Skip to content

A Silver Anniversary For Del Mar Charity Fair



by Leeann Mione

DEL MAR, Calif. – The 25th anniversary is always considered an important milestone, and this year at Charity Fair, its 25th anniversary was celebrated with big numbers and world class competition, great weather and a newly renovated facility that was an enormous hit with owners, trainers, exhibitors and spectators alike.

There were numerous highlights during the week but some of the best news was the strength of the equitation division for the Saddlebred and Morgan divisions. Friday afternoon’s Saddle Seat Equitation Championship was absolutely huge with 16 entries showing in front of Judge Nancy Becker who made the trip from Nicholasville, Ky. Del Mar’s ring is very large so the big group had plenty of room in which to show off their skills and after showing on the rail, Becker chose five riders to perform the workout.

When her card was turned in it was the talented Hanna Johnson, from Gerry Rushton Stables, selected to take the victory pass with Bad Company. An elated Johnson was all smiles after giving her horse a big hug and she was met by an equally elated Stacy Hennessy in center ring. Rancho Del Mar rider Angelica Berning had a great week that included her reserve in the great class with Ariana Corrigan’s entry Festival Troubador.

Victoria Lyons with Chihuly, Caroline Cherry with Altadena Starlight and Man In Command with Taylor Walters claimed the third, fourth and fifth place ribbons respectively.

The Morgan equitation riders likewise had a huge group competing in their 17 and under class and all 13 riders turned in a great effort in front of Becker. It was Angelica Berning who was chosen to make the victory pass to go with her reserve in the championship. Man In Command and Taylor Walters were reserve in the 17 and under class for Debra Hurst Walters to give Rancho Del Mar the one-two finish in the class. Vanessa Ybarra also had a great week and she claimed the top three finish with Cingate Mystere for Patricia Ybarra.

Rancho Del Mar had much to celebrate at the show in addition to their many winners and top ribbon earners. Sport Coupe, a Hackney/Saddlebred cross, was honored with a special presentation Thursday night, at the young age of 21, for his contributions to the success of the Rancho Del Mar team. The ceremony was not a retirement. In fact Sport Coupe went on to carry several more riders to wins and top ribbons before the show was over. (See separate edit for the presentation this issue).

Show Manager Harriet Landrum was joined by her staff, Secretary Sheri Hurst, clerks Mary Kay Hartman and Bev Hurst, data processor Ron Hood and committee assistant Roxanne Hood, Chrisi Hard and Lisa Iaria in charge of awards and Adele Maurer in charge of credentials, in keeping everything in order and running smoothly.

Cynthia Reid served as the USEF steward, Mark Farrar was the official announcer and Grace Yaglou kept things under control in the big classes as the official ringmistress. Jeff Gilbert handled the paddock and Alice Phillips was the stable manager. Joni Cranmore and Lisa Otterson handled the out gate and in gate respectively.

The Rey Vinole Orchestra returned again this year for the evening performances to lend a festive touch all week, and they were accompanied in center ring by official photographer Rick Osteen. Jim Trader set everything to music each afternoon as the official organist.

Jessie Vaughn handled the duties as official farrier and Dr. Linda Byer was the show veterinarian. Take One Video rounded out the list of officials as show videographers.

A huge group of sponsors provided money and time to make sure everyone felt welcomed and appreciated, and whether it was the huge assortment of items donated for the silent auction and raffles or the ribbons and flowers awarded, it was obvious that a large dedicated group wanted to make the 25th anniversary show extra special.

The exhibitors’ party Wednesday evening was held at the Del Mar Hilton and the buffet dinner provided an enormous assortment of great food to feed the masses who attended. Thursday evening, Rancho Del Mar hosted an ice cream social which also included a wide variety of desserts. This year’s party was also held in part to honor Sport Coupe, owned by longtime Ranch Del Mar team members the Lyttle family.

A long list of barns have been dedicated participants at Charity Fair for many years and most of them returned again this year. Some new barns also made the trip to show at the fair for the first time including Texas-based Lone Star Saddlebreds. At the urging of fellow Texan Dan Flowers, who has been bringing his group for several years, Milo Jones and Koren Mercer brought the Lone Star group and they had a great week.

"Our team from Lone Star had a great time," said Corrine Stith. "The show was great and we loved it. We plan to come back again. Everyone was so very nice and just so friendly and welcoming. It’s truly a great horse show.

One of the other factors in the show’s success was the new roof that now covers the Charity Fair arena. The fair crowd, open air atmosphere of the outdoor ring, fair rides and booths with the lights and sounds that only can be found at the fair have been an integral part of the uniqueness of Charity Fair for the last 24 years.

A new atmosphere greeted those that made the trip this year. The roof actually lent a sort of grandness to the ring, making it feel like a special place dedicated to the horse show rather than just an empty place sectioned off near the track. A bar was set up at one end in the evenings and chairs at that end provided even more seating ringside that wasn’t available before. The general consensus of the new look and feel of the facility was an overwhelming approval. The only drawback was the acoustics. It was often difficult at times for riders to hear instructions but that is a problem that most likely will be solved relatively easily.

Great food, hospitality and weather are always factors that make a show great fun but it’s great competition that keeps people talking and as the road to Louisville gets shorter and shorter, the competition at Del Mar will keep tongues wagging for sure.

Current, former and perhaps future world’s champions and world’s champions of champions competed against some of the best in the Saddlebred, Morgan, Hackney, Friesian and roadster divisions, let alone the intense competition in the equitation divisions and those great battles made for one heck of a horse show.

Thursday evening was an especially great night with a great Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, big numbers in the pleasure stakes and a great finale with the nine-entry Five-Gaited Stake.

Mitch Clark had a great group in front of him to close out the session and it was a hardworking group that had the crowd cheering on their favorites. Desert’s Double Memories with JW Steenkamp, CH Walterway’s Remember Me with Jennifer Dixon and All About It with Don Deardorff made it a battle for the top three spots and when Clark’s card was turned on, it was a clean sweep for Remember Me. Dixon had the powerful world’s champion of champions gelding in top order to follow up their blue in the open class by taking the tricolor and title in the stake.

Don Deardorff and All About It had people talking and exited to a large ovation for their reserve grand championship finish for owner Britton Frome. Steenkamp accepted the yellow ribbon for Teri Yount and they also had their share of crowd support for a strong effort in the competitive class.

Martha Keck and CH Full Spectrum closed out their week at Del Mar on top. They claimed the tricolor in the Amateur Five-Gaited Stake and topped seven other talented entries to do it in championship style. Their blue ribbon in the qualifier came after besting a field of nine. Dick Boettcher and Eduardo Castillo directed Keck to her impressive wins from Dick Boettcher Stables and she added those wins to her win at Chapter 1 in the amateur stake for the fourth year in a row. Her win in the qualifier was extra special this year. Her parents were in attendance for the first time in several years and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by watching Keck and Full Spectrum take the blue.

Undulata’s Confidential and Laura Denenholz were just one of the group led by Joe Lavery, of Jim Bennett Stables, to top ribbons and wins at Del Mar. Denenholz exited with the reserve grand championship in the amateur stake for Judy Denenholz. Lexie Castaillac and Callaway’s Editor’s Note just keep getting better and better, and they claimed the red ribbon from JL Dixon Stable in the amateur qualifier.

The Crown Valley Farm group had a huge week with several blue and championship tricolors on the tack room wall by the end of the show including two wins for Special Vintage and Julianne Rafferty, who have been at the top of their game all season. They won the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship and qualifier for the Rafferty family and all five riders in both classes took on the big ring and showed off their skills.

Callaway’s Holy Moly and Kelly Ganci have been steadily improving and getting to know each other in this first season together and they dealt with the challenges of the big Del Mar ring and distractions from the fair rides and crowd with a good team effort to take the reserve grand championship title under the direction of Michael Craghead.

Magellan, last year’s Charity Fair junior horse champion and five-gaited reserve grand champion was a star again this year with a new teammate Sydney Shaw. They took the red ribbon in the junior exhibitor qualifier for owner Teri Yount.

Milo Jones and Koren Mercer helped lead their group from Lone Star Saddlebreds to a very successful first time appearance at Del Mar. Jones rode the talented junior gaited horse Totally Kool to the blue for Sharon and Henry Moritz. They were followed in the ribbons by Indigo Jimmy and JW Steenkamp for Teri Yount and Rick Federico.

Steenkamp wasn’t done showing nice young gaited entries yet. He took the three-year-old Razin’ Arizona to the winner’s circle for Cindy Byers and World Calm LLC.

A Lemonade, with her striking blonde mane and tail, continued to turn heads with her win in the limit class. Robb Wallen, of Wallen West, rode for Betsy Wallen. Austin Eversman and Eric Antman directed their Majestic Stables group to a good show including Eversman’s reserve with Royal Pleasure in the limit class for Monte Rhea to close out the division.

I’m High ‘N Mighty and David Blevins were part of a talented trio competing for the tricolor and title in the Three-Gaited Stake and they were unstoppable on their way to the win for Bruce and Jennifer Foster of Crown Valley Farm. The high-stepping gelding took the reserve in the open class. Haven’s Harmonize and owner Tina Sutter were right there with a strong effort in the stake to take the reserve streamers under the direction of Barbara Beamer. They had already captured the blue ribbon in the junior/limit horse class.

It was the reigning ladies world’s champion of champions, Victoria Lynn, who was selected to take the victory pass in the open class. Jim Cherry had the honors of marching down victory lane with the ever elegant mare in a single appearance from Jim Cherry Stables.

Matinee Starlet had her name up in lights when Clark named her the Amateur Three-Gaited Grand Champion with Peggy Kelber. Kelber’s win continued the success of their first season together from Deardorff Stable. Marcia Sola and Sam’s Candygram, a proven star in the three-gaited division, also put together a great team effort to win the amateur qualifier before taking the reserve tricolor from Crown Valley Farm.

Winnepeg Parks and Scott Robinson were the team to beat in the amateur qualifier from Rancho Del Mar and their reserve was just one of several top ribbons earned by the dark bay entry of Bradley’s Stables.

Roman Marcos had his first father’s day to look forward to Sunday after the show with son Ryder Cruz, but he and wife Cayce had a busy week putting the Emerald Hills entries in the ring with more than one taking the winning ribbon. A Solar Flare, newly purchased by Craig Jackson, carried Shelby Jackson to the tricolor and blue when they were named the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Grand Champions and champions.

Red Sable and Natalie Grunnan have a long list of wins and top ribbons in the junior exhibitor division under Barbara Beamer’s direction and they added to that long list with the reserve grand championship for Seaview Farm. Nicole Tucker and Blues Traveler exited from the ring in the qualifier as the reserve champions to put another top ribbon on the Lone Star Saddlebreds tack room wall. Tucker rode for Mike and Sylvia Knesek.

The park division surprisingly only contained a few entries. The division has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years, but at Del Mar was perhaps lighter than usual. Those horses that did come through the gate, however, were hardworking and talented, and they did their best to earn the nod from Clark. Michelle McVey was on board Love And Luck to take the open stake win for Desert Palms. They were followed in the ribbons by Miss Savannah Rose and David Blevins, showing for owner Susan Cox. Results were the same in the open qualifier.

Julie DeVault and CH The Full Monty have proven themselves in the division time after time under the direction of Bill Tomin and they made a single appearance at Del Mar. Their effort in the amateur class was a winning one and they left the ring with the blue ribbon for DeVault Farms. Lauren Kaplan and Peritime returned in the stake after taking the amateur reserve title to be named the grand champions under the direction of Tara Weber of Sabino Equestrian Center.

The 2007 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion, CCV Casey’s Final Countdown’s, transition to the fine harness division has kept people talking and he looked every inch the harness horse as he took the tricolor in the Fine Harness Stake with Michele Macfarlane driving. Their grand championship followed a successful blue ribbon performance earlier in the week in the open class for Scripps Miramar Ranch.

Van Cleef And Arpels topped the junior/limit class with Robb Wallen before returning in the open stake to be named the reserve grand champion and continue a good show for the group from Wallen West. Wallen drove for owner Chuck O’Donnell.

Kalarama’s On A Roll and Jack Reich have consistently been in the top ribbons in the amateur division under the direction of Rockridge Farm, and they swept the amateur division at Del Mar to add to their win list. Nancy Moreno and It’s East Wing, showing under the direction of Dan Flowers, yet another Texas–based trainer who brought his group to the show, were right there with both reserve finishes to represent Texas well.

Barbara Beamer was in the viceroy for the red ribbon finish in the junior/limit class with Casablanca’s Fortune Teller for owner Gail Wilson. Beamer and Fortune Teller have been consistent performers in the harness division and added to Seaview’s successful show.

Call Me Regal turned heads and drew lots of attention on the way to the winner’s circle in the three-year-old class with David Blevins showing for Bruce and Jennifer Foster.

The two-year-old class was the biggest of the fine harness division and an appreciative crowd cheered on the youngsters who had an awful lot of ground to cover and an awful lot to look at in Del Mar’s big ring. Frank Miller and The Suite Spot have been earning wins and top ribbons together since her successes as a weanling at the California Futurity. They left the ring with the blue ribbon and lots of applause when Clark named them the winners in the nice group. Hoops There It Is, owned by Louise Eversman, followed in the ribbon count as the reserve champion with Austin Eversman driving.

DF Tres Chic has been displaying his versatility with Kendall Weber in their career together and he did it again at Del Mar. Weber drove to the tricolor in the Roadster Pony Championship after winning the blue in the under saddle class from Sabino Equestrian. Forever And A Day made a big impression, with Bill Tomin driving, on the way to winning the blue in the open class and the reserve streamers in the stake for DeVault Farms, LLC.

Smart Charlie and Joan Richardson were next on the list and they added the reserve championship open title to their career accomplishments under the direction of Greg Carstens of Seamair Farm. Susie Robinson and Heartland Equalizer added to the Bradley’s Stables successful week with the reserve in the under saddle class.

Heartland King Of Kings and Joanne Weiner have been one of California’s most decorated and consistent winners in the Hackney pleasure driving division, and they won the championship and qualifier to keep their record going from Rockridge Farm. Seamair’s Dear Admiral just keeps getting better and better in his new division, and Richardson handled the drive to the reserve grand championship and reserve finish in the qualifier under Carsten’s direction.

Royalee Cleveland and Global Scene followed up their debut at Chapter 1 by taking on a great group of competitors at Charity Fair and coming out on top in the Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Both classes were filled with quality as eight teams battled it out for the top spots both times.

Just as Cleveland and Global Scene are a new team, CH Callaway’s Capitol Reporter and Katie Jarve could arguably be considered veterans already, and they were right there to take the reserve streamers in the championship under the direction of Jennifer Dixon. Time To Win and Emily Jernigan exited as the reserve champions from Lone Star Saddlebreds for a strong finish in the competitive class.

Pinnacles Midnight Event couldn’t be denied in the Park Pleasure Championship with Eduardo Castillo on board and was named the grand champion for owner Jill Anthony. Castillo also rode the elegant mare to the open win earlier in the week to add two more wins to the Boettcher Stables total. Joe Lavery kept Jim Bennett Stables in the top ribbons with the reserve in the championship after a strong team effort for Sue Camins.

Foxy Cleopatra was just one of the park pleasure stars from Crown Valley Farm, and David Blevins rode to the reserve in the open qualifier for Stephanie Davidson. Crown Valley stablemate First French Kiss was first in the junior/limit class for owners Larry and Julie Witter. Blevins was in the irons for the victory pass. Pine Clone, owned and bred by Mary Williams, was next in line for a ribbon with Castillo up.

Thirteen horses and their very determined riders came through the gate in the Adult Three-Gaited Pleasure Championship and they put on a great class, which was the largest of the show pleasure division. Clark had an eyeful of talent as he evaluated the performances and worked to fill out his card. In the end it was the former world’s champion of champions CH French Silk Stockings named to take the victory pass with owner Debbie Tomin in the irons from Rockridge Farm. They also took the blue in the adult qualifier.

Carolyn Melka had to be thrilled about her debut at Del Mar with reserve grand champion Peanut Butter who already had park pleasure wins at Carousel and Chapter 1 with trainer Eric Antman. CH X’s And O’s has been such a grand campaigner with a long and successful show ring career, and Allison Cherry has been a big part of that success. She rode to the red ribbon in the adult qualifier under the direction of her parents, Jim and Helen Cherry.

CH J. Peterman has also had a very successful career in the pleasure division and teammate Hannah Rahav has proven to be a great partner. They swept the junior exhibitor division with both wins to add to the success at Del Mar for Emerald Hills. Town Cat is yet another strong campaigner who has a proven track record, and Hannah Francis turned in a strong effort to exit with the reserve grand championship title under the direction of Robb Wallen. CH So Audacious and Samantha Robinson followed up their success at Chapter 1 and they captured the reserve in the junior exhibitor qualifier for Bradley’s Stables.

Linda Bradley and Callaway’s Party Time haven’t been a team for that long and they were right in sync to put together the winning effort in the 10-entry competitive limit rider class to add another blue to the Rockridge total. Hot Day and Cory Campbell also impressed Clark and they were picked as the reserve champions for long time Jim Bennett Stables customer Patty Ladd.

The Limit Horse class was even bigger, with 11 entries and Emerald Hills was on top as Cute As A Button took the blue with Julie Greenbaum Belgrad riding. Owner/trainer/exhibitor Jamie LaFortune teamed Citron to the nice reserve in the big class.

Michele Macfarlane was back in the winner’s circle but this time she sat behind current world’s champion of champions Doctor Zhivago. Trainer Dena Lopez was on the rail to direct the pair to their tricolor victory in the Show Pleasure Driving Championship for Scripps Miramar after taking the reserve in the qualifier. CH It’s Good Karma and Julie Belgrad went to the head of the class in the qualifier, which hosted seven entries, before returning in the stake to take the reserve title.

Hannah Rahav proved her showmanship skills with J. Peterman when they switched gears to compete in the ASHA Show Pleasure Youth Driving Challenge. They headed down victory lane to add another win to their very successful week. New Yorker At Heart and Brandon Jones teamed up to finish with the red ribbon for owner Louise Curran. They drove under the direction of Wallen West Farms.

Claire Nilsson handled the winning ride with Midtown Man in the 12-entry Country Pleasure Championship among a deep and talented group. Nilsson rode from Jim Bennett Stables for owner Claude Letessier. Kim Garrett rode Midtown Man to the blue in the eight-entry qualifier.

Tuffy’s Gunslinger, with Julianne Rafferty riding, came into the championship having already won the blue in the junior exhibitor class. They took the reserve title in the championship for Christine and Steve Kling. In the adult qualifier, Miss Giggles and Suzanne Lyons claimed the red ribbon under the direction of Matthew Roberts and Marcia Everett of White Star Stables. Liz Bolten directed Silversmith and April Kilbourne to the reserve in the junior exhibitor class.

Screen Idol and Corrine Stith had no problem negotiating Del Mar’s big ring in their debut performance at Charity Fair. They turned in a strong team effort to take the tricolor in the Country Pleasure Driving Championship from Lone Star Saddlebreds. The win followed a reserve in the six-entry qualifier.

Kay March had a very successful show with her various entries and The Last Town was a big part of that success. Jeffrey Fetzer drove for March to the win in the Country Pleasure Driving qualifier before returning to pick up the reserve grand championship ribbon under the direction of Nani Barnes.

Two time world’s champion of champions CH Fiasco and Doug Glick came back in the Western Country Pleasure Championship in top form to take the win under Craghead’s direction and continue the great season they’ve got going so far this year. They had already been named the reserve champions earlier in the week.

Nancy Moreno was met by Dan Flowers at the out gate when Likely Suspect was selected by Clark as the reserve grand champion. Jana Anderson rode Avant To Be Alone to the blue under the direction of Eduardo Castillo and also picked up the blue in the Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class. Likely Suspect was reserve in the Shatner class with Moreno.

The parade classes and Concours D’Elegance lent a unique flavor to the Charity Fair and are always a hit with the crowd as well. This year, they oohed and aahed when Michele Macfarlane, Don Trunk, Jaime Torres and Wilber Amaya teamed up to bring the four-in-hand of spotted Saddlebreds (Like Thunder, So Extreme, Dilettante and Flurry) pulling Macfarlane’s beautifully restored Calliope in the Concours D’Elegance. While the music from the Calliope played, the applause from the crowd followed the entry around the ring and Clark named them the winners for Scripps Miramara. Lance Bennett and Joan Fernandez, of Friesian Focus, took the reserve with their absolutely beautiful antique carriage pulled by the matched pair of Friesians Daen H. and Siger.

So Extreme did double duty for the week and carried Macfarlane to both wins in the parade division. They were the grand champions and open champions. Geronimo’s Cadillac and Kay March picked up the reserve ribbons in both classes.

The open English pleasure division was very well filled with 12 multi-breed entries in the open stake and nine young riders in their junior exhibitor class. The OTAB division has become extremely popular on the West Coast as Saddlebreds, Friesians and Morgans can compete together in the same class. A Friesian took the top honors in this year’s Open English Pleasure Stake. Kassandra Sapia rode Jolmer to the tricolor in the competitive class for Friesian Thunder. They claimed the reserve in the open class before returning to pick up the tricolor.

Jamie La Fortune continued her great week by picking up the reserve tricolor in the big class with Under The Covers. CH Picante took top honors with Theo Robinson riding from Rockridge Farm for owner Jennifer Sefton in the six-entry open qualifier.

Koreen Greenberg purchased her Friesian, Harem, not long ago but he is well on his way to adding lots of blue ribbons to her totals. Greenberg had the winning ride in the Amateur English Pleasure class, which also featured six entries. Under The Covers and Jamie La Fortune were right there to pick up the red ribbon.

Stonecroft Make A Wish and Amelia Coomber were part of Rancho Del Mar’s successful week at Charity Fair. They topped a big group of nine to claim the blue ribbon in the junior exhibitor class. Callaway’s Spring Blossom and Ashley Duke were the reserve champions for the Duke family under the direction of Nicole Johnson.

Cedar Creek’s Mr. Money Man’s career has been a long and highly decorated one and with Jordan Haynes riding in the five-entry 10 & Under Walk & Trot English Pleasure class, he picked up another blue ribbon to make his win list even longer. Michelle McVey, of Desert Palms, met the pair in center ring for the presentation of the blue ribbon. B. J. Schafer directed Shaunicy Sturm and Willowick Mafia Princess to the red ribbon for Terri Sturm.

Laurie Servin took her turns in the winner’s circle with Harem to add to Greenberg’s great week. She drove to the wins in the OTAB Pleasure Driving Stake and open class. The driving division, with 10 entries in both classes, was a terrific example of the popularity of the OTAB classes. Extreme Obsession and trainer Gerry Rushton claimed the reserve tricolor with a strong performance for owners Paul and Danica Brisco. Trainer Matthew Roberts handled the drive to reserve in the qualifier for Dr. Amy Barmeier Dru to add to the success of White Star Stables.

Ann Miller joined her husband, Frank Miller, on the list of Del Mar winners and she and Festival Rock N Roll had a great show for owners George and Joan Arnold of Festival Morgans. Rock N Roll was the Opportunity Western Pleasure Grand Champion and champion with Miller in the saddle. Gold Dust Medallion, owned by Kay March, exited as the reserve grand champion and Francisco Flores handled the ride for March. Avant To Be Alone and Anderson teamed up for the reserve in the qualifier.

Leaders Legacy and Marissa Emery and Itse with Lance Bennett switched places in the OTAB Hunter Pleasure Stake and qualifier. Emery rode to center ring to pick up the tricolor for owner Joyce Modica and Bennett picked up the blue for Friesian Focus LLC.

In addition to their huge championship class, the saddle seat equitation riders did a great job displaying their skills in their age group qualifiers in an effort to impress Judge Nancy Becker. Hanna Johnson took the blue in the 14-17 class from Gerry Rushton Stables and she was followed in the ribbon count by Victoria Lyons with Chihuly from Wallen West. Caroline Cherry rode Judy Denenholz’s entry, Altadena Starlight, to the blue in the big 11-entry 13 and under class. Lila Tatar and Stoneledge Chancellor, instructed by Glynis Snowden, were right there to take the reserve in the big class for owner Bob Peterson.

Gentry Beauclair took top honors in the six-entry maiden rider class for riders 17 and under. She rode She’s A Keeper under the direction of Roberts and Everett. Savanna Miller was on board GMH Flash Dance for the reserve for owner Eutha Giesick of Giesick Morgans.

Natalie Robinson followed up her Chapter 1 success by taking the tricolor with Winnepeg Parks in the five-entry Walk & Trot 11 & Under Equitation Championship. Haynes and Cedar Creek Mr. Money Man exited as the reserve grand champions after having won the 10 and under walk and trot class (any seat). Sport Coupe proved he is far from retiring from the show ring as he carried Kristina Mauro, from Rancho Del Mar, to the reserve in the 10 and under class.

Fellow Rancho Del Mar rider Angelica Berning, with Heir Rifle, turned in a poised performance to win the USEF Saddle Seat Medal class and topped four other talented riders in the process. Victoria Lyons picked up the reserve for Lyons Den LLC.

Lila Tatar’s big week in Del Mar continued and she did a great job handling the big group and putting Stoneledge Chancellor in the winner’s circle in the tough 11-entry UPHA 17 & Under Challenge Cup class. Berning and Festival Troubador, owned by Ariana Corrigan, were the challenge cup reserve champions.

Kendall Weber borrowed Lauren Kaplan’s Amateur Park Grand Champion Peritime and headed down victory lane when she was named the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup Champion. Laura Denenholz took her turn with Altadena Starlight and she was next in the ribbon count as the reserve champion from Jim Bennett Stables.

A great group of Morgans made the trek to Del Mar to once again contribute in a big way towards making this year’s silver anniversary celebration such a success. Blackridge and Gerry Rushton Stables battled it out in the open park saddle division and Kathleen Kabel and Stacy Hennessy both rode hard with their respective entries. In the end it was DMH Back In Black named as the Park Saddle Grand Champion with Kabel up, and they also won the open class for Steve and Kathleen Kabel. Hennessy and Boxford Bravura took the reserve streamers in both classes for Ted and Elaine Olsen.

Lisa Howa and SLB Puccini teamed up for a great week to add to the Blackridge total, and they won the Amateur Park Saddle Stake and amateur qualifier for Richard and Lisa Howa. Junior exhibitor Lila Tatar teamed PAF Ecstacy to the reserve grand championship title from Glyn-Rae Stables, and owner Nan Willie rode The Real Deal to the red ribbon in the amateur class from Gerry Rushton Stables.

Rushton stablemate Tara’s Mojo added two winning ribbons to the tack room wall after taking the victory pass in the Park Harness Stake and qualifier for Kathy and William Taylor. Gerry Rushton had both winning drives. Bob Hughes drove SLB Da Vinci to the qualifier reserve for Sherry Bartolucci and SLB Farms.

Elaine Galatz made the trip from Nevada with her entries, and she and trainer Harold Angell had a busy and successful week at Del Mar. She drove Queen’s Guardian to the win in the Amateur Park Harness Championship after also winning the qualifier.

Lila Tatar and her CPM Man Oh Man were on top in the English Pleasure Championship after claiming the red ribbon in the competitive seven-entry junior exhibitor class.

Kathleen Kabel wasn’t done winning yet and she continued her great show with SLB Andiamo, the Ladies English Pleasure winner and amateur/junior exhibitor grand champion. They topped an impressive group of nine in the stake class. GLB Perfect Harmony and Kirsten Johnson headed out of the ring with the ladies reserve ribbon before returning in the amateur/junior exhibitor stake and finish with the reserve tricolor from Gerry Rushton Stables.

RWF Miss Saigon represented Miller Equestrian in the winner’s circle when Katherine Cota teamed the mare to the blue in the Amateur English Pleasure class for Daniel and Sheryl Cota. Owner Susan McCullough and Glory Days put together the reserve team effort.

Lance Bennett, of Rancho Vista, directed Kaitlin Gibson to the win in the seven-entry Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure class to add the blue to the Friesian Focus/Rancho Vista elaborately decorated tack room wall. Shaunicy Sturm added to her win list with Willowick Mafia Princess. She took the blue in the 11 & Under Walk & Trot Pleasure class to represent Schafer Training in the winner’s circle once again.

Elaine Galatz’s VVM By Design won the Junior/Limit Horse English Pleasure class and Travis Higgins handled the victory pass for Vegas Valley Morgans. GLB Sanatra and Brooke Yule put together the reserve effort for Linda Yule and added the red ribbon to the Schafer list.

SLB Great Expectations and Gerry Rushton picked up both wins in the open pleasure driving division for owner Ariella Jochai. Great Expectations was the Pleasure Driving Grand Champion and open champion.

Galatz and her VVM Wrapped In Roses were unstoppable on their way to the winner’s circle in the Ladies Pleasure Driving class for Vegas Valley and they were followed in the ribbon count by Alliteration and Lexie Ellsworth from Blackridge.

Elaine Olsen handled the winning drive in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stake with Stonecroft Notorious. Elaine Galatz and Wrapped In Roses added the reserve tricolor to their total for the week. Galatz sat behind VVM Just The Ticket and headed down victory lane in the amateur driving class to finish ahead of Alliteration and Ellsworth.

The Kabels turned things over to Bob Hughes and he handled the winning drive with Dragonsmeade Vivace in the Junior Horse Pleasure Driving class. Dreammaster Rare Image and Gerry Rushton took the red ribbon for owner Kevin Worsley.

Two nice two-year-olds came through the gate for their pleasure driving class and Rushton piloted Ultra’s Private Eye to the blue for Kristen and Eric Yang. Festival FanFare and Frank Miller added the reserve to the total for George and Joan Arnold.

The classic pleasure division hosted a nice group throughout but it was the junior exhibitors who faced the biggest class in the under saddle division with eight entries in their qualifier.

The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship had six talented teams working hard to impress Nancy Becker and claim a 25th anniversary tricolor ribbon, and when her card was turned in, it was Romance Of Monarch, with Caprice Soltice on board, named as the grand champion for Frank and Ann Miller. Robb Wallen had Hannah Francis McCartney in good order to claim the reserve grand championship for Cathrine Cartwright.

Debra Hurst Walters handled the ride with VVM Litigator and went to the top of the list in the Open Classic Pleasure Saddle qualifier. They followed that up with the winning effort in the ladies class as well. Walters rode for Bob and Vita Banks from Rancho Del Mar. Makayla Claywell, riding Frank and Ann Miller’s Festival Sundance, left the ring with the red ribbon in hand in the open class and Susan McCullough teamed Dreammaster Athena to the ladies reserve title.

Julie Folkman guided Plum Haven Capistrano to the winner’s circle after an impressive team effort to win the junior exhibitor class for Tracy Folkman. Folkman’s win added another blue to the Gerry Rushton Stables total. Cingate Mystere and Vanessa Ybarra put together the reserve championship effort for owner Patricia Ybarra.

Elaine Galatz kept the Vegas Valley win machine on track with two more wins in the classic pleasure driving division. She drove VVM Elektra to the championship and ladies wins to top a great group both times. Dreammaster J’st Sharper and Allison Folkman headed out of the ring with the reserve grand championship ribbon for Nan Willie. They also claimed the reserve in the ladies class.

McCartney switched gears and teamed up with Bob Lovo to take the blue in the open qualifier and Romance Of Monarch followed on Becker’s card with Caprice Soltice driving.

The horses in the hunter pleasure division had several very competitive classes and they put on great show after great show for the crowd, especially in their Hunter Pleasure Championship, which featured seven quality entries. Whispering Incognito and Jill Yerger represented Terry King and King-Lehr Stables in the winner’s circle when Becker put them at the top of her card, just as she had done in the open class. She chose Festival Atomic Energy and Savannah Sturm for the reserve title in both classes. They also claimed the red ribbon in the amateur qualifier from Schafer Training Stables.

Light Year and Sandra Gruen added three more wins to the Glyn-Rae Stables total to close out a great week. Light Year was the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Grand Champion and amateur champion and also won the ladies class. VVM Aleesa and Ellen McCook were selected as the ladies reserve champions.

Debbie Keough and her multi-titled R-Royale Prophecy exited with the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Reserve Grand Championship to add to their success at the show.

Silver King Upandy and Madline Lee put owner Lila Tatar in the winner’s circle yet again when they teamed up for the blue in the Junior/Limit Horse Hunter Pleasure class. Owner Kristen Klepper rode Wee B Sweet Emotion to a reserve finish in the five-entry class.

In the western pleasure division, Festival Rock N Roll and VVM Aleesa took turns in the winner’s circle and between them won five of the six classes offered. Miller rode Rock N Roll to the tricolor in the open championship and also took the blue in the open qualifier for Festival Morgans. McCook and Aleesa won the amateur championship and qualifier and also won the ladies class. Festival Rock N Roll also earned the reserve titles in the amateur qualifier and ladies class with Joan Arnold riding.

Dr. Christy Walter and GLB The Cutting Edge finished with the reserve ribbon in both the open championship and qualifier. Festival Atomic Energy and Savannah Sturm put together the reserve grand championship effort in the amateur championship after winning the junior exhibitor class.

The equitation riders did a great job in addition to their huge championship, especially in the competitive six-entry AMHA Saddle Seat Medal class. Angelica Berning and Heir Rifle were met by Ann Speck after they turned in the winning team effort to take the title. Vanessa Ybarra continued her great show by finishing in reserve with Cingate Mystere.

The 17 and under equitation riders competed in their qualifier and were able to show either hunt or western seat. Kristin Klepper took the blue with Wee B Sweet Emotion and Savannah Sturm was reserve with Festival Atomic Energy. Shaunicy Sturm took the blue in the walk and trot 11 and under class with Mafia Princess and she was followed in the ribbons by Katie Kabel with LA Ricochet for Kathleen and Steve Kabel.

Mitch Clark’s judging duties included the Friesian horses and he had a nice group in front of him all week from which to make his selections. Otto and Lance Bennett were just one of the winning teams from Friesian Focus for owner Joan Fernandez. They won the Friesian Park Saddle Seat Championship to go with their blue ribbon in the open qualifier. Rachael Stokes, of Fire Dance Friesians, had her five-month-old daughter Isabella on hand to watch Meine van de Ridderdijk take the reserve streamers in both classes for Dr. Lyn Stadish.

Desert Palms assistant trainer Erin Rae Smith rode her own Kieran of Carisbrooke to the championship title in the Saddle Seat Pleasure championship. Wodan and Lance Bennett have a long list of wins and top ribbons in the division and they captured the reserve in both the championship and open qualifier for Friesian Focus.

Victoria Servin rode Harem to the blue in the open class for Koreen Greenberg and Stokes posted two more wins when she rode her own Mercury Of Honor Bright to win the junior horse championship and qualifying class.

Brigitte Scholl, of Monarch Stables, met Mindy Vanhellemont in the winner’s circle when she rode Cathleen Anderson’s entry Ecko to the tricolor in the Amateur/Junior Exhibitor Saddle Seat Pleasure Championship. They moved up from taking the reserve in the qualifier. Greenberg herself was in the irons to pilot Keimpe to the reserve tricolor after winning the qualifier earlier in the week.

Doeke H. carried two different riders to center ring to pick up their winning ribbons under the direction of Lance Bennett. Jackson Cripe rode to the win in the Walk & Trot Amateur Championship for Kim and Jackson Cripe, and Nichole Fernandez had the blue ribbon ride in the amateur qualifier. Dr. Stadish’s entry Oebele R.V. had a busy week and carried Britney Malchow to the reserve tricolor and red ribbon in the walk and trot classes under Stokes’s direction. Stokes was in the saddle for the win with Oebele in the Friesian Country Pleasure Championship to continue a great show for Fire Dance. Floris and Nichole Fernandez were right there for the reserve tricolor finish and results were the same in the country pleasure qualifier.

Stoke wasn’t done heading to the winner’s circle yet. She guided Mariken to the win in the Hunt Seat Pleasure Championship and then took the blue in the open class as well for owner Marilyn Lane. Itse and Bennett were the reserve grand champions and reserve champions. Friesian Focus stablemate Daen H. added to the successful week for Joan Fernandez when Clark named them the Period Costume Grand Champions and champions in recognition of their elaborate costume and team effort. Oebele and Malchow took the reserve streamers in the stake and Stokes rode for the red ribbon with Oebele in the qualifier.

This highlights the winners at one of the best Del Mar Charity Fair Horse Shows in recent years and a first class celebration of its 25th anniversary. It is only through the hard work and dedication of the staff and many, many volunteers and committee members combined with the commitment by owners, trainers and exhibitors to bring their best stock and put on a great show that a show can have such success. The brand new roof was a huge hit, the weather was absolutely fabulous and the hospitality was first rate as always.

More Stories

  • Letter To The Editor

    Dear Kentucky State Fair Board,

    My name is Melissa Moore; I am an American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horse trainer. I am a second generation horse trainer whose family is deeply immersed in this equine industry and has been for over 75 years.  

    Read More
  • UPHA Office Moving

    UPHA is relocating to a new address. Kindly update your records with our new location. The postal address is P.O. Box 3728, Midway, KY 40347 and the physical address is 123 East Main St, Midway, KY 40347. Read More
  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More