The Stars of the Show Ring at the New England Regional
Saturday, August 12, 2006

by Diana Davidson, Sadie Fowler and Bob Funkhouser

Park Saddle

The East Coast Park Saddle Championship was the final chapter of a record week of competition in Northampton. It was an even more poignant finale than anyone could have anticipated as announcer Bill Carrington summoned the attention of the audience prior to the call of the class to inform them of the passing of the legendary Noble Flaire. There was an audible hush as Carrington related the following:

“In 1986 a horse debuted in this ring in the two-year-old park harness. His emergence on the track caused people to run in order to watch him perform. After his victory pass, he trotted out of the ring, down the track and around the turn with people running behind him to watch him trot.

“He had a great impact on the Morgan breed as he went on to become World Champion Stallion and Park Harness World Champion and a sire of world champions. No one can deny his impact as he sired world champion after world champion who in turn have done the same. For 20 years we have talked about him, as we will for 20 more and 20 more after that.

“Noble Flaire was laid to rest last night. We would like to thank Tom Caisse and Herbert V. Kohler Jr. for sharing this great horse with us.”

As the horn sounded for the 67th East Coast Park Saddle Championship, the competition became a fitting tribute and memorial to Noble Flaire. The trio of brilliant stallions competing represented three generations of Noble Flaire blood in his own son HVK Vibrance, grandson Stand And Deliver (sired by Queens Vanity Flair) and great-grandson Queen’s Romeo (sired by Mizrahi who is in turn sired by HVK Bell Flaire).

Each of the three horses and their riders did themselves, their owners, the Morgan industry and the memory of Noble Flaire proud on this Saturday night. This was the culmination of a week filled with great show ring performances that will go down in history as we look back in the years to come.

The image of the reigning Park Saddle World Grand Champion Stand And Deliver trotting down victory lane with the East Coast Park Saddle Championship ribbon streaming will be a lasting memory. The Northampton crowd saluted Tara Good’s athletic bay as Mike Goebig guided him to the Stephen P. Tompkins - Orcland Leader Perpetual Memorial Trophy for the second year in a row.

Two-time Park Harness World Grand Champion HVK Vibrance and Jenny Taylor teamed up for a brilliant ride to capture the reserve honors for proud owners Phil and Gloria Blevins as they enjoyed strong audience support. Queen’s Romeo closed out a phenomenal week for the young performers bred and raised at Pete and Sandy Hendrick’s Queen’s River Farm as David Rand guided the extravagant-motioned stallion to the third place finish along with the cheers of their fan club.

The prelude to Saturday night’s grand finale came in Tuesday night’s final act as the same three stallions did battle. The results were identical as Stand And Deliver delivered an amazing performance in his season debut to earn the Park Saddle Stallions blue ribbon ahead of HVK Vibrance and Queen’s Romeo.

Mike Goebig enjoyed a winning sweep of the open park saddle classes as part of an amazing week for the Broadmoor trained entries. A Tuesday evening of blue ribbons also featured another stylish presentation of CN's Stylish Debut on Northampton's victory lane. The fronty Futurity French Command son topped the Park Saddle Mares and Geldings for the second year in a row with Mike Goebig presenting for Cindy Nord. JW Main Dame and Jane Morrell turned in a fancy ride to garner the reserve honors for Whitney and Susan Therrien. Alicia Fraser and Cedar Creek Uproar mixed it up on the grand stage with a third place finish.

The Wednesday evening session featured an all-star performance in the Ladies Park Saddle where five high-stepping competitors vied for supremacy. Patchwork Simply Amazin was the perfect combination of animation and elegance to score the stellar victory. Jenny Taylor presented Donna Zimmerman’s five-year-old Simply Maserati daughter to the honors in the mare’s first trip to Northampton where she earned quite a fan club. The world titled field also featured the 2004 winning team of Bellisimo and Judy Harris who gave some outstanding competition in reserve with owners Barbara and Arthur Jones on hand to cheer them on.

The Amateur Park Saddle division provided the largest numbers and deepest competition in the park saddle division with great entertainment for the many knowledgeable rail side spectators. The Monday evening session opened with the nine-entry qualifier to set the stage for an amazing evening of show ring competition. The weather was ideal, the horses and riders were turned out to perfection, and the boxes and rail side were filled with supportive audience members.

When the winning announcement was made, it was top-riding Allyson Nord-Wandtke who was teamed with the winning entry CN The Master’s Flyte. Trainer Mike Goebig matched Cindy Nord’s 2005 Four-Year-Old Park Saddle World Champion with Wandtke for one test ride in the open division at Mid-A before setting them into the amateur division where they earned the blue ribbon honors on Monday. They added the Amateur Park Saddle Championship to the Broadmoor banner from Friday night’s competition following a three-horse workout called by judge Lonnie Lavery in the congested indoor arena. The beautifully matched combination of Queen's Victorian Lady and Sandy Hendrick put in a strong challenge every step of the way as they earned the reserve honors in both outings guided by David Rand. The reserve world championship team of Fox Glen Hail To Divinity and Cynthia Fawcett gave it their all with their always vocal supporters cheering for them on the way to the yellow ribbon in the championship under the Hobby Knoll banner.

After tricolor domination the past four years by Something Wicked and King-Lehr's Bob A Loo, there was a new champion in the Youth Park Saddle category this year. Laura McGee was matched with four-year-old Ultra’s Special Delivery to carry home the tricolor to owner Deedee Ludlam and trainer Luman Wadhams with a precise performance. The qualifier winning team of RWF Walk In The Park and Meghan Bradley enjoyed the support of the Janbark cheering section as they collected the reserve tricolor for Leeann Bradley. Flaire Well enjoyed another memorable trip to Northampton as Anna Gutjahr presented the bold bay to the red ribbon in the qualifier and the third place championship finish for Jane Belleville.

The reserve world championship team of NAS Simpatico and Nicole Neville continued their east coast domination. They added the Junior Exhibitor Park Saddle blue and tricolor from Northampton to those earned at Vermont and Connecticut under the guidance of Luman Wadhams. RER Popcorn and Julia Strier were delighted with their reserve tricolor finish for Carey Churchill coached by Scott Neidlinger. Last year’s tricolor team of Brooke Gove and HVK Man Of Distinction opened their season at Northampton with a reserve finish in the qualifier for the Gove family and Taylor River Farm.

The awarding of the Loring V. Tirrell Perpetual Trophy in the Junior Park Saddle Championship marked yet another impressive victory for Twin Peak Limitless. David Rand teamed Grace Steere’s athletic chestnut to a dynamic performance to earn the tricolor after serving notice with the blue ribbon ride in the three-year-old class. This tricolor follows those earned at the UPHA Spring Premiere and Vermont Spring Classic. BKC Valiant Star and Mike Goebig were the stars of the four-year-old competition as they garnered the blue ribbon victory for Anthony and Linda Brewer. They followed up with the Junior Park Saddle Reserve Championship as part of a tricolor show of note for the youngsters hailing from Broadmoor.

The young horses’ classes also featured Cedar Creek Arabella and Judy Harris performing with elegance and precision for the red ribbon in the four-year-old competition for Larry Bolen and Cedar Creek Farm. The afternoon shadows gave Whitemud Dixie Dance King plenty to look at in the Northampton show ring as Mike Goebig had to smile at the youngster’s antics in his red ribbon performance in the three-year-old class for Rhoda Hoenmans.

While the sessions at Northampton are sometimes compared to a marathon, it pays to be at the ring from beginning to end. Those not in their seats or railside position at 9am on Wednesday missed the opportunity to see Lamborghini In Black make his saddle debut. The magnificent black stallion was a sight to behold as Rick Lane rode him to the Novice Park Saddle victory for a justifiably proud Robin Veghte and Mendonhall Inc. Scott Neidlinger presented GLB Sanatra to the red ribbon to start the day for Mary Neidlinger and Lingering Hills.

The theme of Park Harness World Champions making winning saddle debuts continued in the limit class. This time it was Sheza Bell and Judy Harris doing the honors. Breeders Barbara and Arthur Jones were exceptionally proud of their expressive bay mare whose blue ribbon performance was very reminiscent of her dam Montbelle Rosalie. Cedar Creek Uproar was pumping his legs in grand fashion as Alicia Fraser was in the irons for the reserve finish.

Park Harness

The Park Harness division was again filled with some of the great world champions of the day eliciting cheers from the crowd. It was an amazing lineup that included numerous reigning world champions and others who look to wear the roses in Oklahoma this October.

Just as the Northampton show ring had been the site of his grandsire Noble Flaire’s memorable harness debut and many tricolor performances by his sire HVK Bell Flaire, it provided the stage in 2005 for the debut of JW That Special Flaire. The red chestnut colt’s first Oklahoma City performance last October was quite simply unforgettable, as he quickly became the talk of the show. On Friday, October 14, 2005, JW That Special Flaire became the youngest horse to ever win an open performance world championship. In doing so, he followed his sire HVK Bell Flaire (1994, 1997 and 1999) and his grandsire Noble Flaire (1988, 1989 and 1991) in earning the Park Harness World Grand Championship.

Breeder and trainer Judy Harris brought JW That Special Flaire back to Northampton in 2006 to once again entertain his appreciative fans. Now, under the ownership of Frances Pugh and Tara Farm, his Wednesday night performance earned him the UPHA Park Harness Classic victory. True to their tradition of memorable Friday night performances, JW That Special Flaire and Judy Harris closed the show that evening by earning the East Coast Park Harness Championship. In doing so, Judy Harris earned the W. Lyman Orcutt Perpetual Memorial Trophy presented to the trainer of the champion by UPHA Chapter 14.

The competition in the East Coast Park Harness Championship gave the audience filling the indoor arena to capacity plenty to cheer about. 2003 Park Harness World Grand Champion Will-O-Way Moment In Time made a celebrated show ring return. Under the continued guidance of David Earehart and now under the ownership of Fred and Francis Ellett, the athletic white-trimmed stallion was named the East Coast Park Harness Reserve Champion with strong support from his Midwest fan club and many east coast supporters as well. They were challenging every step of the way as they picked up the red ribbon in their preliminary bid toward Friday night’s finale as well.

The 2005 East Coast Park Harness Champion CVH Celtic Command staked his claim for a return to the Northampton winner’s circle on Monday evening. The five-entry Open Park Harness class finished off an exciting night of show ring action with Catherine Haynes’ Futurity French Command son earning a return trip down victory lane with Bernard Parker at the whip.

From his victorious park harness debut at UPHA Spring Premiere through to victory passes in park saddle and/or harness at Vermont, Connecticut and Maine, the name Quabbin Obsession has become well known on victory lane. Northampton was no different as Larry Bonnell guided the imposing bay to a blue ribbon performance in the Limit Park Harness for Don Girroir.

The Monday evening session featured an all-star lineup of classes including the elegance and pageantry of the Ladies Park Harness class. Judy Harris and Sheza Bell continue to epitomize the division as they carried home the blue ribbon and flowers to Barbara and Arthur for the second year in a row. Following their blue ribbon team debut at Connecticut, Something Wicked and Carolyn Sebring put on another regal showing to earn the reserve finish for Ann Hailey’s Copper Beech LLC.

Just as the amateur competition in the park saddle division provided the largest classes, the same was true in the park harness division. The awarding of the Mark H. Hanna Memorial Trophy by the family of Mark Hanna brought the competition to a poignant close on Saturday evening. It was a return trip to the winner’s circle for trainer Rick Stevens as he guided Brenda Varney and her majestic CN The Commanding Touch to top honors. This marked the second time in the trophy’s three years that Rick Stevens has trained the winning team as Heidi Kunkel and KD Hot To Trot earned the award a year ago.

Eye Spy and Robert Neimeth had all eyes on them as they carried a most impressive qualifier victory from Wednesday night’s seven-entry grand finale into Saturday’s championship round. The Liberation First Star son’s expressive performance netted him the reserve tricolor directed by Jaisen Von Ballmoos for Robert and Loek Neimeth’s Misty Meadows Farm. It was the second victory in the Amateur qualifier in as many years for Neimeth and Von Ballmoos as Silverheels Synergy was last year’s blue ribbon winner for the driver and trainer. The reigning world championship pairing of Evolution and Donna Zimmerman showed off their powerful presence in the team’s first trip to Northampton. They collected the red ribbon on Wednesday in their only appearance, as they did not show back due to a business commitment for Zimmerman.

The world titled team of FZM Encore and Sasha Klein continued their winning streak in their third show of the 2006 season. Lynn Peeples directed the Stonecroft Masquerade son and his pretty in pink driver to the Junior Exhibitor Park Harness blue ribbon and tricolor proudly performing for the Brown/Klein family. Comoshun’s Avante is the consummate show ring performer, as he looks eager and bright every time he shows. Jessica and James Sebring shared the driving duties with the bubbly bay with proud parents Harry and Carolyn directing. Paired with Jessica, Avante trotted away with the reserve honors in the junior exhibitor competitions. James Sebring was the winning whip with Avante in the Youth Park Harness. Steven Handy and RFF Stars N Stripes matched up for the reserve finish in the youth competition directed by Ann Anderson.

The young athletes of the breed were showcased in brilliant fashion in Northampton's park harness competition. MEM Thriller provided quite a thrill for Robert and Robin Veghte as their Maine Event Sale purchase starred as New England’s Junior Park Harness Champion. Mike Carpenter was on the lines of the HVK Bell Flaire son for the attention-capturing tricolor performance. World Champion Queen’s Starfire excited the Northampton audience with her exotic looks and athleticism in her debut here just a year ago. With a world championship to her credit, the Lamborghini In Black daughter added the Junior Park Harness Reserve Championship. The four-year-old class featured a brilliant victory pass for the entry of Rocky and Diana Schliefer’s Wild Rose Ranch with David Rand on the lines. In the first round, the placings were reversed as MEM Thriller started off by collecting the red ribbon.

Following his noteworthy show ring debut in Raleigh, Get Busy was busy readying for his next harness performance in Northampton. Dwayne Knowles and the Astronomicallee son impressed the audience and judge Rushton as they made the Three-Year-Old Park Harness victory pass for excited owner Kathy Gutting. The three-year-old performers also featured SYP High Definition showing off his good looks in his performance debut. Rick Stevens was on the lines of the Heidi Kunkel entry for the reserve finish in the UPHA Park Harness Classic.

The list of horses that have carried home New England’s Two-Year-Old Park Harness Championship over the past 25 years reads like a who’s who of Morgan greats. The list includes 1981 Wham Bam Command, 1986 Noble Flaire, 1988 Hyland Acres Command, 1989 Tug Hill Whamunition, 1990 Liberation Starbrite, 1992 HVK Bell Flaire, 2002 Sheza Bell and 2005 JW That Special Flaire to name a few. The trio of youngsters competing to join that list in 2006 looked to be in search of their own place in history.

On this Friday afternoon, the victory was Signed Sealed Delivered as the gifted bay filly sired by Stand And Deliver earned the Two-Year-Old Park Harness Championship in dynamic fashion. Dwayne Knowles handled the lines for elated new owner Kim Germ who shared in the victory with breeder Sharon Picus. Ann Anderson and owner Steven Handy were mighty proud of Bellerophon as the high-headed HVK Bell Flaire son had his own cheering section as he was named the reserve champion. Tables were turned in the qualifier three days earlier as Bellerophon earned the victory pass and rave reviews with Signed Sealed Delivered picking up the red ribbon in her first show ring performance. The Dragonsmeade breeding program sent many impressive youngsters into the show ring with Dragonsmeade Maxmara and Whitney Bodnar mixing it up in this promising field of entries as the third place finishers in both events.

English Pleasure

The English pleasure division featured many deep classes with world titled performers renewing acquaintances with each other as well as with many exciting new challengers. Grand luminaries from throughout the country vied for the chance to visit Northampton's winner's circle in many exciting English pleasure classes.

The East Coast English Pleasure Championship was one of the Saturday evening feature presentations. A small yet promising field competed for the tricolor in this class sponsored in memory of Dr. Stewart K. Harvey by his friends. When the championship honors were announced, Peggy Alderman made the familiar trip to the winner’s circle with the spectacular Bada Bing. While the impressive gelding with the quirky name rose to prominence during this week, his trainer/owner/rider did so some 29 years ago when she first won this championship with Cedar Rockwood. Alderman has won the title an additional four times in between. Robert and Loek Neimeth’s Misty Meadows earned their second reserve tricolor of the Saturday evening session as Jaisen Von Ballmoos directed the charismatic Haute Couture to a bold finish.

The English Pleasure Mares opened the Tuesday evening session with Futurity’s Touch Of Harley and Luman Wadhams following up their victorious Connecticut debut with another well-received trip down victory lane. The tall and refined Cedar Creek Harlequin daughter carried the blue ribbon back to owner Kevin Schengrund in her lone appearance of the show. The expressive Stardavari made a dynamic transition to the English pleasure division as Mike Carpenter guided her to the red ribbon honors for Terry Titus.

Just two classes later, it was the stallions and geldings turn to entertain and they did so in a big way. It was from this six-horse field that Bada Bing garnered serious attention on this celebrated stage as he made the victory pass teamed by Peggy Alderman. In earning the English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding victory, Bada Bing also handed one of the breed’s greats Stonecroft Byzantine the first defeat of his pleasure career. Anne Benson and Heidi Kunkel’s gallant stallion accepted the red ribbon and a strong round of applause from their faithful fans.

The prominence of the ladies divisions in the Morgan industry can certainly trace back through the years to the many grand ladies of the show ring. The Ladies English Pleasure competition at the 2006 New England Morgan Horse Show took on an even greater importance with the announcement earlier this year about a very special award to be given annually in the ladies championship to keep alive the memory of Pat Tataronis Orcutt [See separate story].

The ladies English pleasure division was truly outstanding with a marvelous group of nearly 30 entries competing in the two Wednesday evening qualifiers. The grand finale came on Saturday afternoon with 19 teams returning to vie for the distinction of becoming the first to earn this trophy. You could almost envision “Pat Tat” out there giving it her all riding, at least in spirit, to try to beat them all and enjoying every minute of it.

It would have made Pat very proud as two of her mentors Joshua and Caleb Noble, grandsons of Dr. Bob Orcutt, made the presentation of the first “relief sculpture” along with the Ladies English Pleasure Championship tricolor to Queen’s Proud Mary and Sandy Hendrick. It was indeed a memorable victory for Sandy Hendrick and trainer David Rand who both benefited from Pat’s talent, wit and humor over the years. The pairing of Hendrick and her homebred five-year-old mare perfectly fit the definition of the ladies division as they first proved in their blue ribbon ride in the ladies mares as well as their tricolor victory. MEM Exotica made her presence known in only her second show under saddle as Shanna Gish rode the smooth performing Futurity French Command daughter to the reserve honors in both the championship and mare qualifier for Indian Creek Farm.

The Ladies English Pleasure Geldings saw Bonnie Howard and Almost Famous earn wide acclaim in their victorious ride. The blue ribbon team was greeted in the winner’s circle by trainer Tim Roesink in what was this entertaining team’s only performance of the show. KGA Odyssey is making quite a name for himself in his debut season as Nikki Rae Woodworth guided the sporty Maggie Hood entry to the reserve finish.

While there was no $10,000 winner take all prize in the amateur championship this year, the class was just as deep and the competitors were riding just as hard. The Saturday night competition hosted 15 impressive teams from near and far boasting tricolor résumés. Judge Rushton studied the entries on the rail and once again at a trot before lining them up. After walking the lineup, he decided the depth of this class warranted an additional workout. Rushton sent five teams back to the rail with encouragement from their cheering sections around the ring. They went back to the rail in numerical order – WSG Whamo and Alice Welch, Gotti and Kim Germ, CN Grand Style and Rebecca Sebastian, Hylee’s Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans, and Paradigm Hot Chocolate and Shelley Silber.

The horses and riders sensed the excitement and dug deep within themselves to raise their performances to a new level. Their trainers, families, friends and supporters cheered loudly and offered words of encouragement. A win in this competition and on this stage was certainly an added bonus for the new team of CN Grand Style and Rebecca Sebastian of Bonus Time Farm. They garnered the Amateur English Pleasure Championship and a memorable trip down victory lane with trainer Jim Lowry leading the way and their proud family cheering them on. Shelley Silber and her charismatic four-year-old Paradigm Hot Chocolate turned in a stellar ride in their first season as well to garner the reserve tricolor finish for Kourt Jester Morgans. Kim Germ’s smile said it all as she was indeed delighted with her third place ride aboard Gotti. The fourth place team of Hylee’s Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans have made the step up from the junior exhibitor ranks to the amateur division seem effortless as they continue to challenge the best. The bold performing WSG Whamo and Alice Welch made some outstanding passes as they proudly brought the pink ribbon back to the Rand banner.

The preliminary round in the amateur competition was featured as part of an exemplary Monday night schedule. The field of 15 in the Amateur English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding competition set the stage for Saturday. A victory in this class took exceptional riding talent, experience and strategy. Amy Gatewood Gendjar was in possession of all three as she introduced the many-time Pleasure driving champion Tolstoy to the winner’s circle in his first Northampton saddle performance. It seems as though the father-daughter horse exchange at Dantree Farm is working well for all parties. Rebecca Sebastian and CN Grand Style warmed up for Saturday night with a stylish red ribbon performance in the stallion/gelding qualifier. The impressive list of amateur stallion/gelding ribbon winners also featured; Gotti and Kim Germ, Hylee’s Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans, PWF Good Will Hunting and Casey McDonald, Rampaige and Lisa Howa, Think About It MEM and Rosalie Leary and Change Of Heart and Terri Travers.

Paradigm Hot Chocolate and Shelley Silber were bubbling with attitude and style as they made a high octane showing to win the Amateur English Pleasure Mares for Kourt Jester Morgans prepared by Tim Roesink. Amanda Poirier and Monnington Wish are enjoying a phenomenal season, and they added to their list of titles with the reserve honors in Northampton.

Kathy Dowding matched up with Hillwood Irish Rose for a bold ride along with a memorable trip to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Novice Rider English Pleasure with Jean DeGutis guiding. Betsy Clark piloted FCF Champagne Command to a smooth showing to earn the reserve finish in this always-competitive class.

The youth English pleasure division featured a long and impressive lineup of entries. The Ramsey family lock on the top spot continued as Caitlynn Ramsey matched up with her charismatic new partner AMHF Absolut Grandeur to reclaim the title she won two years ago with Lookaway’s Hot Ticket. Caitlynn and her handsome bay took the tricolor victory pass following a spectacular qualifier victory prepared by David Rand. Shelley Stevenson and Rowenda French Twist turned in a polished ride to collect a much applauded reserve tricolor for the Luman Wadhams banner. Lauren Cojocar and King-Lehr’s Bob A Loo, her faithful partner for the past five seasons under the Waterford banner, closed out their team partnership with the yellow streamers in the championship following the reserve tie in the qualifier.

Just as the Ramsey cousins have enjoyed a stronghold on the youth division, it has been the Evans sisters who have done likewise in the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 Championship. Hylee's Dann Osgood and Kristi Evans held the winning recipe in 2003 and 2005. As Kristi aged out of the junior exhibitor division, she passed the winning touch down to sister Nikki. In just her second show with her new purchase from the Maine Event Sale, Medomak French Invasion and Nikki combined for a flawless showing displaying bright passes on a steamy Friday afternoon to best the field of 15 under the Moreland Farm banner. Brynne Cummings and Silverheels Cimarron have been concentrating their efforts in the equitation division, but stepped back to the performance division as well in Northampton. They had great timing as they carried the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure 14-17 Reserve Championship back to the John Bennett Stable.

CHF Midnight Special and Sarah Shimmer turned in an exemplary ride on Sunday evening as they kicked off the 14-17 division in spectacular fashion. Mary Carlton greeted the winning team as they collected the respect of the knowledgeable audience for their performance for Linda Martinson. They had to be outstanding to beat the reserve team of Nikki Evans and Medomak French Invasion along with 15 other top performing teams.

The English pleasure division netted the Rand banner several impressive victories. Grand National Champion Lookaway’s Hot Ticket has enjoyed a winning transition to the 13 and under division matched with Moniqua Dube. The sporty white-trimmed performer led the way earning stellar victories in the qualifier and championship for Pauline Richard. Gaetana D’Alesio Spina and HVK Hot Ember have made their presence known in their first season together. With top ribbons in the park, equitation and now pleasure divisions they have earned praise from Florida to New England including the reserve honors here in the 13 and under qualifier and championship coached by Chris Cassenti.

Sterling Training Center’s Northampton tricolor string notched its second of five in the Walk-Trot English Pleasure 10-11 Championship. Following their winning debut at Gold Cup, Annie Thurber and LA Ricochet were poised and prepared for their trip east as they stepped up with supreme confidence to earn the tricolor. Brianna Walther celebrated her first trip to the famed Northampton show with the reserve tricolor ride aboard Riverdance to the delight of trainer Larry Bonnell.

The 10-11 qualifier featured Pondview Promises Promises and Theresa Scott displaying pleasure perfection to earn a trip to the winner’s circle for the second year in a row in Northampton where they were again greeted by trainer Kathleen Peeples. Here, they dealt LA Ricochet and Annie Thurber their only defeat of the week where their fine performance garnered them a red ribbon.

The Walk-Trot Nine and Under English Pleasure division was filled with horses whose careers have been filled with show ring honors and the important job of introducing young riders to the show ring. This is just the first year Gradell’s Wild Reflection has had the distinction of competing in this division, but his new job paired with Max Liberty fits him to a tee. This dapper duo put on a pair of great showings to earn the blue ribbon and tricolor honors. Alexander The Prince and Devin Russo matched up for the reserve tricolor honors to add to their many successes coached by Kathleen Peeples. In the qualifier round, it was Manistee Le Mistral and Hannah Bornt who navigated with confidence for the red ribbon.

The junior English pleasure division featured a large group of promising youngsters. When the tricolor announcement was made it was another proud moment for Ann Hailey’s Copper Beech LLC as World Champion Treble’s First Take carried home the tricolor honors. Mike Goebig piloted the Liberation First Star daughter to the blue ribbon in the four-year-old mare class as well. NDT French Impressionist and Kurt Hufferd showed their Midwest show ring style with the reserve tricolor ride for Indian Creek Farm. The white trimmed bay started off with the red ribbon in the four-year-old stallion/gelding class with an entertaining performance.

Bad Company and Jenny Taylor came out of Gold Cup with a pair of victories and rave reviews. The high-headed Man In Motion son made his presence known in Northampton as he earned the top honors in the four-year-old stallion/gelding competition for owners Tom and Elizabeth Burick. Narragansett Spirit made a bright showing in her saddle debut as Anne Benson guided her to the reserve finish in the four-year-old mares along with the yellow streamers in the competitive junior championship.

Just as SpringMill Souvenir enjoyed rise to national prominence in his first trip to Northampton a year ago in harness, he enjoyed the same impact this year in his saddle debut. Shanna Gish guided the impressive Nostradamus son to the victory in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Stallion/Gelding class performing for SpringMill Morgans LLC. The field of 11 also featured World Champion Sacred Path Indiana Jones turning in a stylish performance for the reserve ribbon with Jim Lowry in the irons for Lon and Diane Seitz.

TTA Authentic Princess topped judge Rushton's card as Dwayne Knowles guided Samuel Ebersol’s regal bay to her second blue ribbon of the show in the Three-Year-Old English Pleasure Mares. The Dantree Farm breeding program brought out a pair of impressive three-year-olds at Northampton. Dantree After Hours enjoyed her first trip to the show ring as David Rand guided the bright and fancy bay to the reserve honors.

Peggy Alderman’s outstanding week in the show ring also featured the introduction of the sporty chestnut Gable’s Hit The Road Jack to the winner’s circle in the eight-entry Novice English Pleasure. The fronty, bay Pondview EZ Spirit and Ann Anderson claimed the red ribbon for Patti Berthelette.

Pleasure Driving

The pleasure driving division was outstanding from start to finish with some of the most stylish performers of the season vying for their own place in the spotlight. Friday night's East Coast Pleasure Driving Championship featured a strong field of seven of the breed's top winning horses battling for top honors within the confines of the indoor arena.

With 2004 and 2005 East Coast Champion Medomak French Invasion moving to a new division, the path was cleared to usher a new champion into the winner’s circle in 2006. AFF Leroy Brown stepped up with a trademark bold showing to capture the tricolor honors with Peggy Alderman earning her first of two East Coast pleasure titles on the week. The tricolor team started off the show with an impressive win in a very competitive ladies qualifier. Leroy had twice before knocked on the door in the East Coast Championship, being named the reserve champion in 2003 and 2004 before taking home tricolor honors in the junior exhibitor division in 2005 with Kate Alderman. Noteworthy’s Nobel Heir displayed his charismatic show ring presence as Bob Kellert drove the multi-titled chestnut to the East Coast Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship. They earlier topped the gentlemen’s class with a bright showing for The River’s Edge.

The qualifying classes showed the depth of the division as well, taking their place on Monday night’s schedule of feature presentations. The Pleasure Driving Mares and Gelding were first to entertain with MEM So Emotional turning in an exceptional performance to best the field. Tim Roesink had the Futurity French Command daughter in high order to drive away with the blue ribbon in her only performance class of the show for Ann Hailey’s Copper Beech LLC. Their outstanding competition included World Champion FRF Seattle Reign who marched away with the reserve ribbon presented by Richard Boule for Taylor River Farm.

Much as the first two ribbons in the mare/gelding class went to five-year-olds emerging in the open division, so too did the first two placings in the stallion class. It was New England’s 2005 Junior Pleasure Driving Champion What’s My Line who garnered the Pleasure Driving Stallion top honors. Stan Bodnar and the typey bay Epona Morgans LLC entry took their familiar place on victory lane. Queen’s Johnny Angel returned to his New England roots to capture the reserve honors with Bob Kellert on the lines for Monty Kugeler. The sporty, bay Futurity French Command son had his chance in the winner’s circle a few days later as he came back to earn top honors in the Novice Pleasure Driving Stallions. Owners John Suprenant and Charleen McCarthy are enjoying a winning season with their impressive chestnut Minion Millenium son Realize who brought home the reserve novice stallions title driven by Richard Boulé.

The Ladies Pleasure Driving Championship featured a flower adorned victory pass for the elegant four-year-old MEM Twisted Sister and Sandy Sessink. They made their first foray into the ladies division one to remember as they earned top honors for Lynn Begalla under the Peeper Ranch banner. The Maine Event Morgans breeding program was in the spotlight with both tricolor entries. The world titled team of Can't You See MEM and Melissa Morrell, who triumphed in this newly added championship a year ago, were reserve this time out. They also collected the reserve ribbon in the highly competitive qualifier for Phyllis Frechette. The amateur pleasure driving division has been phenomenal this year from coast to coast with a number of grand combinations stepping to the forefront. For the reigning world championship team of WSG Circumstan'l Evidence and Priscilla Marconi, three times was indeed a charm as they carried the Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship tricolor from the ring for the third year in a row. They started off the show on Sunday night by topping an amazing field of national and world champion competitors to once again collect the blue ribbon in the amateur stallion/gelding class directed by Kurt Hufferd.

It was a familiar face to Marconi challenging with a pair of outstanding performances in his own right as her former world champion partner Nicoria was well matched by Jack Gatewood. It was Gatewood and the charismatic stallion who collected the reserve honors in both performances as well as the applause of their supportive fan club performing for Dantree Farm under the banner of Rand.

While the stallion/gelding competition filled the ring with multi-titled entries, the path to the winner’s circle was clear for Whispering Gladly’s Gift and Dennis O’Connell as they were the solo entries in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Mares. They earned the blue ribbon for Florence Scanlon.

The Amateur Pleasure Driving Novice Driver featured a memorable team debut for Barbara Lindauer and her exquisite Grand National Champion HVK Sweet Obsession. Tim Roesink had the fancy three-year-old mare and her owner well prepared as they made a crowd-pleasing trip down victory lane. Paula Macklin and her flaxen trimmed Whispering Bellavante turned in a fine drive of their own for the reserve finish directed by Vickie Wirth.

The Youth Pleasure Driving blue also went back to the Grove Pointe banner as James Sebring handled the lines of Adventure’s Priority in victorious fashion. Following a red ribbon in the gentlemen’s class directed by Tim Roesink, the Copper Beech LLC entry turned the tables on Noteworthy’s Nobel Heir in the youth competition. The two sporty geldings had plenty of audience support as Bob Kellert drove Nobel Heir to the gentlemen’s blue and handed over the reins to daughter Jennifer for her first drive with the dynamic chestnut for the reserve honors in the youth.

The young drivers vied for supremacy once again with Ultras Proclamation and Adriana Liberty earning the distinction as the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving Champions. They have earned top honors in each of three shows in which they have shown in harness thus far this season with David Rand guiding the way. Jessica Sebring and Hunter Hill By Design continued their tricolor season as the reserve champions with a polished performance for Sandra Kimple with proud parents Harry and Carolyn Sebring coaching rail side.

Aristocraticallee and Zachary Howa opened their season in victorious fashion. They bested the field in the Junior Exhibitor Pleasure Driving qualifier with hearty applause from their cheering section. Elsa Wright handled the reins of Stoneleigh Flair For Life to pick up the red ribbon for Mary Ellen Mulligan.

New England's Junior Pleasure Driving Championship put a cap on a week of fabulous performances by the young stars of the breed. It was a crowning achievement for three-year-old Dantree Night Call as the tricolors were placed on the dynamic son of Futurity French Command and Cedar Creek Vizcaya. The Gatewood family’s Dantree Farm breeding program earned a place in the national spotlight as David Rand guided Dantree Night Call down Northampton’s victory lane.

Dragonsmeade Carnaros has garnered a strong following since his show ring debut as a three-year-old for Dragonsmeade Farm with Mike Carpenter on the lines. This team enjoyed a sensational victory in the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class on the first day of the show and six days later closed out their partnership with the Junior Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship.

Just two weeks after being named Top Of The Rockies Pleasure Driving Champion, TRE Master Of Disguise made the long trip to Northampton to do battle some of the deepest competition anywhere. The Stonecroft Masquerade son was ready for the competition as Bob Kellert guided him to the reserve finish in the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding class to the applause of proud owner Deborah Phelan and their enthusiastic fan club.

Reserve World Champion Starboard’s Ring My Bell had a wide-open path to the winner’s circle. Luman Wadhams presented the HVK Bell Flaire daughter to the blue ribbon in the Four-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares for South Bay Morgans.

The Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallions/Geldings were first to impress in the young horse competition on Sunday night. The honors belonged to George Schott's Maine Event Morgans for the second year in a row. This time it was the handsome MEM Blue Chip whose good looks and bold style earned the nod from judge Lavery with Jeff White on the lines. The crowd picked up on an expressive black colt in the field of 11 as Intrepid Behold and Rick Stevens were awarded the red ribbon in a debut of note for Art Perry and Intrepid Farms.

When the UPHA Pleasure Driving Classic was called to the ring on Wednesday afternoon many of those who first saw Intrepid Behold perform on Sunday were on hand along with a few others who wanted to catch a glimpse of the charismatic son of World Champions Stonecroft Byzantine and Intrepid Immortal Beloved. He certainly did not disappoint as the tricolor sash was affixed around his neck for the victory pass directed by Rick Stevens for justifiably proud Art Perry. Mike Carpenter’s string of youngsters were geared up and ready for the competition including the expressive Christina Della Rose who earned the reserve UPHA Classic honors for Linda Langlois.

Dwayne Knowles and the Broadmoor entries enjoyed a phenomenal week with Knowles introducing several two and three-year-olds to the winner’s circle. It was TTA Authentic Princess who started off the victorious streak with a winning drive in the Three-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mares for Samuel Ebersol. She had some outstanding competition including HVK Sweet Obsession who collected the reserve ribbon with a red-hot performance driven by Tim Roesink for Barbara Lindauer.

The Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving division was outstanding as nearly 20 budding young athletes took part in the two qualifying classes for the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Championship. John and Patti Huse’s SpringMill Morgans LLC were the proud owners and breeders of the champion in 2005 with SpringMill Souvenir, and they equaled the feat this year with a captivating filly named SpringMill New Harmony. A perfect blend of her powerful sire Nostradamus and her elegant dam Treble’s Unchained Melody, SpringMill New Harmony earned a strong following in her debut as Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Mare winner and champion with Kurt Hufferd handling the lines.

Just as his full brother Get Busy displayed winning style in his show ring debut, Straight Up matched him by topping the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Stallion/Gelding competition. Dwayne Knowles guided the son of Astronomicallee and So Vain (a full sister to Stand And Deliver) to the qualifier blue as well as the Two-Year-Old Pleasure Driving Reserve Championship.

Lynn Peeples had a pair of promising two-year-old pleasure driving entries competing. It was Peeples’ own Man In Motion son Gamepiece who had the right moves in the stallion/gelding class to earn the reserve honors. Gold Cup’s champion EKL Secret Dreams showed off her elegance and style as the Century Bon Jovi daughter collected the red ribbon in the mare class for Eli Lapp Jr.

The Novice Pleasure Driving classes took their place in the schedule in the grandstand ring on Thursday morning. The Novice Pleasure Driving Mares were first to entertain as Fair Catch scored the winning performance with Lynn Peeples guiding the three-year-old Man In Motion daughter to the blue ribbon for Doug and Marlene Sluiter. In her first season in the performance division, the elegant Dragonsmeade Bell Song added the reserve finish to the Peeper Ranch banner with Phil Fountain presenting for Dragonsmeade Farm.

It was a good day for MEM Bad Boy as the high-headed son of Cedar Creek Harlequin and Star Lake Ellisa enjoyed a victorious show ring debut. Jeff White directed the George Schott entry to the Novice Pleasure Driving Geldings win over a large and promising field of entries. Following a winning in hand performance in Northampton in 2005, Graywood’s Corin showed off his good looks and style for the reserve prize in harness with Percy McDaniel on the lines for Courtney Barber.

In Hand

Day one. Class one. Year 67. Another year in Morgan history officially began as the Sport Horse In Hand class was called to the ring on Sunday afternoon. With the specialty division being judged by John McDonald, that first New England blue belonged to High Brook Morgans’ High Brook Dynaflow, an entry presented by Michaela Connolly. Tim Morrell stood DRF Sea Hawk up for reserve honors while representing owner Carol Ramsey Rice.

The winning team in the Western Pleasure In Hand class included trainer Roger Brown, owners Jim and Natalie Maloof and the pretty winning entry PLF Rare Elegance for the second year in a row. Andrea King Cresta was the owner/presenter of reserve honoree Menomin Major Issue.

Hunter Pleasure In Hand was also on the early Sunday schedule, and the top honors in that discipline went to Highover Oaklyn Starfire, a handsome entry shown by Kass Booth for Gabrielle and Michael Blackman. Elizabeth Jenkins earned the reserve ribbon on the lead of her charismatic Wild Abandon.

Hanging the first of many winning ribbons on the Rand banner, Dantree Farm’s newest addition Stonecroft After Midnight stepped to the front of the Classic Pleasure In Hand competition with a blue ribbon presentation by Jason Douglas and a fine tailing assist from Jack Gatewood. BBY Glorious Command guided by owner Barbara Ray and Chris Bernard followed them with the red ribbon showing.

In the final round of early competition, Stonecroft After Midnight wore the first tricolor of the 2006 New England Regional as the Specialty In Hand Grand Champion for Dantree Farm. PLF Rare Elegance enjoyed a jog down victory lane as the reserve champion repeating the honors from a year ago.

Gerry Rushton stepped into the famed New England ring to determine the 2006 winners in the mare division. His first decision came in the Filly Foal class in which Waseeka’s Haute Vitesse visited the winner’s circle. It marked a historic return for the storied Waseeka Farm as Nicole Annis Caruso carried on the winning tradition as owner of the filly presented by Michael Scanlon. Joanne Galvin brought out another promising youngster as DRF Ladies Night Out claimed the red prize.

Already enjoying a great start to the season as Vermont Morgan Junior Champion Mare and Yearling Filly winner, Graywood’s Epona was New England’s Yearling Filly Champion as well. Mark Mason made the winning presentation over a field of dazzling fillies for owner/breeder Katrina Wood. Among the seven entries, SSLLC Set Me In Motion was reserve for Luman Wadhams and breeder/owner Kevin Schengrund.

Coming off the Grand Champion Mare title at Granite State where the Liberation First Star daughter was also Junior Mare Champion and Two-Year-Old Filly winner, Still Thinking was called to the winner’s circle as New England’s top two-year-old filly with John Lampropoulos on the lead for Geraldine McLoud. Showing for Copper Beech LLC, Tim Roesink guided the DBA Street Talk daughter LBJ Uptown Girl to reserve honors ahead of some other top-notch entries among the seven competitors.

When the young lasses were brought back for round two, Graywood’s Epona (Spiceolife Right Answer x Salem Showgirl) stood proud on the green infield and modeled as the Junior Champion Mare for Mark Mason and Graywood Farm. With a tricolor sweep for the yearlings, SSLLC Set Me In Motion (HVK Man About Town x UVM Farrah) represented Wadhams Stable and Kevin Schengrund as the reserve champion.

Three-year-old mares came into the ring from both entrances with some tail-flagging competition and when it was all over, Ann Anderson and the Simply Maserati daughter, Whispering Wildflower, headed back to the Hobby Knoll tack room with the winning ribbon for Juris Morgans LLC. Back in June they swept the division at Connecticut All Morgan to be crowned Grand Champion Mare. The ever-successful breeding program of Pete and Sandy Hendrick came through again as their Mizrahi daughter Queen’s Fancy Me was Northampton’s Reserve Three-Year-Old Mare in her show ring debut presented by David Rand.

Reserve to Whispering Wildflower in the Grand Champion Mare competition at Connecticut All Morgan, the sleek black Halle Berry represented Copper Beech LLC with Rodney Hicks on the lead as the Four-Year-Old Mare winner. As beautiful as her breeding would indicate, the Stonecroft Byzantine daughter was followed by another top winner of the season, Tara’s Moment In Time with Larry Bonnell on the lead for Marilyn Esteb.

The first blue ribbon of the week for Grove Pointe Stables and trainer Tim Roesink came in the Five and Over Mare class where MEM So Emotional made her presence know as she posed for the presentation picture. This was the second New England winner of the afternoon for Copper Beech LLC. Representing Corinthian Stables, Dar Vale Savannah collected the reserve honors led by Todd and Sandy Trushel.

Whispering Wildflower craned her neck and looked around as she was awarded her second Senior Mare Champion title of the season. Ann Anderson was again the winning handler. MEM So Emotional displayed her chiseled elegance and balanced motion with trainer Tim Roesink to collect the reserve streamers.

Youth was also the winning recipe in the Grand Champion Mare competition, along with exceptional presence. Joining a long list of industry greats that began in 1939 with Rhyme, an entry of the U.S. Morgan Horse Farm, Graywood’s Epona was crowned the 2006 New England Regional Grand Champion Mare for handler Mark Mason and breeder Katrina Wood. Reserve honors were bestowed upon the brilliant brown mare Whispering Wildflower who added to a tricolor season for Ann Anderson and Juris Morgans LLC.

Day two at the 2006 New England Morgan Horse Show began with Jean DeGutis leading Smarty Jones to the winner’s circle of the Two-Year-Old Gelding class for Rich and Diane Morse. Copper Beech LLC received the red ribbon as Sebring Stables presented the sporty CBMF Trading Up. Those two promising entries finished in the same order for Junior Champion Gelding honors.

Mark Mason and Katrina Wood proved to be a winning combination again on Monday morning. Their success continued with Mason leading Graywood’s Lennox (Spiceolife Right Answer x Salem Showgirl), a full brother to Grand Champion Mare Graywood’s Epona, to the Three and Four-Year-Old Gelding title. Tim Roesink teamed up with another expressive Copper Beech LLC entry as CBMF Audacious (Grandoise x Ariel) performed for the reserve finish.

The largest group of geldings came in the five and over class where the competition was filled with multi-titled entries. Meet Joe Black (Carlyle Upper Caisse x I Stand Alone) rose to the top with Rick Stevens making the winning presentation for Alissa Leonard. The Classic Pleasure Saddle World Champion Boogie Nights made a well-received surprise entry into the division. The son of World Champions Born To Boogie and UVM Unity carried on his Morgan heritage with Phil Fountain leading to a second place finish for Dawn Fire.

Judge Lavery stayed the course as Meet Joe Black and Boogie Nights also finished first and second in the Senior Champion Gelding class and Grand Champion Gelding competition.
Monday morning’s session moved right into the stallion division with three Weanling Colts competing first. Representing the University of Connecticut and its storied breeding program, John Bennett led UC Valentine Rossi (UC Ringmaster x UC Faith) to the winner’s circle. Rick Stevens and the Richard Greene entry, Man Of Honor, followed them.

Judge Rushton selected a stretchy son of Ben’s Rhapsody and Arielle to head the lineup in the Yearling Colt competition. Rodney Hicks and Ricky Harris teamed up to present CBMF Arbitrage to the title for Ann Hailey’s Copper Beech LLC. Showing for George Schott, Mike Carpenter led the Liberation First Star son MCS Bandini to reserve honors in this promising field of youngsters.

Seven impressive two-year-old colts represented some of the industry’s top breeding programs as they paraded up and down the rail and then modeled for all to see. The best of that group turned out to be the Poirier/McDonald entry, EKL Exotic Vision. David Rand debuted the well-named son of Century Bon Jovi and Indian Creek Clear Vision for top honors. Scott Thacker and Tall Tails Farm LLC enjoyed returning to Northampton to show off a dynamic product of their program in the reserve entry AWS Icon (Continental Vision x Prediction).

As the top two finishers in the Weanling, Yearling and Two-Year-Old classes came back together to determine Junior Champion Stallion honors EKL Exotic Vision and AWS Icon turned back the youngest of the youngsters to command the Champion and Reserve Champion titles for their respective owners and trainers.

The older age group stallions were extremely light in numbers with three each in the Three and Four-Year-Old classes and only two in the five and over competition, but the quality and brilliance of the competitors far outweighed the numbers. Longtime Morgan breeder/exhibitor Heidi Kunkel was the proud owner of Three-Year-Old winner SYP High Definition (HVK Vibrance x Kim’s Bellegante) as Rick Stevens presented last year’s World Champion Junior Stallion. Bernard Parker presented the smooth and showy Hylee’s Dannation (Liberation First Star x HVK Vigilgrace) to the reserve finish for Francis Crombie.

In a rematch of last year’s three-year-old class, TRE Master Of Disguise came out on top this year to claim the Four-Year-Old Stallion title over last year’s three-year-old winner and Grand Champion Stallion Way Beyond Reason. Bob Kellert was on the end of the lead presenting TRE Master Of Disguise (Stonecroft Masquerade x WTS Wing And A Prayer) for Deborah Phelan. Peter Wheeler and Ann Anderson exited with the reserve streamers for Way Beyond Reason and owner Azeedad Farm.

The star power of Mizrahi was more than evident in the 5 and Over Stallion class. A son of two World Grand Champions, HVK Bell Flaire and Schiaparelli, and a Reserve World Champion himself Mizrahi paraded for Bill and Sammi Hazen to finish in the winner’s circle for PlayMor Farm LLC. His tail-flagging return to the Northampton show ring brought the crowd to life. Fred and Francis Ellett were well represented in their visit to Northampton as their newly purchased World Champion Will-O-Way Moment In Time put on an impressive show of his own for reserve guided by trainer David Earehart.

Six entries making up the top two from the senior qualifiers competed for Senior Champion Stallion honors. It was another crowning achievement for Mizrahi and PlayMor Farm as they concluded with a very meaningful victory for Grand Champion Stallion honors, a title first won by Mizrahi in 1999. It was a poignant victory for the horse as well as his trainers as the Hazens had last won that title in 1994 with the legendary Born To Boogie. Reserve in both the Senior and Grand Champion Stallion competition belonged to SYP High Definition and Rick Stevens.

Following a wonderful Saturday morning breakfast hosted by the All American Futurity, competition got underway with the Yearling Futurity. A weanling division wasn’t held this year. There are big plans ahead for the All American Futurity in 2007 thanks to the generosity of George Schott and the proceeds from the sale of the AFF Evening Episode egg at the Maine Event Sale.

With eight entries competing for the Yearling In Hand Futurity this year, the fancy chestnut, Frosted Flake (Mainframe x JW Romantic Memories) stood at the head of the line as the champion for trainer David Rand and owner Jason Douglas. With a reserve in the open yearling class earlier in the week, MCS Bandini came back to also take reserve in the Futurity for George Schott with Mike Carpenter handling the lead.

The Two-Year-Old In Hand Specialty Futurity featured Michabou K T Marilynn, an entry shown by Percy McDaniel for Lori St. Hilaire Cash earning a trip to the winner’s circle for tricolor honors. Menomin Inquisition and Mitch Michaud claimed reserve honors for Corine Crossmon.
It was a battle of MEM for the Two-Year-Old In Hand Futurity top prize money. Cabot trainers Rick Lane and Jeff White had both of George Schott’s entries in top order to turn back the other six challengers. Last year’s Grand Champion Mare, MEM Shock & Awe (Serenity Masterpiece x AFF Evening Episode) reigned supreme as she was crowned the Two-Year-Old Futurity Champion. Stablemate MEM Chill Factor (Serenity Masterpiece x Cabot Joie De Vivre) was the reserve Futurity champion.

Mark Kimble led Townshend Port Of Call to top honors in the Futurity Three-Year-Old Specialty In Hand competition representing Townshend Farm. Corine Crossmon’s Menomin Pepper Power was next in line for a ribbon.

Again it was the team of Rick Lane and George Schott scoring big in the Futurity Three-Year-Old In Hand class. This time it was MEM Blue Chip (Futurity French Command x Miss Bluegrass) making the lasting impression to win the three-year-old class as well as the Futurity High Point Championship. Showing for Jared Gove, Richard Boule presented World Champion Graywood’s Lear (Spiceolife Right Answer x Salem Simone) to reserve in both events.

Classic Pleasure

One of the breed’s largest divisions at New England culminated Saturday night with 13 entries competing in the Classic Pleasure Saddle East Coast Championship. It was a memorable return from maternity leave for Dawn Fire as she was reunited with her world champion partner Boogie Nights to earn the tricolor. It was a repeat win for the son of Born To Boogie and UVM Unity, as he won the title a year ago with former owner Tara Good, on the very night he was purchased by Dawn Fire. Good had the chance to guide the stylish gelding to the winner’s circle once again this year in the 20-entry ladies gelding qualifier where she stepped in for Dawn Fire under the direction of Peeper Ranch trainers Phil Fountain and Sandy Sessink.

Under the direction of Moreland Farm, Kristi Evans and SBS Power Play had a strong ride and trotted away with the reserve tricolor for Richard and Donna Evans. The championship class was just one of Power Plays successful finishes at New England. Again paired with Kristi Evans, SBS Power Play won the 15-entry Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallions/Geldings class where the world titled team of Whispering Rhythm N Blues stood out among the large field for the red ribbon with Michelle Aulson in the saddle.

Kourt Jester Morgans held the winning ticket in the mares qualifier. Intrepid Immortal Beloved was indeed loved by rider Shelley Silber after judge Lonnie Lavery named them winners for the second year in a row. Owner and rider Martha Edwards and RLH Striking Resemblance also had a strong performance in the 11-entry class and finished with reserve under the Crystal Farms banner.

The ladies sections were clearly the deepest in several divisions at New England. Nineteen entries came back for the Ladies Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship and Amy Gatewood Gendjar showed off her well honed riding skills to pilot Stonecroft After Midnight to the winner’s circle with David Rand directing. It was the second tricolor of the week for the Stonecroft Byzantine son who proved he has the talent to go along with his good looks. He also picked up the reserve ribbon in the entertaining ladies gelding qualifier for Dantree Farm. The ladies reserve championship title returned to the Waterford tack room with Kara Brooke Hose and Syncopation taking the victory pass for proud owner Jayne Dubin. Representing the west coast in fine style, Circle J Champions AMHF Absolut Mystery and Debra Hurst Walters happily trotted away with the yellow streamers flowing from the bridle.

Brenda Varney and her pretty mare, DCS Irresistable were named the winners in the ladies mares qualifier. Rick Stevens greeted them in center ring as they received their well-deserved blue ribbon and flowers. On their heels for reserve, the flashy Hillwood Say It Isn’t So and Kathy Jurkowski trotted away with the red ribbon for Debbie Lukas.

Numbers once again reached the double digits in the Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle 14-17 Championship. Following up the 14-17 qualifier win for the third year in a row, Sunny Acres Candoo and Stephanie Fejes shined above the rest in their 14-entry championship. They enjoyed a strong ovation from the audience as they closed out their Northampton junior exhibitor career by earning the tricolor for the third consecutive year. Alansa’s Dark Knight and Tricia Morrison teamed up to capture the reserve tricolor in the 14-17 championship performing for the Castro family under the Northgate banner. In the 17-entry qualifier, Keith Friday and Alicia Groff directed the well-suited pair of Manistee Le Mistral and Kelsey Bornt to the red ribbon.

Soul Provider and Lauren Tomaino, moving up a couple of notches from their 13 and under qualifier ride, held the winning ticket in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 13 and Under Championship. Sally Lindabury greeted the tricolor team. Cingate Susy Q and owner/rider Heather Mallet came back with a solid ride as they starred as the reserve champions. The New York based entries had a lock on the division as Suzanne Haberek directed the reserve team.

Amy Podesva was up for the challenge in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 13 and Under qualifier as she directed Season’s Supreme Challenge to the victory in the 10-entry class. They made a winning transition for their second blue ribbon ride of the show for the Rolling Oaks team. Rachael Menard and Bilzone’s GQ Material matched up for the reserve performance for owner Sierra Clemmey.

The Classic Pleasure Saddle 11 and Under Walk/Trot Championship kicked off with a ring full of young riders putting forth their best efforts in hopes of winning a coveted New England title. Nancy Packard’s PT Son Of A Gun and Erin Scanlon cranked it up a notch for the championship and wore the tricolor streamers out of the ring. They were greeted in the winner’s circle by Nikki Rae Woodworth as the Scanlon family cheered on the youngest member of their tricolor gang. Tayler Walters enjoyed her first appearance in the Northampton show ring as she shared the multi-titled AMHF Absolut Mystery with her mom Debra Hurst Walters. Tayler and the chestnut gelding were escorted down victory lane with the reserve streamers by proud mom Debra as well as trainer Bob Kellert.

Jean DeGutis directed the winning team in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Walk/Trot qualifier. Hillwood Who’s Your Daddy and Alexandra Frangiosa were delighted to make the victory pass for Denise Dulude Kerr. PT Son Of A Gun and Erin Scanlon started off with the second place finish in the nine-entry class for Nancy Packard.

Twelve riders made their way into the ring for the Classic Pleasure Saddle Novice Rider class. The Sterling Touch and Karla Ruggiero performed like pros and finished as the winners in the class for Lauren White to add to the Janbark banner. Beamtime and Susan Heuttner maneuvered the ring wisely as well, and they were rewarded with the reserve finish for Juris Morgans LLC.

The blue in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Novice Horse class went back to the colorful Grove Pointe tack room as CBMF Can’t Touch This and Carolyn Gibbard delivered the winning performance in their debut in the classic division. NBN Cochise with Elizabeth Lloyd on board had a strong ride for reserve honors proudly supported by Patricia Lloyd.

Laura Day enjoyed a victorious show ring return as she matched up with Richard Greene’s elegant three-year-old mare Cardinal Brook Always Byzy for a pair of Northampton victories. Anne Benson greeted the winning pair in center ring as they collected the Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Horse Championship. This unbeatable pair also garnered the blue in the junior horse qualifier. The winning teamed received some great competition from reserve entries BBY Glorious Command and Barbara Ray in the championship as well as Evening’s Glory and Kara Brooke in the qualifier.

The Classic Pleasure Driving East Coast Championship was one of two classes that had to be split Friday night as a rainstorm forced the evening’s competition into the cramped indoor arena. After the two sections were worked completely both ways of the ring, Judge Gerry Rushton selected 10 entries to come back for the final judging.

Demonstrating both stamina and elegance, Rare Obsession and Shirley Hass topped the deep class to carry the East Coast Classic Pleasure Driving Championship back to Mike Carpenter Stable. Jennifer Holcomb was on the lines of Reserve Champion Crinolines Regal Flair as they turned in a stylish presentation for Mary Ellen Holcomb.

Representing the Midwest, Ensbrook Chain Of Command and Debbie Simon battled it out in the championship and finished with third place honors after topping the 12-horse stallion/gelding qualifier earlier in the week for Team Merriehill. Equinox Giovanni and Suzanne Segal were deemed the reserve winners in the stallion/gelding qualifier and also drove away with a memorable win of the blue ribbon and flowers in the ladies class under the Stonegate banner.

Waterford Farm had another great year at Northampton and just one of their top ribbons came in the Classic Pleasure Driving Ladies class where Ernestine Smith directed her entry ESS Fleur De Lis to reserve. This charming duo also paired up for the reserve in the Classic Pleasure Driving Mares class where the elegant Florida based team of Gulfwind Temptress and Mary Ann McKnight-Cantey cruised to the winner’s circle after their polished performance.

Winning was spread around quite evenly in the classic pleasure driving division and Westenfeld Band Leader and Dean Bartholomew had their chance to soak in the victory in the Classic Pleasure Driving Gentlemen class for owner Susan Kamiler with direction from Suzanne Haberek. Burkland Taurie Adora and John Perone also had a great class and they exited with the red streamers performing for Caleb Noble.

B Special Attraction and Lauren Foy dominated the junior exhibitor section as they were on top of Rushton’s cards in both the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor Championship and qualifier. Maximum Command and Kaylie Piekarczyk made a great comeback drive in the championship and they finished the week as the reserve champions. FSM The Promise Keeper and Hillary Campbell were on the money for reserve in the qualifier for Rebecca Titcomb.

CBMF Can’t Touch Me earned her first of two Northampton blues in her team debut with Frank Gibbard. They earned highest honors in the Classic Pleasure Driving Novice Horse class where Burkland Taurie Adora and John Perone captured with another impressive reserve finish for Caleb Noble.

After starting off with a pair of victories at Connecticut, Final Judgement and William Filosi scored a Northampton win as well. They were the top team in their only performance of the show in the novice driver class. The stylish Sardes Up In Smoke and Kathy Shubitowski put it all together and were named the reserve winners directed by Michael Murphy.

Twelve junior horses and their drivers answered the call for the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Horse Championship and it was the world titled team of Librettos Bravado and Janelle Schroeder who carried home the top honors. They made another victory pass in the prestigious Northampton ring for Cadence Farm LLC as they warmed up for their championship victory pass after having won the 13-entry junior horse qualifier earlier in the week under the Peeper Ranch banner. Ultra’s Now And Forever and Toni Watkins were delighted with their performance as Coby Holowacz directed them to the reserve championship. Ann Hailey and her beloved CBMF Mozambique added the third place finish in the championship following the reserve tie in the junior horse qualifier to a grand week for the entries of Copper Beech LLC.

Western Pleasure

Just about every class in the western pleasure division featured Oklahoma titled horses and riders, or those on their way toward that standard. Elegance and beauty were as abundant as ever this year in Northampton and that was never clearer than in the Western Pleasure East Coast Championship.

Treble’s Tanqueray and Judy Nason are used to being in the New England spotlight. After finishing in reserve in 2005’s east coast championship as well as taking home the red ribbon in the stallions/geldings qualifier this year, this stunning pair finished out their week as the 2006 East Coast Western Pleasure Champions for proud owners Greg and Carol Fleck. Roger Brown guided the Jim and Natalie Maloof entry PLF Maximum Results to well executed ride under the Northampton lights and finished as the reserve champions.

The outstanding competition in the open division started off on Tuesday night as Chase Manhattan bested the field with a stellar performance in the 16-entry Western Pleasure Stallions/Geldings class. He added this impressive win to his résumé as Cheri Barber made the winning presentation for Patricia West.

Also no strangers to the Northampton winner’s circle, HL My My and Kathleen Peeples won the Western Pleasure Mares class for proud owner/breeder Holly Seavitt. This polished pair made it look easy as they also topped the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship for the third time in four years. Roger Brown was in the top ribbons again with the reserve in the mares class aboard PLF Rare Elegance, another fine entry bred and owned by Jim and Natalie Maloof. The Maloofs enjoyed collecting the blue ribbon in the ladies mares as Erika Mitchell guided Rare Elegance to top honors.

Reserve to Peeples and HL My My in the ladies championship, FCF Montego Bay and Judy Nason also defeated 18 other talented competitors to win the Western Pleasure Ladies Geldings class for Joanne Kieger. The world titled duo of Sammi Hazen and Bear Brook Supreme Bar added the reserve tie in the ladies geldings class to their week in Northampton, while Highland Ridge Daniel and Mary Carlton rounded out the top three in the deep class for Jan Lazar.

One of many large classes to grace the ring during Saturday night’s finale, the Western Pleasure Amateur Championship concluded with Mtn Laurel Election Day and Caitlin Harrison earning the tricolor. Last year’s tricolor junior exhibitor team made a smooth transition to the amateur ranks where they carried the tricolor back to the Broadmoor banner. Judge McDonald had Troikas Black Russian and Ling Fu Wylie, another team competing at New England with world titles under their belt, reserve in the 16-entry class while last year’s champion Gulfwind Sir William rounded out the top three in the amateur championship with Margaret McKnight Karrh in the saddle.

Gulfwind Sir William and Karrh started off with the blue ribbon finish in the 19-entry Western Pleasure Amateur Stallions/Geldings where they earned the repeat victory of a year ago for the McKnight family’s Gulfwind Morgans. Ling Fu Wylie made a swift recovery from an early season injury to be back in the saddle with Troikas Black Russian for the reserve finish in the highly competitive qualifier for Dragonsmeade Farm.

The match up for the mares featured a lovely group of entries vying for the blue ribbon but no one could deny ECP The Seventh Stone and Marion Bengston the blue ribbon. Judy Nason greeted the winning team who also came back for the reserve ride in the ladies mares. Jim and Natalie Maloof certainly had nothing to complain about after their terrific week at Northampton, partially due to another great performance by PLF Rare Elegance. With Natalie Maloof in the saddle this time, the beautiful bay made a reserve performance in the amateur mares qualifier.

There were impressive numbers in the division from start to finish with a solid group of 10 showing in the Western Pleasure Youth class on Sunday night. Warming up for their amateur championship victory, Mtn Laurel Election Day and Caitlin Harrison, jogged away with the top prize coached by Dwayne Knowles. PLF Maximum Results once again produced a top ribbon for Jim and Natalie Maloof, this time with Erika Mitchell accepting the red ribbon in the youth class.

Judy Nason greeted both tricolor winners in the Junior Exhibitor Western Pleasure Championship. The well-matched team of DFM Poetic Justice and Jenna Britt jogged away with the tricolor following their reserve finish in the 14-17 qualifier. Meadowair Fire Dance and Hannah Welch also moved up a notch from their qualifier and were named the reserve champions for Elizabeth Chickering.

In the Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17 qualifier, Dwayne Knowles assisted PTR Raz Ma Taz and Stephanie Fejes as they made their victory pass in front of an appreciative New England crowd. Vigilmar Thomas and Emily Jones enjoyed their victory pass in the 13 and under qualifier while TTE Teatime Talisman and Julia Strier were proud of their reserve finish.
The Walk/Jog Western Pleasure Championship featured several contenders who appeared ready for Oklahoma. Stephen Nava mastered the ring with his talented entry Cadette B in the championship after successfully riding to the blue in the qualifier as well. It was a proud moment for the Nava family and as well as their many friends who have watched this hardworking young man grow up before their very eyes. Under the direction of Barbara Irvine, Miller Young Fina, last year’s champion, displayed fine horsemanship aboard Marin Royal Command and jogged away as the reserve honors both times out.

Twelve novice horses survived the afternoon heat to show in front of judge McDonald. It was the sleek black Hylee’s Black Tie Affair who topped the field with Courtney Scionti directing the smooth-going entry for Helen Faraday Young. Nancy Elliott was represented in the top ribbons as Amy Bessey and Danell’s Notice Me jogged away with the red streamers.

Reserve World Champion Worked In Gold jogged into Northampton boasted a quartet of Gold Cup victories in his only other show of the season to date. Jeff Bessey had the copper chestnut in winning form to jog away with the Junior Western Pleasure blue and tricolor for proud owner Francis Beers. Erika Ramsey was on hand to cheer on her three-year-old filly ECP Pretty Woman as she followed in her dam KSB Elizabeth’s tricolor hoofprints as the reserve champion in her debut show with Jason Douglas presenting. Cheri Barber teamed up with Jerome and Shirley Modell’s Gradell’s Delightful Wish to continue a fine season with the reserve tie in the outstanding 13-entry junior horse qualifier.

Hunter Pleasure

The hunter pleasure division is always one of the largest, regardless of what show you’re attending. But at Northampton and Oklahoma, numbers reach exceedingly high numbers and there is certainly no loss in quality as world champions and extremely high quality horses fill the ring in class after class, year after year. One class that made this year’s show extra special for the hunter division was the $10,000 Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship that attracted a full slate of horses as well as a large crowd to see this terrific class Friday night.

This division’s finale was held Saturday evening, when a ring full of exceptional horses trotted through the gate in hopes of being crowned the East Coast Hunter Pleasure Champion. When all was said and done, it was no surprise to see Kathleen Peeples expertly guide World Champion Let’s Boogie into the winner’s circle for Cynthia Brown Clark. The Born To Boogie daughter added to Peeples’ list of winners of this class in the past few years including World Champions Indian Creek Final Touch (2002 and 2003) and UVM Columbine (2001). The tricolor team started off the week with a pair of charismatic rides to earn matching blue ribbons in the open mares and ladies mare qualifiers.

Wrapping up a great week for Merriehill Farm, Merriehill Isa Boo and Jessica Cavanaugh collected the East Coast Hunter Pleasure Reserve Championship for Epona Morgans after finishing reserve in the stallions/geldings qualifier. D Bar J Habakkuk and Amanda DuPont-Pauli continued their top winning partnership as last year’s East Coast champion trotted away with the blue in the Hunter Pleasure Stallions/ Geldings qualifier. VVM Simply Elegant once again remained in the top Northampton ribbons and finished the mare class in reserve, behind Let’s Boogie with Jennifer Baskinger in the irons for Richard and Rosemary Zick.

After a quick trip from California to Colorado and off to Northampton, Light Year didn’t have time miss a beat as Monty Kugeler and her smooth striding new partner came through with tricolor honors. They were thrilled to bring the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championship back to The River’s Edge banner. Arboria Ben Hur and Fay Lowry finished in reserve in the championship after striding away with the blue ribbon in the second section of the Ladies Hunter Pleasure Geldings for Barb Pionk.

The ladies geldings featured an immense field of 34 that was split into two sections of 17. Following Arboria Ben Hur in the second section was the synchronized team of FZM Hale Bopp and Erica Santa, last year’s Ladies Hunter Pleasure Champions. The first section of the ladies gelding class also had 17 entries trying to stand out among the crowd. Penncrest Philosopher King and Kara Brooke Hose starred as the blue ribbon winners in their team debut coached by Amanda DuPont-Pauli before showing back in the ladies championship to earn third place honors in the deep field. Martha Simpson had SpringMill Primary Colors ready to go in the ladies geldings section one class and they were happy to accept the reserve ribbon under the direction of Waterford Farm.

While the Hunter Pleasure Ladies Mare class didn’t have to be split, entries in that class had to work just as hard as the geldings did to be seen in their sections as 15 mares showed up for their class. It was yet another victory pass for Cynthia Brown Clark’s sharp entry Let’s Boogie, who was again ridden to the blue by Kathleen Peeples for the Waterford team. Indian Creek Belle Isle, last year’s amateur champion with owner Julie Byrn riding, was ridden to this year’s Hunter Pleasure Ladies Mare reserve finish by Keely Sogoloff. Byrn still had her chance to enjoy her beloved mare when they defeated a field of 16 in the Hunter Pleasure Amateur Mare class becoming the first of a trio of Michigan based owners to win all of the amateur hunter pleasure classes.

One of the most anticipated events of the show came to fruition Friday evening after 11 entries, narrowed down from two splits that totaled 28, were called back to the indoor arena to appear again in front of Judge McDonald. The quality was exceptional and every horse in the ring deserved to be there. When McDonald’s card was turned in, it became a night to remember for Jennifer Grey and Night Out. This $10,000 win was just one of many wins throughout the week for Sterling Training Center, led by Katie Mair [See separate story in this issue].

Baby Ruth MHF and Nicole Peterson received a very warm round of applause after their flawless performance that landed them the reserve championship title after pairing up earlier in the week for reserve in the amateur mares qualifier performing for Team Merriehill.
Last year’s Amateur Hunter Pleasure Reserve Grand Champions once again represented Lowry Stables in winning fashion at New England by claiming the blue in the 16-entry Amateur Hunter Pleasure Stallions/Geldings Section A qualifier. Jennifer Cooley was aboard FCF Valparaiso for another New England victory pass for the Michigan based ownership team of McLellan/Cooley. Red was again the primary color for SpringMill Primary Colors as he, again teamed with Martha Simpson, garnered a Northampton red ribbon once again, this time in the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Stallions/Geldings Section A class.

Prior to winning the esteemed Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship, Night Out and Jennifer Grey maneuvered the ring to perfection in the 16-entry Amateur Hunter Pleasure Stallions/Geldings Section B class continuing the trend of Michigan winners in the amateur hunter division. Paradigm Power Surge and Sara DeGregorio battled it out for a strong reserve finish in the second section of the amateur stallion/gelding class also representing Lowry Stables.

The huge field in the youth division was the stage for the bold moving Power Surge and DeGregorio to shine as they surged to the tricolor victory following the reserve tie in the first section of the divided youth stallion/gelding qualifier. Meadowair Deal Me Aces and Kalyn Bechle were directed by Sally Lindabury to a satisfying reserve tricolor finish in the 26-entry championship class.

LCS Strategicallyspeaking and Ashley Dragan were consistent and solid, finishing in third in the youth championship, following their grand blue ribbon performance in the Hunter Pleasure Youth Stallions/Geldings Section B class. Taproot Command Pilot and Stephanie Haynes commanded the crowd and judge’s attention in the section B class as they were named reserve champions for Jackie Ross. Merriehill Isa Boo and Kara Brooke Hose’s standout performance in the 17-entry youth section A class added another blue to the Merriehill Farm banner for Epona Morgans.

When it was time for the Youth Hunter Pleasure Mares to mix it up, VVM Simply Elegant and Jillian Zick rose to the occasion and delivered the winning ride for Richard and Rosemary Zick to add to the Reindance banner. Owner and rider Danielle Paufve and Sunny Acres Resurrection made their presence known as the reserve champions.

Riders in the Hunter Pleasure Novice Rider class really had their work cut out for them as 26 riders worked to ring to their best abilities. Katie Hodges had owner Marion Bengtson’s bold-moving entry Clear Spring’s Beausoleil in all the right spots and was rewarded for her navigational skills with the blue ribbon ride. Till There Was You and Sara Ellis Ku were called out as the reserve winners for Joanne Kieger with the top two teams hailing from Judy Nason’s Bellewether.

The Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 14-17 started out with an incredible 29 entries vying for top honors. After working all 29 entries to entirety, judge McDonald pulled 11 out of the group and worked them completely once again. Kane Creek Oregon Reign and Lauren Knupp’s strength and determination paid off as they picked up another tricolor after winning the 25-entry Hunter Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 16-17 qualifier. This continued a winning first season together for the impressive pairing from Sterling Training Center. Sasha Klein showed her experience and decision making skills as she collected reserve honors in the 14-17 championship aboard the bold striding Indian Creek Final Touch for the Brown/Klein Family.

Mountain Run Noble Contender and Amanda Porto were called out as the third place finishers in the long and trying class. In the junior exhibitor 16-17 qualifier, Willowick Neon Lights and Cassandra LeDonne were certainly not lost in the crowd as they were named reserve champions prior to the fourth place finish in the championship.

The Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 14-15 qualifier was also enormous and this class culminated with WWF Heirs Sensation and Alyssa Peechatka taking their place in the winner’s circle for Amanda DuPont-Pauli. LIV Man Of Steele and Amy Morrison gave the winners a run for their money and they exited with the red streamers to the cheers of their fan club.

Rebecca Boorstein certainly enjoyed a memorable first trip to Northampton as she matched up perfectly with her partner MXM Breezy Knight. They had quite a cheering section as they carried the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure 13 and Under Championship back to Equilateral Enterprise Inc. They started off with the red ribbon in the qualifier performing under the Lowry Stables banner. Heyday Rising Sun and Ariel Blackett came out of the 20-horse class wearing the reserve tricolor ribbon performing from Cedar Spring Farm. Garland High Lilly and Abby Raucher had a nice ride to carry the championship’s yellow streamers back to JP Stables. Meadowair Deal Me Aces dealt another impressive ride in the 13 and under qualifier, this time with Francesca Fields in the irons for the win.

The theme of large and competitive classes held true in the walk and trot sections of hunter pleasure as well. Hollybrook Wild Heart and Devann Lapointe enjoyed the thrill of victory in the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 10-11 Championship, coming back from their reserve finish in their 12-entry qualifier. They had quite a cheering section headed by proud parents Mike and Cherylann Lapointe. The qualifier winners Cabot Custom Order and Cailey White added another fine performance to their outstanding season as they claimed the reserve championship coached by the Taylor River team. The show ring rivalry between the Lapointes and Whites of years ago was renewed by a talented new generation.

The love of the sport and the teamwork within our industry was showcased many times during this horse show. One poignant moment came when Nicholas Roberts did what the late George Mugnier would have wanted. Nick put on his hunt cap and teamed up with his horse for the best ride he could have. It was an emotional victory of the highest order as TJB Opinionated and Nicholas Roberts earned the Walk-Trot Hunter Pleasure 9 & Under Championship as well as the qualifier blue with their friends and family there to cheer them on. UVM Allegro and Montanna Lambrecht continued their family tradition of top performances as they claimed reserve both times out.

Melissa Morrell was all smiles aboard MEM Virtual Reality as they defeated a field of 24 in the Hunter Pleasure Novice Stallion/Gelding class for owner Anna Weeks. Elmhurst Quinlee and Kelly Howe had a ground covering performance for the well-deserved reserve finish in the class.

The novice mares featured three-year-old JW I’m Outrajus Too earning a trip to the winner’s circle after delivering a very promising performance with owner Amy Bessey in the irons. Amanda DuPont-Pauli was again in the top ribbon ranks, this time aboard the pretty HUR’s Roselle for Jane Thompson.

Proving the future of this division is as strong as the present, Lucky Strike and Meredith Lazar bested a field of 12 in the Hunter Pleasure Junior Championship for Dragonsmeade Farm. It was more than luck after winning the UPHA Hunter Pleasure Classic earlier in the week under the direction of Peeper Ranch. Amanda DuPont-Pauli added another reserve tricolor to her growing collection with three-year-old winner TTA Knight Of Glory, a well-received entry owned by Andrea Groeff. UPHA Hunter Pleasure Classic Reserve Champion Storyville and Jamie Gerardi paired up for another reserve in the three-year-old class for McLellan/Cooley.

Proving the depth of the junior horses with several winning entries in this exceptional division, Better In Black wore the blue ribbon out of the ring in the four-year-old qualifier with Larry Bonnell in the irons for Jane Brown. Century Oak Gallivant and Mary Carlton were on their heels, carrying home the reserve streamers for Bob and Muriel Herrick.

Equitation

After preparing and working very hard during the past weeks and months heading into this all-important show, some of the nation’s best equitation riders were ready to compete at the New England Morgan Horse Show. Solid numbers and talented riders were evident in just about every class, proving the popularity, strength and importance of the equitation division.

The Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship served as the finale for the equitation classes, and also opened the show Saturday evening. After winning last year’s Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship at this show, Katherine Alderman was as elegant as ever as she topped a field of eight in the senior equitation championship aboard Minion Absolut. Alderman also added to the Salem Farm banner as she made the victory pass in UPHA Challenge Cup 14-17, where Brynne Cummings, aboard Silverheels Cimmaron made a smooth and steady performance and landed the reserve UPHA honors. World Champion Brittany Schilling proudly represented Equitation Unlimited as the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Championship aboard Highover All The Rage.

Brittany Schilling performed to perfection in the 14-17 qualifier where equitation judge Lonnie Lavery chose her as the precise winner. Jean DeGutis also directed Marlo Franco, to reserve in the 14-17 qualifier. In this nine-entry class, Franco was aboard the flashy chestnut Liberation Knickerbocker. Franco came out as the reserve champion in the AMHA Medal where Gaetana D’Alesio Spina put forth a strong effort aboard HVK Hot Ember for the victory pass instructed by Chris Cassenti.

The Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship also featured impressive numbers. After being worked on the rail, Lavery asked four entries to perform individual workouts. Under the Taylor River banner, Carolyn Spinelli displayed determination and style throughout both portions of the class and she was named the champion aboard RRG Reign Man. This team previously made a victory pass in the 13 and under qualifier and earned reserve in the junior challenge cup. Maintaining her poise throughout the class aboard RDF French Twist, Rachel Menard was named the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Champion for the Equitation Unlimited team. In the junior challenge cup, Menard exited with the blue ribbon after besting five talented riders. Alexandra Lally and PKW Autumn Thunder have made quite a name for themselves as well and they were the reserve champions in the 13 and under qualifier on Sunday evening.

Annie Thurber and her sporty bay LA Ricochet soared to the top of the ribbon ranks in their first trip to Northampton, They secured a sweep of the Walk and Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 10-11 division earning the blue and tricolor ribbons coached by Katie Mair. Emily Tarr continued her tricolor debut season earning the reserve honors in both classes aboard Born Yesterday for Cedar Spring Farm.

RRG Reign Man guided another rider to top honors as Samantha Franks closed out her week as the champion after winning the Walk and Trot Saddle Seat Equitation 9 and Under class earlier in the week with their Taylor River stablemates cheering them on. Hannah Bornt represented Rolling Oaks aboard the tried and true Manistee Le Mistral to add the reserve honors to their tricolor partnership.

The Classic Saddle Seat Equitation division continues to grow and prosper. Kali Erin Hutchinson, riding Coalition X-Static, made a strong comeback ride on the rail and the individual workout to carry the tricolor in Classic Saddle Seat Equitation Championship back to the Crystal Farms banner. Whitney Roberts also moved up a notch from earlier in the week and made a reserve championship victory pass aboard Equinox Aristotle under the direction of Vintage Valley.

Winning was spread out in the classic division as the Equitation Unlimited riders swept the top two placings in the Classic Equitation 14-17 class. Raisa Herriera had her turn at victory topping a field of 11 aboard longtime equitation mount Black Gold Windsor. Stablemate Meghan Bradley made an impressive performance for reserve aboard Cingate Mystere.
Amy Podesva challenged her competitors in the Classic Equitation 13 and Under class where she expertly rode Season’s Supreme Challenge to her first of two victories on the week. Elizabeth Wyllie was all business as she directed Bilzone GQ Material to the reserve ribbon.
Victoria Allen enjoyed a stellar week in Northampton, earning victory passes in both the Walk and Trot Classic Saddle Seat Equitation Championship and the 11 and under qualifier aboard Sweeney’s Midnight Son. In a tricolor sweep for the Rolling Oaks riders, Emma Kate Flanagan moved up a notch from the qualifier and closed out her week with the reserve championship. Hailey Perlee picked up the red ribbon in the qualifier.

Saturday morning offered a chance for the industry’s youngest competitors to shine. The Leadline Saddle Seat 7 and Under featured a fine group of youngsters gaining some early show ring experience. Ariella Silber displayed her budding talent as she matched up with Elizabeth Sue for the winning blue ribbon ride. Kristen Cater guided Ariella down victory lane to the cheers of the appreciative audience. The field of promising young equestrians also included blue ribbon presentations to Isabelle Shepard, Tahla Gatewood, Haily Spickerman, Genivieve Kerr, Nicole Bobbi, Abigail Goncalves, Charlotte Smith and Jonathon Kaufman.

Numbers remained very high in the hunt seat equitation division and one of the largest classes was the Hunt Seat Equitation 14-17 Championship. Sterling Training Center enjoyed a tremendously successful week in their first trip to New England and Lauren Knupp represented in winning fashion after topping the 14-17 championship aboard the versatile Kane Creek Oregon Reign. Sasha Klein closed out her Northampton junior exhibitor career in tricolor fashion. After 10 years of great experiences and accomplishments, she collected the Hunt Seat Equitation 14-17 Reserve Championship. This marked the third tricolor of the show for Klein and her entries this year and followed the 14-17 Hunt Seat Equitation qualifier blue aboard WSG Mystic Impression. Stevie Meder, last year’s senior equitation champion, added more top ribbons to her impressive résumé earning the red ribbon aboard Manchester In Demand in the 24-entry 14-17 qualifier along with the yellow streamers in the championship.

Lexi Chruscicki and Rebecca Boorstein battled it out in the 13 and under classes. Riding Quaker’s Astrid, Lexi Chruscicki’s determination paid off as she came back from a reserve finish in the qualifier to ride away as New England’s Hunt Seat Equitation 13 and Under Champion for the second year in a row under the direction of Sally Lindabury. Defeating a highly qualified field of 13 in the qualifier Rebecca Boorstein settled in for reserve in the championship round aboard MXM Breezy Knight coached by Jamie Gerardi and Lowry Stables. The two girls also fought it out in the AMHA Hunt Seat Medal on the Flat to begin, as Boorstein took the top ribbon and Chruscicki following closely behind for reserve.

The AMHA Hunter Seat Over Fences Medal required skill, determination and dedication. Hillary Wiles-Lafayette, who finished as the junior champion in this year’s Youth Contest, was happy to exit as the medal champion. Mary Kate McClure was rewarded with reserve for her strong effort in the class.

Quaker’s Astrid made the familiar trip to the winner’s circle once again after Amanda Chruscicki was named the Hunt Seat Equitation Walk and Trot 10-11 Champion. Sally Lindabury had this team well prepared for this victory. Cailey White did not go unnoticed among the 11-entry field as she collected her first of two reserve tricolors aboard her handsome partner Cabot Custom Order. The top two spots in the large and promising field in the 10-11 walk and trot qualifier were occupied Eliza Hine and Kirsten Qua, respectively.

Elizabeth Zahradnik was ready to close out her week in full force and she did just that by claiming the Hunt Seat Walk and Trot Nine and Under Championship. Qualifier winner Olivia Norton made another delightful performance and she finished up the week as the reserve champion. Nicholas Roberts started off the week with the red ribbon ride in the qualifier.
The youngest hunt seat equitation riders also competed Saturday afternoon. Kailey Rentas’s skillful riding paid off and she was named the class winner with Kayley Qua, Grace Raucher, Jesse Meder, Claire Conklin and Amelia Carlan also earning blue ribbons from their memorable rides.

Precision prevailed in the AMHA Dressage Medal after Kristi Haines’ name was called out as the winner with the top score. Defeating a large crop of smart riders, Kara Norton put forth a strong effort and garnered the reserve ribbon in the class.

Experience was definitely evident in the Western Seat Equitation Championship as several of the nine riders have had their turn at earning championship victories at prestigious shows including New England and Oklahoma in years past. Riding DFM Poetic Justice, Jenna Britt had a flawless workout to be named this year’s champion after finishing reserve in the qualifier. This tricolor added to their pleasure championship victory earlier in the day with winning preparation from trainer Judy Nason. The cool and confident Ellen McQuade finished with the blue in the 11-entry qualifier aboard her reliable mount, Kane Creek Kryptonite. Stephanie Fejes was not about to be left out of the mix, however, and she repeated her Western Seat Equitation Reserve Championship from last year aboard PTR Raz Ma Taz with the Broadmoor team cheering from the stands.

Nicole Evans earned her pass to compete at Oklahoma by striking gold in the AMHA Western Seat Medal where Christine Harb jogged away with the red ribbon.

The walk and jog division was dominated by a very sharply dressed young lady with a lot of poise. Under the direction of Barbara Irvine, Miller Young Fina polished off a pair of wins in the Walk Trot Western Seat Equitation Championship and the 11 and under qualifier. Fina, aboard Marin Royal Command, had been last year’s reserve champion in both classes. Ellen McQuade once again loaned Kane Creek Kryptonite to fellow Rolling Oaks teammate Amber Bornt and he provided her with the chance to jog away as the reserve ribbons in both classes.

Bryce Elliot made his fan club proud after being named the Leadline Western winner for the second year in a row at New England. Jordy Shepard and Samantha Von Haugh also took home blue ribbons and precious memories from their show ring appearances.

Specialty Classes

Northampton features a variety of classes for all disciplines of Morgans, no matter the specialty. The Roadster division is always an exciting division as the speedsters take to the track in Northampton. People on the rail and in the box seat area really get into the competition and cheer on their favorites. Saturday night's East Coast Roadster To Bike Championship featured crowd-pleasing action with nine top winning horses and their game silk-clad drivers making up the field.

The tougher the competition, the faster Arboria Victorious goes. This was certainly the case on Saturday night as owner Paul Calandra handled the lines of his victorious bay gelding. They reclaimed the title of East Coast Roadster To Bike Champion that Victorious also won in 2004 with trainer Lynn Peeples at the helm. Peeples was in the driver’s seat on Monday night to defeat a fabulous field of 11 with each driver jockeying for position dodging to the left and right of photographer Shane Shiflet, who was perilously close to being roadster roadkill.

MEM No Inhibitions opened the season in impressive fashion for George Schott’s Maine Event Morgans. The big motoring chestnut mare raced away with the East Coast Roadster To Bike Reserve Championship as well as the red ribbon in the qualifier with Jeff White handling the lines. Rick Lane was in the irons to guide the reigning Grand National Roadster Under Saddle Champion to the Northampton saddle blue for the second year in a row. John Warner climbed aboard Cochran Auction Service’s HVK Tempest for a crowd-pleasing ride as the picked up the red ribbon in Friday night’s saddle class.

Dr. Grace Steere was all smiles as she matched up with her animated speedster JW Raire Review to race across the finish for the Amateur Roadster To Bike victory with the Rand cheering section supporting them all the way. The doctors were dueling it out once again as Dr. William Silber and Sting were in hot pursuit. They picked up the reserve ribbon this time out with a bold performance for Kourt Jester Morgans and Grove Pointe Stables.

The Road Hack Championship featured a smooth and ground-covering tricolor ride for Aerial Eclipse and Robin Vergato. They collected the tricolor following a blue ribbon ride in the amateur qualifier. Gretchen Nobles took over the reins of open class winner Highover Viking from Kass Booth came back to carry the reserve tricolor home with an enthusiastic ride.
The Road Hack qualifiers featured a red ribbon ride for Katherine Serenity and Buffy Tarr in the open class, along with JW On Camera and Paula Du Back in the amateur.

A huge field of experienced riders fought for supremacy in the Jack Benny Special class to the cheers of their many friends on the rail. Cara Lynne Schengrund earned bragging rights with a blue ribbon ride aboard Paradigm Pageantry under the Waterford banner. Erin Kelley flashed a bright smile as HVK Bold Commander was called out for the red ribbon.

The Pleasure Driving Specialty competition saw Nancy Caisse and Townshend Pep Rally add a blue ribbon to the historic Townshend Farm banner. Elizabeth Gesler directed Canequin Reach For The Stars to the red ribbon finish in this promising group.

Carriage

The elegance, beauty and athleticism of the carriage division again attracted many participants to join in the steep competition during the last week of July in Northampton, Mass. Morgans continue to represent themselves exceedingly well in this sport, both nationally and internationally, and the New England Morgan Horse Show was a perfect example of why Morgans have done so well in this discipline.

The show holds a wide array of carriage driving classes, each having their own rules and regulations with an array of spectators interested in viewing them. Carriage classes are divided up into three sections, A, B, and C. Section A is for drivers who have not competed in more than 12 ADS or USEF shows or won more than 12 blue ribbons by the close of entries. Section B is for horses who have not competed in more than 12 ADS or USEF shows or won more than 12 blue ribbons by the close of entries. Section C is open to any horse or driver. A Section D has also been added for drivers under the age of 18.

Following a tough week of competition, the week concluded with the awarding of championship titles as well as high point titles in each of the three sections A, B and C. High Point awards are based on entries that compete in carriage dressage and carriage working classes. These awards are based on points from placings. The championship awards are a result of entries that have the fewest penalties in the carriage dressage, arena hazards and timed obstacles classes.

In section A, well-known carriage competitor Beta B Protocol received the High Point award, after a very successful week of showing under the guidance of Valerie Shurtleff for owner Mary Shurtleff. The Section A Reserve High Point Champion was Oak Alley Bravado, who was also the show’s Reserve Champion with Amy Severino presenting throughout the week. Tim Morrell and DRF Sea Wolf, who have shined in the carriage division at New England for the last few years, were named Section A Champions for Carol Ramsey Rice.

The Carriage High Point for the B section was awarded to Telisnan Santian and owner/driver Gail C. Williamson while the Reserve High Point went to Sky Farm Mae Star and owner/driver Christina Alsop. This striking pair also closed out their week as the Carriage Champions, where HAI Stormy Edition and Gino Guaraldi followed on their heels for the reserve championship title in the B section for owner Elva Hutchinson.

John Bennett was on the lines of Graywood’s Lancelot for the Section C Carriage High Point award, representing owner Gail Bodine Donahue, while SBS Risky Business and Jeff Morse picked up the reserve high point honors. This fancy duo also finished as the Carriage Reserve Champions where the pair of Meddes Child George and Nordby Coalies Duke teamed up for Carriage Champions in the C section with Alan Aulson on the lines.

The Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Championship was held in the grandstand ring where an appreciative crowd showed their support for the beautiful competitors in the class. Equinox Sensation bested the large field with owner Ken Fountain on the lines. Meddes Child George and Nordby Coalies shared the spotlight as the Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Reserve Champions with Alan Aulson proudly directing.

Prior to the championship and high point awards were presented, competitors in all three sections underwent some grueling competition in various classes throughout the hot week in Northampton. The Carriage Driving Arena Hazards class, that requires participants to navigate between four hazards, had impressive winners in all three sections. Having the best time and fewest faults, Coakley Farms J S Mosby topped the section A class with Catherine Malinowski on the lines followed by DRF Sea Wolf and Tim Morrell. Sky Farm Mae Star and Cristina Alsop were in top order for the Arena Driving Hazards Section B win with Gail C. Williamson driving her entry Telisnan Santian to the reserve finish. Meddes Child George and Nordby Coalies Duke mastered the task in the Arena Driving Hazards Section C class with Alan Aulson coaching them along nicely. CJS Cinergi and Cindy Fischer Shepherd maintained superb control for the reserve finish.

The Super Reinsmanship competition was filled with participants in all three sections. Entries in this competition were required to enter the ring individually at a certain pace while making their way around cones. Coakley Farm’s J S Mosby made another trip to the winner’s circle in section A with Catherine Malinowki again directing. Beta B Protocol and Valerie Shurtleff put on a great challenge and settled into the reserve position. The familiar team of Hickoryledge Advantanna and Susan Morrall won the Super Reinsmanship B class ahead of second place finishers Telisnan Santian and Gail C. Williamson. At the closure of the Super Reinsmanship C section, Meddes Child George and Nordby Coalies Duke were again called out as winners with Alan Aulson driving while Graywood’s Lancelot and John Bennett turned in the reserve performance for Gail Bodine Donahue.

After performing for top honors in the Park Carriage once again, Tim Morrell and DRF Sea Wolf were in the winning position in the Carriage Driving Fault And Out Obstacles Sec A for Carol Ramsey Rice. Intuition’s Déjà vu and Barbara Estey paired up for the reserve ribbon in the Fault and Out while UC Rianna and Jeff Morse followed in reserve in the Park Carriage. The Sorceror and Dale Vidler had the winning ticket in the Carriage Driving Fault And Out Section B class, representing owners Gary and Joann Ward followed by Telisnan Santian and Gail C. Williamson, who garnered another reserve finish.

The Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Section A saw Oak Alley Bravado and Amy Severino drive away as the winners while Beta B Protocol and Valerie Shurtleff stayed in the top ribbons with their reserve finish. In the B section, it was the familiar winning pair of Telisnan Santian and Gail C. Williamson to accept the highest honors ahead of Hickoryledge Advantanna and Susan Morrall. Equinox Sensation and Ken Fountain were a sight to see as they claimed top honors in the C section while Alan Aulson again guided his pair to a strong reserve finish.

The Carriage Driving Cross Country Section A competition closed with the steadfast Beta B Protocol trotting away with the top prize with Valerie Shurtleff in control. The winners were followed by Coakley Farm’s J S Mosby and Catherine Malinowski. Sky Farm Mae Star and Christina Alsop topped the B section where HAI Stormy Edition and Gino Guaraldi drove away as the reserve champions. SBS Risky Business and Jeff Morse were up for the challenge in the Carriage Driving Cross Country C class where they defeated all the competitors including the second place team of Graywood’s Lancelot, owned by Gail Bodine Donahue, and John Bennett.

Gail C. Williamson and Telisnan Santian again finished with a blue when they were named winners in the Carriage Driving Obstacles Double Jeopardy class. Intuitions Déjà vu and Barbara Estey made their fan club happy when they finished reserve in the Double Jeopardy class.

DRF Sea Wolf and Tim Morrell put in an athletic performance to win the Carriage Timed Obstacles Section A class followed by Beta B Protocol and Valerie Shurtleff. Sky Farm Mae Star and Christina Alsop earned the number one prize in Carriage Timed Obstacles Section B and Dale Vidler picked up the reserve ribbon with The Sorceror for owners Gary and Joann Ward. Graywood’s Lancelot and John Bennett had the best time in the C section for Gail Bodine Donahue and they were followed in the ribbons by challengers SBS Risky Business and Jeff Morse.

The driven dressage classes offered at New England provided nice variety and were also well attended. Oak Alley Bravado and Amy Severino earned the blue ribbon in the Carriage Dressage Training Level Test 2 Section A. Intuition’s Déjà vu and Barbara Estey also put forth a strong effort and they were rewarded with reserve. The Preliminary Level Test 1 Section A class concluded with Beta B Protocol and Valerie Shurtleff in the spotlight once again with CRB Hi Tech Venture and Michele Gougeon turning in the reserve performance. Beta B Moet and Lance Wetmore bested Carriage Dressage Training Level Test 3 Section B for Sylvana Lewin with Telisnan Santian and Gail C. Williamson adding another reserve ribbon to their résumé. This pair also topped the Carriage Dressage Preliminary Level Test 2 Section B class, where Hickoryledge Advantanna and Susan Morrall carried out the red streamers. The Preliminary Level Test 4 Section C saw Meadowmere Courelation and Rick Loveless making the victory pass ahead of Fiery Blast and Doug Coursey. Beta B Protocol and Mary Shurtleff accepted the top award in the Intermediate Test 2 Section C competition while Meddes Child George and Nordby Coalies Duke, with Alan Aulson again driving, polished off reserve.

Dressage

While action was taking place all week in the grandstand ring for the performance horses, Dressage enthusiasts had their own competition going on in the dressage arena set off to the side of the fairgrounds. The competition was outstanding with nearly 200 rides during the competition that was held with starting times all day long on Wednesday through Saturday.

The first dressage event held at New England was the Dressage-USDF Intro Test A. Wendigo’s French Scout carried Michelle Bergeron to this victory followed by reserve finishers Oak Creek Rebel Spirit and Joan Duchi.

Nineteen talented entries performed in the Dressage-TL Test 1 Senior Riders competition. Michaelana Richardson directed Sagamore Domino to the top score. Highover French Krystle and Angela Thayer had another top New England finish picking up the red ribbon. When the junior riders took the same test, Deirdre Craven had the winning ride aboard Nation’s Dancer. Morgan Matuszko and Dunscore Final Flight followed in the ribbons for a well-deserved reserve finish in the 11-horse class.

The next group to be pinned was the Senior First Level Test 1. GKB Coal Magic and Lucy Tidd sealed the lid in this contest for owner Joanna Kelly while Bill Broe rode Rose Vale Leggo to reserve. The junior riders followed in same test with Stormhaven Hopscotch and Susan Adler topping their challengers. Coulee Bend High Velocity and Kathryn Murphy were their closest competitors as they finished reserve.

The next event to take place was the Dressage Training Level Test Of Choice Maiden Horse. Savage Garden earned the highest honors with Amy Von Scholz in the irons for Sherry Kahn. Graycliff Cararaggio and Kate Podell scored a strong reserve finish in the 10-horse class for Sara Pizzuto.

The maiden horses were followed by exhibitors competing in the USDF Intro Test B class. Shea Morin and MHN Trustmark were up for the task while Wendigo’s French Scout closed out the field of 13 with reserve.

The Senior Rider TL Test 2 followed and Taproot Old Glory and Kristi Haines polished off the blue. Sagamore Domino and Michaelana Richardson made their fan club proud when they were announced the second place team in the deep 16-entry competition. When the junior riders performed for top scores in this test, Morgan Matuszko was happy to accept top honors with Dunscore Final Flight. Emily Pesek directed her elegant entry Grahn’s Miss Celerity to reserve.

The Senior First Level Test 2 was called to order next and that concluded with Sagamore Domino and Michaelana Richardson picking up another blue ribbon with GKB Coal Magic and Lucy Tidd following in reserve. Next, the junior riders vied for the blue in First Level Test 2 competition. Kathryn Murphy and Coulee Bend High Velocity bested this group ahead of Deirdre Craven and Nation’s Dancer.

Second Level Test 1 contenders were up next and High Brook Starlight with Amy Von Scholz topped this nice crop of entries for Stewart and Sherry Kahn. Becoming a familiar face in the top ribbons, Kathryn Murphy and Coulee Bend High Velocity trotted away with reserve honors. Meadowmere Courelation provided the winning ride for Dee Loveless in Third Level Test 1.

Fourteen showed up for the next event, the Senior Rider TL Test 3. Displaying her talent once again, Michaelana Richardson directed Sagamore Domino to the victory. Angela Thayer and Highover French Krystle secured the reserve position. The Junior Rider TL Test three entries were next featured in the arena and Deidre Craven and Nation’s Dancer made their mark on the competition once again as they trotted away with the blue. Canequin’s Letter Perfect and Kara Norton teamed up for reserve.

Bill Broe and Rose Vale Leggo had a winning performance in the Senior First Level Test 3 event where Lucy Tidd had GKB Coal Magic in good form for reserve for owner Joanna Kelly. When the junior riders completed the First Level Test 3, Kathryn Murphy and Coulee Bend High Velocity were named champions while Deirdre Craven and Nation’s Dancer added a red ribbon to their fast growing resume.

The Senior First Level Test 3 was next on the agenda and Bill Broe was back in center stage after being named champion with Rose Vale Leggo. Following Broe in the ribbon ranks once again, Lucy Tidd collected reserve honors aboard GKB Coal Magic for Joanna Kelly. Order remained the same as it had been in the previous event for the junior riders as well as Kathryn Murphy picked up the blue in the First Level Test 3 aboard Coulee Bend High Velocity and Deirdre Craven trotted away with reserve aboard Nation’s Dancer.

It was Elise Diemand’s turn to see victory in the next class as she expertly directed Pendragon to the Second Level Test 2 win. Amy Von Scholz also had a strong ride aboard High Brook Starlight and they were rewarded with the red ribbon. Elise Diemand and Pendragon also earned the top score in the Second Level Test 3 event with Amy Von Scholz and High Brook Starlight once again claiming reserve.

Next on the slate of competitive classes, the Junior First Level Test 4 closed with Susan Adler and Stormhaven Hopscotch taking home the blue ribbon for proud owner Michele Gougeon ahead of the second place team of Canequin’s Letter Perfect and Kara Norton. Taproot Old Glory was guided to victory in the senior version of this event by Kristi Haines while GKB Coal Magic and Lucy Tidd had their game faces on for reserve for owner Joanna Kelly.

The Dressage Junior TL Test 4 was next on the agenda. Deirdre Craven and Nation’s Dancer again paved their way to victory while Kara Norton and Canequin’s Letter Perfect collected another strong reserve finish.

Elise Diemand and Pendragon were back for another winning ride as they were named winners in the Dressage Second Level Test 4 competition with Amy Von Scholz and High Brook Starlight in the reserve position. Dee Loveless was thrilled to be name winner in the Dressage Third Level Test 3 event riding her entry, Meadowmere Courelation.

Angela Thayer and Highover French Krystle bested a talented field in the Dressage Training Level Test Of Choice Maiden Rider while Kyle Turner enjoyed the reserve finish in the event aboard Herring Run Ragan for owners Kathleen and Mallory Hayes.

The Saturday evening session opened in the grandstand ring with the presentation of the top scoring dressage entries in their High Point Championships. Training Level Senior Championship honors went to the talented team of Sagamore Domino and Michaelana Richardson. Taproot Old Glory and Kristi Haines closed out their successful week by earning reserve. New England’s Training Level Junior Championship team was Deirdre Craven and Nation’s Dancer with Emily Smith and Twelve Oaks Intrepid receiving the reserve tricolor honors.

The First Level Senior Championship was next on the slate of championship presentations and GKB Coal Magic and Lucy Tidd pocketed this tricolor for Joanna Kelly. They were followed in the ribbons by the strong team of Rose Vale Leggo and Bill Broe. Stormhaven Hopscotch and Susan Adler secured a strong finish to their week by winning the High Point First Level Junior Championship ahead of Coulee Bend High Velocity and Kathryn Murphy.

Pendragon and Elise Diemand enjoyed another clean sweep for the High Point Second Level Championship with High Brook Starlight and Amy Von Scholz starring as the reserve champions for Stewart and Sherry Kahn.

The High Point Third Level and Above Championship wrapped up a week of fine dressage competition in Northampton with top honors going to Dee Loveless and Meadowmere Courelation for the second year in a row.

Hunter/Jumper

While action kept spectators entertained all week in the grandstand ring, the nearby Infield Hunt Course had its own share of exciting competition on Tuesday in the hunter competition while there were unfortunately no competitors in what would have been Wednesday’s jumper classes. Morgan exhibitors and spectators alike appreciate the versatility of their favorite breed and the hunter/jumper events certainly add to the variety offered at New England.

Orcutt Mtn Impression and Lori Moran proved to be strong contenders in this division as they started off with the first win of the day on Tuesday in the Working Hunter Beginner Cross Rails I, and came back in the next class for a reserve in the Working Hunter Beginning Cross Rails II event. Angela Thayer had Highover French Krystle in top form for the win in the Working Hunter Beginning Cross Rails II class, while Emily Smith directed Twelve Oaks Intrepid to a strong reserve finish in the Working Hunter Beginner Cross Rails I class.

Twelve Oaks Island Time provided great strength and stamina for rider Kristine Komosa as he delivered winning performances in several classes on Tuesday. They earned the Beginner Hunter Championship after a win in the Beginner Working Hunter Under Saddle class where the division’s reserve championship team of MPC Christmas Spirit and Jessica Pabst followed them for reserve. MPC Christmas Spirit and Pabst gained their momentum in the Beginner Working Hunter II class with the blue ribbon ahead of Kimosa and her Island Time.

Garland High Lilly and Mimi Borgilevitcz had their time to shine in the Beginner Working Hunter I class for proud owner Abby Raucher. Riding for the University Of Connecticut, Brittany Kobylensky maneuvered the course expertly aboard UC Night Star in the class for reserve.

The well-matched pair of Wintergreen Sultana and Valerie Shurtleff collected the Low Working Hunter Championship after earning a clean sweep in the Low Working Stake, Section I, Section II and Under Saddle classes. Competing head to head with the champions, UC Curtain Call and Janice Callahan made their fan club proud when the were named reserve champions after second place finishes in the stake and section I. Equinox Jamboree and Shelia Porrini picked up the red ribbon in the Low Working Hunter Saddle class, while it was Three D Renegade and Hillary Wiles-Lafayette who stood in second place in the Low Working Hunter Section 2 to their stablemates.

UC Tee Time and Karen Cooper represented the University of Connecticut in perfect order as they picked up New England wins in the Working Hunter Championship, the Working Hunter Open Stake, the Working Hunter I, the Working Hunter Under Saddle, the Working Hunter II class, and the Hunter Hack class. Wisperwin Kandyman and Brenna Kelly collected reserve honors in the Hunter Hack class for Kathy Gates.

This concludes highlights from New England Regional. Complete results can be seen and searched by clicking on SHOW RESULTS.

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