Spotlight Shines On The Far West Regional
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
By Diana Davidson and Carol Fletcher
REDMOND, Ore. - June 17-21 marked the dates for the 51st annual Far West Regional. Following its milestone anniversary in 2007, Far West added to its proud history with this year’s edition held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds located in scenic central Oregon. This show serves as the AMHA Region 8 Championship Horse Show.
The week was filled with many opportunities to showcase the Morgan breed and its proud heritage that have been enjoyed over the past 51 years at Far West. Far West has been and still is a show where the versatility of the Morgan breed is spotlighted in many ways with entries from throughout the western United States, as well as Canada, vying for top honors.
The success of Far West has been and continues to be thanks to the tireless efforts of scores of people with the show and the Morgan breed’s best interest at heart. Far West Regional was a tribute to the fabulous horses and wonderful people who are the fabric of the show’s history and will also be a bridge to a bright future.
Following their inauguration preparing for last year’s show, co-chairs Marli Perry and Diana Pyle along with Show Manager Barbara Dunham again manned Far West’s helm this year. These ladies stepped up to the plate with fresh ideas and the willingness to work together, be open to new ideas and help to continue the proud heritage of Far West. Their hard work along with that of the many volunteers, committee members and show officials completed the winning team.
The list of top-flight show officials also included announcer Bill Carrington assisted by Houston Chatham, photographer Casey McBride, ringmaster John Franzreb, secretary Kelly McFaul, USEF steward Adele Maurer, barn manager Rollie Bowers, paddock master Scott Beyl and farrier Skip Bickford. Dwayne Knowles, Jim Brown and Diane Royce (dressage) served as the judges at the 51st annual Far West Regional.
The breathtaking scenery, high desert climate and outstanding show ring competition have made Far West a favorite for many West Coast exhibitors since the show’s move to this location in 2000. The competition is perfectly placed with the panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains surrounding Redmond as the backdrop for the Far West Regional. The week began with sparkling sunny, warm days and cool, clear evenings although some wind and a few showers did crop up later in the week. The weather was ideal for the most part as many exhibitors combine the horse show with a summer vacation, enjoying a variety of tourist activities in Redmond and the surrounding area. They have the chance to take in over 200 classes of show ring competition and also use some of their time to play golf, go river rafting or fishing, or simply enjoy being a tourist.
The show ring competition certainly had some highlights courtesy of some of the West Coast’s top performing champions that included such Grand National and world champions as El-Toro, TRE Master Of Disguise, En Possession NKS, Movado, Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall, Harlington’s Farquar, Treble’s Spring Loaded, Key To The Kingdom, Festival Calypso, Leviticus, Kane Creek Kamikaze, MEM No Inhabitions, Rum Brook Immortal Mystic and a host of others. There were also several new teams, debuting youngsters and horses switching to new divisions that drew praise including QVM Rocket Man with Shannon Connor, Cedar Creek With Bells On with Deborah Stevenson, Brazada with Ryan Arcuri, CHC Blue’s Shining Star with Georganne Ireland, Let’s Boogie with Sandra Nelson, LGH Destiny’s Treasure with Stephanie Connor and Dragonfire Shaolin with Kris Johnsen.
The Saturday evening session was the exciting climax of the show as it was designated as the Pink Ribbon Night. In addition to most of the exhibitors and spectators supporting the show’s efforts on behalf of the Susan G. Komen Foundation by wearing pink, the arena and stabling areas also had pink accents, and Saturday night’s champions all earned pink rose neck garlands. In all, over $1,250 dollars was raised with the UPHA Pink Ribbon Class designation carried by the show’s grand finale, the Patron Purse Amateur English Pleasure Championship.
The Patron Purse Amateur Championships were again offered in the English, western and hunter pleasure divisions. These wonderfully competitive classes were made possible due to the foresight and generosity of a group of dedicated Morgan owners and trainers. The results were spectacular with a trio of well-filled, competitive and exciting classes. It was a trio of multi-titled horses who earned the victory passes and the winner’s share of the purses for QVM Rocket Man and Shannon Connor in English pleasure, VCF Naughty But Nice and Katherine Smith in hunter pleasure and Widcard’s Satin Rose and Virginia Adams in western pleasure.
The well-attended and long-remembered parties at Far West are legendary. The 2008 edition of the exhibitors’ party was the second annual Black Tie and Blue Jeans Affair that included dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction with some fabulous items. There were several other barn and aisle parties throughout the week in addition to the annual dog show and several other competitions and meetings that set the atmosphere for everyone to work, compete and play together.
Following a milestone show in 2007, Far West’s ship continues to sail straight ahead.
English Pleasure
The Amateur English Pleasure Championship was a highly anticipated Saturday evening event as the Patron’s Purse Class awarded $2,500 as the show’s grand finale. The class drew a competitive field of six top-flight teams as the gate swung open for the competition. The entries represented stables from Oregon, Colorado, California and Canada with strong encouragement from their cheering sections.
As the winning announcement was made, announcer Bill Carrington added to this special class in which competitors not only rode for the thrill of competition, but also to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This was designated as the UPHA Pink Ribbon class and over $1,250 was raised in this memorable Ride For The Cure. It was a fitting close to a great night for the entries of the Connor family as Shannon Connor and QVM Rocket Man collected the pink neck garland and tricolor with a grand performance. In their team debut two nights earlier, they topped the qualifier serving notice for what is sure to be an exciting season ahead for the Arcuri Stables trained team. Man In Command is no stranger to Far West’s victory lane and this year Debra Hurst Walters teamed the expressive gelding to the reserve streamers with a bold ride directed by The River’s Edge.
French Flambeau and Shannon Connor struck a winning pose following their English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding win.
Finishing the evening in tricolor fashion, Shannon Connor made the first of five tricolor victory passes for entries trained by Arcuri Stables on Saturday evening. Matched with her dynamic stallion French Flambeau, Connor topped the Open English Pleasure Championship following a blue ribbon ride in the stallion/gelding qualifier. Elra Tonkin teamed up with the mare class winner Whitemud Dixie Drummer to add the reserve tricolor to the Fire Run Farm banner.
BJ Grandessa added a pair of blue ribbons and medallions to the Illahee banner as Forest Nealon guided the dynamic Grandiose daughter to the open and gentlemen’s blues for Dan and Penny Weaver.
Cassie Stevenson and MEM Playboy teamed up for a tricolor ride in the Ladies English Pleasure Championship directed by Forest Nealon.
The Ladies English Pleasure Championship featured Cassie Stevenson and MEM Playboy enjoying a trip down victory lane with the tricolor and roses directed by Forest Nealon. Deborah Phelan was all smiles as she matched up with her beloved No Doubt to carry the reserve tricolor back to The River’s Edge. Stephanie Connor and LGH Destiny’s Treasure enjoyed a blue ribbon team debut as they topped the ladies qualifier over an outstanding field.
Stephanie Connor and LGH Destiny's Treasure paired up for a blue ribbon performance in their team debut.
World Champion En Possession NKS added a new division to his tricolor resume as he paired up with Natalie Nelsen to earn a memorable win in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 Championship for the Wooley/Lee family. In addition, they earned the Mtn Laurel Maximilian Perpetual Trophy named for the late great Woolley/Lee family champion. Maxi Gumprecht displayed her skills and versatility throughout the week as she added the reserve tricolor in this division with QVM American Icon directed by Yvonne Sekyra. It was Cheyenne Rumens who started off the week in winning style by piloting Drakken to the blue ribbon ride in the 14-17 qualifier for proud parents Kurt and Teri Rumens.
The Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 13 & Under saw Lauren Lang win the trophy and the championship for the second year in a row. This time she was matched with Natalie Longo’s The Specialist to earn the top honors in the qualifier and championship directed by Elra Tonkin. PWF Keep The Roses and Krystal Blundell turned in a pair of bold rides to command the reserve honors for the second year in a row under the Crown Morgans banner.
Grand National Champion Leviticus was in top form as Elra Tonkin rode the charismatic bay to the Junior English Pleasure Championship for his proud owner/breeders Kurt and Teri Rumens. Cathy Grimes introduced Baccarat’s Street Sense to the show ring for owner Kari Lyddon as they carried home the reserve tricolor honors. It was Brazada who turned heads in the four-year-old qualifier as Ryan Arcuri introduced Natasha Rodley’s impressive youngster to the winner’s circle in his show ring debut.
The River’s Edge added a trio of blue ribbons from the English pleasure division to the banner as Mary Cockriel guided Monty Kugeler’s fancy Dragomseade Courante to the three-year-old victory in his saddle debut. Basic Black displayed the winning good looks and style as Mary Cockriel rode Deborah Phelan’s majestic black stallion to the Novice English Pleasure blue. Martine Buller enjoyed a ride to remember in her blue ribbon show ring debut with Stonecroft Intuition in the novice rider class.
Pleasure Driving
The pleasure driving division featured some outstanding and entertaining competition including performances by Grand National and world title-holders and some new stars who look certain to earn their own. Perhaps the most winning pleasure driving team on record, Festival Calyspo and Stephanie Connor continued their magic as they enjoyed a special Saturday night performance to carry the Open Pleasure Driving Championship and pink neck garland back to Arcuri Stables. They started off with the familiar winning drive in a very entertaining ladies qualifier. RMW Free Rein and Keith Nelsen teamed up to carry the reserve tricolor to Charles Buller after a blue ribbon drive in the stallion/gelding qualifier. Kris Johnsen enjoyed a blue ribbon debut drive with his handsome new partner Dragonfire Shaolin as they earned the gentlemen’s blue directed by Forest Nealon.
Deborah Stevenson and Cedar Creek With Bells On are enjoying a great season in their new division as they added the Ladies Pleasure Driving Championship to the Illahee banner.
Stephanie Connor and her driving horses are certainly on target this season as they enjoyed another undefeated show at Far West. The reigning world champion Dragonsmeade Carnegie Hall showed off his good looks and style on the way to top honors in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. It was a battle of top performers as TRE Master Of Disguise and Deborah Phelan enjoyed two stellar drives of their own to collect the reserve honors.
The list of world champions continued as Dragonsmeade Divine Miss M and Bianca Buller started off the year in winning style earning the junior exhibitor blue and tricolor under The River’s Edge banner to the delight of parents Charles and Martine Buller.
Dragonsmeade Courante continued an outstanding debut season for Monty Kugeler as Bob Kellert drove the Beethoven son to the Junior Pleasure Driving Championship as well as the three-year-old blue. Gambit Moon Shadow earned a matching set of reserve tricolors in the junior and two-year-old divisions as Mike Pereillo guided the entry of Frank and Jamie George. Cathy Grimes collected the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving blue and tricolor with her promising MEM Heart And Soul son CGS Hypnotic.
Park Saddle
CRD Bugatti displayed style and animation as the dynamic Simply Maserati son starred as the Open Park Saddle Champion with Ryan Arcuri. Now showing under the ownership of Tom and Stephanie Connor, the magnificent black stallion kicked off a winning show with the junior horse victory pass. Elra Tonkin matched up with the leggy FRF Orion to carry the Open Park Saddle blue as well as the reserve tricolor back to Fire Run Farm.
The Grand National Championship team of Grandemeanor and Shannon Connor added the Ladies Park Saddle blue to the Arcuri Stables banner in their lone performance of the week. Maxi Gumprecht introduced the Centerpiece son Half Moon Bay to the winner’s circle with the blue ribbon ride in the junior exhibitor class with proud mom Bonnie Witrak cheering them on.
Park Harness
Stephanie Connor and El-Toro earned the Amateur Park Harness blue for the third year in a row on the way to an exciting Saturday night tricolor finish in the Open Park Harness Championship. Following a winning team debut at Woodside, HR Perfectly Clear and Martine Buller park trotted away with the ladies blue and added the Park Harness Reserve Championship to the Keith Nelsen Stables banner.
Bob Kellert had Lookaway’s High Roller in high gear as Deborah Phelan’s expressive stallion made the Open Park Harness victory pass in his only performance of the show.
In Hand
Tuesday evening kicked off the in hand division for the show. There were some great new fresh faces which are always exciting to see. First on tap were the geldings in hand. Storming into the ring for the Show Champion Gelding win was Dragonfire Shaolin. This strong trotting gelding also won the Five and Over Geldings with his long neck and striking poses. Forest Nealon showed this fine gelding for the Johnsen Tree Farm. Reserve Show Champion Gelding went to the stylish and very handsome RWF Paganini. Bob Kellert presented Monty Kugeler’s world titled youngster to the two and under blue as well.
Next up were the mares. Winning the Junior Champion Mare was the pretty Crown Cloisonne who also posed for the yearling blue. Nancy Eidam was the owner and handler. Eidam continued her winning ways with Baccarat’s Instant Replay. They won the four-year-old, Senior Champion Mare and Show Champion Mare for Anne Margaret Korver. Crown Cloisonne took the Reserve Champion Mare spot.
Friday night's exhibitors' party drew a big crowd for the festivities including Max Gordin, Cassie Stevenson, Forest Nealon and Vikki Paulson.
The stallions closed out the evening with more impressive young competitors. Reserve World Champion ECP Anchor Man looked to be following in the footsteps of his record-setting sire LPS The Boogie Man. Bob Kellert had the headlining entry Charles Buller’s Fortress Crest Morgans in top order to pose for the Two-Year-Old, Junior and Grand Champion Stallion honors. The sporty Meet The Press son Beamwood Press Release made quite a statement as Forest Nealon presented the fancy colt bred and owned by Vikki Paulson to a trio of reserves, finishing as Reserve Grand Champion Stallion.
C-King Poseidon was the winner of the Yearling Colts class. Cecily King presented the Minion Valentino son for Susan King. Basic Black took command of the ring to add the Five and Over Stallion and Senior Champion Stallion honors to The River’s Edge banner to begin a winning week for the entries of Deborah Phelan. Nancy Eidam concluded a busy evening with After Eight adding the Reserve Senior Champion Stallion award to his list of accomplishments for Eleanor Reesor.
Western Pleasure
The western division at Far West is always filled with quality and quantity. This year’s Open Western Champions has been having a great year. Faragamo and Garn Walker jogged away with a big win in the championship for owner Teri Strum. The handsome Mizrahi son also won the stallion and geldings qualifier. Reserve champion went to the multi-champion Key To The Kingdom with Daryl Hopson for Charles Connor. The reigning reserve world champion also won the Western Pleasure Under 15.1 hands qualifier with a smooth and flawless go, directed by Daryl Hopson, after Charles Connor started off the week in blue ribbon fashion in the novice rider class.
The mares qualifier class was won by the very pretty Century Hearts Afire with Garn Walker making the blue ribbon ride for Keith and Susan Kokkler. In the 15.1 hands and over it was Gulfwind Wild Again who jogged forward for the blue with David Shahon for BelleRidge Morgans. The open qualifier was won by HVK Wild Delivery with Jenna Rankin turning in a great ride for Kelley Rankin, they also topped the ladies qualifier. In the very competitive gentleman’s class, it was BEF Ivan who topped the competition with Eitan Beth-Halachmy in the saddle for Jill and Malcolm Smith.
If you were a spectator for the Amateur Western Championship, you saw an effortless go by the beautiful Wildcard’s Satin Rose with Virginia Adams. This pair also handily won the Amateur Masters Western class while Shirley Rosenburg was in the saddle for the Ladies Amateur victory. Reserve in the amateur championship was the always-steady Suntime Doc Holiday with elated owner Pamela Engblom doing the honors.
The walk/trot Adult Amateur Western class was won by the multi-titled MJD French Quarter with owner Mary Denove riding for John and Mary Denove. This team looked great together and is under the watchful eye of Trafalger.
The ladies championship proved to be an interesting class. A huge windstorm had started to come up during the class before, and by the time the ladies entered the ring the gusts of wind coming in the ring from the out gate were intense and blowing dust, can you say sandblast, eventually some of the canvas railing came off and blew into the ring. The class was stopped, horses were settled and the class was started over with the large door by the out gate closed. Once back under way it was the veteran World Champion Movado with Danica Brisco who were victorious with a picture perfect ride. Reserve in the class was the well-matched team of Treble’s Wild Imagination and Susan Young who were prepared for their steady ride by Arcuri Stables.
The Junior Western Pleasure Championship saw some great youngsters. It was Hot Corner Marquis with Jennifer Grimes jogging away with the tricolor following the four-year-old qualifier blue for owner Cathy Grimes. AMHF Paris Hilton enjoyed her show ring debut as Mary Cockriel introduced the super-steady bay to the reserve honors for David and Cindy Vogels.
Tamrac’s Express and Sonja Lorenson topped a promising field of three-year-olds for Connie and Clive McNichol. The novice horse class was won by Kasey Monty riding the smooth and steady Intrepid Rock Festival for Aaron and Kasey Monty.
Karlie Bagan and Kane Creek Conspiracy teamed up for blue ribbon honors in the pleasure and equitation divisions under the Silver Mesa banner.
The Western Pleasure 14-17 championship was won by Kane Creek Conspiracy with Karlie Bagan for Tim, Teresa and Karlie Bagan. This outstanding team also won the 14-17 qualifier under the Silver Mesa banner. Reserve in the class went to the always steady and mannered, He’s Simply Marvelous with Elyse Brill for Thad and Kristine Brill. This well-matched team also made the victory pass in the youth class.
The 13 and under championship winner was the picture perfect Passport To Morocco with Kelsie Houghtaling. They were also the winning team in the qualifier. Reserve in both classes was Redfield Aladdin with Iris Rankin presenting for Kelley and Jenna Rankin.
The youngest of the competitors saw PPMS Against All Odds and Kearrah Lima defy the odds to win the Walk-Jog Western Pleasure Championship. The qualifier winning team of Wind N Hill N Motion and Caitlin Skipper collected the reserve tricolor for Nora Skipper.
Hunter Pleasure
Julie Adams is no stranger to the winner’s circle with her hunter pleasure entries. Those winning ways continued at Far West. She navigated the bold-striding VCF Sahara Sunset around the ring for the Hunter Pleasure Championship for owners Diane Hastie and Tom Wilson. The dynamic pair also won the 15.1 hands and over qualifier as well as the open qualifier. The reserve Hunter Pleasure Championship went to Holly Gellner who piloted Picabo Magic Marker to perfection with his great extensions and bold way of going for owner Brittany Fleisher.
In the stallion and gelding qualifier it was Julie Adams again victorious with handsome Take The Stars for owner Merna Malouf. And, adding two more medallions to the wall, Julie Adams rode her own VCF Star Of Zimbabwe to the limit and mare victories.
With a dynamic ride in the Hunter Pleasure Under 15.1 Hands, Jenny McFall navigated the always-elegant Dragonfire Nefertiti to the blue ribbon for new owner Antonia Casados. The novice class was won by On Assignment with Jami Butler in the irons for Courtney and Teri Colvin.
The Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship is always a great class with spirited competition. When the dust settled, it was VCF Naughty But Nice and Katherine Smith rising to the top for the big win to close out the show for Dragonfire Farm. Reserve in the class went BMF Prime Time with Jane Norman who turned in a smooth ride to follow their blue ribbon performance in the ladies amateur class.
The masters’ class saw Merna Malouf ride LPI Limited Edition to the winner’s circle directed by Julie Adams. An elated Christine Barker rode BMF Unforgettable to the winner’s circle in the amateur qualifier and doubled the fun with a victory pass in the novice rider. The adult walk-trot class was won by the new team of Tina Paras and the very handsome French Touch directed by Avichouser Stables.
Making the victory pass in the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championship was the beautiful GW Devil In Disguise with Sarah Hall. This team also won the ladies qualifier to add to a great season under the Garn Walker Stable banner. The reserve tricolor honors in this competitive division went LR Ami Sultan and Mallory Mignot, who also topped the road hack class in their first trip to Far West for Anne Mears.
It is always great to see the young horses and Renegade Rose just gets better with every show. This mare is so steady and great in the bridle and goes around with effortless movement. Kasey Monty rode to the tricolor as well as the three-year-old blue. It was a tricolor sweep for the three-year-olds as the reserve tricolor went to the very nice CBMF Follow Your Heart with Mallory Mignot for Anne Mears. Jennifer Chowning rode Hylee’s Gilt Edge to a big win in the four-year-old class over a field of promising youngsters.
It is great to see young riders. They were all on their game for the competitive classes at Far West. Rising to the top with a great ride in the Hunter Pleasure 14-17 Championship was Cobridge Laredo with Taylor Widawski for Taylor and Susan Widawski. Reserve was the always-poised Maxi Gumprecht with Irish Expression, They started off with the 14-17 qualifier victory directed by Yvonne Sekyra.
Turning in a smooth and consistent performance in the Hunter Pleasure 13 & Under Championship was the polished pair of Equinox Adelle with Sara Hyman riding for Michael Hyman. Reserve was the new team of CHC Blue’s Shinning Star and Georganne Ireland riding for proud mom Lynae Ireland. Winning the qualifier was the poised and polished team of Redfield Aladdin and Iris Rankin.
In addition to her wins with her owner, BMF Unforgettable matched up with Marni Lehman to add the Hunter Pleasure Walk-Trot blue and tricolor to the Avichouser Stables banner. The confident team of Properly and Linel Mullendore carried home the reserve tricolor.
Kelly Armijo and Mirador Majellan showed off their blue ribbon and medallion following the winning ride in the Youth Hunter Pleasure for Mariann Brown Carrasco.
Equitation
Lauren Lang earned her first of three tricolors as she rode Temptation's Answer to the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship.
The equitation divisions provided some excellent competition for riders in all seats from the youngest lead-liners on up. Lauren Lang earned her first of three tricolor victories as she matched up with Temptation’s Answer to carry home the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. They started off with the winning ride in the 13 and under coached by Elra Tonkin. Proficient in all three seats, Maxi Gumprecht added the 14-17 blue and the reserve tricolor to the Northwood banner. Krystal Blundell qualified for the finals with the victory pass in the UPHA Challenge Cup, while Raivenne Scott did likewise in the AMHA Saddle Seat Medal.
The Western Seat Equitation Championship featured a tricolor sweep for the junior riders as Iris Rankin showed confidence and polish on the rail and the individual pattern to earn the tricolor and the 13 and under blue coached by sister Jenna. World Champion Kelsie Houghtaling jogged away with the reserve tricolor after a victory pass in the AMHA Western Seat Medal. Karlie Bagan topped a large and competitive group in the 14-17 qualifier.
Kearrah Lima added a pair of victory passes in the Walk-Jog Western Seat Equitation to the Avichouser banner. Caitlin Skipper followed up with the crowd-pleasing reserve rides.
Garn Walker directed Lauren Gorfinkle and Talk Of The Town LPS to the Hunt Seat Equitation Championship.
The Hunt Seat Equitation Championship featured an extremely competitive field to perform Judge Brown’s individual workout. Lauren Gorfinkle directed Talk Of The Town LPS to a letter-perfect ride to carry home the tricolor and roses. Garn Walker greeted the winning team who also triumphed in the 14-17 and AMHA Medal classes. Moving effortless from western to hunt, Karlie Bagan showed off her versatility as the reserve champion, while Kelsie Houghtaling did likewise as the 13 and under winner.
The riders of Avichouser Stables had locked on the Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation as Sydney Hyman topped the championship followed by Marni Lehman while stablemate Kearrah Lima earned the blue ribbon in the qualifier.
Hannah Bazzi earned the top score in the AMHA Dressage Medal.
Classic Pleasure
The Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship closed out the division on Saturday evening with Whitemud Touch Of Blue and Carol Fletcher enjoying a stellar ride for a trip down victory lane with the pink neck garland and tricolor ribbon. Merin Maggi closed out a tricolor show with Kari Lyddon’s RJM French Revival as the reserve champion. Earlier, they topped the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship directed by Cathy Grimes. BMF Zachary and Amanda Frisby paired up for the reserve tricolor in the ladies championship.
Ms. Dinah Might and Tammy Mucklestone earned a matching set of blue ribbons and medallions as the well-matched team topped the ladies and mares classes directed by Yvonne Sekyra. Futurity Obsession and Dallas Bolen added the stallion/gelding blue to the Crown Morgans banner. Shelley Bullard and her gallant Rum Brook Immortal Prince made the victory pass in the open qualifier.
The unbeatable team of Rum Brook Immortal Mystic and Lauren Lang repeated their victories of a year ago as they rode away with the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship and the 13 and under blue for proud parents Cary and Jennifer Lang. Maxi Gumprecht matched up with Heyday Black Adept to add the reserve honors to an accomplished show.
Gordel's Paramount Command and George Campbell earned dual blues on the way to winning the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship under the Illahee banner.
It was a show to remember for Gordel’s Paramount Command and George Campbell. After being the runner up for five years in a row, they broke through with the much-applauded victory in the Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. Forest Nealon directed the tricolor team who also matched up for victories in the gentlemen’s and stallion/gelding classes once again this year. Deborah Phelan enjoyed a great drive with Whispering Masqued Man as they added the reserve tricolor to The River’s Edge banner.
Vikki Paulson and Treble’s Spring Loaded are enjoying a great first season together as they made the victory passes in the Ladies Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier to the delight of the Illahee cheering section. Bonnie Trimble matched up with FRF American Idol to add the reserve streamers to the Fire Run Farm banner. Beverly Olson had a fantastic time driving her lovely Tracemark Touch Of Gold to the Classic Pleasure Driving Mares blue coached by Elra Tonkin.
Miscellaneous
Far West features a wide array of classes to suit the versatile Morgan breed. The audience cheered on the always-entertaining team of MEM No Inhabitions and Alison Bendele as they crossed the finish line for the blue ribbons in the Roadster Under Saddle and Roadster To Bike classes.
The show started off outside on a beautiful Tuesday with the dressage, trail and carriage competition. The top scores in the dressage went to Alias (High Point Training Level), VCF Sahara Sunset (High Point First Level), Crest Caper, Tu-Kan Rambunctious, ATMF Fantasia, BMF X-Cellonte, Rogue Hills Woodsman and Starbuck’s Precisely Right. In addition the sport horse suitability competition saw KSG Sweet Delight, VCF Star Of Zimbabwe, Sea Cloud Cassanova and Saddletime Guardian collect blue ribbon honors.
The Carriage Driving closed out with Rogue Hills Woodsman and Jamie Hardy carrying home the tricolor followed by Sutton Star Time and Liz Goldmann. In addition to both earning multiple blue ribbon drives, Okan Storm King and Don Curtis drove away with top honors in the obstacles competition.
The reining competition started things off on Wednesday morning with Doug Sande and Nantucket sliding away with the tricolor as well as the open blue for Chris and Janet Morris. Sande also guided Universal Platinum to the novice win and the reserve tricolor for Stephen and Lynae Ireland. Amie Taber teamed up with Littlewood Rio Bravado for the winning score in the non-pro competition.
World Champion He’s Simply Marvelous showed off his versatility as Elyse Brill teamed up to navigate to the Trail Horse Championship following wins in the junior exhibitor and novice qualifiers. Susan Poe directed Holiday Kate Lin to the reserve tricolor. Wanda Kuppersmith and Snowcrest Ebbtide paired up for matching blues in the open and amateur qualifiers.
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