WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- It’s a fun show that gives trainers, exhibitors and all others involved a chance to relax, have a good time and compete -- what horse shows are supposed to be about. And the timing is perfect...this year it was held Aug. 13-17, 2002, which is just after the high intensity New England Morgan Horse Show and a couple of months before Oklahoma.
While serving the purpose of a great practice show before the October Grand National, the fun is never sacrificed at Mass Morgan. The show staff, led by Show Manager Sandra Adams, works incredibly hard to make this show a fulfilling one in every aspect. Most classes were filled with large numbers and quality horses coming from many areas in the Northeast. Also, there was a plethora of classes, making it easy for anyone to find a class of their liking. Finally, Mass Morgan has a theme each year, which adds to its reputation of being fun.
This year’s theme was patriotism. In addition to the very decorated show ring -- there was a huge American flag draped from the ceiling of center ring -- exhibitors got into the theme as well. From decorating there barn set ups in red, white, and blue to dressing up like Uncle Sam, everyone was into this very appropriate theme for the show’s entirety.
Although good times and show ring competition are the basis for the show, this year's Mass Morgan had a few not so enjoyable themes. The show was marked by more than its share of show ring mishaps. From a frightening accident in the Amateur Pleasure Driving Stallions and Geldings on Tuesday to several riders being unseated in saddle classes throughout the week, there were many unfortunate show ring moments. In at least two incidents the people involved required hospitalization and/or surgery. One of the potential causes of the accidents could most likely be the tremendous heaheat wave during the show. Temperatures hovered around 100 degrees with heat indexes even higher. The weather was quite unbearable for horses and humans, but the show did go on.
Mass Morgan was held from Tuesday through Saturday. Classes were held morning, afternoon and evening with the exception of Thursday evening. During that particular evening, instead of gathering inside the coliseum at the Eastern States Exhibition, exhibitors and their friends and family gathered outside the barns to celebrate the well-known exhibitor’s party which was included food, drinks and a whole lot of dancing.
By the time Friday rolled around, everyone was ready to get back into the ring and take part in some serious competition. With the exception of some light open classes, many were packed full of quality.
The judging panel for this large turnout included Ron Roesink (Geldings in Hand, Classic Pleasure, Hunt and Stock Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Beginners Pleasure, and Road Hack); Tom Caisse (Stallions & Mares In Hand, Pleasure Saddle, Park Saddle, Park Harness, Pleasure Driving, Saddle Seat Equitation, Beginners Pleasure, Roadsters and Miscellaneous); Ann Marie Gregoire (Dressage); and Kail Palmer (Carriage).
The officials at Massachusetts Morgan were headed by show manager Sandra Adams who puts this show together with an extremely enthusiastic and hardworking show committee. Linda Burke of Horse Show Management Services, Inc. served as show secretary. The division coordinators included Cindy Mugnier (Youth), Erin Collins (Dressage), Douglas Coursey (Carriage) and Jeanne French (Sport Horse). Ray Ferro served as operations manager, while Tony Ferro kept everyone in line as paddock master. Robb Platz made the trip from Mid-A to once again serve as show announcer. Helen Fenton kept everything by the rules as the USAE steward while Jay Merriam made the rounds as show veterinarian. Tim Keller maintained the helm as show farrier. Larry Wahl and Grace Yaglou handled the ringmaster duties this year. Bob and Jean Moseder wrapped up their two month northern photographing stay with this show while World Champion Video filmed all of the winning action as show videographer.