Just about every class imaginable was offered at The Syracuse International Horse Show this year held June 26-29 at the New York State Fair Grounds. The ASHA of New York presented the 29th annual show, which benefited Upstate New York Hospice Alliance.
Over $55,000 in prize money was offered, bringing horses from all parts of the country. The American Saddlebred Horse Futurity Of New York presented The First Limited Breeders Stake Yearling Division.
There were two other futurity divisions offered: The Open Futurity Yearling Division and The Open Futurity Two-Year-Old Division. The New York State Futurity is growing by leaps and bounds. The Third Annual Stallion Service Auction raised over $16,000 for the Limited Breeders Stake Divisions which will begin with the Weanling Divisions of 2003. As the futurity stated, “Our business is GROWING.”
Not only were many classes offered, but there were parties for anyone who chose to partake. Tuesday evening, the day before the show actually began, a Take-A-Break Party was offered giving those moving in and setting up the opportunity to sit awhile and relax before going back to the work at hand.
Wednesday evening a Wine & Cheese Party was offered which was sponsored by Casa Larga Winery and Friesian Season. Thursday afternoon the Hallston Manor Open House was offered and sponsored by Mid-State Communications, Sandra Corney: Fancy Footwork Partnership, Victoria Celia and Gregory Fisk and Hallston Manor, LLC, the Hall family. This was the second annual Debut Of Babies held at Hallston Manor where all were invited to see their new arrivals and help celebrate their new adventure.
Friday evening a Progressive Aisle Party was offered with a little bit of everything offered to whet one’s appetite. The horse show provided the barbecue main dish and beverages with the barns pitching in with the other courses of the meal.
Center ring, as usual, was very impressive. This year it was sponsored by Wrighthall Stables. And speaking of Wrighthall, they surely did have a great show. Daughter Amanda continued her winning ways in the equitation division. At this show she captured the 14-year-old age group, the UPHA Challenge Cup and the Equitation Grand Championship. Mother, Darlene was not to be left behind as she had the winning rides in the Five Gaited Junior/Novice Class aboard SA Cameo Appearance for Jodie Goft. She then came back winning it all in the Open Championship. Reserve in this class was the popular Collector Series and Denise Vespa riding for Amie Nichols. This pair also captured the ladies class.
Five entries came into the ring for the Fine Harness Grand Championship with Elaine Earlywine and With Authority marching out first. This pair, directed by Ronnie Graham's Freedom Stables, gets better with each outing. Beelzebub and Gary Guz settled for reserve for Clover Hill Partnership. This fine entry was called for the victory pass in the open division with Warren Galloway Paul in the buggy. As Joan Sylvester was running to the out gate she was heard yelling, "And this is his first time driving in the show ring." Not bad for a beginner.
A pair we all recognize, CH Jane Doe and her petite owner/rider Doreen Weston rode out with all the loot in the Three Gaited Open and Championship. Lisa Gumenick and Callaway's Kiss & Tell were reserve in the championship and also in the Ladies Class. Undulata's Diamond Jim and Denise Vespa had the red ribbon ride in the open class for owner Barb Tabaie.