Top Competition Highlights Tuesday's Grand National Performances
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Show Arena 6
The Tuesday morning and afternoon sessions
traded venues with the park and pleasure horses moving to the show arena in the morning followed by hunter and western events returning for the afternoon.
Other than not having a spacious empty upstairs, the
setting in Show Arena 6 is virtually the same as far
as the horses and exhibitors go.
Stand and Deliver did just that in the Four-Year-Old
Park Harness Stallion class and did so by marching a
big trot both ways of the ring for trainer/driver Mike
Goebig and owner Tara Lindeen. The only other
competition was the leg-waving Queen's Guardian,
driven by Mike Carpenter for Carpenter and Kelley.
Tim Roesink and Grove Pointe Stables continued the blue
ribbon streak with Liberation
Instant Replay and Jan Marie Evans turning in the winning performance in the
Classic Pleasure Saddle Stallion/Gelding 15.1 hands & Over
competition. Kimberly Ruffel turned in the reserve
performance aboard Futurity's Flamboyant. Strike It
Rich and Sally Lawing were third in the deep class.
It had also been a great week for the Greg Miller
family up to this point and Rachel Miller and Ryan's
Got The Beat made it even better with their win in the
11 & Under Pleasure Driving class. All go forward,
Marathon's Electrafire was the reserve champion with
Anna McLallin on the lines for Jacqueline Clapp.
Classic pleasure competition brought 18 entries into
the ring for the mare saddle class. Miss Voodoo and
Joel Chauran earned the judges' nod with a stylish performance for owner Mona
Skager. They were followed by Goldencrest Aleksis and Inge
Johnsen with their second reserve in as many days.
The loveliest ladies of the show ring brought their
park harness mares into the show arena for the judges'
perusal in the next class. Judy Whitney Harris showed
Barbara and Arthur Jones' Sheza Belle to the first
place honors with a sparkling performance. Robin Rednor Veghte and Cedar Creek With
Bells On earned the reserve honors with an elegant performance in the five-entry
class.
Once again the numbers skyrocketed for the classic
pleasure division. This time 18 stallions and geldings
under 15.1 hands claimed the arena. Leslie Kelley and
Prindle's Mere Mortal were the overachievers to claim
the title with their quality and good looks. Jessica Matilla cheered on her sporty McCartney to the reserve honors with Joel Chauran back in the saddle. They were followed by Jan Lazar and her Highland Ridge Daniel in their first trip to OKC.
Junior exhibitors next picked up the park division
with four teams battling it out for the 15 and under
park saddle honors. Last year's reserve champion team of Sarah
Lee and En Possession NKS were primed and ready for
Grand National honors with a unanimous showing under the Keith Nelsen Stables banner. They made a stellar performance to top the reserve team of
Blanche Bauer and her HVK Noble Flame.
John Huse posted another winning ribbon on the Indian
Creek tack room with his definitive win in the Pleasure
Driving Amateur Mare class with SBS In The Mood. Ann
Hailey has enjoyed a terrific show already and was
pleased to add a reserve ribbon with RKB Sizzle to her
growing list of top performances for the Copper Beech
Morgan Farm with Tim Roesink directing the stylish chestnut.
HVK Stueben announced her presence in the English
Pleasure Mare competition. Steve DeBolt directed the
winning ride in the six entry class on Kohler Stables sparkling entry. Closest in the
ribbons was Tara's Heavenly and Glenn Bouvier in reserve for
owners John and Christina Stephenson.
Tara Farm celebrated the win of the reigning world championship team of HVK Primary Light and Carl Johnson in the Junior Exhibitor 12 and 13
Pleasure Driving Class. Alyssa Wick and Mirabel's
Dartanyan earned the reserve honors in the competitive
class.
The professionals turned out with champions from
across the country to entertain in the English
Pleasure Gelding competition. Besting a field of 12
entries, Keith Nelsen and Mantic Top Gun were at the
top of their game for owners Jim and Carole Bradford.
Mike Carpenter pushed the winners with a stellar
performance by CPM Man Oh Man for owners Daniel and
Leslie Kelley.
Kurt and Teri Rumens both enjoyed victory passes on
Tuesday. Kurt started things off with a strong showing
by Pondview Tres Bien to earn the Pleasure Driving
Amateur Stallion title under the direction of Bill
Grundmeyer. Connie Locher and her FRF Exodus were the
talented reserve winners directed by David Young.
After a short break, afternoon competition in ring 6
featured the AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal
Preliminaries. Sixteen entries performed and 12
entries made the cut. In numerical order, they are
Kara Hose, Lindsay Wood, Jamie Kalalas, Sarah Taylor,
Britni Olsen, Emily Buchanan, Holly Carlton, Morgan
Glenn, Sarah Shimmer, Cressi Bryant, Brooke Gove, and
Catherine Hendrickson.
The Low Working Hunter Under Saddle competition saw
16 teams fill the ring with Radiance in Harmony and
Bethanne Ridgeway earning the honors for owners Robert
and Jennifer Ridgeway. Their closest competitors were
Melendy Cash Mare and Kelsey Robinson for the Melendy
Farm.
Nineteen entries in the Carriage Pleasure Driving
Reinsmanship Single class were split into two
sections. The first section featured Triton RLM
Classic and Cathy Grimes making their victory pass for
Lorelei Lindenmayer followed by Sherri Lower and her
Bethesda Nickelodeon.
The second section had a brand new crop of talented
entries who were topped by Beta B Provocative and
Martha Wetmore for BSF Inc. Repeating a reserve
performance from last year were Greentree Brigadier
and Cece Green for the Greentree Ranch Morgans.
Show Arena 9
While the performance exhibitors were going head to
head all morning in the coliseum and show arena 6, the
reining enthusiasts settled into show arena 9 to
determine the World Champion in the Reining Snaffle
Bit/Hackamore section. Sterling Slemp and Morganquest
Native Sun upset last year's winner Mark Wilcher and
Heartquest Erin to take the World Championship home to
Duane, Shirley and Tane Burris. The talented
Heartquest Erin is owned by Leroy Stockton.
The Reining World Champion was also determined
Tuesday morning with nine entries competing for the
title. There were new names at the top of the list
this year with Elizabeth McNealey and JMF White Knight
sliding their way to the winner's circle. Earning
reserve honors in the fantastic class were Jarvis
Anderson and LMC Summit Rose for owners Jean Keffler
and David Stanley.
Free style reining competition opened the afternoon
session in arena 9 with the Non-Pro Finals taking the
stage first. Many time winner in this division, Travis
Filipek, directed Painters Pine Ridge to best a field
of seven entries with Shawn Gallagher and Challie's
Firethorn earning the reserve honors.
The open finals saw Mark Wilcher earning both the top
two spots, first with Atakapa Waushau for Odom Farm
followed by Heartquest Erin who earned her second
reserve title of the day for owner Leroy Stockton.
The Trail competition was next to set up shop in ring 9. Elkland Oaks Connie and Lendol Diehl topped a field
of six talented western trail entries in the open
section and returned to earn a reserve in the amateur
section. Lisa Reik and Wintergreen Marquis were the
open reserve winners. Grace Jacobus and I Love Lucy upset the winners of
the open competition to claim the amateur title.
The junior exhibitor trail competition featured five
talented teams. Karlie Bagan and Garahlee Val's Sky
High earned the decision followed by Blue Flag Whimsy
and Krystle Pennington.
Ring 9 showcased the carriage dressage driving finals
during the evening session. Ten talented entries
filled the arena for the preliminary level finals.
Cathy Grimes and Triton RLM Classic made their second
victory pass of the day to top the dressage driving as
well as claiming the reinsmanship earlier. Lorelei
Lindenmayer owns this talented entry. Irene Nedved and
her Believe It Or Not earned reserve honors in the
competitive class.
Five entries competed at the intermediate level with
Bethesda Nickelodeon and Sherri Lower making another
outstanding performance today to top the class.
Michael John Ridge and Prince of Jazz were in top form
to claim the reserve finish.
Coliseum
Hunter and western enthusiasts gathered in the
coliseum to open a long day of competition for those
two divisions.
Twelve amateur ladies showcased their hunter pleasure
mares to start things off. Whitney Singer Porter and
Jax Noble Onyx were at their best to earn the title
for the Meadow Lane Farm after finishing in reserve
earlier this week in the amateur mare competition.
Pressing the champions but settling for reserve were
Donna O'Neill and Bold Allante.
Switching over to western competition, the young
three-year-old mares entertained the crowd with Judy
Nason and ECP The Seventh Stone earning the Grand
National title for Erika Ramsey. Jordy Johns and BPM
Estralita De Oro were reserve winners for Allen and
Kristen Breyer's Briar Patch Morgans.
An amazing 21 entries entered the coliseum for the
Ladies Amateur Gelding Hunter Pleasure Class. Jennifer
Cooley and her Sight Unseen couldn't be missed with
their outstanding performance to win the class. This
was their second Grand National title of the week so
far, winning the Amateur Stallion and Gelding class
already. Jennifer Grey pushed hard with a reserve
finish aboard Night Out.
The Western Pleasure Youth Finals featured 14
talented teams, but the judges selected only one
Magnificentlee and Christina Willer to be the Grand
National champions for owner Barbara Ann Pionk. Erika
Mitchell directed Equinox Beau Jangles to the reserve
finish for owner John Vieira.
Next it was time for the professionals to don the
hard hats as 11 top performing entries filled the ring
for the Stallion/Gelding 15.1 Hands and Over Hunter
Pleasure Class. Dan Ramsour and WH Zimbabwe reclaimed
their title for the third consecutive year for
Valencia Creek Morgans. Jennifer McFall and En Excess
NKS had to settle for reserve honors in the
outstanding class.
The first qualifier for the Amateur Western Pleasure
World Championship went to Gulfwind Wild Solitaire and
Margaret McKnight Troedsson for Paul and Evelyn
McKnight. This talented team has earned blue ribbons
all season long at shows like Citrus Cup, Southern
States and New England. Rebecca Miller and MLF Diamond
Lil landed the reserve prize in the deep class of 17
entries.
Nineteen 14 and 15 year olds showcased their hunter
pleasure entries for the judges. Katelyn Jenkins and
Treble's Johnny Be Goode were just that to claim the
top honors with a majority vote. They were followed by highly acclaimed team of Sasha Klein and her Indian Creek Final Touch in their OKC team debut.
The Four-Year-Old Western Pleasure Stallions/Geldings
took over the ring with Jordy Johns directing Canabar
Red Line to the winner's circle for himself as well as Rick Strieter.
This capped off an exciting season of wins by
this team earned at Prairie State, North Star and Jubilee. Reserve to the champions were the top Colorado based team of Dale Rickford and Maximum Pepper for Richard, Janet and Megan Lindeberg.
Then it was a return to the junior exhibitor hunter
pleasure entries, this time for the senior riders aged
16 and 17. A total of 28 teams were evenly divided into two sections. In the first section, Allie Rowbottom and
Cabot Courage Command defended their title and took
the title back to New England once again. The reserve
ribbon went to Bre Schultz and Ha-Ho Windstar in the
competitive 14 entry class.
The second section also featured 14 talented teams,
this time it was Connecticut Morgan winner FZM Hale
Bopp and Erica Santa making the victory pass with a stylish performance directed by Cindy Mugnier. Second
to the champions were the Florida based team of I'm Irish and Brittany Morris
for owner Lora Dunlap.
Seven pleasure driving two-year-old geldings opened
the afternoon session in the coliseum with an exciting
class. Circle J winners, Bob Kellert and AMHF's June
Star claimed the top spot for owner Margaret Thompson
followed by Scott Gunberg and Acheron claiming reserve
for the Slightly Jaded Partnership.
Then 19 western pleasure three-year-old stallions and
geldings stormed the ring. Ron Brouwer emerged the
victor. He directed Coulee Bend Galileo to the
winner's circle for owner Aline Young. Garn Walker
earned the reserve ribbon in the competitive class
with his own Metolius.
A small but outstanding Four-Year-Old Park Harness
Mare and Gelding class showcased Peggy Alderman and
her Bada Bing at the top of the judges' cards. Shanna
Gish and MEM No Inhibitions had an outstanding go to
earn reserve honors for Maine Event Morgans.
Teri Rumens wasn't about to let husband Kurt have
all the fun for the day. She was aboard Baccarat's
Noble Cause to bring home the second blue ribbon of
the day to the Fire Run Farm in the English Pleasure
Ladies Amateur Gelding Class. Sally Lawing and her AKM
Manhattan earned reserve honors in the thirteen entry
forum.
Wiona's Sweet Obsession and Judy Whitney Harris put
their stamp on the Pleasure Driving Two-Year-Old Mare
competition with a performance worthy of a Grand
National blue for owner Patrick Lynch. Tim Roesink and
Laura Braddock's Elegance in Motion gave a strong
effort on their way to a reserve finish.
There was a large turnout in the Hunter Pleasure
Ladies Gelding class, so the class was split into two
sections with 12 horses competing in the first and 13
horses in the second. Topping the first section were
Jennifer McFall and Light Year with an outstanding
performance for owner Melissa Hart. Reserve to the
champions were Mary Carlton and FCF Valparaiso for
owner Pam McLellan.
The second section showcased LIV Man of Steel and
Mary Antinozzi who received a strong show of support
from their cheering section performing for Livingston Morgans LLC. Judy Martin and Hasty's Honor settled in with a reserve performance representing Canada.
A very competitive three-year-old group of stallions
and geldings put on a show in the pleasure driving
division. FRF Seattle Reign and David Rand bested a
field of 15 top entries to claim the Grand National
title for owner Jeffrey Gove. Jim Taylor made an
outstanding performance to earn the reserve ribbon
with Almost Famous who also enjoyed a show of support
from the crowd to the delight of owners Elizabeth and
Tom Burick.
Virginia Adams and He's Simply Marvelous repeated as
Grand National champions in the Amateur Geldings 15.1
Hands and Over Western Pleasure Class for the Unicorn
Morgans. Annie Morgan and her Shaker's LaStrada had a
beautiful class to earn the reserve finish.
In another impressive young horse class, Soul
Sister and Gerry Rushton topped a thirteen entry
Three-Year-Old Mare Pleasure Driving Class for owners
Rick and Karen Shepherd with an eye-catching performance.
This team has swept
three-year-old competition at Circle J and Morgan
Medallion and came to Oklahoma ready to do the same.
Another of many talented Goebig/Nord entries, CH
Debutante took reserve honors with a smooth performance with Mike Goebig
directing for owner Cindy Nord.
The Under 15.1 Hand set of the amateur western
pleasure geldings had to be split with thirteen
entries in each section. Julie Christopher and Bear
Brook Supreme Bar earned the honors in the first
section for a delighted Ron Blackman who said his
dream after years in the horse business was to have a
horse that won at the Grand National. Reserve was
earned by Kris Ann Jardin and Equinox Beau Jangles,
owned by John Vieira. The second section showcased
crowd favorite Ling Fu Wylie and Troika's Black
Russian in the winner's circle. This talented team is
fresh off a win from Jubilee under the Cedar Creek banner. Jen
Corbin and Cedarfarm Lancelot picked up the reserve
honors for Judy Corbin.
Another entertaining class, the Two-Year-Old Stallion
Pleasure Driving venue had eight entries, all vying
for the title. In the end, the judges' decision went
to Jeff White and Connecticut Morgan champion MEM Say
My Name, an entry owned by Maine Event Morgans. Ken
Swanson and Tara's Firewalker took the red ribbon back
to Frances Pugh with a stylish performance and a promising future ahead.
A picture perfect performance by Karie Miller and Unfaithful
earned the Ladies Amateur Mare English Pleasure title.
They were met in the winner's circle by Forrest Nealon
for owner Dawn Diovera. Casey McDonald and Southern
Rhythm were the beautiful reserve winners for Firewind
Morgans.
Only one entry was in the ring for the Park Harness
Mare and Gelding class but SpringMill Sequel left
everyone wanting more and anxious to see them take on
the stallions in the championship. Kurt Hufferd made
the presentation for the SpringMill Morgans and added
the Grand National blue to a season of blue ribbons
earned at Indy Charity, Midwest, Indiana Morgan and
New England.
The afternoon session closed with a talented group of
young riders vying for the English Pleasure Youth
Finals. Serena Chaves and OH Independence Hall
finished off a season of wins that include Vermont,
Connecticut and Mass Morgan by capturing the attention
of the judges and earned her Grand National victory
pass for owner Missy Ayers. Sarah Gove left no room
for mistakes with a strong performance aboard
Dorneywood Stars and Stripes for owner Kristen Farley.
Following the world champion reining presentations, the
evening's first class was the Hunter Pleasure Mare
competition. Shaker's Maribeles and Mary Carlton beat
out last year's Grand National Championship team of Kathleen Peeples
and RTS Miss Belle Pepper in a very competitive class.
Fay Lowry and Liberation Daddy's Girl were a strong
third place finish.
Keith Nelsen ran to the winner's circle to meet
repeat winner QVM Collector's Edition and daughter
Natalie Nelsen in the Junior Exhibitor 12 and 13 Year
Old Western Pleasure Class. Quincy Valley Morgans own
the polished and consistent entry. Judy Nason coached the world titled team of DFM Poetic
Justice and Jenna Britt from the rail to earn a
reserve finish in the nine entry class. Alyssa Rumsey
and Clearly Crystal earned a good third place finish.
Sixteen amateur pleasure driving teams filled the
ring for the gelding section of competition. After
quickly working the field, the judges kept ten entries for
further work. Working hard to earn their victory, Ann
Hailey and Contagious enjoyed a fabulous victory for
the Copper Beech Morgan Farm. Harry Sebring met the
winners in center ring to celebrate this memorable victory. Priscilla Marconi and WSG Circumstan'l Evidence turned in a dynamic performance to collect the reserve honors this time out. Can't You See MEM continued an impressive show with third place finish with owner Phyllis Frechette on the lines.
Fifteen top hunter pleasure stallions and geldings
under 15.1 hands entertained the crowd next with Mary
Carlton earning another blue ribbon in what is already
a terrific show for her. Gold Cup and Indiana winner
Paradigm Power Surge stepped up to the open division to top the competitive class for owner Jessica McHale. Jennifer
McFall was right there for a reserve finish aboard the bold striding
Uppercase Beaudacious for owners Karen and Richard
Rosini.
A couple of one entry classes were disappointing on the competition end, but
the entries in each class made sure they gave the
crowd something to cheer about. Kathy Papola guided
HVK Flash Back to the title in the
Ladies Park Harness Gelding class.
Kristen LaCava directed Moreover through the victory
pass in the Junior Exhibitor 16 and 17 Park Saddle
Class. This capped off a season of wins earned at
Maine Morgan, New England Morgan and Mass Morgan performing for Fathers & Sons directed by Stonegate Farm.
Next were the English Pleasure Stallions and Frank Miller enjoyed a round of applause for
his win with the splashy Nocturnal Flash. 3 S's
LLC own this lit up entry. Phil Fountain directed the
reserve winner in the class of four, Cairnbrae Courage
Forever, an entry owned by Cairnbrae Farm.
The Western Pleasure Amateur Stallions had seven
entries. Kathy Papola made her second victory pass of
the evening following a quick change to present her handsome Cabot
French Lieutenant. This is the third year in a row for
this outstanding team to win this class under the
direction of Dan Ramsour for Baccarat Farms. The stylish pairing of Karie Miller and Fiddler's O'Flairegan earned the reserve honors for Greg and Linda
Miller.
There were four entries in the evening's finale, the
Park Harness Stallion Class. Each of the top performing stallions had their cheering sections urging them on, but in the end, last
year's World Champion sensation Will-O-Way Moment In
Time and David Earehart returned to the winner's circle. Elmer Gross and Mary Ann
Davis own this showy entry. Rick Stevens was reserve
in this class last year with CN The Commanding Touch.
This year he finished in reserve with last year's
Four-Year-Old Grand National Champion Stonecroft
Trilogy, putting on a solid showing for John Scheidt and Don Spear. AMHF
Mr. Courageous and Bob Kellert earned the third place ribbon and a strong showing of support for Drs. Ray and Alison
Bendele. And rounding out the talented entries were
Brian Stewart and the flashy Minion Millennium, performing for new owner Margaret Van Meter.
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