Sunday -The First 2005 Morgan Grand National Performance Champions Crowned
Monday, October 10, 2005
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9 - COLISEUM
The second day of the Morgan Grand National was underway when nine entries gathered in the coliseum for the Grand National Hunter Pleasure Amateur Masters 15.1 and Over class. Judges Buck Grass, John McDonald and Judy Wright judged the first class of the morning session, which concluded with Night Out and Jennifer Grey making the victory pass directed by daughter Katie Mair. The white-trimmed Z's Majestic Sensation and Nancy Johnson-Tobiasz collected reserve in this competitive event.
Joyce Swanson joined McDonald and Grass in center ring to evaluate the first western performance class of the show, the Grand National Western Pleasure Mares. Star of Midnight with Garn Walker bested the class of 13, in unanimous fashion (the only unanimous decision of the morning). Owner Virginia Adams of Auburn, Calif. cheered on her top winning black mare who started off a winning day for the entries trained by Garn Walker. PLF Rare Elegance and Roger Brown jogged out of the line up to pick up the red streamers for James and Natalie Maloof, Merrimack, N.H.
Following the western mares, 13 hunters returned to the coliseum for the Grand National Hunter Pleasure Amateur Stallion and Gelding 15.1 and Over class. After a brief delay which occurred as a result of a cast show that needed to be replaced, the class finished with no further delay as Misty Pleiness and Manchester In Demand put in a bold performance to receive the top award. Mary Carlton greeted the winners who hail from Chicago, Ill. VQM Speaker Of The House and Kristy Kraegel did a nice job as well and carried the red ribbon home to owner Pamela Engblom of Astoria, Ore.
The Grand National Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 11 & Under competitors were on center stage next. When McDonald, Grass and Swanson were through inspecting, a Grand National victory pass belonged to the well-matched duo of Cheyenn Rumens and the trusty chestnut Temptation’s Answer. Fire Run Farm is home to the winning duo. LV Dark Crystal and Robyn Davies came all the way from Canada to compete and their nice performance landed them the reserve for K-Lyn Stable.
The next class featured on the morning’s agenda was the Grand National Hunter Pleasure Four-Year-Old Mare class. 2004 Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure World Champion Let’s Boogie had the go-forward the judges were looking for to earn a return trip to the Oklahoma winner's circle. Kathleen Peeples was aboard the champion for owner Cynthia Brown-Clark, Newton, N.J. Dreamaker Whatta Sight and Amanda DuPont-Pauli had the reserve ticket for owners Jane and Robert Thompson, Carlisle, Pa.
Entries in the second to last class of Sunday morning came into the coliseum to compete for the Grand National Western Pleasure Gelding 15.1 and Over title. Garn Walker picked up his second blue of the morning, this time aboard the veteran Oklahoma champion He’s Simply Marvelous, who stood out among the tough field for the second year in a row for owner Virginia Adams. Sammi Hazen was pleased to collect the red ribbon aboard her handsome mount, Bear Brook Supreme Bar.
Twelve hunters returned to the ring once again to close out the morning session. Ha-Ho Windstar and Bre Schultz of Ludington, Mich., secured the Grand National Hunter Pleasure Amateur Stallion and Gelding Under 15.1 while Firecrest E-Ticket and Keston McDonald of Custer, Wash., were smooth sailing for reserve.
SpiceOLife Present Tense
The Three-Year-Old Park Harness Stallions converged for the first class of Sunday afternoon, which was judged by Lewis Eckard, Lonnie Lavery and Phil Price. The ring belonged to SpiceOLife Present Tense, one of the bright young stars of Oklahoma 2004 as well. The perfectly cadenced chestnut stallion was driven by Diane Conrady for David James Walker. No Contest made a strong statement in his Grand National debut for reserve with Bob Hughes on the lines for Boston Morgan Farm. The impressive field of six also featured Tara's Firewalker, the 2005 New England Junior Park Harness Champion, accepting the yellow streamers with Ken Swanson directing for Tara Farm.
The Grand National Hunter Pleasure Four-Year-Old Stallion and Gelding class followed. After working the 12 horses both ways of the ring, the judges called for one final trot and extended trot before making their final decision. Owner Anne C. Mears was indeed proud of her HVK Proud Nobility, who was ridden to victory by Mallory Mignot. The audience gave reserve champions Suntime Doc Holiday and Amy Prechter a warm round of applause for their reserve finish for Bonnie and Ron Trimble.
The next class was for the ladies as Stacy Hennessy teamed Silver Creek Stables' and Lorraine Bumb's athletic GLB Bell Of The Ball to the Ladies Pleasure Driving Mares unanimous victory. Geiger Earth Angel and Kathryn Schwartz earned reserve for owner Chris Geiger.
The Grand National Classic Pleasure Saddle Junior Exhibitor 11 & Under was next. Caitlin Howard did an excellent job of positioning her mount CSH Corydon's Eclipse in the ring and was rewarded for her efforts with a unanimous victory. Tim Roesink greeted the winning team for Sleepy Hollow Farm. Justin Mullaney also did a fine job directing Flairely Apparent to reserve honors for an enthusiastic Heatherstone cheering section.
CBMF Mozambique
A nice group of young horses made their way into the ring next for the Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Three-Year-Old & Under class. Both the crowd and the judges were in complete agreement as Bill Carrington announced CBMF Mozambique and Ann Hailey to be the unanimous champions. A very pleased Harry Sebring assisted the champions in making their victory pass. Equinox Toy Soldier, the big chestnut driven by Terri Travers, was named the reserve champion for Teri Sullivan and George Brown under the direction of Richard Boule'.
David Rand continued a great start to the 2005 Morgan Grand National when he directed the bright chestnut Ultras Proclaimation and Adriana Liberty to the Grand National English Pleasure 14 & 15-Year-Old victory for the second year in a row. The Triumph Stables team of Lauren Cook and Gable's Top Quark turned in a strong effort in their first trip to the Oklahoma show ring for reserve for owners James and Stephanie Nelson.
Tom and Stephanie Connor's impressive new youngster FRF Outer Limits enjoyed his show ring debut under the Oklahoma lights. He starred in his solo debut in the Grand National Park Harness Two-Year-Old Stallions spotlight with Tim Arcuri on the lines.
Twenty-one entries made the Grand National Western Pleasure Gelding Under 15.1 hands the largest class to compete in the coliseum thus far show and the steady-going Cedarfarm Lancelot with owner/rider Mike Walh made a flawless performance to top that class. The victors received two first place votes and one second to secure their impressive win. OO Right As Rain and Jordy James were right on the money for reserve for Sarah Hudson. Raffaello and Heather Luedtke rounded out the top three in the competitive class for Marsen Morgans.
The speedsters of the Morgan industry were up next and this class really got the crowd cranking. Following an Oklahoma tricolor in park harness last year, MEM No Inhabitions showed off a winning new look this year matched with Jeff White to exit the ring as the Grand National Roadster To Mike Mare Champions for Maine Event Morgans. The crowd showed their appreciation for the second place winner Belle Escada as well. Bob Hughes was on the lines of the expessive black mare for Tracy Fietz and James Hangley.
In their first trip to Oklahoma, Intrepid Sir Pepper and Kristen Wade nailed down the win in the Grand National English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 11 and Under class. Wade's smile brightened up the coliseum as she exited the ring with the assistance of Kate Edmonds of The River's Edge. Season's Major Firewing and Malia Meyer put forth a nice effort and finished as the reserve champions for Terri Sturm.
While numbers were light in the Grand National Park Harness Two-Year-Old Mare & Gelding class, both entries put forth a great effort in hopes of hearing their name called out first. When the cards were turned in, GMH Flash It My Way trotted to the presentation area for the unanimous victory. Fank Miller was on the lines of the champion for owners Eutha and Leon Giesick. HDP War Dancer and Damian Hyde turned in the reserve performance for Margaret Muns and Melinda Hyde.
Under the direction of Moreland Farm, Kristi Evans displayed her fine horsemanship skills when piloting Hylee's Dann Osgood, who never dropped an ear, to the Grand National English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 16 &17 victory in unanimous fashion. Zachary Howa and Minion Mademoiselle teamed up for the reserve performance with strong crowd support.
Nine seasoned contenders answered the call for the Grand National Western Pleasure Amateur Masters Under 15.1 class. After tabulations were made, Corrick and Connie Melendy picked up a well-deserved victory in their first Oklahoma team performance. They performed under the direction of Garn Walker who continued his winning show. Canabar Buttons and Bows and Vern Baron jogged away with the red ribbon for Vern Baron and Ann de St. Remy. AMHF Bal du Masque and John Huse continued their fine season as they represented SpringMill Morgans LLC for the yellow ribbon.
A pair of Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout classes capped off the Sunday afternoon session with the singles competing first with 11 entried answering the call. Samac's Black Tie Affair and Cathy Grimes continued a great season for Alton Page as they made the victory pass. Aces Wild Adventure and Patricia Hartell drove away with the second place finish. The multiple hitches were next entertain as the pair of Denbury Regal Justice and Denbury Irish Justice were outstanding in their presentation with James Brown at the whip. Stormy Tasha and Canabar Kokopelli were directed by owner Mai Wisdom to the reserve finish.
Erotic Dancer
There was no better way to start the second evening session of the Morgan Grand National Horse Show than with the Grand National Park Saddle Amateur Mare and Gelding class. Eleven of the top performing teams from around the country put their game faces on to fight for victory in the first round of amateur park competition. After claiming New England’s Amateur Park Saddle Championship just a few months back, Dawn Fire had the expressive Erotic Dancer in all the right places for the Peeper Ranch victory coached by Phil Fountain. Lookaway’s Fortune and Linda Stewart separated themselves from the pack with an animated showing for the reserve prize.
Next, the young riders of the industry answered Peter Fenton’s call for the second of 11 classes that would compete in the famed coliseum Sunday night. The crowd erupted when Fenton announced Alex Mooney and her partner Cedar Creek Tour De Force to be the Junior Exhibitor 12 &13 Classic Pleasure Saddle winners. Debi Jeppesen smiled all the way to the presentation area, where she assisted them with their winning photograph and victory pass. Tyler Hufferd did an excellent job presenting All Hail To The Chief to reserve finish for Julie Spanbauer.
David Rand was on a roll as he directed Rocky and Diana Schliefer’s lofty beauty Queen’s Starfire to the unanimous Grand National Park Harness Three-Year-Old victory. This was a memorable first trip to Oklahoma for both horse and owners.The tabulations had TTA Freedom Hall and Rodney Hicks next on the cards for Copper Beech LLC.
Jax Noble Onyx and Whitney Singer Porter proved they had all the right ingredients for the victory in the Grand National Hunter Pleasure Amateur Mare class, where they topped a field of 14. Glacier Dreamin’ and Monty Kugeler were on the winner’s heels for reserve.
After directing a junior exhibitor rider to a win earlier in the day, Melissa Morrell decided it was time to make her own Grand National victory pass. Morrell the flashy bay Can’t You See MEM topped a field of 12 lady drivers and their pleasure driving geldings for the second year in a row for owner Phyllis Frechette. The pre-eminent team of Festival Calypso and Stephanie Connor were rewarded with a strong ovation for their reserve performance.
Briar Oaks Patriot
The first World Futurity performance championship featured a promising crop of Three-Year-Old Hunter Pleasure entries. When all was said and done, the crowd cheered Briar Oaks Patriot (Liberation First Star x Penncrest Dyna Pepper) on to victory. Belle Hufferd was aboard the bold moving winner, who earned $2130 for owners Denny and Toni Maunder. Reserve World Champion honors in the class of 12 went to Century Oak Gallivant (Century Contender x Proud Valley Solitaire) with Mary Carlton aboard for Century Oak Farm.
An impressive field of 12 gathered for the Grand National English Pleasure Ladies Gelding class. Nikki Rae Woodworth jockeyed Alexandra Frangiosa’s fronty bay gelding Think About It MEM to a unanimous victory while Missy Hanover piloted the dynamic chestnut KHF Bleeding Heart to a nice reserve finish for Chris Rushton.
The eighth class of the night was called to order next as seven answered the gate call for the Grand National Classic Pleasure Driving Four-Year-Old class. Judges Phil Price and Lonnie Lavery had Valerosa Immortal Dancer on the top of their cards. Caprice Zoumaras drove the pretty entry for an elated Ann Ryan and Valerosa Morgans. Reserve went to SMS More-Tinique with Renee Page on the lines for Barry Laub of Maynegate Morgans.
A beautiful group of 12 stallions entered the ring for their open western pleasure class which rivaled for the most crowd support for the night. Former world champion Santa Fe Renegade and Eitan Beth-Halachmy were given a return trip to the winner's circle for their unorthodox performance.
Treble's Tanqueray
Owners Greg and Carol Fleck and trainer/rider Judy Nason had to be pleased with the crowd's reception of the fabulous performance turned in by Treble’s Tanqueray after Peter Fenton called them out as the reserve grand national champions.
Despite the fact that the Grand National Park Saddle Amateur Stallion class was light in numbers, the crowd was still entertained by the bold performers who did compete. Tim Roesink’s team continued a great week thus far when MEM Heart and Soul and Shelley Silber put on the winning performance for Kourt Jester Morgans. Fox Glen Hail to Divinity and Cynthia Fawcett graciously accepted reserve honors for Rev. Bernard Kelly.
Saturday evening went out with a bang as four fast-paced roadsters competed in their stallion and gelding bike class. In another unanimous decision, two-time world champion HVK Baymarch sped his way to the presentation area with Bob Hughes driving for Sally Longnecker and Saralin Farm. Reserve went to Jubilee Regional's tricolor team of Nouveau Riche and Andy Marlett, who represented QB, LLC and Shannon Robins.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9 - SHOW ARENA 6
Atticus
It was another gorgeous day outside, matched only by the exceptional competition inside. Show Arena 6 opened with Classic Pleasure Saddle Ladies Geldings 15.1 & Over. Following wins this year on the west coast, Laura Dorwart and her striking dark bay Atticus were met in the winner’s circle by trainer Liz Bolton. Coalition X-Static and Paula Messier were a good reserve for Megan Place representing Crystal Farms.
Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize
Young riders took center stage next in the English Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 12 & 13. Having a new rider made no difference in the results for the top performing Med-E-Oka Nobel Prize. Sarah Shimmer made a terrific catch-ride for the victory on Frances Pugh and Dr. Holly Johnson’s flashy bay star directed by Ken Swanson. Emily Orthwein had Creek Ungaro in top form for the reserve honors.
The older age group of junior exhibitor classic pleasure driving horses had to be split into two divisions of nine and eight respectively. With wins throughout New England this year, Steven Handy had Hermitage Avatar in winning form for the first division. Close on their heels were Mikaela’s Pocket Rocket and Joshua Hummel under the direction of proud parents Craig and Kathi Hummel.
PT Stormin’ Norman exuded charisma as he and Whitney Hazen returned to the Oklahoma winner's circle in a new division as they took charge of division two of the Classic Pleasure Driving Junior Exhibitor 14-17. CBMF Belle Fleur and Jessica Sebring matched up for a polished reserve showing to the delight of Sebring Stables and Copper Beech LLC.
Queen's Proud Mary
Although early in the week, the winning Four-Year-Old English Pleasure Mare was already one of the talks of the show. Queen’s Proud Mary created quite a stir when she debuted with David Rand at New England. She didn’t disappoint any of her fans at OKC. With an exquisite presence and quality to spare, she had the crowd in her corner as she earned the blue ribbon for Pete and Sandy Hendrick. The reserve winner, GLB Perfect Harmony made an eye-catching show herself for Stacy Hennessy riding for Lorraine Bumb and Silver Creek Stables. With career wins in hand, under saddle and driving, this versatile young star is already a veteran of the show at only four years old.
Intrepid Immortal Beloved
The crowd was treated to another standout horse and performance in the next class. Intrepid Immortal Beloved was Ring 6’s only unanimous winner of the day as she topped the Classic Pleasure Saddle Ladies Mare class. Proving to be the epitome of a ladies horse, she stood out of the crowd with Shelley Silber earning a popular win for Kourt Jester Morgans. JW Enjoyabelle and owner/rider Marilyn Hackett added to their enviable resume with a strong reserve in the field of 13.
Comiskey Park has made a highly successful transition this year from driving to under saddle. His expression and style made him a star in the eyes of the judges and the spectators in English Pleasure Four-Year-Old Stallion & Gelding. Jim Lowry was in the saddle for owners Phillip & Patricia Baker. Lightly shown in 2005, HDP Noble Warrior and Mary Carlton made it count where it matters with a strong reserve in the class of 14 for owner Paula Messier.
David Rand was in the winner’s circle once more. This time it was to meet Med-E-Oka French Morocco and Laurin Johnson upon their win in the 14-entry Classic Pleasure Saddle Ladies Gelding Under 15.1. This cocky gelding looked through the bridle like he was truly enjoying his work. LSC Georgian Bay and Lee Sutherland enjoyed a memorable ride with the reserve finish in a deep class.
Minion Starlette and Ann Anderson caught the judges’ attention with a solid and consistent ride, in the mare’s first year under saddle, to win the English Pleasure Ladies Mare for Livingston Morgans LLC. Last year’s class winner, Kiss N Tell and Stacy Hennessy turned in a stylish performance for reserve. This classy mare is owned by William and Connie Myers of DreamMaster Morgan Farm.
The evening’s competition opened with 37 riders vying for 12 spots in the AMHA Hunter Seat On The Flat Gold Medal Finals. Split into 3 sections of group rail work and individual patterns, the following riders (in order of back number) were invited to compete later in the week: Lindsey Greenfelder, Nicole Morrison, Briana Schauer, Alyssa Rumsey, Ashley Wright, Emily Rosini, Sasha Klein, Caitlin Novotny, Amy Prechter, Laura Pecherski, Scott Nevers, and Anna Weeks.
HVK Hard Rock
The Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Single class was a sight to behold as 14 gorgeous turnouts filled the ring harkening back to an era of graciousness and gentility. Announcer Dick Brown gave the sparse audience a wealth of information on what to look for – proper harness fit, overall turnout, and appropriateness all being as important as the performance of the horse - and the background of carriage terminology. If the carriage was equipped with lights, they were expected to be working and turned on. Many were. The carriages were either restored vintage vehicles or faithful reproductions. With a flawless head set and manners to match, HVK Hard Rock was the winner under the guidance of Tristanne Weber Childress for owner Marilyn North. Earning a well-deserved reserve were Samac's Black Tie Affair and Cathy Grimes for Alton Page.
Denbury Regal Justice and Denbury Irish Justice
Only one pair turned out for the Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Multiple class, but it was well worth the effort. James Brown’s pair of matching black Morgans, Denbury Regal Justice and Denbury Irish Justice, were perfectly synchronized throughout their exhibition, even backing in unison. The judge seemed appreciative of the fine turnout as she made her inspection. It was a true family effort, with Jim Brown driving, Gene Brown serving as groom, and Guy Brown helping with the ribbon presentation.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 9 - SHOW ARENA 9
On Sunday, Show Arena 9 was once again devoted to dressage competition. Several classes were carried over from Saturday. Starting the day in the same winning form as the day before, Sarese Reed won the training level test 3 for junior exhibitors, this time with Century Oak Midnight Magic. Kathryn Murphy, an accomplished dressage competitor from New England, earned a good reserve aboard Coulee Bend High Velocity in the class of seven.
In the open first level test 3, SGP Raizin Kane and Lynne Salewski earned their second blue of the week with the winning score for owner Christine Laine. In reserve were Cindra's Peek A Boo and Leigh Kennedy who are continuing a successful season on behalf of owner Karen DeBlaay.
Dragonfire Kirin and Natalie Jensen were the cream of the crop in amateur first level test 3 earning their second blue of the show for Dragonfire Farm. Derwanda Hercules and Gayle Davidson have been racking up the points this year in a variety of hunter, sport horse, and dressage venues. They continued with a good reserve.
Northern Exposure and Kathy Padgham were yet another team earning multiple top honors with their win in second level test 3. Earning their second reserve were West Mt. Christopher and David McMillan for Larry D & Karin Lynn Weight.
Wintergreen Fortune and Susan Garmier started their day with their second Grand National win of the week in fourth level test 2 competing for the honor of owner Potter Investment Co. West Mt Winston and David MacMillan represented owners Larry D & Karin Lynn Weight in second place.
Wintergreen Don Diego and Susan Garmier have built a solid record in hunter pleasure and dressage on the west coast for owner Ann L. Taylor. Their win in open first level test 2 gave Garmier her second Grand National win in a row for the day. Cindra's Peek A Boo and Leigh Kennedy were reserve out of four for owner Karen DeBlaay.
For their third blue of the show and second of the day, Dragonfire Kirin and Natalie Jensen topped a total of five entries in amateur first level test 2 for Dragonfire. Susan Mihal guided her partner River Song Crescendo to a good reserve.
Coulee Bend High Velocity, with Kathryn Murphy on board, was the better of two entries in junior exhibitor first level test 2. Cin-O-Rama Savoir Faire and Sarese Reed followed.
In one of the largest classes of the day, Wintergreen Strike and Brandi Carter earned a huge win and their second of the show in topping eight other amateur training level test competitors. FHF Caleb and Erin Stanton equaled their best result of the show in reserve.
Also seeing nine competitive entries was junior exhibitor training level test 4. Repeating their victory from earlier in the day, Coulee Bend High Velocity and Kathryn Murphy were the top team. Kevin Schauer and TJR Destiny's Tiara moved up several places from earlier tests to bring reserve honors to owner Julie Haugen.
As one of three Wendy Gray Bizzaro-owned entries shown by Marlo ViVenzio in the Musical Freestyle finals, WTR Chocolate Bar was the best of six total entries. Cindra's Peek A Boo, a successful first level competitor, was reserve with Leigh Kennedy in the saddle for Karen DeBlaay.
Reversing their placings from test three earlier in the day, West Mt Christopher and David MacMillan earned the final dressage blue ribbon of the day in second level test for Larry D & Karin Lynn Weight, with Northern Exposure and Kathy Padgham scoring second.
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