, Phil.

"He’s a special horse," smiled Peggy on her ride back to the barn. "He loves what he does every day."

The crowd loved the lofty, effortless way of going that Bada Bing brought to the ring and on this night they also loved the bold power of Reserve World Champion Cherished Assets (Pondview Tres Bien x Nemours Elegant Flaire by Noble Flaire). The Reserve World Champion in 2009 as well, this is only the second year of showing for the always-charging five-year-old that is trained and presented by David Rand for Dan and Leslie Kelley. When the judging panel arrived at Cherished Assets in the strip, the crowd roared their approval for this young challenger. It was a night of appreciation as there was lots of love shown for third place finishers Roadshow Steppin Out and Jamie Willard as they exited the ring.

Before the 16-horse Amateur Western Pleasure World Championship could take the ring we had an unexpected break in the action. The house lights were brought down for each spotlight victory pass tonight, however, following Bada Bing’s dynamic exit, the lights did not return. Some 15 minutes later there was light again and it was on with the show.

In 2007, Greg and Carol Fleck’s Treble’s Tanqueray ruled the Western Pleasure world winning both the open and amateur titles. In 2010, the Tug Hill Commando/Treble’s Margarita son was back to revisit his stomping grounds. At New England Regional earlier this year he won both the Open and Amateur Championships and now at Oklahoma with Ashley Fleck Morris sitting tall in the saddle, the multi-titled stallion was back on top as the unanimous Amateur Western Pleasure World Champion. Reserve World Champion honors went the way of Whispering Non Stop and Laurie Revard, a championship combination put together by Kelly Kraegel Varner. Placing ahead of 13 others, Brittany Clark and TCS Supreme Aire finished top three, while Troikas Black Russian with Ling Fu Wylie and HDD Wild Thing with Dianne Lents rounded out the top five.

The evening’s finale was class number 218, the Park Harness World Grand Championship where a new champion would be crowned. We started the evening with small and cute and ended it with the explosive power and pizzazz! Answering the call were 2009 World Champion Four-Year-Old Park Harness horse and World Champion Stallion Mastroianni; 2005 World Champion Three-Year-Old Park Harness and 2010 Grand National Champion Park Harness Mare & Gelding titleholder Queen’s Starfire; 2006 Four-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion, 2008 Park Saddle World Grand Champion and 2010 Grand National Champion Park Harness Stallion SpiceOLife Present Tense; as well as 2008 Park Harness Two-Year-Old Futurity World Champion, 2009 Three-Year-Old Park Harness Reserve World Champion and 2010 Four-Year-Old Park Harness Stallion Grand National Champion Merriehill Home Stretch. Could you have four horses showing against each other with any more Oklahoma titles among them?

The first way of the ring the expressive black mare Queen’s Starfire was at her best with Jim Taylor sending her down the straightaways squatting and marching a beautiful trot. The three stallions with their veteran drivers – Bob Hughes, Diane Conrady, Stan Bodnar – were finding their spots gaining momentum with every pass. On the reverse the game got tighter and now was anybody’s for the taking. Different types of horses, all cranking their legs, had to make the judges’ jobs difficult in this one. It had to be much more enjoyable being one of the screaming, clapping spectators and all four horses responded to their cheers.

Before the announcement of the 2010 World Grand Champion announcer Bill Carrington asked for the audience’s attention as he remembered last year Rick Stevens and SYP High Definition being parked out right in front of him at the announcer’s stand in center ring before they were named the World Grand Champions. Carrington acknowledged that after an extremely tough year of medical problems he was pleased to announce that Stevens was in the winner’s circle to present the tricolor to this year’s World Grand Champion. At that, the entire audience rose to its feet and gave their friend and peer a heartfelt standing ovation.

"I didn’t know that I wanted to be here," said Stevens following the last class. "I have been overwhelmed with everyone’s kindness. I didn’t know I could be as strong as I have had to be this year and my Morgan family has been a big part of that."

With the cards tabulated and last year’s World Grand Champion trainer standing in the winner’s circle ready to turn the title over, Carrington said, "and the Woooorld Champion is, Merriehill Home Stretch." At that, Mark and Whitney Bodnar bolted through the gate at blazing speed to join their elated dad in the winner’s circle. Team Merriehill had done it again, putting this four-year-old son of World Grand Champion Tug Hill Whamunition and Futurity Chicago Whitesox on top of the world for Ruthann Peterson.

The audience also had lots of love for Diane Conrady and Reserve World Grand Champion SpiceOLife Present Tense. It was the first defeat of the year for the fiery Arboria Noble Victor son who was again driven by Conrady for Arboria Morgans. Queen’s Starfire and Mastroianni paraded from the ring to great applause as well to finish up a fun and entertaining night of horse show.

Performance Arena

The equitation riders took center stage in the performance arena on Friday. Eight young riders kicked off the afternoon session with the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Classic Equitation for the 10-11 year old riders. In her first trip to Oklahoma, Kristina Mauro celebrated a trip to the winner’s circle under the direction of Anne Speck. She put together a poised ride aboard MLF Caliente and positioned herself for the win. The winner in the younger division last year, Natalia Fernandez rode Tara’s War Dance to the reserve honors with a determined performance directed by Lark Henry.

After 22 riders competed on Thursday evening on the rail and in individual patterns, the judges selected the top 13 competitors to return on Friday for final rail work in the UPHA Morgan Senior Challenge Cup Finals. All these senior riders were going for broke, making passes trying to catch the judges’ eye with their style, presence and ringmanship!

Following the tabulations, the top ten riders brought back into the ring to receive their ribbons - Mattie Willard, Kelsey Robinson, Caroline Gaker, Michaela Gillispie, Hanna Johnson, Annie Thurber, Lyssa Bomgaars, Julia Strier, Gaetana D’Alesio-Spina, and Courteney Kabel. The riders were lined up side by side at the far end of the ring as announcer Mark Farrar congratulated Annie Thurber on her selection as Senior UPHA Challenge Cup Finals Reserve Champion for the second year in a row aboard Upper Echelon. The champion was then crowned as an overjoyed Michaela Gillispie earned her second leg of the Triple Crown aboard The Wizard, following the AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal victory. This dynamic duo and instructor Suzanne Haberek were reunited in the winner’s circle. With Michaela Gillispie and Annie Thurber leading the way, the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup Top Ten riders paraded around the ring to the enthusiastic cheers of the audience.

The Grand National Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Classic Equitation 9 & Under riders were next to show off their riding skills. Lily Artz and Con-Sider Me Special, the world champions in this division in 2008, returned to the winner’s circle making the victory pass directed by Mary Carlton. Haley Brooks and Coventry Isabella added the reserve ribbon to their successful season under the Morgan Horse Farm banner.

The UPHA Morgan Junior Challenge Cup was next on the schedule with the top 12 riders performing their final rail work. Last year it was Rancho Del Mar sweeping the tricolors and this time it was Crystal Farms taking the honors. Mary Carlton was justifiably proud of champion Cameron Kay, reserve champion Hannah McBain as well as top ten finisher Sara Heidenreich. Kay aboard CN’s Stylish Debut and McBain with Cedar Creek Cariad led the parade followed by the Junior UPHA Challenge Cup Top Ten of Alexa Bik, Hannah Carr, Amelia Coomber, Chloe Deeb, Ellen Erchul, Sara Heidenreich, Ada Johnson and Lila Tatar.

The session closed out with the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation World Championship competition taking center stage. It was a magical moment for Megan Richards as she rode MJK Fire N Ice to the winner’s circle. David and Caren Earehart congratulated Richards as she accepted the tricolor and roses in her first trip to OKC. Emma Hayman closed out an amazing afternoon for Crystal Farms as she rode Chimera Wild Enchantment to the reserve tricolor steamers. Frannie Gefke, Nicole Kaufman, Spencer Shample, Halee Mahoney and Shaunicy Sturm rounded the ribbon winners in this field of exceptional young talent.

The evening performance featured the best of the best in the western seat equitation division beginning with the junior competitors. It was off to a tricolor start for Crystal Farms as Mary Carlton added the western seat division to her list of 2010 Equitation World Champions from the saddle seat and hunt seat divisions. Sara Heidenreich and Hylee’s FanFlaire jogged away with their second set of roses to match their pleasure win in the 13 and under division. Last year’s Walk-Jog Western Seat Equitation World Champion, Lauren Osborne stepped up to her new division with reserve world champion results. Paired once again with Cingate Jack Flash, Osborne earned the title under the direction of Mary Shappee.

The Senior Western Seat Equitation World Championship closed out Friday night’s competition with 15 multi-titled riders performing for judges Renee Baker, Cecile Dunn and Patty Kent. It took a letter perfect performance on the rail and the individual pattern, and that is exactly what Brianna Berg delivered with Hylee’s Blood Sweat & Tears. Kelly Kraegel Varner directed her student to the honors in the class she herself won in 1995 and 1996. Having already earned the AMHA Western Seat Gold Medal, Madison Wurster added the reserve world title aboard Evil Knievil to a sensational show under the Triumph Stables banner. The outstanding field of top ten riders also featured Megan Hanrahan, Sascha Mills, Lauren Little, Ryne Swope, Marissa Klimkiewicz, Mary Kris Revard, Ashley Carkin and Savannah Sturm.

Sport Horse Arena

The Reining competition resumed in the Sport Horse Arena starting off with the Five-Year-Old Snaffle Bit/Hackamore Grand National title won by last year’s four-year-old winner W’s Mesquite Ridge with Jonathan Mohler making the winning ride for owners Lou Ellen Williams and Thomas Filipek. Last year’s First-Year-Green winner R-Two’s Black Jack and Josette Conti collected the reserve honors for Cindy Nord.

Jean Keffeler enjoyed a memorable afternoon teaming up with LMC Summit Rose for the top score as nine entries competed for the Non-Pro Reining World Championship. Karen Myers, the four-time winner of this class, slid to reserve world champion honors aboard Disco Kid, sired by none other than the great Twin Pond Disco Kid.

The Open Reining World Championship was the lone feature competition on Friday evening. An impressive lineup of eight entries was on hand to vie for the title. It was a crowd-pleasing return trip for Disco Fever, trainer/rider Josette Conti and owner Cindy Nord as they posed for the honors. The athletic chestnut son of Twin Pond Disco Kid has been a winner in each of his five trips to this show, and 2010 marked his second year in a row as the Open Reining World Champion. The top two scoring entries were a repeat from the previous night as Atakapa Déjà Vu garnered the reserve streamers with Mark Wilcher presenting for Odom Farms.

Saturday, October 16

Coliseum

The final day of competition in the Coliseum began with the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Championship, with six youngsters returning. The World Champion earned her 12th blue ribbon of the season and her young career, as LPS Out Of Bounds kept her undefeated performance streak intact with the unanimous victory with Nancy Flower driving for Lynn Peeples LLC. The Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving and Junior Mare Champion at New England, Out Of Bounds was also World Champion Junior Mare the previous Saturday. She returned again to win the Two-Year-Old Mare Futurity World Championship as well. This was her fifth victory pass of the week, an impressive tally for any horse, let alone a two-year-old. Sired by Man In Motion, she is out of Illicit Love. Both sire and dam were bred by Lynn Peeples, as was grandsire Man About Town LPS. AMHF I’ve Got A Secret earned the Reserve World Championship, as Mary Cockriel made the drive for David and Cindy Vogels. I’ve Got A Secret was World Champion Junior Gelding a week ago, and was Reserve World Champion in the Two-Year-Old Gelding Futurity. Owned and bred by the Vogels, I’ve Got A Secret is by Whispering Whammunition and out of AMHF Chatterbox, by Grandiose. Both of these In Hand World Champions transferred that excellent conformation into show horse style to earn their victory passes.

The always competitive Hunter Pleasure 14-15 World Championship saw Gabrielle Graves and Twin Peak Heritage earn a fifth Oklahoma performance win together, their third consecutive World Championship win in as many years for Lynda Graves. Their Reserve National Championship in the 14-Year-Old class was their first time leaving the ring here in Oklahoma with anything less than the top prize in the pleasure division. They made their comeback in strong fashion this morning to earn the number one spot, the tricolor, and all the loot that comes with it. They were 13-and-Under World Champions in 2008 and 2009. Mary Carlton directs this phenomenal duo. Speaking of Mary Carlton, she had the Reserve World Champion as well in HDP Noble Warrior, with Emma Thomson. Also a Reserve National Champion in her 15-Year-Old qualifier, Emma notched a reserve win here as well to earn her round of honor. Merriewold Diplomat and Nicolette Geddeis were a strong third, with SSLLC On Demand and Ryne Swope fourth for John and Helen Swope.

The list of big names ran deep in the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure World Championship, with 11 answering the gate call. The mare qualifier winning team of TTMF French Enchantress and Sandy Hendrick were focused on the task at hand. David Rand called instructions from the rail and then made the run to the winner’s circle, clapping and cheering as he ran. The Queens River Farm entry was pleasure perfect today, earning all three first place votes. Peter Fenton announced that bit of information as Rand and Hendrick were almost to the out gate, eliciting another cheer and a "two thumbs up" from David. If you buy a horse between the qualifier and Championship at Oklahoma, why not throw a leg over and ride for the tricolor. That was apparently the idea that Paula Messier had, as she hopped aboard Enthusiastic to ride out with Reserve World Championship honors. After her number was called, and then the horse’s name, Messier still didn’t recognize what was going on. Once she saw Jenny Taylor running into the ring saying, "Come on! Come on!" to her, she enthusiastically rode to the far end of the ring! It should have come as no surprise though, as it was the fourth straight reserve win in Oklahoma for Enthusiastic. She was Ladies Amateur Mare Reserve National Champion earlier this week with former owner Elizabeth Burick, and Ladies Reserve World Champion and Ladies Mare Reserve National Champion in 2009 with Jenny Taylor. Third in this loaded field was GLB Perfect Harmony, with Kirsten Johnson riding the New England Ladies English Pleasure Champion. Ladies Amateur Gelding National Champion and last year’s Four-Year-Old English Pleasure World Champion Floored was fourth with Tara Good.

With a big smile on her face and patting her horse’s neck all the way to victory lane, Mary Carlton took top honors in the Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure World Championship aboard Indian Creek Bali Hai. The dynamic mare has been a consistent force in this division all year long for owners Phil and Chris Lasky, winning her first four classes of the year, with her only blemish coming in the form of a Reserve National Championship in the Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Mare class. She came back Wednesday to win the Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure Futurity World Championship and now this one as well. By HVK Bell Flaire, she is out of Oklahoma winner MEM Exotica, a full sister to MEM Bailamos. Another former resident of Indian Creek Farm, SpringMill Tea Party, earned the Reserve World Championship with Kathleen Peeples riding for the Brown/Klein family. Tea Party is by the MEM Bailamos full brother, MEM The Patriot, and out of SpringMill Cherry Bomb. Her second dam is Oklahoma winner GP Special Flight.

There were a whole bunch of excited Germs in the Coliseum, as Signed Sealed Delivered was called out as the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness World Champion by a unanimous choice of the judges. Here was Sophie Germ taking her first Oklahoma victory pass, following in her mother’s footsteps down victory lane. Reserve in her qualifier, Sophie came back in this one to win it all, truly a "World" Championship, as the Germs hail from Langenzersdorf, Austria. Herm and Kim Germ were beside themselves with joy, with Herm excitedly cheering, "That’s my little girl!" Dwayne Knowles warned Sophie when he saw her parents approaching that there was a big hug headed her way. This is Sophie Germ’s first year in the show ring. She stayed at Broadmoor for a good part of the summer this year, part of a Broadmoor boot camp so to speak, to get her up to speed and ready for this level of competition. It certainly worked. An absolute doll in turquoise and cream, qualifier winner Ariana Varveris was at the lines of Celebrity Marquee for the Reserve World Championship. Trained by Bobbin Hollow, the petite Ariana put this Salem Command gelding through his paces, perched on the very edge of her seat.

With one driving class in between, several of the same riders returned for the Four-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure World Championship, an odd piece of scheduling. Kathleen Peeples moved up a spot from her Three-Year-Old finish two classes earlier to take the tricolor with EKL Assets Vision for Martha Simpson. This was a fifth victory in five Oklahoma outings for the bold striding bay. While the top two in the Three-Year-Old class were former residents of Indian Creek Farm, this winner is out of an Indian Creek mare, Indian Creek Clear Vision, and by Town Assets, by Man About Town LPS. Town Assets is of course owned by Lynn Peeples. Earl McFall joined Jennifer McFall and Dragonfire Timeless for their reserve round of honor, their second reserve win of the week, finishing reserve to Assets Vision in the Four-Year-Old Stallion/Gelding class as well. Sired by Minion Millennium, Timeless is out of a two-time Reserve National Champion in the Hunter division, Raintree Ala Bella, by Dancity Ala Bam. Third in the class of 12 was Wylie Fox, with Keely Sogoloff riding for Bonnie Sogoloff. Announcer Peter Fenton was kind enough to alert the Sogoloffs that a foot of snow had fallen on their home state of Vermont the night before, ending it with, "So have a nice trip back."

A busy, busy lady on Saturday morning, Kathleen Peeples made an uncontested exhibition of Three-Year-Old Park Saddle brilliance with world champion City Kitty. Smiling from ear to ear, Kathleen looked to be having a fantastic time aboard this big, bright bay mare. Owned by Bill Haines and Ledyard Farms, City Kitty never seems to back an ear. She is just consistently looking through the bridle and seems excited to be in the show ring. All show horse, she is double-bred Man About Town LPS, by Man In Motion and out of City Limits.

Stephen and Annette Smith were all smiles as they ran to greet the first-ever Junior Classic Pleasure Saddle World Champion, Ultras Special Diva. Caitlyn Scholl made the winning ride today, just as she had in winning the Four-Year-Old Classic Pleasure National Championship on Tuesday. By Ultras Special Agent, Special Diva is a homebred product of the Ultra Morgans program. She is out of SPR Diva, by Simply Maserati. Nancy Vidler and her son Will headed up the reserve winner, Sunny Acres Stage Fright, with Melanie Johnson. Winner of the Three-Year-Old Classic Saddle class and reserve in the Three-Year-Old Classic Driving event, Stage Fright is by Hollybrook Stage Rage and out of HVK Joyous Bells. Her second dam is Justa Joy, World Champion Mare in 1978.

There were 10 in the ring to close out the Saturday morning session in the first-ever Youth Western Pleasure World Championship. Megan Evans made the top performance with the multi-talented son of Simply Maserati, BEF Ivan for elated owners Jill and Malcolm Smith. Ivan competed in Dressage as well as Hunt Seat Road Hack this week, but his two best performances were with Megan Evans, winning twice in this division, including the Youth Stallion/Gelding National Championship on Monday. He was a Reserve World Champion in Dressage a year ago. This will come as no surprise when it is pointed out that from 2004 to 2008, he was directed by Eitan Beth Halachmy. Twice a winner here in the Ladies Amateur division this week, Graycliff Rimfire was the Reserve World Champion in this one, once again with Caitlin Novotny riding for Janie Denning. In an extensive campaign this year, Caitlin and Rimfire have won in 15 of their 18 performances in 2010!

Arboria Arion first lit up the Oklahoma show ring six days ago and he was bursting with energy as he made his way into the ring as the Two-Year-Old Park Harness World Championship opened the afternoon session. Following his exuberant entrance, he went to work and thoroughly entertained the Saturday afternoon audience with a wildly athletic performance. His sire, last night’s Park Harness Reserve World Grand Champion SpiceOLife Present Tense, passed on his leg waving ability to a even finer built, bay son who has enjoyed an undefeated season with Diane Conrady driving for owner/breeder Dale Farabee. This was a special moment for both Conrady and Farabee as Arion’s sire, SpiceOLife Present Tense was the Two-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion in 2004 and his sire, Arboria Noble Victor, was the Two-Year-Old Park Harness Futurity World Champion in 1987. With a nice presentation in just his first show in harness, Century Oak Balinese collected the Reserve World Champion honors for owner/breeders Bob and Muriel Herrick and trainer/driver Craig Clapp.

Fourteen deep they came for the Ladies Western Pleasure World Championship. Both coasts and many stops in between were represented in this championship round. Allyson Hughes gave Cherrydale Melania a sparkling tricolor ride for Stoney Point Farm to add their names to the prestigious list of stars that have won this title. All three judges agreed they were the 2010 World Champions. Whispering Non Stop, already twice a Grand National Champion this week, finished as Reserve World Champion with Kelly Kraegel Varner presenting, just as he did in the amateur title round with owner Laurie Revard. Mary Cockriel and Wood Valley Counterpoint came away with top-three honors in this deep championship class for Dick Jeffery.

Professionals from across the country filled the ring with 10 quality three-year-olds in their pleasure driving world championship and after one requested to be dismissed early, the remaining went to work finding their spots and turning it on. This year’s World Champion In Hand Mare, Flawless backed up her beauty with two award winning performance titles as well. With Keith Nelsen at the helm the gorgeous daughter of WWW Reality Check Dot Com wore the overcheck like a star to make the round of honor as the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Champion. This was her fifth unanimous victory to cap a flawless show for owner Sarah Lee. It was a pair of lovely fillies sharing the spotlight as Indian Creek Cachet was a crowd-pleasing reserve with Kurt Hufferd making the drive for owner/breeder Indian Creek Farm. She proudly represents her heritage, sired by Stand And Deliver and out of Cache.

From a field of 12, Jax Black Jack turned back a long list of more than qualified challengers to make his second victory pass of the week, this one as the Ladies Hunter Pleasure World Champion. Manya Locascio rode the gelding qualifier winner for owner Shirley Keller. Still riding high from Team Merriehill’s Park Harness World Grand Championship last night, Jessica Bodnar followed that up by riding Wish List to the Reserve World Championship with a bold performance for the Hose family and Trotwood Stables. SSLLC Bourne Supremacy was right in the mix to finish third today with Mary Carlton followed by the always elegant Dragonfire Nefertiti and Jennifer McFall.

Six park saddle horses were the next entries to march across the coliseum tanbark. This group was vying for the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Championship and there were plenty of things to like. Ryan Arcuri had QVM National Anthemn wearing the bridle and paying attention to business from the time the gate opened to the time their names were called out as the World Champions for excited new owner Lila Tatar and Lawson Creek Farm. A pair of Serenity Masterpiece sons wore the tricolors as PLS High Pine Picasso garnered the reserve honors. A dark chestnut with two white hind socks and legs churning on both ends, Jenny Taylor piloted to the Reserve World Championship for Donna Zimmerman.

Continuing to honor and remember those who were a part of our show horse family there was a break in the action following the Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Championship. Announcer Bill Carrington came out from behind the announcer’s stand for the second time this week for a tribute, this time reading the names of the Morgan family’s members who have passed away this past year. He spoke of their passion and understanding and their great love of this great breed and the common bond that passion and understanding provides for us. Following the reading of the names, there was a moment of silence before the World Champion Western Pleasure Amateur Masters class was called to the ring.

With a large cast of stars from coast to coast, the west coast team of VVM Aleesa and Ellen McCook had already been the Reserve World Champions in the Ladies Amateur Western Pleasure division. Today she lined up right beside the announcer’s stand and when Carrington said, "and the Wooorld Champion is you," looking right at McCook, she didn’t quite know what to think. Again he said "you" and this time a smile spread across her face and she exited the line up and headed to the winner’s circle where trainer Mary Luedtke awaited. Just a four-year-old, the Oklahoma entry Season’s Saber had a good fan base as Susan Morey rode him to the Reserve World Championship.

The heavy hitters came out for the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving World Championship where RWJ Commanding Topic and Phil Fountain took command with a unanimous victory. A Tug Hill Commando son owned by Robert Jones, Commanding Topic was the complete package delivering the same type of performance that won the Grand National Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion title and New England’s Junior Pleasure Driving Grand Championship back in July. They had some fine competition today including the reserve team of Kurt Hufferd and Indian Creek Bellagio. A product of World Grand Champions HVK Bell Flaire and Long Acres Broadway, Bellagio was Jubilee’s Junior Pleasure Driving Grand Champion and Oklahoma’s Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Gelding Grand National Champion. Representing the west coast, Keith Nelsen and Lux Stargait Antares, another Bell Flaire offspring, were third.

Next on tap was the presentation of the 2010 Reining Champions from the different divisions. After several slides and spins and lots of applause, we were on to the Park Harness Amateur Masters World Championship, where four ladies and one gentleman drove their hearts out but it was the ladies that ruled. Avenging a qualifying reserve finish, MEM Bonnie Blue and Nancy Hendricks were on top of their game today to make the last pass as the World Champions. Under the direction of Tim Roesink, this extremely talented and game mare has been a standout each time she performs to the delight of her many fans, most especially her owner and her trainer. Qualifying winners NDT French Impressionist and Patsy Lloyd have had a great first year together and they ended the season today taking the Reserve World Champion loot back to the Sebring Stables tack room.

One of the judges for the afternoon’s finale, the AMHA Hunt Seat On The Flat Gold Medal Finals, was still in the performance arena judging so there was a 10 minute delay before this Finals could get underway.

Judge Lampe came running into the ring joining Patty Kent and William Moroney and then the 12 selected riders returned for the final round of competition in their Gold Medal Final. Following rail work both ways of the ring all the riders were excused and they came back one by one in numerical order to perform the pattern. After the individual work the Top Ten were invited back in for the pinning of the ribbons starting with 10th. The ribbons were awarded working their way up to Rachel Emmons, Marissa Klimkiewicz, Angelica Lengyel, Molly Kern, Olivia Lahr, Lauren Osborne, Gabrielle Graves and in third place Ellery Walker. Then there were just two riders were left in the ring with heads bowed in anticipation. A beaming Kendra Peeples was named the AMHA Hunt Seat Gold Medal Reserve Champion, instructed by her proud mom Kathleen who had won this very class in 1978. It was a crowning glory for Sascha Mills as smiles and tears were shared for what was a very emotional time for Sascha and her instructor, mentor and friend Jonalyn Gwinup. It was a Gold Medal victory they shared with a special angel, Jonalyn’s mother who had passed away just days earlier.

It all comes down to this, the final night of the show season. All of the other rings that have been bustling with activity all week long have seen their curtains fall for the final time. The Coliseum is the place to be. It is the only place to be. It is where legends will be made, where history will be written. Tonight, that was once again very much the case, as it will be one to remember for all involved. The thrill of victory was on display, but so too was the joy of that perfect ride, no matter the color of the ribbon. Tonight was a night of excitement, as it was a total free-for-all in the most prestigious events on the schedule, with wide speculation as to who exactly would come down that ramp and into the pressure cooker of Saturday night.

The final event of 2010, the Park Saddle World Grand Championship, had entries coming from every which way. First to the ring was David Rand, answering the bell with Lamborghini In Black. Lamborghini was a World Champion just the day before, winning with Hannah Kelley in the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle division. With a day’s turnaround time, David Rand had the Victory Lane Farm entry all sorts of cranked up and ready to rock as he came to the show ring to the cheers of his legions of fans. Next up was Mike Goebig, the winningest trainer in this class with six victories thus far. He was once again teamed with CBMF Crown Prince, the Park Saddle Stallion National Champion on Tuesday for Copper Beech LLC. Crown Prince has such a masculine air about him, as he surveys his surroundings. He is pure show horse, and the crowd responds in kind. Jim Lowry put all speculation to rest, as he blasted into the ring with Cedar Creek Flambeau. The youngest of the entries, he was the Three-Year-Old Park Saddle Futurity World Champion on Thursday. A bold and brilliant red chestnut making a World Championship run on a day’s rest with Jim Lowry at the helm… That sounds familiar… More on that in a minute. Next to the ring was the final entry, SLB DaVinci. Debi Jeppesen was the rider once again for Sherry Bartolucci as she was at Morgan Medallion, where DaVinci made his first ever show under saddle. Now 10, he is an absolute ball of pure energy, ready to burst at the seams. In the Stallion qualifier, he cast a shoe that could not be replaced, qualifying him for this class, but leaving him out of the official results. So here was the field of four, not one of whom had been judged against any of the others on their way to this final confrontation!

The four did not take time to get acquainted as they went straight to work. The crowd always plays a factor in these pressure-packed classes, and they were vocal in their support. They certainly liked the "underdog" in the youngster, Cedar Creek Flambeau. Every pass of the hinged up park trotting machine, Lamborghini In Black, was met with approval. Jim Lowry’s pass on the reverse sent a message that he meant business with his stallion son of Astronomicallee, but David Rand came back with pass after pass of his own, setting up a final lineup that was rife with tension. And then the horse who has never been shown in hand in his life parked out and posed. The jet black son Simply Maserati and JLs Deer Sal stood there like a statue in front of David Rand, surveying his domain and looking every bit the part of the World Grand Champion. And he was. Again. Lamborghini In Black earned his second World Championship of the week, and his second win of this very class, having achieved the highest honor in the Morgan breed in 2007 as well, also with David Rand. It has been a long and winding road for the 13-year-old gelding, but he was every bit the best tonight, winning once again as the unanimous choice of the judges. Rand and Lamborghini thoroughly enjoyed their return to the ultimate spotlight as Dan, Leslie and Hannah Kelley looked on and cheered, knowing what a special horse this one truly is. His victory pass tonight was one for the ages.

Jim Lowry and Cedar Creek Flambeau were rewarded for their great effort and courage in showing back against the aged horses with the Reserve World Championship. Peter Fenton announced new owners Nate and Krista Headley as Lowry prepared to take his final ride aboard this superstar that he made. The parallels between this Saturday night and one seven weeks ago in Louisville are undeniable. Lace’s Last Tango and Cedar Creek Flambeau are the exact same red chestnut, as is RCV Patent Pending for that matter. They both showed on a Thursday and then came back two days later to compete in an Open Championship that they were not originally entered in. And both made spectacular shows after being sold to new owners! Lace’s Last Tango was the Saddlebred Fine Harness World’s Grand Champion, while Flambeau was Reserve World Grand Champion here tonight.

The third prize went back to the Broadmoor banner with CBMF Crown Prince and Mike Goebig. As Goebig said after the class when discussing how he decided to take on the challenge of Crown Prince, "You only get so many opportunities to have one to show in that class." With 38 years of history written at this horse show, Mike Goebig has a deep understanding of what it means to be a part of this class, to be a part of history. Now finishing his five-year-old campaign, it will be interesting to watch the continued development of this Copper Beech born and raised stud. He was Three-Year-Old Park Harness World Champion in 2008.

Also a World Champion in Park Harness as a three-year-old, SLB DaVinci finished fourth with Debi Jeppesen turning in a strong performance for Sherry Bartolucci. It is a tough ride to make when you have a shoe to worry about, but Jeppesen made a brilliant show. DaVinci is a three-time Park Harness Reserve World Grand Champion.

The penultimate event, the Pleasure Driving World Grand Championship, may have seen the happiest winner of the week. It was a ring full of some of the biggest names in the business, with a well-filled class of eight vying for this always difficult to earn tricolor. Names like Steve DeBolt, Tim Roesink, Gerry Rushton, Harry Sebring, Ken Swanson, and Bob Hughes were all in there and working hard to take top honors. But it was youth that prevailed here on Saturday night. The whippersnappers of the group came through with flying colors on the sport’s biggest stage. Add to that list of big names one Whitney Bodnar. It was his number that was called out first, the biggest win of his 27 years, and he did it with a horse that he considers possibly the best all around horse that has ever graced the storied Merriehill Farm. His faith in Cingate Starry Night was well-placed. The three-year-old mare is by Astronomicallee, stallion star of these last two classes.

Tonight, Starry Night made a show that would be tough to beat anywhere for her most proud owner/breeders Gaeton and Cindy Lorino. When her number was called, header Rich Campbell double-checked the back of Whitney’s cart before letting out a "Yeah!" and starting toward the opposite end. Whitney, on the other hand, had a different reaction. He got a little excited and started bouncing up and down in the cart! He was still bouncing as he rounded the turn by the gates, almost taking out Mark and Jessica as they came flying through the out gate to run to the winner’s circle. Whitney’s jumping did cause a necessary harness repair before the trip to the winner’s circle resumed.

Those Bodnar Boys did it again. Patriarch Stan did the honors last night with Merriehill Home Stretch in the Park Harness World Grand Championship. He also got the glory in this class a year ago with Fox Hollow Talk About Me. He looked even happier tonight, filled with pride in his young son.

How many firsts can you wrap up into one class? First father and son to win this class in back-to-back years? Has to be. First father and son to win the Park Harness and Pleasure Driving World Championships in the same year? That’s pretty likely too. First three-year-old to win this class? No! That happened recently enough, as it was 2005 when SLB Andiamo won this prestigious title in his three-year-old campaign presented by Bob Hughes. But this is the first three-year-old mare to earn an open performance world championship.

The Pleasure Driving Stallion National Champion, The Noblest, was brilliant in his performance to be named Reserve World Champion tonight with Bob Hughes driving for Tom and Teri Brisco. Amateur Park Harness Reserve World Champion last year with Paul Brisco at the lines, The Noblest looked absolutely stunning tonight for the Blackridge team. Bob Hughes has taken great pride in this wonderful stud since day one, as he is the registered breeder of the son of two of the breed’s greats Tug Hill Whamunition and Nobelle, the dam of none other two of Hughes’ world champion favorites HVK Ancient Cry and Futurity French Command.

Ken Swanson finished third in this class for the second year in a row. Last year it was Tara’s Firewalker, and this year, he captained LBJ Uptown Girl to third for Tara Farm. They were Pleasure Driving Mare National Champions on Wednesday. CBMF Restless and Harry Sebring were fourth for Copper Beech LLC. Restless was Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Reserve World Champion in 2009.

The first World Champion to be crowned here in the final session was in Amateur Park Harness. This division was the talk of the show at New England, where it was the $10,000 class for the year. The qualifier from that show is now the stuff of legend, with a huge group of some of the very best in the world going head to head. The trip to New England was a lot farther than the trip to Oklahoma for Gerry Rushton Stables, but the results in this division remained the same. It was SYP High Definition putting on a spectacular display of animation and consistent brilliance. Elaine Olsen made the tricolor drive for Ted and Elaine Olsen. Stacy Hennessy patted the stud on his curvaceous neck as they left the lineup to drive to the winner’s circle. Gerry Rushton joined them at the far end. He even got a "WooHoo" from Hanna Johnson! It was a year and a day ago that Rick Stevens made the winning drive with High Definition as the Park Harness World Grand Champion on that memorable Friday night.

Another big time Open contender from a year ago, Tara’s Firewalker, was the Reserve World Champion tonight. Last year, Firewalker was a Saturday night contender, finishing top three in the Pleasure Driving World Championship with Ken Swanson. This charismatic bay son of HVK Bell Flaire answers the call every time he goes to the ring. Krista Headley put him in the ring three times this week. Twice he was a National Champion, and once he came away as Reserve World Champion. That is flat out impressive. It took a World Championship effort to beat him tonight.

Vickie Friedeman once again sounded the call, this time for the Western Pleasure World Championship. Her choice could not have been any better, as she played the familiar and majestic strains of one of the great Western themes of all time, The Magnificent Seven. It was a return to glory and a breakthrough performance that took the rounds of honor in this one, as Grand Cru Beaujolais returned to the site of his greatest glory, winning the Western Pleasure World Championship for the second time in his 11 years. In 2004, it was fellow Pacific Northwesterner Keith Nelsen riding to the tricolor for Debra Woolley Lee. Tonight, it was the talented Mr. Hopson, Daryl to be more specific, who put together a fabulous week here in Oklahoma for Beaujolais and owner Sandra Nelson of Madison Avenue Morgans. The gorgeous son of Tug Hill Commando and Double M Temptation, by Trebles Willy Wild, climbed the mountain once again tonight to be the very best in the business.

The Reserve World Champion has been a labor of love for Jeff Bessey. Worked In Gold has known but one partner in the show ring for owner and breeder Francis Beers, and that is Jeff Bessey. Tonight, he earned his third reserve win of the week, finishing as the Western Pleasure Stallion and Gentlemen’s Western Pleasure Reserve National Champions. The 2006 Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure World Champion, the copper chestnut showed with style and polish as his extended jog was as picture perfect as they come. Owner Rebecca Miller has been the one to show her Indian Outlaw throughout his debut season, but tonight she sent trainer Garn Walker to the ring, and he came away with a top three finish in this field of 12. The 2009 Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure World Champion, Pondview Park Avenue and Judy Nason rounded out the top four for Melanie Small.

The 2010 Equitation Champions were presented next. That is both a year as well as how many young stars seemed to keep streaming into the ring! The champion and reserve rider from the different equitation world championships and finals made one last round of honor in a tribute to their accomplishments with the support of the coliseum audience.

Following that event, the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle World Championship came blasting into the ring, with a massive field of 22 battling it out. The lady riders comported themselves well, with relatively few moments that caused the crowd to hold its collective breath. The judges had the discussion that can only mean a potential workout, but never put their heads together to come up with numbers, as two of the three decided they did not need to see additional work. With that, the walking of the lineup became a lengthy process, taking just about as long as the class itself. Teri Rumens saved her absolute best ride of the week for last, as she worked the ring like a pro, putting Leviticus in spot after spot to catch the attention of the judges. She herself stood out in a stunning purple and black-toned formal coat aboard the Fire Run Farm entry. Tonight, they came away with the tricolor in a class that Teri will remember for the rest of her life. Winner of both the Classic Mare and Ladies Classic Mare National Championships, MSV Genuine Risk earned a Reserve World Championship here for Stacey Foster and the Broadmoor team. Dwayne Knowles met the dark chestnut with the light tail at the far end for the reserve pass under the spotlight. Genuine Risk has been a star all year long, never finishing lower than second and earning six blue ribbon rounds. She is by Minion Millennium and out of a Merriehill Chicagoan mare. Harlan’s Star Material made his under saddle debut just this spring at Connecticut Morgan. He won it. The rest of the year, he has finished no lower than third, taking three different exhibitors to the ring. Tonight it was Laurin Johnson riding for her mom, Dr. Grace Steere, to finish third. Another star of this division, Prada, finished fourth with Dr. Holly Johnson riding.

After the controlled chaos of 22 entries in the Ladies Classic Pleasure class, you would think the nine in Amateur English Pleasure World Championship would be a walk in the park! But oh how wrong you would be. Signs came crashing off the wall, shoes went flying, and through it all, these top amateur riders kept their cool and put on a show. Somewhat of a late bloomer, Miz Saturn Star has certainly been worth the wait. She made her debut for Broadmoor just last year in her five-year-old season, winning two National Championships, one with Mike Goebig in the English Pleasure Mare class, and one with Kim Germ in the Amateur English Pleasure Mare class. They returned to take the Reserve World Championship in this very event a year ago. They used the same system here in 2010, with Mike Goebig and Kim Germ taking those same two victory passes earlier in the week. But today it was a good day to be a Germ. During the morning session, Herm and Kim Germ’s daughter, Sophie, won her first World Championship with Signed Sealed Delivered. Her proud mom followed suit tonight, taking a spectacular victory pass with Mike Goebig directing. Mary Fisher Davila had the typy and always exciting Skywarrior making dynamic passes to take the Reserve World Championship back to Grove Pointe. By Tug Hill Whamunition and out of the great HVK Ancient Cry, Skywarrior was the Amateur Gelding winner on Wednesday. He was Reserve World Champion a year ago, that one in the Four-Year-Old English Pleasure division with Tim Roesink up. The great Graycliff Tony finished top three in this one with Dawn Fire turning in another top ride for Peeper Ranch. Four time World Champion Stallion LPS The Boogie Man was fourth. Kristin Johnson paired up with the charismatic black stallion for the Michael Ramsey family.

One of the most decorated mares in the show ring, Treble’s First Take added to her stats yet again, taking a second consecutive Ladies Park Saddle World Championship with Dawn Fire for Peeper Ranch. As announcer Pete Fenton said, "The way it was is the way it will be." That sent the Peeper section into loud cheers and sent Dawn Fire to the winner’s circle in this class for the third time in four years. In 2007, she was the winner of this very class with another special mare, Erotic Dancer. Tonight, First Take added her eighth Oklahoma win to the tally sheet. It was another memorable moment for this daughter of Liberation First Star out of Take My Breath Away, by Tug Hill Commando. The Ladies Gelding winner squared off with the Ladies Mare winner, as DMH Back In Black battled First Take to the wire, earning the Reserve World Championship with Kathleen Kabel riding for Steve and Kathleen Kabel and the Blackridge team. Her burgundy formal coat with black undertones was dazzling beneath the spotlight as she rode out with reserve honors. It was great back-to-back performances by Kathleen and her great, longtime friend, Kim Germ Cramer. This was the first spotlight victory pass that Kabel and Back In Black have taken together here in Oklahoma, making one of their best shows. Reserve World Champion in 2009 and World Champion in 2008, Love Her Madly and Allyson Nord Wandtke were top three tonight for the Broadmoor group and Cindy Nord.

The youth of the Morgan breed enjoyed a great week of competition and camaraderie. Youth of the Year awards were presented next, with Maxi Gumprecht earning the top honors as her mom Bonnie Witrak made a frantic run to join her in the winner’s circle.

The call sounded next for the always-entertaining Roadster to Bike World Championship. There were no holds barred on this night as it was a unanimous choice of the judges that sent HVK Bold Spirits flying down victory lane with Steve DeBolt at the helm for Herbert V. Kohler. Peter Fenton informed the crowd that this was the incredible 10th time that a Kohler-owned entry had won this class. Bold Spirits was cranked up in his bridle with all kinds of expression as well as an extra gear to show at speed. The son of HVK Bold Look made a big time Saturday night showing, impressing all three judges as well as all those in attendance. Another HVK-sired entry took the Reserve World Championship, as Flairetation and Peggy Alderman whipped down to the winner’s circle for the Reserve World Champion round of honor. Flairetation is by HVK Bell Flaire. The dynamic mare sets up way high in the bridle as she trots in an open, free-moving manner while still maintaining the form that won her the Roadster to Bike National Championship on Sunday night.

The Ladies Amateur Hunter Pleasure World Championship once again set the table for the final two classes of the evening, with a repeat winner taking the last pass. This was MEM Triple Sec earning the tricolor for the second year in a row. Darlene White was the winning rider once again, with husband Jeff White joining her in victory. Amateur Reserve World Champion on Wednesday, this team won four times here in 2009. Triple Sec is by last night’s big winner, MEM Bailamos, and out of the grand-producing World Champion, Star Lake Ellisa. Mike and Liz Murphy directed the Reserve World Champion team, as Pembroke Annabella and Kathleen Vaughan earned those honors for Char Mar LLC. They were winners of two National Championships, taking the top spot in both the Amateur Mare and Ladies Amateur Mare qualifiers. Storyville and Brooke Lynn Shingledecker carried home third in this always huge field, 19 was the final count this year.

Before the horse show season could draw to its dramatic conclusion, the final Silver Possibility winner had to be named, and someone had to figure out how to get the golf cart, which resembles a Hummer more and more every year, home. It was Shaunicy Sturm whose key fit the lock, sending her into hysterics as the winner of the new golf cart. "It pays to live in Las Vegas," quipped Pete Fenton. However, he also pointed out to young Shaunicy that she had to be a licensed driver to operate the cart on the show grounds, per USEF rules. Shaunicy basically said "Oh yeah watch this," driving from the ring, with maybe a bit of assistance from mom Terri.

With that, the stage was set for the drama to unfold in the aforementioned Pleasure Driving World Grand Championship and the grand finale Park Saddle World Grand Championship, and the Morgan show season came to a close. It was a smashing way to wrap up the season, with cheers and laughter and phenomenal performances all the way around. The crowd was sent out to the traditional After Glow Party on a high note, as they celebrated the week that was and prepared for the long trip home and the long winter ahead. The amateurs will lament that it is over and will say goodbye to those "horse show friends" who they don’t get to see outside of a show arena, while the trainers will think that if they never see another horse show again it will be too soon. Give them a month at home. We’ll see how soon those calendars get marked. When’s UPHA 14 Spring Premiere next year? How about River Ridge? Diamond Jubilee? Oklahoma Centennial? They can’t get here soon enough! We’ll see you next year, bringing you the most in depth show coverage available about the Morgan breed that we all know and love.

Performance Arena

After eight days of wonderful equitation competition, the final four world championships were decided on Saturday in the performance arena. Starting off the afternoon, 14 riders were on hand to vie for the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation World Championship honors with each performing the individual workout following the railwork.

It was a magical week for Michaela Gillispie and The Wizard. It is a happy coincidence that she rides for Suzanne Haberek, as her farm name is "Trinity." That plays in well with the week that young Michaela had, as she stormed into Oklahoma and rode off with the Triple Crown, finishing as the World Champion. UPHA National Champion, AMHA Gold Medal Champion, World Champion… That is a pretty strong resume put together over the course of four days time. It was a unanimous win that started the tears flowing for all of the winning team. With impeccable pattern work, she rose to the occasion in the final round. Gillispie knocked it out of the park once again, taking home the coveted blue cooler.

The only rider to top Gillispie in Oklahoma, the 14-15 Saddle Seat Equitation National Champion, Annie Thurber, was the Reserve World Champion. Directed by Katie Mair and Craig Clapp, Annie was consistent on the rail, and put together precise patterns aboard Upper Echelon. Each and every National Final, Gold Medal Final and World Championship, she came away as the Reserve Champion. With still two years remaining in her junior exhibitor career, this standout rider will certainly be back. This was her second year in a row finishing reserve in both of those National Final events. Last year, she was World Champion on Saturday afternoon. In her equitation finale, Nena Marlin earned a top three finish here, her second of the week. Lyssa Bomgaars was fourth today, with Julia Strier fifth in her final equitation ride.

A field of 16 vied for glory in the Classic Equitation World Championship that moved along a little more quickly as the pattern flowed nicely with a few less elements. A veteran of many different seats, Kelsey Robinson has shown here in Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat, and Dressage, earning the AMHA Dressage Gold Medal Championship just last year. This year, her campaign has been extensive, starting actually on these very fairgrounds at the Oklahoma Centennial. Directed by Brenda Benner, Robinson hails from Columbia, Missouri. After a third place finish in her 14-17 qualifier, she came back and nailed her workout aboard Ultras Play It Again to come away with World Championship honors. National Champion in the 14-17 class, Hayley Porter finished up as the Reserve World Champion. She teamed with Versailles under the direction of Nikki Rae Woodworth. Showing here a year ago in Hunt Seat Equitation, Courtney Segulin transitioned to Classic this year, earning a top three prize. Tiny Savanna Marie Miller has the makings and the pedigree of a great little jockey. The daughter of Frank and Ann Miller finished in fourth in this big event.

The Junior Saddle Seat Equitation World Championship featured 14 riders performing the final pattern of the show in the Performance Arena. As it was a day ago, so it was again today, as Mary Carlton’s riders took the top two prizes a day after sweeping the big titles in the UPHA Morgan Junior Challenge Cup. Today, however, it was Hannah McBain taking the last pass, with Cameron Kay finishing as the Reserve World Champion. Cedar Creek Cariad was the World Champion mount for 2010, as Hannah McBain, Reserve National Champion in the UPHA Morgan Junior Challenge Cup yesterday, carried off the tricolor. Over the week, she started out third in her 12-13 qualifier, then moved up to second in the Challenge Cup, then first in her final event on the week. Cameron Kay had two big wins on the week prior to her Reserve World Championship with CN’s Stylish Debut. Their debut for the week was a blue in the 12-13 National Championship. They earned a second National Championship in the Junior Challenge Cup just a day ago. Lila Tatar was overjoyed with her top three finish today aboard LGH Destiny’s Treasure. Riding under the Glyn-Rae Stables banner, Lila made a strong show to earn her best finish in an Equitation World Championship.

Wrapping up the equitation competition, 12 young riders entered the ring for the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Classic Equitation World Championship. In her first trip to Oklahoma, Kristina Mauro won her first world championship teamed with MLF Caliente. Ann Speck greeted Kristina in the winner’s circle wearing her Rancho Del Mar jersey in the white, blue and red farm colors. A year ago at this time, Kristina Mauro was graduating from the Academy ranks. Now, she is a World Champion. Lark Henry headed the Reserve World Champion, as Natalia Fernandez rode Tara’s War Dance to the reserve tricolor. This was a repeat of the placings in the 10-11 qualifier, as Natalia was Reserve National Champion there. She was 9-and-Under National Champion a year ago in her Oklahoma debut. She came out of the ring draped on her horse’s neck, hugging him for all she was worth and smiling a huge smile. Peyton Bartley and Amabayus were third, riding for the Peeper Ranch banner with Victoria Walz and Kingsgrove Dynasty collecting the fourth place finish directed by Nicole Johnson.

The hard work and determination of all of the equitation riders showed as they completed eight days of fabulous competition in all seats and age groups with their wonderful Morgan horses.

Sport Horse Arena

The reining competition continued to delight with the Reining Snaffle Bit/Hackamore World Championship starting things off on Saturday morning. The outstanding W’s Mesquite Ridge scored the tricolor honors for an amazing third year in a row as Jonathan Mohler took over the riding assignment on the entry of Lou Ellen Williams and Thomas Filipek. R-Two’s Black Jack and Josette Conti collected the reserve streamers to complete a great show for Cindy Nord.

Zach Roe earned the AMHA Reining Seat Gold Medal Finals as he displayed his skills aboard Aquilia’s Katy Courage.

Seven aspiring riders competed for scores in the Reining Green Rider Finals with Erik Frick showing his talent as the rider and farrier of SMC Clear Shot. Caitlin Harrison was proud to greet them in the winner’s circle. R-Two Rayning Success and Paul Banzet had their own success performing for the reserve honors.

The afternoon session featured the always-entertaining Free Style Reining classes. The Non-Pro riders were up first with Travis Filipek and W Nuggets Rebels Are We earning top honors for the second year in a row with their wonderfully choreographed performance. R-Two Top Dollar was on the money in the Open Free Style Reining for the second year in a row for owner Sharlene Anderson as Johnathan Mohler made the winning ride. Everything was coming up roses for LMC Summit Rose and Jean Keffeler as they earned the reserve scores in the open and non-pro classes.

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