By Diana Davidson
RALEIGH, N.C. - Memorial Day is a special day on the calendar for all Americans. For the Morgan industry it is doubly special as it is also the weekend of the Southern States Regional Horse Show. The 37th edition of this grand competition was perhaps the finest to date. With the finest hospitality, facility, management and weather, Southern States is first class all the way. It is all of this that attracts the finest in show ring competition. Stables travel to Raleigh, N.C., from Maine to Florida, and from Virginia to Kansas. In all, owners from 27 states and Austria were represented at the 2009 Southern States Regional Horse Show on May 20-23.
The Virginia Carolinas Morgan Horse Club works tirelessly to host the show Memorial Day weekend. Every member of this club pitches in year round to host fundraisers and to plan the optimal horse show experience for the exhibitors at the James B. Hunt Horse Complex at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Parties every day give exhibitors a taste of old fashioned Southern hospitality and a chance to unwind and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow competitors. An ice cream social sponsored by Harmony Sport Morgans kicked off the week on Wednesday night. The Bridle Club was open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings to continue the socializing schedule. Thursday night was "Ladies Night" (see separate story) and everyone showed support for the cause in the many activities offered. Friday night featured the annual exhibitors’ party complete with a delicious meal, music and dancing.
All week, exhibitors looked forward to the time honored tradition of the Memorial Day Picnic Saturday afternoon. Everyone gathered following the afternoon session as Dr. and Mrs. V. Watson Pugh of Tara Farm provided a delicious meal of barbecue chicken and ribs, roasted corn and delicious sides. The annual Southern States Afterglow Hunt Breakfast Saturday evening was an excellent finale for the full schedule of entertaining activities.
In 2008, Southern States was chosen for the UPHA National Honor Show Award. With the bar set high, Southern States began a new era in 2009 under the direction of Show Manager Fred Nava, who was delighted to work alongside the outstanding show committee headed in 2009 by Jennie Mercier and Suzette Boisselle.
Nava commented on the success of the 2009 show. "First and foremost it was an honor to become part of this great Morgan horse show and to be a part of this great team of people who make up this well-rounded, hardworking show committee. This week, I have seen the true meaning of southern hospitality at its finest. It was easy to see why this show draws exhibitors from across the country. I could not be more pleased with the level of competition at this show. I am looking forward to working side by side with the committee to see this show continue to grow and prosper."
During the fabulous final session of championship competition on Saturday night, Southern States committee member Fran Pugh addressed the audience and thanked everyone for their support of Southern States. "I would like to thank you all for coming to North Carolina with your wonderful Morgan horses. I would like everyone to give a hand to our co-chairs Jennie Mercier and Suzette Boiselle, our wonderful show staff, the new facility manager, Dale Barnett, and our main man, Show Manager Fred Nava. We appreciate all of your hard work in making Southern States a great show. God bless and safe travels, we love you all."
Betsy Boone and Terry Jones Brennan marked the cards in the show ring portion of the 202 classes that were held in two sessions per day. Sue Smithson, John Greenall and Joan Boyce officiated in the sport horse divisions. The AMHA Judging School under the direction of Larry Bolen was held in conjunction with the show and the attendees participated from the stands as well as taking turns in the ring to work alongside the officials.
Once again this year, the jackpot classes were an attraction. The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship Jackpot offered a purse of $5,000. The Hunter Pleasure Amateur Championship Jackpot participants competed for a $3,500 purse.
Another draw for championship entries was the $50 door prize offered in every championship class. All participants had their numbers put in a hat and the winners were drawn during the lineup to reward one lucky winner just for participating. The Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship door prize was increased to $500 and the Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship offered a $1,000 door prize.
There were many memorable moments and more than a few fantastic performances in the show ring. World champions highlighted the competition in almost every class with the likes of JW That Special Flaire, CBMF Crown Prince, Lamborghini In Black, Love Her Madly, Dragonsmeade Icon, Stonecroft Byzantine, Floored, Indian Creek Bellagio, Dragonsmeade Carnaros, Tara’s Brind’amour, CBMF Ruling Class, Boogie Nights, Gradell’s Wild Reflection, Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize, Lucky-U and Mtn Laurel Election Day.
The lineup of new combinations and young stars should also provide many more exciting moments in 2009 for Graycliff Tony and Dawn Fire, Bellerophon and Steven Handy, Dragonsmeade MaxMara and Bill Hazen, Cedar Creek Flambeau with Jim Lowry, Indian Creek American Girl with Amy Neifert, Gradell Ring My Bell with Cheri Barber, Indian Creek Cachet with Kurt Hufferd, Own The Night with Tim Roesink, CBMF Whispers Of War and Ling Fu Wylie, CBMF Double Down and Grace Steere, Cedar Creek Cariad and Anne Marie Biron, CN Grand Style and Emily Tassinari, Stonecroft After Midnight and Holly Johnson, C’est La Vie and Donna Zimmerman, EKL Assets Vision and Martha Simpson, Goldstar Gigabyte with Scott Thacker, Queen’s Black Dahlia with David Rand, CBMF Undeniable and Brittany Nugent, Anna Pugh and Tara’s War Eagle, KHF Dante De Lion and Zoie O’Neal, Toast Of Broadway with Amanda DuPont and many more.
In addition to Show Manager Fred Nava, the list of Southern States officials also included: Kelly McFaul, (show secretary), Sue Imbratto (assistant secretary), Pat Law (ring secretary), Steve Wilson (barn manager), Bill Whitley (ringmaster), Bill Carrington (announcer), June Brune (organist), Mary Lynn Whitley (USEF steward), Howie Schatzberg (photographer), Larry Wahl (paddock master), JP Fuller (farrier), Richard Cochran (veterinarian) and Horse Videos Inc (videographer).
PARK SADDLE
The park saddle ranks certainly held some of the top performances in 2009. Many of the most talked about classes and strongest competition heralded from this division. An unbelievable list of world champion horses made up the competition. No one could deny the depth and talent that showcased in Raleigh, N.C., at this year’s Southern States Regional. It would set the stage for several performances likely to be talked about all season.
The reigning Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion, Dragonsmeade Icon, was a brilliant presence in his East Coast debut. Tim Roesink guided the dynamic son of Mizrahi and HVK Obsidian to the Park Saddle Championship as well as the stallion qualifier blue as part of a fabulous show for the entries of the Fu family’s Dragonsmeade Farm. Mike Goebig returned to the saddle of 2007 Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion Love Her Madly, who most recently was crowned 2008 Ladies Park Saddle World Champion with Allyson Nord Wandtke. The multi-titled Astronomicallee daughter added the Southern States reserve tricolor to the Broadmoor banner for Cindy Nord.
NDT French Impressionist and Amy Neifert enjoyed a repeat trip to victory lane as they park trotted away with the Park Saddle Mare & Gelding blue for Copper Beech LLC. They made the victory pass for the second year in a row under the winning direction of Sebring Stables. Brittany Nugent paired up with multi-titled CBMF Undeniable for a fine ride to collect the reserve honors directed by Broadmoor.
Probably the most anticipated and most-talked about classes of the show came from the amateur park saddle division once again this year. Thursday evening’s qualifier ushered in seven amateur park saddle horses vying for the top spot. The list of competitors was a world champion who’s who of Morgandom including the three magnificent competitors from the 2008 Amateur Park Saddle World Championship: CN The Master’s Flyte with Allyson Nord Wandtke, Lamborghini In Black with Grace Steere and Get Busy with Kathy Gutting, along with a quartet of talented challengers.
Just as they had a year ago, Lamborghini In Black and Grace Steere made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle to claim the blue ribbon, directed by David Rand. In their first show together under the Grove Poinet banner, No Contest and Linda Hawkins proved their ability to contest the breed’s finest as they collected the red ribbon. Donna Zimmerman matched up with CBMF Clear Victory to put on a fine show for the yellow ribbon for PlayMor Farm in the deepest of competition.
As Lamborghini In Black made his electrifying victory pass from the ring, riders and the crowd alike all turned their thoughts to the championship class on Saturday night. As the gate opened for the tricolor round on Saturday night, the same excitement filled the arena. Another swell of emotion consumed the air as a slightly different cast of six teams was in pursuit of the tricolor with Judge Betsy Boone holding the card. The crowd showed its appreciation for the athletic performers and their game amateur riders.
Grace Steere and Lamborghini In Black enjoyed a triumphant trip down victory lane as the 2009 Southern States Amateur Park Saddle Champions to the delight of their fan club and trainer David Rand. Treble’s First Take and Dawn Fire came back just one night after their victorious performance in the hotly contested ladies class to add the Amateur Park Saddle Reserve Championship to a fabulous show for the entries hailing from Peeper Ranch. Once again lighting up the show ring in Raleigh, Get Busy and Kathy Gutting trotted up for the yellow ribbon in their first show of 2009. After the victory passes were made, all those in attendance knew it would be another season of great competition and fun rivalries.
The entries from Rand were unstoppable in the junior exhibitor competition at Southern States. Moniqua Dube made five trips to the winner’s circle including three with her talented FRF Outerlimits. They brought the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle Championship back to Maine for the second year in a row in addition to earning a pair of matching blues in the park saddle and park harness qualifiers.
PPR Belly Dancer is following in the footsteps of her dam, Erotic Dancer, by trotting away with park saddle tricolors. The animated four-year-old HVK Bell Flaire daughter was the victor in the Park Saddle Junior Horse Championship and qualifier for Peeper Ranch with Kristen Tramposh in the irons. Three-year-old KJM Five Star showed off the promise of the future in his saddle debut as Tim Roesink guided the Barbara Lindauer entry to reserve honors.
PARK HARNESS
For the "hometown crowd", World Champion JW That Special Flaire is always a favorite. This year was no different as this record-setting four-time Park Harness World Grand Champion made his season debut at the Southern States Regional. Owner Fran Pugh and the entire Tara Farm crew were on the edge of their seats with excitement as this talented performer made his tricolor performance to maintain his status as the Southern States Park Harness Champion for the fourth year in a row. Trainer Ken Swanson guided the always-entertaining chestnut to start off the show with the qualifier victory pass. In another repeat performance from 2008, Harry Sebring drove Whitemud Dixie DanceKing to the reserve honors. The sporty bay Patricia Lloyd entry was on top of his game with cadenced animation in the qualifier and championship competition.
Just as they were in park saddle, the amateur classes featured some of the most anticipated competition in the park harness division. Wednesday morning’s qualifier featured 2007 Amateur Park Harness World Champion Dragonsmeade Fusion and Iann Fu Longenecker carrying the blue ribbon back to the Grove Pointe banner with a brilliant performance. Following a world titled junior career, five-year-old Bellerophon and owner Steven Handy matched up for the red ribbon in their team debut. Saturday morning’s tricolor round saw Bellerophon and Steven Handy earn top billing on Judge Boone’s card to make the tricolor victory pass directed by Lynn Peeples. In the tricolor battle of HVK Bell Flaire sons, Dragonsmeade Fusion and Iann Fu Longenecker collected the reserve streamers for Dragonsmeade Farm.
Following a clean sweep of the three-year-old park harness classes in Oklahoma last year, Ann Hailey’s now four-year-olds went in different directions for 2009. With a world of presence CBMF Crown Prince ascended to the throne in the junior division as Harry Sebring guided the Stonecroft Masquerade son to the Junior Park Harness blue and tricolor. With animation and elegance Indian Creek American Girl teamed up with Amy Neifert to take over top billing in the Ladies Park Harness competition. Ann Hailey was on hand to congratulate her champions as they added to the winning week for the Copper Beech/Sebring team.
Jaisen von Ballmoos was delighted with the performances of his youngsters in their first time showing at Southern States under the Fairview Stable banner. The long trip from Vermont was well worth it as Equinox Fear This opened the Thursday morning session with a dynamic showing. The Pierces of Kinzu Morgans own this impressive Issues ‘N Answers son who promises to put some fear into the young horse competition. Following a winning season debut at UPHA Chapter 14, GVB Cape Town was dazzling in Raleigh as von Ballmoos drove the expressive Favorite Son filly to the UPHA Park Harness Classic victory for Chapel Hill Morgans.
ENGLISH PLEASURE
The English pleasure division was filled with quality horses and great competition. Following their team debut just two weeks earlier at UPHA Chapter 5, Dawn Fire and Graycliff Tony drew rave reviews as they bested the field in Raleigh, starting bright and early on Thursday morning in the Amateur English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class. They continued their winning streak on Saturday night, stepping up to the open division to add the Southern States English Pleasure Championship to the Peeper Ranch banner, directed by Phil Fountain. An expressive competitor each time he enters the ring, Bellisimo teamed with Jennifer Hazen to collect the reserve tricolor streamers for PlayMor Farm.
The open qualifiers featured a pair of blue ribbon performances for the entries of Copper Beech LLC. Last year’s Southern States Pleasure Driving Champion, Diana Victori,a made her way back down victory lane, carrying the English Pleasure Mares blue with Tim Roesink in the irons. Meanwhile, Kosta Boda also ventured into the English pleasure division for the first time with Amy Neifert piloting to the stallion/gelding blue.
The grand finale on Thursday night was the eagerly anticipated UPHA Pink Ribbon Ladies English Pleasure competition. A grand field of eight filled the ring to compete for this great cause as well as the audience’s support and the hard-earned ribbons. Each of the entries were awarded pink ribbons as well as the ribbons placed by Judge Betsy Boone as they were announced in reverse order. As the final two entries were left in the ring, Kim Germ and her impressive new mare, MIZ Saturn Star, earned the second place in their memorable team debut. This left all eyes on the winning team of Sacred Path Indiana Jones and Shelley Silber. Tim Roesink greeted the winning team who made the victory pass as they had the previous day in the Ladies Amateur English Pleasure for Kourt Jester Morgans.
The amateur competition was exceptional in all divisions at Southern States. Saturday night’s Amateur English Pleasure Championship attracted a field of 11 vying for top honors. The impressive new team of Cedar Creek Cariad and Anne Marie Biron followed their tricolor debut at UPHA Chapter 5 with top marks in Raleigh to carry home the Amateur English Pleasure Championship, directed by Phil Fountain. Donna Zimmerman paired up with Stonecroft Byzantine to create a lovely picture as they made a brilliant reserve tricolor victory pass for PlayMor Farm.
Adriana Liberty matched up with Eeta Sachon’s bold performing Monnington Wish to add the blue ribbon honors from the Amateur English Pleasure Mares to the Rand banner.
Following their blue ribbon season debut at UPHA Chapter 14, Carolann Smith and Season’s Supreme Challenge added a Southern States victory pass. They earned the top pinning in the Youth English Pleasure with a polished ride coached by Sally Lindabury.
Moniqua Dube and Lookaway’s Hot Ticket enjoyed a pair of repeat victories at Southern States. They topped the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Saddle Championship after claiming the blue ribbon in the 14-17 qualifier, both for the second year in a row. It was a tricolor sweep for the horses and riders under the direction of David Rand as Emily Tassinari and CN Grand Style stepped up with a solid ride in just their second show together to earn the reserve tricolor pass. The junior exhibitor troop from Rand also featured 13 and under winners Max Liberty and Gamepiece performing for Lakefront Farm LLC.
Hannah Kelley was all smiles as she matched up with her equally bubbly SBS Power Play to score a pair of big wins in the walk-trot division. Proud parents Dan and Leslie Kelley cheered on the winning team as they collected the blue and tricolor ribbons. Ariella Silber and Almost Famous added to their tricolor collection as they added the reserve championship to a stellar start to the show season for Kourt Jester Morgans.
The world titled team of Floored and Tara Good started off right where they finished off in 2008. The sporty Stand And Deliver son starred in the Junior English Pleasure Championship following the four-year-old qualifier win to the delight of the Broadmoor team. PlayMor’s Shall We Dance put on an attention-capturing performance in her debut show to add the reserve tricolor to the PlayMor banner. Jennifer Hazen rode the expressive three-year-old daughter of Centerpiece and Cobridge Maximum Affair.
Indian Creek Bellagio started the new season in a new division with the same winning results as his undefeated 2008 world championship campaign. Kurt Hufferd guided the dynamic son of HVK Bell Flaire and Long Acres Broadway to the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure win for Indian Creek Farm.
Tomeri Tango continued his blue ribbon streak in the English pleasure division as Tim Roesink guided the Bonnie Howard entry to the limit blue.
PLEASURE DRIVING
The pleasure driving competition at Southern States featured an all-star cast along with some exciting new challengers. As the show drew to a close on Saturday night, it was another impressive entry of Dragonsmeade Farm out of HVK Obsidian and shown by Tim Roesink who did indeed own the night. Having already earned the park saddle tricolor with the HVK Obsidian son, Dragonsmeade Icon, the winning team added the Southern States Pleasure Driving Championship with Own The Night, a son of world champions And The Beat Goes On and HVK Obsidian. The expressive black gelding had earlier made the victory pass in the stallion/gelding qualifier. Grand National Champion LBJ Uptown Girl opened the season on victory lane in the Pleasure Driving Mares before making the reserve tricolor pass with Ken Swanson on the lines for Frances Pugh.
The Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship was the largest of the division once again this year. Following season-opening victories at Raleigh Spring Premier, Nancy Hendricks and Dragonsmeade Carnaros returned to the same winner’s circle to collect the Southern States Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship with a top drive, directed by Tim Roesink. In a tricolor battle of world titled performers, Stonecroft Tribute and Donna Zimmerman drove away with the reserve streamers. The expressive Stonecroft Trilogy son started off the week with the amateur stallion/gelding victory directed by Jim and Jenny Taylor.
For the third year in a row, Dr. Barbara Lindauer and HVK Sweet Obsession carried the blue ribbon back to the Grove Pointe banner following a dynamic win in the Pleasure Driving Amateur Mares class.
Leslie Minard was all smiles as she and John Weslee drove away with the blue ribbon and flowers in Pleasure Driving Ladies class under the direction of Broadmoor with a winning drive for 21st Century Morgans.
George Liberty and Gamepiece had the winning moves to carry the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor ribbons back to the Rand banner for Lakefront Farm LLC.
The youngsters of Copper Beech LLC enjoyed a stellar showing in the pleasure driving division as well. CBMF Restless carried home the tricolor from the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship following an attention-capturing blue ribbon drive in the four-year-old class with Harry Sebring on the lines. Stoney Pt. Harlequin Romance returned to the site of his winning performance debut as a two-year-old to add the Junior Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship for William Shean and Pat West with Kurt Hufferd on the lines.
Tara’s Brind’Amour also returned to the site of his winning show ring debut of a year ago. With a world title under his belt, the Tara’s Firewalker son made the victory pass in the three-year-old class with Harry Sebring handling the lines for Copper Beech LLC.
Following a winning debut for owners John and Nancy Hendrick at River Ridge, State Of Grace repeated the winning drive at Southern States. The sharp bay filly topped a stellar field of youngsters to add the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic blue with Tim Roesink at the lines.
Indian Creek Cachet continued the success of the young horses bred by Indian Creek Farm and those of her half-siblings out of Cache. In her show ring debut, the lovely bay filly, sired by Stand And Deliver and out of Cache, starred in the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving class to earn the blue and tricolor with Kurt Hufferd on the lines for Indian Creek Farm. Tara Farm brought out a full brother to World Champion Tara’s Brind’Amour in Tara’s Fire When Ready. By Tara’s Firewalker and out of Cabot French Elaina, Ken Swanson guided the Frances Pugh entry to reserve honors.
IN HAND
The in hand competition kicked off the 2009 Southern States Regional on Wednesday morning. Although small in numbers, the entries displayed outstanding quality. The mares were first to entertain with the entries of Copper Beech LLC starting off another tricolor show for Ann Hailey. CBMF Class Act (CBMF Ruling Class x Wild Imaginings) earned the top spot on Judge Besty Boone’s card as Jim McCleester and Harry Sebring presented the smooth bay to the Grand Champion Mare honors following the Junior Champion Mare and Two-Year-Old Mare victories. Last year’s Grand Champion Mare, Stonecroft Flammable (Stonecroft Trilogy x Sizzle), added this year’s Reserve Grand Champion Mare title for Copper Beech following the winning pose in the Senior Champion Mare and Three-Year-Old Mare competitions led by Tim Roesink.
Goldstar Gigabyte (MainFrame x Lacey’s Shady Lady) was the first to enjoy a trip to the Southern States winner’s circle. Scott Thacker presented the elegant bay to the yearling win followed by the Reserve Junior Champion Mare honors for breeders Lynda Shackelford and Betty Thacker of Goldstar Farm.
Tara Farm was off to a blue ribbon start as LBJ Uptown Girl (DBA Street Talk x Liberation Lady In Red) posed for the Five & Over Mares blue as well as the Reserve Senior Champion Mare streamers for Frances Pugh with Ken Swanson presenting.
The sire of the Southern States Grand Champion Mare, CBMF Ruling Class (GLB Bell Pepper x CEN Can’t Touch This) kept it all in the family as he showed off his world titled presence as Southern States Grand Champion Gelding for the third year in a row with Ken Swanson handling the lead for Holly Johnson. Kosta Boda (Mizrahi x Abacus Simple Dreams) added to the Sebring Stables banner as he posed with the reserve tricolor with Harry Sebring on the lead for Copper Beech LLC.
CN Out And About (HVK Grand Entrance x CN The Elegant Touch) hung the first blue ribbon of the show on the Broadmoor banner. Mike Goebig and Eric Mason presented the smooth bay for owner/breeder Cindy Nord in the Three & Four-Year-Old Geldings.
The stallions were next on center stage as Cedar Creek Flambeau (Astronomicallee x Cedar Creek Wind Chime) quickly became the talk of the show in his debut. With a world of presence, motion and good looks he became an instant sensation as Jim and Fay Lowry guided the entry bred and owned by Cedar Creek Farm to the Two-Year-Old, Junior and Grand Champion Stallion honors. Owner/breeder Allison Wright was justifiably proud of AW Global Vision (Continental Vision x Curves) as he put on quite a show of his own to collect the reserve honors in the Two-Year-Old, Junior and Grand Champion Stallion competition. Scott Thacker handled the lead of the charismatic bay who is very reminiscent of his world titled sire.
Southern States continued to support amateur exhibitors with many amateur owned and trained classes, as well as Saturday morning’s entire amateur in-hand division. The Amateur In Hand Champion Mare was RTH Carolina Blue with Devon Broughton handling the lead for Debbie and Eddy Hemingway under the direction of Chet Sowle. Susan Sykes manned the lead of Mary Daughtry’s handsome Graywood’s Lennox to collect the Amateur In Hand Gelding Championship. Emory Sykes kept in the family as she guided Martha Perry’s FRF Center Stage to the Amateur In Hand Hunt/Western win. Coalition Royal Billing continues to set the standard in the Justin Morgan Standard class as he and owner June Davis again collected the blue.
CLASSIC PLEASURE
The grand finale of the show was once again the very popular Southern States Classic Pleasure Saddle Jackpot Championship. Indeed becoming one of the trademark monikers of this event, this exciting ending to a week of great competition epitomized the spirit, competitiveness and warmth of this great horse show.
Fourteen eager and determined riders entered the ring on Saturday night, all vying for top honors and $5,000 added in prize money. When all was said and done, it was a grand finale for Anne Marie Biron and her record-setting Boogie Nights as they made their way to the winner’s circle. Phil Fountain greeted the tricolor winning team who started off the week with the stallion/gelding blue ribbon ride. It was a tricolor finish to an outstanding week for the entries under the direction of David Rand as IGF Coeur Et Ame and Erin Kelley added the reserve championship honors to the blue ribbon and flowers they won in the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle competition.
The amazing list of ribbon winners in the Jackpot Championship also featured Prada and Shelley Silber, Limit Classic Pleasure Saddle winners Cherrydale Acappella and Leslie Kelley, C’est La Vie and Donna Zimmerman, Noble Excellence and Tara Good, Stonecroft After Midnight and Holly Johnson and $1,000 door-prize winners Coventry Isabella and Gina Torrez.
Saturday was a big day for the Liberty family as Max Liberty celebrated his birthday, and he also topped the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship with his world champion partner, Gradell’s Wild Reflection. Older brother George Liberty was in hot pursuit in his first show aboard Extremelee as they collected the reserve honors to repeat their finish in the qualifier.
Following a pair of world championship drives as a three-year-old, Lucky-U added the saddle division to his repertoire for 2009. The full brother to Boogie Nights shared the same rider and same show as his older brother for his saddle debut as Tara Good again starred in the irons of a son of Born To Boogie and UVM Unity at Southern States. Good and Lucky-U carried the top honors in the Junior Classic Pleasure Saddle back to owner Steven Handy and trainers Lynn and Kathleen Peeples.
Kathleen Gatien brought the AOTS Classic Pleasure Saddle blue back to Florida as she rode Six Figures down Southern States’s victory lane.
Donna Zimmerman matched up with a pair of new horses in the classic division at Southern States and enjoyed victorious results. It was Narragansett Spirit who had the winning number in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Mares for PlayMor Farm. MEM Shock Wave, a four-year-old son of Serenity Masterpiece and AFF Evening Episode, drove away with the Junior Classic Pleasure Driving victory under the Memory Lane Farm banner.
Holly Johnson enjoyed a tricolor debut show with her new partner, Stonecroft After Midnight. They carried on the winning tradition by claiming the nine-entry Southern States Classic Pleasure Driving Championship under the Tara Farm banner. Following a winning season debut at Dixie Cup, Janet Morgan and Libretto’s Bravado drove away with the Classic Pleasure Driving Stallion & Gelding blue as well as the reserve tricolor to the delight of the Broadmoor cheering section.
Anne Marie Biron is always the picture of poise and elegance no matter the division from western to English to driving. The picture was no different in the Classic Pleasure Driving Mare competition as she drove Intrepid Immortal Beloved to the win coached by Phil Fountain.
The world titled team of Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize and Jacqueline Clapp were in winning form to earn the blue ribbon and flowers in the Ladies Classic Pleasure Driving for PlayMor Farm.
Brieanna Teti enjoyed her first trip to Southern States as she drove Liberation Madison Square to the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor under the direction of Sally Lindabury.
William Shean enjoyed a warm welcome to the show ring as he earned a victory pass in his show ring debut on the lines of Indian Creek Quantico. They topped the Classic Pleasure Driving Limit Horse to the cheers of their fan club for Indian Creek Farm under the direction of Kurt Hufferd and Shanna Gish.
WESTERN PLEASURE
The western pleasure division featured a combination of world titled teams and impressive new pairs to the competition. Cheri Barber was in the saddle of the Southern States Western Pleasure Champion once again this year. However, her 2009 champion was a new face to the division in Gradell Ring My Bell, a former world champion in the hunter pleasure division. The handsome six-year-old HVK Bell Flaire son is headlining his new division as he earned his second regional championship of the season after jogging away with the stallion/gelding win to start for proud owner/breeders Jerome and Shirley Modell. Kathy Gutting and her dazzling UDM Goldmine were the perfect combination of gold and silver as they carried the reserve tricolor back to the Broadmoor banner.
Anne Marie Biron started off the championship round of competition by heading to the winner’s circle in the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship aboard four-year-old Treble’s Front And Center. They started off with the ladies amateur blue ribbon with a polished ride under the Peeper Ranch banner. Valarie Siemer and CBMF Trading Up were polished and precise as they topped the ladies qualifier and added the Ladies Western Pleasure Reserve Championship for Lora Dunlap. These two fine young horses finished in the same order in the 2008 Southern States Junior Western Pleasure Championship.
The world titled entries in the amateur competition continued in the western division. Ling Fu Wylie started off a tricolor evening for the entries of Dragonsmeade Farm as she gave Troika’s Black Russian a flawless ride to capture the Amateur Western Pleasure Championship. They started off with the amateur stallion/gelding blue under the Peeper Ranch banner. Mtn Laurel Election Day was smooth as silk for owner/rider C.A. "Tony" Lee to win the Gentlemen’s Western Pleasure class and added the amateur reserve tricolor under the direction of Broadmoor. They were followed by Pat West and Chase Manhattan, who enjoyed a trip to the winner’s circle in the amateur masters competition.
Terry King enjoyed a trip down victory lane in the AOTS Western Pleasure as she and Ultra’s Special Force followed their winning season debut at River Ridge with a victory pass in Raleigh.
Erika Ramsey Christy and ECP Pretty Woman matched up for a winning ride in their season debut in the Amateur Western Pleasure Mares.
The Rand tricolor sweeps continued in the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure Championship as qualifier winners MCA Seawind Serenade and Anna Tassinari jogged away with the tricolor victory. They were followed by the well-matched team of Briar Oaks Pep In My Step and George Liberty in reserve.
Ling Fu Wylie and her entries were four for four at Southern States in the western pleasure division. Debuting with the lovely CBMF Whispers Of War, she captured the blue and tricolor in the junior horse competition to add to an outstanding week of competition in all divisions for the entries of Dragonsmeade. Better Be Good To Me and Cheri Barber were reserve both times in the junior competition to add to a successful first season for owner Sally Ann Lyle.
Radiance In Harmony made a winning show ring return, earning the limit blue with Bethanne Ridgeway Metts in the saddle.
HUNTER PLEASURE
This was a very formidable division at Southern States with some promising new teams alongside multi-titled pairings. Toast Of Broadway was the toast of Raleigh as Amanda DuPont rode the Liberation First Star daughter to the Southern States Hunter Pleasure Championship. They started off with matching blues in the ladies and mares classes for Star Charmer Morgans. It was a tricolor sweep for the entries from Windward Farm as Lynzi Green rode Candy Shepherd’s CJS Final Destination to the reserve tricolor. DuPont also topped the Hunter Pleasure Stallion/Gelding competition as TTA Knight Of Glory made the victory pass for Andrea Graeff.
One of the big jackpot classes at Southern States was the $2,500 Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship. Ten top teams vied for the grand prize with Ladies Night and Sasha Klein finishing off the week in tricolor fashion. They started off the show with a pair of beautiful and consistent showings to earn the blue ribbons in the ladies amateur and amateur mare classes under the Waterford Farm banner. Last year’s top team of Cabot Betty White and Rebecca Sebastian enjoyed a great ride as well to add the reserve tricolor to the Lowry Stables banner for Bonus Time Farm.
Amateur championship ribbon winners also included BMF Take Down The Flag and Susan Brown, TTA Knight Of Glory and Kara Brooke Hose, amateur stallion/gelding winners LLL Trotsky and Pam Thomson, JJF The Big Easy and Kristin King, PWF Good Will Hunting and Lillian Thomas and Preservation Hall and Bethanne Metts.
The junior rider competition featured another tricolor sweep for entries directed by Amanda DuPont. Elizabeth Fawcett and D-Bar-J Habakkuk turned in a pair of flawless rides for the 14-17 blue and the tricolor. They were followed in both classes by the flaxen trimmed Riverchase Starbound and Molly O’Guinn performing for Denice Fulmer. Following their tricolor debut show at Citrus Cup, Million Dollar Baby and Rachel Roth carried the 13 and under blue back to the West Coast Morgans banner.
Elizabeth Fawcett also matched up with KHF Dante De Lion to top the Youth Hunter Pleasure class for Jeff O’Neal. This was a warm-up for Zoie O’Neal who matched up with her new partner Dante De Lion to earn the Walk-Trot Pleasure blue and tricolor for proud coach Amanda DuPont. Hannah Hart and Saralin’s Endearment were the happy reserve tricolor team.
Jane’s Addiction showed style and polish in a winning return trip to Raleigh as Jamie Gerardi guided the Born To Boogie son to the limit blue for Bodine/Wyche.
Coalition Royal Billing enjoyed top billing in a new division as Phil Lanier rode June Davis’s handsome gelding to the gentlemen’s blue.
The junior horse competition featured several promising young performers. Martha Simpson was delighted with her three-year-old EKL Assets Vision as they topped the first year green class and went on to add the Junior Hunter Pleasure Championship to the Waterford Farm banner. Grand National Champion Wish List and owner Kara Brooke Hose brought the reserve tricolor back to Trotwood Stables following the junior qualifier win with trainer Amanda DuPont in the irons.
The Brown/Klein family has another promising hunter pleasure mare in the wings as Crazy Love showed brilliance in her UPHA Hunter Pleasure Classic victory. Kathleen Peeples harnessed this powerful mare for the victory pass in her only performance of the show.
EQUITATION
Fran Pugh had plenty of reason to celebrate at Southern States, but perhaps her proudest moment came when granddaughter Anna rode down victory lane with a big smile on her face and blue ribbon in the Walk-Trot Saddle Seat Equitation aboard Tara’s War Eagle.
The Hunt Seat Equitation Championship featured a pair of top winning riders vying for tricolor honors as Rebecca Boorstein made the championship victory pass on MXM Breezy Knight following the AMHA Hunt Seat Over Fences Medal win. Elizabeth Fawcett earned matching blues in the 14-17 class and the AMHA Hunt Seat On The Flat Medal on the way to the reserve tricolor aboard D-Bar-J Habakkuk.
Rachel Roth earned her first of two matching blues in the 13 & Under Hunt Seat Equitation aboard Million Dollar Baby. In addition to a pair of victory passes in the pleasure division, Zoie O’Neal added the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation blue with KHF Dante De Lion.
Kimberly Fullerton earned the top score in the AMHA Dressage Medal in addition to a pair of performance blues with Sacred Paths Ice-T.
MISCELLANEOUS
A variety of talents of the versatile Morgan breed were on display at Southern States. The reigning Roadster To Bike World Champion, Dragonsmeade MaxMara, started off his newest chapter with Bill Hazen no doubt enjoying his speedster. Hazen likes his cars and his horses to have big engines, and MaxMara fits perfectly as they carried the Roadster To Bike blue and tricolor back to the PlayMor banner for The Peanut Gallery. Dr. Grace Steere is always ready for a challenge and loves the spirit of competition. Her new partner, CBMF Double Down, looks to be a heady new competitor in this division as they covered ground in style for the reserve honors.
The colors of Waterford Farm were proudly represented in the winner’s circle as Lynn Peeples introduced FRF Looking Glass to the roadster under saddle division. The charismatic William Shean entry covered lots of ground as she crossed the finish line to earn the Roadster Under Saddle blue and tricolor. Anne Morgan and RJMF Symphonic Music paired up for the reserve rides for Robert and Jean Morgan.
The Dressage competition featured top scores for Paradigm Pageantry and Cara Lynne Schengrund (High Point Dressage Intro Level), Tashota’s Black Dove and Madison Cohen (High Point Junior Rider), Coulee Bend Immortality and Margie Blaik (High Point Training Level and High Point Senior Rider), Moondance Maverick and Karen Rossen (High Point First Level), Burnt Mtn Mariah and Brita Rizzi (High Point Second Level), Sacred Paths Ice-T and Kim Fullerton, CN Get The Touch and Shannon Scioscia, Statesman Firefly and Charlotte Rogers and Trojan’s Troy and Donna Jacobson.
TW Ever Ready and Robin Foster drove away with the High Point Carriage honors following a trio of qualifier victories. FCL Just A Miracle and Rebecca Jones topped the obstacles pick your route class as well as the Fitting and Showmanship. KSG Highlight In Bronze and Linda Sewall earned a trio of blues in carriage, suitability and Sport Horse Ride/Drive.
CBMF Trading Up showed his true polish and versatility as Valarie Siemer guided the Lora Dunlap entry to the Trail Horse Championship as well as a pair of qualifier blues. Green Bay Commander and Karen Sansom maneuvered to the reserve tricolor in addition to the Trail In Hand win.
The Hunter Over Fences competition featured MXM Breezy Knight and Rebecca Boorstein earning the Overall High Point award as well as four blue ribbons from the division. CN Command Attention and Shannon Scioscia added a trio of victories for Cindy Nord.
Tashota’s Black Dove finished up as the High Point Sport Horse for Anne Ebbert with Ebbert, Kristin King and Madison Cohen presenting to a total of six victories.