UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere - Happy 25th
Thursday, May 3, 2007
by Bob Funkhouser
W. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – This 25th edition of the UPHA Chapter 14 Spring Premiere has been long awaited. The 2006 show was sold out with a waiting list so the enthusiastic and ever growing chapter members as well as the show committee built on that over the past year to make this the show of shows in New England. The crescendo had been building and this anniversary celebration was the time to make it all shine.
Twenty-four years ago chapter chairman Bill Beckley and his show committee, along with manager John Franzreb, launched the first UPHA 14 Spring Premiere, “a two-day, no frills affair held on April 23 and 24, 1983 at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Northampton, Mass., held just days after a New England spring snowstorm,” as described by Sharon Ellingwood in her article on the history of the UPHA Spring Premiere which ran in this year’s stellar souvenir show program.
History was trying to repeat itself while after having an extremely mild early part of the winter, the deep freeze of late February and March, along with snow, sleet and heavy rains in the week preceding this year’s show were threatening to put a big damper on the festivities. However, like the hardy Chapter 14 members who broke their horse trailers out of snow banks to get to that first show, this year’s members kept a good sense of humor and made it through the heavy rains that sat over W. Springfield the few days prior to the April 17 start.
Sunshine, strong classes and the return of the original UPHA Symphony of Horses were on the horizon so exhibitors weren’t about to let a little water ruin their fun. The new footing in the outdoor work areas also went a long way in keeping all involved from getting restless and out of sorts. In years past, horses would have been up to their knees in mud while warming up or working outside. The new sand material had a good base that allowed horses to keep preparing although it would have been much better had the powers that be at the Eastern States facility worked with show manager Kent Moeller when it came to the upkeep of the footing during such intense amounts of water early on. That has been one of Chapter 14’s focus areas that separates its show from the many others held at Eastern States throughout the year.
Paying attention to detail is indeed what has made this event a popular show among trainers and exhibitors alike. From footing to scheduling, quiet hour to publicity, unique ribbons, trophies and social activities, Chapter 14 has come up with the ideas and has enjoyed a broad base of man power to build this show into a first-rate production from the ground up.
Again under the leadership of chairpersons Chris and Larry Cassenti, chapter chairman Gary Garone and manager Kent Moeller, the Spring Premiere hosted a horseman’s horse show with world class entries from the Saddlebred, Morgan, Hackney and Friesian worlds. This is truly a UPHA horse show.
There were 450 horses entered but the Saddlebred division did take a hit in some areas this year with the loss of three regular barns from New York and Pennsylvania that couldn’t make it due to weather related issues. In spite of these sudden absences, the show still managed to be extremely competitive across the board. Some of the winners at this year’s show will be heard from again when they compete on the national stages of Lexington, Northampton, Louisville, Oklahoma, Toronto and Kansas City.
UPHA Classics for Saddlebreds, Morgans and Hackneys were offered, as were National Equitation Finals qualifiers. Jackpot championships were held for the open five-gaited, open Morgan English pleasure and open road pony divisions so those horses and ponies only had to show once this early in the season if desired. There was everything from high-powered performance classes to novice rider, walk and trot and leadline to give the Spring Premiere a nice blend of classes at every level.
Determining the champions in those classes, Melissa Moore and Sally Lindabury held the judges’ cards with Moore handling the Saddlebred, Hackney, equitation and some miscellaneous sections and Lindabury presiding over the Morgan, Friesian, equitation and miscellaneous divisions. They had good company in center ring as Billy Whitley again served as ringmaster; Mark Farrar was back as announcer and Bob Moseder kept his continuous service going as photographer.
Also on board, Nancy Noble represented the USEF as the show steward, while Linda Burked headed the show office, Nancy Roberts manned the organ, Kathy Georgianna was the lady of the ribbons and Tim Keller replaced what few shoes were lost with a little assistance from Paul Marks early in the week when Keller was under the weather.
The 25th UPHA 14 Spring Premiere Horse Show was the main focus, but the attraction on this particular year was the return of the Symphony of Horses. The brainchild of Marsha Shepard and her family at Bobbin Hollow Farm, the “world premiere” of a Symphony of Horses was held in this very Eastern States Coliseum on April 25, 1986. Since then the idea has been used and reused at horse shows and other equine events from coast to coast in order to expose the show horse breeds to the general public.
To celebrate the 25 UPHA Spring Premier, the show committee decided to bring the Symphony of Horses back this year at a level that had never been seen before. (See separate story.) At considerable cost and man-hours, the 2007 UPHA Symphony of Horses was promoted everywhere via television, radio, newspapers and posters. Stars from the equine and entertainment worlds were brought in and everyone from the general public to breed dignitaries followed to pack the Eastern States Coliseum on Friday, April 20 and witness a blending of arts in a most memorable fashion.
“I can’t believe I’m seeing people lined up at the door to get into a horse show, “ said ASHA Executive Secretary Alan Balch who traveled from Lexington, Ky., to be a part of the spectacular event. “That’s not a sight I’m used to seeing.”
With every discipline and style imaginable accompanied by the 35-piece Best Of Boston Orchestra, nearly 3,000 people were thoroughly entertained for a little more than two hours. The Saddlebreds, Morgans, Hackneys and Friesians that performed all represented their respective breed at the highest level while sending many from the general public home with more than favorable impressions. And always thinking of promotion, UPHA14 sent every ticket holder home with a Symphony Show Bill, which contained a directory of barns from throughout New England so those who were interested could follow their dreams and find out about the horses that had just amazed them.
Several of the stars from Friday evening’s Symphony of Horses production were also part of the show ring competition that came to a close Saturday evening with an extremely exciting seven-horse Five-Gaited Jackpot Stake. The audience was in it from start to finish as Judge Moore had a group of horses in front of her with an array of talent and jockeys that wanted that special Jackpot title.
When all the hootin’ and hollerin’ was over, Rob Turner and Worthy’s World To Know made their way the winner’s circle for Riverdreams LLC. Out of the dam of stablemate Sightline, Worthy’s World To Know was just as strong racking as he was trotting to also be the victor in the junior/novice class. Debuting Our Secret Weapon for Nick Grewal, David Cater made every pass count with the cocky newcomer to New England to take the reserve grand championship.
Following a blue ribbon performance in the open class, many times champion Cameo Appearance was third with Darlene Trento-Wright. Amateur winner Yes I Have came back to challenge the open horses and took home a strong fourth with Kate Codeanne aboard the powerful full sister to Have You Ever.
UPHA Spring Premiere was the debut of Traci Massaro aboard World’s Champion The Echo Of Thunder. They warmed up for their Symphony of Horses performance with a victory pass in the ladies gaited class for Lukens Stables.
Young equitation star turned champion performance rider, Marissa Gillispie represented Wright Hall Stables with victory passes in both the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Championship and qualifier. Platinum’s What A Rush was the other half of the winning team. Following their ground covering performance in the Symphony of Horses the night before, Party For Two and Alexis Taylor Pearson came back on Saturday to command reserve grand champion honors. Anne Kennedy and Callaway’s Rhapsody In Blue took the red streamers from the qualifier.
David Cater and I’m A Bruzer had the ring to themselves in the UPHA Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Classic.
From the walk-trot division all the stars were in the amateur, ladies and junior exhibitor classes. Sightline and Holli Esposito carried the flowers from the Ladies Three-Gaited class with Broadway’s Mamma Mia and Careen Dubuc right behind them in reserve. Rick Daigle and I’m Sky High marched down victory lane in the amateur qualifier. Both I’m Sky High and Sightline had starring roles in the Symphony production later in the week.
Turning in a strong all around performance, Cedarledge Farm newcomer Miss Believin turned back all challengers as the Amateur Three-Gaited Grand Champion for Kate Codeanne. Broadway’s Mamma Mia made the reserve victory pass.
As they have since the creation of horse shows, sections within divisions fluctuate every few years. Junior exhibitor three-gaited is one that hasn’t been extremely strong in recent history, however, this year it was stocked with legitimate contenders from the first ribbon through the last.
Anne Kennedy and I’m Out To Impress took both the blue ribbon and the tricolor back to Phoenix Stables. Giovanna Leone rode Heir’s Sparkling Star to the reserve championship, while Ashley Bradbury and Diamonds I Am nailed down the reserve prize in the qualifier. A stablemate to I’m Out To Impress, Bourbon Street Queen was Kevin Tomasko’s Junior/Novice Three-Gaited Champion.
Paula Percoco and her mother, Jayne Romano, left the show early to be with their father/husband who had been ill for some time. Both of their horses showed back with tricolor results. Trainer Jan Lukens rode Open Three-Gaited Park winner CH Cagin Martini for Percoco and won the championship. David Arnold rode Gail Dearth’s Pearl Buck’s Leading Lady to accept the reserve championship that followed their reserve qualifying performance. Adding great depth to the division, Amanda O’Keefe Murchison and the homebred Phinest Heirloom were third in both rounds.
Coming back with a strong championship ride, Dianne Tambussi guided Mystery Guest to the winner’s circle in the amateur park finale for the L.M. Turner Stables. Representing Cater Stables, amateur qualifying winner Snorkle, ridden by MaryBeth Alosa, marched another big trot to land the reserve championship with Patti Bartsch graciously stepping in with the catch ride. Again talking about depth, Margaret Biggs and CH Desert’s Supreme Lady were third in the championship and reserve in the qualifier.
For owner Joan Booth, Jessica Moctezuma piloted Steel A Secret TS to the top of the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited Park Championship. They moved up a notch from the qualifier that had been won by Alyson Sandler and Three’s A Charm. Coming back in championship form, Jessica MacLeod and CH New York Entertainer looked right at home in the park division after starring in the pleasure division last year.
Moctezuma and Steel A Secret also topped the Junior/Novice Three-Gaited Park class, making the victory pass ahead of Across The Sky and Gary Garone.
Kristen Cater had a great time showing her mother’s Callaway’s Whirligig to the Fine Harness Grand Championship and qualifying blue. Last year’s grand champion, My Special Dream twice took reserve honors with Jon Douglas driving for longtime owner Judith Heinbach.
There was a nice balance of talent in the open and amateur harness divisions. Joellen Fisher Blount’s beautiful, bay mare Tornaado’s Tidal Wave paraded down victory lane in both amateur classes as well as in Friday’s Symphony of Horses. They had solid competition with Judy Motley and Roseridge Steven Kyng twice in reserve.
As he has done for many years, Rodney Hicks led the way in the Hackney division with champion after champion. He directed Nathan Roden and Michigan’s Habanero to the top of the Road Pony Jackpot Stake. It was against a competitive group of ponies including reserve grand champion Dun-Haven Highly Impressive, winner of the open class with Don Spann in the blue and green silks ahead of Raye Lynn Funkhouser and Heartland Double Trouble. Highly Impressive also entertained in the pony spot on Symphony night.
For the third consecutive year Heartland Yankee Strutter and Caroline Morrison represented Fairfield South as the Amateur Road Pony Grand Champion. For two of the past three years they have also won the amateur qualifier. Wentz Stables had Alex Ververeli and Mastercraft’s Gambler LF in reserve.
Driving for his son, Tyler, John Lampropoulos debuted Regal’s Commando LF to claim the UPHA Road Pony Classic.
The new combination of Kathy Comeau and Truly Naughty By Nature were two for two in the Harness Pony Championship and qualifier. Having shown at the Spring Premiere since that first event in Northampton, Janine LaSalle was twice reserve with Twin Oak Royal Shamrock.
LaSalle did have the winning drive in the Amateur Harness Pony Championship with her Sir Galahad. Qualifying winner Joyanna was the reserve grand champion with Ann Hailey at the whip.
Always showing at nice pony at Spring Premiere, Ryan Fornango guided Twin Willows Triumphant to the top paycheck in the UPHA Harness Pony Classic. Rodney Hicks and Strictly Business took reserve honors.
Cobtails were light this year although they were both experienced winners. Megabucks was right on the money with John Lampropoulos driving him to the Hackney Pony Championship and open title for Irene York. Marjorie Kenney and her young star, The Marksman, presided as the Amateur Hackney Pony Grand Champion and qualifying winner. Those two performances were broken up with Carson Kressley driving the cob-tail in the Symphony.
Voted by the members of UPHA 14 as the Hackney Of The Year for 2006, Miss Excellence began 2007 on top as well. Teamed with owner/driver Janet Crawford Hicks, Miss Excellence was the Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Grand Champion and qualifying winner. This was in addition to a starring role in the Symphony production. Lily Birch and Oh Happy Day were the lone team in the junior exhibitor class.
Over the past few years the Morgan barns in New England, New York and Pennsylvania have turned up their participation and none stronger than David Rand. Had it been held this year, Rand would again have been the Morgan High Point trainer as his entries ruled in the open, amateur and young horse divisions.
Rand put Casey McDonald and the leg-waving BKC Valiant Star on top in the Morgan Park Saddle Championship. He provided the winning ride in the qualifier for Firewind Morgans. Debra Gowans was aboard WS Commanding Spirit for reserve grand champion honors. Commanding Spirit had been reserve in the junior/novice class to the elegant Whispering Wild Flower who was ridden to victory by Ann Anderson for Juris Morgans LLC.
It was a tricolor week for Sandy Hendrick and her homebred Queens River Farm entries. Hendrick and Queen’s Victorian Lady topped the five-horse Amateur Park Saddle qualifier as well as the amateur championship. The Misty Meadows team of Bob Neimeth and Silverheel’s Synergy were twice reserve. This was in addition to their inspiring Symphony performance in harness.
Queen’s Starfire and David Rand brought down the house last year at the Spring Premiere and came back for another round this year as the Morgan Park Harness Grand Champion. They had to settle for reserve in the qualifier behind FRF Seattle Reign and Richard Boulé who went on to lead the way in the Taylor River Symphony spot which featured four top Morgans.
After turning back challenges from reserve champion Stonecroft Sudden Impact as well as RER Popcorn in the amateur harness qualifier, JW Rare Review came back uncontested in thee amateur championship with owner Erin Kelley again in the buggy. Stablemate Queens Lady Ashley put another blue on the Rand tack room with the UPHA Morgan Park Harness Classic.
Park harness numbers were extremely good considering it’s not an overflowing division anywhere. There were three talented entries vying for the Junior/Novice Morgan Park Harness blue. Leading the way in that one was Ann Anderson with Azeedad’s Lucky Star, an entry owned by Chris and Andrea Kelley’s Azeedad Morgans. Harry Sebring pushed the winners hard with reserve champion Whitemud Dixie Dance King, owned by Patricia Lloyd.
Selvin and Gina Torrez couldn’t have been happier with the start of their new enterprise, CurtItsy Acres Morgan Farm, Hooversville, Penn. Selvin rode MSV Razzle Dazzle to win the Morgan English Pleasure Jackpot Stake after taking a reserve in the open qualifier behind AMHF Absolut Grandeur and Caitlynn Ramsey.
Ann Anderson kept a good flow of blue ribbons hanging on the Hobby Knoll tack room despite being ill most of the week. SLB Triple Play was her Morgan Ladies English Pleasure Champion for Laura Poulin. Queen’s Proud Mary and Sandy Hendrick were reserve with a sold performance ahead of the winning combination of Terri Travers and L’Cima’s Exclusive.
The Rand group battled it out for the Morgan Amateur English Pleasure Championship against a nice group of seasoned veterans. It was a one-two finish for Rand as Queens Proud Mary and Sandy Hendrick made the final pass with the blue, red and yellow streamers signifying grand champion status. Teammates Robert E. Lee and Kristin Johnson wore the reserve grand champion streamers for Dr. Grace Steere. With fluid motion and great expression they had won the amateur qualifier ahead of reserve champion Clonmel Commandment and several others.
Having served the UPHA as show chairperson for several years, Jane Morrell and the Moreland Farm training family (Tim, Jane, Melissa) enjoyed great success including the Morgan Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure Championship and qualifying blue with Medomak French Invasion. Nikki Evans was the winning jockey. Adriana Liberty moved up two notches from the qualifier to command the reserve junior exhibitor championship with Ultra’s Proclamation. Monica Dube and Lookaway’s Hot Ticket accepted the red ribbon in the first round.
There was a large turnout for the Novice Morgan English Pleasure title. Judge Lindabury selected Justanother Well Worth It and Shannon Fielder as the champions. Following in reserve were David Rand and Queens Cocoa Puff.
Rand and Queens River did have the winning number in the Junior English Pleasure Championship. Queens Fancy Me turned in that winning performance while Selvin Torrez and Whitemud Miami Blues claimed the reserve prize.
For a good portion of the history of the UPHA Spring Premiere, Harry Sebring has provided numerous driving champions and he continued that tradition for this 25th edition. Sebring and Paradigm Tokyo Rose were on top for Ann Hailey in the Morgan Pleasure Driving Championship and open qualifier. Jeff Doyle and MEM Lets Go Girls trotted off with the reserve championship, while Dawn Murphy and Sea Vu Justified took home the red silks in the qualifier. They wore the blue from the junior class.
Sarah and Jon Lettre have enjoyed success with their Saddlebred entries and riders from their Wright Way Stables and lately they’ve added a string of winning Morgans as well. She drove Enough Said to the Ladies Morgan Pleasure Driving blue for Amanda Hill ahead of Paradigm Hot Chocolate and Ann Hailey.
Those two owners traded places in the Morgan Amateur Pleasure Driving Championship. Hailey’s Copper Beech LLC entry, PAF Ecstasy was deemed the grand champion and Hill’s Enough Said was the reserve grand champion. Hailey and Ecstasy took the blue home to Sebring Stables in the qualifier as well. Lori Kielceski and Hartland Best Man were reserve in that one.
The Hailey/Sebring team struck again with Straight Up and Sebring taking the Morgan Junior Pleasure Driving Stake. Geraldine McLoud’s Still Thinking was the reserve champion from John and Sheri Lampropoulos’ Northgate Stables. The top two from the junior stake were also first and second respectively in the UPHA Morgan Pleasure Driving Classic.
The Queens River prefix was found at the top time and time again. Kendall Steffen rode Queens Loverboy to win the Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle Stake for Deborah Steffen. Debbie Kenny had a good week with Royal Crown Cavalier to take reserve grand champion honors. They added another blue to the Northgate Stables tack room drapes with their performance in the ladies class in which Gina Torrez and Coventry Isabella were reserve.
Auhl Turned Out was the first name called out in the Morgan Junior Exhibitor Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship. It was the second trip down victory lane for Maggie Smith. Cingate Mystere and Rachel Menard represented Equitation Unlimited as the reserve grand champions. Susie Pelick and The Sterling Touch earned the red ribbon in the first round.
World Champion Prindle’s Mere Mortal was two for two in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. They were pushed hard in both rounds by another world champion combination, reserve champions Whispering Rhythm N Blues and Michelle Aulson, among others.
Susan Huettner’s Juris Morgans claimed yet another Spring Premiere blue with Huettner’s winning drive in the junior/novice classic class with LIV Star Witnesses. Jason Douglass and Dantree After Hours took reserve.
It’s nothing unusual to see Judy Nason in the winner’s circle of the Morgan Western Pleasure Championship. This year’s grand champion and qualifying winner was Wellspring Immortal Star, owned by Clark/Cameron. Futurity’s On Your Mark and Donna Evans jogged back to the Moreland Farm tack room with the reserve championship streamers. Third went to Bogalusa and Christine Nava, reserve winners in the qualifier.
MCA Seawind Serenade and Anna Tassanari were the Morgan Amateur Western Pleasure Grand Champions following their blue ribbon stroll in the amateur qualifier. One of three Liberty family members to do well, George Liberty rode Iron Forge Aire Born to second place honors in both classes.
Eventual grand champion Wellspring Immortal Star began the week with a blue ribbon performance in the junior/novice class where Alicia Fraser and JMF Time To Spare were reserve.
The Morgan hunter division was again filled this year. Coming from the winner’s circle of the amateur qualifier, MEM Virtual Reality and Anna Weeks were crowned the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Grand Champions. They were pushed every step of the way by the veteran team of Tori Mattozzi and Bradvue’s Sudden Impact. Judy Nason and Arboria Ben Hur topped a good group in the open class.
Taylor River Farm turned out in full force, as did their champions. A star in the Symphony of Horses, Andrea’s Radiance also found time to win the Morgan Hunter Pleasure Amateur Championship after placing reserve in the qualifier. Chris Thoma and KN Curiosity had their time in the spotlight as the reserve grand champions.
There were so many junior exhibitor hunters that both the qualifier and championship had to be split. Sight Unseen and Stephanie Slater made the tricolor victory pass in section one, while Under Fire and Bianca Abella were victors of the qualifier. Chelsey Abate and Grand Cru Valentino were twice reserve.
In section two, Manchester In Demand and Stevie Meder represented Taylor River Farm as a two-time winner. Junior/novice winner ATT Postmaster was reserve grand champion with Morgan Zielinski aboard for Wynter Thyme Manor. Section two reserve qualifying champion was The Lion King, ridden by Katelyn Merrill.
The Morgan division also had a talented group of young riders competing in the Walk/Trot/Jog Hunter/Western Pleasure section. Nicholas Roberts was the shining star of the division from Fox Meadow Farm as he won both the championship and qualifier. TJB Opinionated was his winning mount. Sarah Lane rode KHF Dante D Lion to the reserve championship, while Kate Vail and RMG Chevalier claimed the red prize in the qualifier.
Dr. Grace Steere has livened up the Morgan roadster division over the past few years and this season she introduced yet another star. The best yet of all her roadster entries, Twin Peak Limitless is the complete package of power. They went uncontested and then were asked to make a guest appearance in the Symphony as one of the planned performers had been hurt just the week before. Many that witnessed the Symphony performance commented Twin Peak Limitless might be one of the best roadsters in any breed.
Jean DeGutis continued to put her riders on top in the Morgan equitation ranks. Symphony performer Brittany Schilling also rode as the UPHA Morgan Challenge Cup Champion. Kristen Cater put Brynne Cummings in reserve and then in the AMHA Medal, Cummings defeated Schilling and several other riders. One of the stars from Rolling Oaks Stables, Maggie Smith captured the Morgan Classic Equitation Championship.
A talented hunter performance rider, Stevie Meder was also the Morgan Hunt Seat Equitation Champion, section two qualifying winner and AMHA Hunt Seat Medal Champion. Becca Trietch turned in the reserve championship ride, while Tabitha Griswald was the top pick in section one.
Brooke Alley was a happy young lady when hers was the first name called out in the Morgan Walk/Trot Hunter/Western Seat Equitation Championship. The pride and product of the Barbara Irvine Stables, Miller Young Fina was the reserve grand champion and reserve qualifying winner. Angelina Ditta took the victory pass in the first round.
Returning to the Saddlebred pleasure division, all sections of the pleasure division were filled with prime time players. Rick Daigle and Liquid Thunder sailed to victory in both the Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship and qualifier. This little powerhouse held off charges from several teams including reserve grand champions Don’t Ask Why WRF with Sharon Stoltz and reserve qualifying winners Berry Garcia and Caroline Deshaies.
The best of the Junior Park Pleasure Prospect class turned out to be Rebel’s Trip The Night Fantastic, ridden by Jessica Verrill for Olivia Tillman Harding. The L.M. Turner Stables team made the victory pass ahead of reserve winners Tangles Dreams and C. Michael Behr, among others.
Turner Stables had a strong hold on the young horse classes as Turner rode Roseridge Get Ready to top the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Caton and Collins. Riding for Nick Grewal, David Cater presented reserve money winner Mountainview’s King William.
Winner of several UPHA Park Pleasure Classics and A-1 Park Sweepstakes last year, He Is The Heir matured nicely over the winter and has come back as the Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Grand Champion and qualifying winner for Careen Dubuc and Phoenix Prophecies. Trainer Kevin Tomasko lost his ride but still had the pleasure of hanging another tricolor on the Phoenix Stables tack room.
Riding for Mrs. Paul Rice, Holli Esposito took Co Ed’s Impressive Lady to the Adult Show Pleasure Reserve Grand Championship. Cathy Rodgers Holmes and Michelotti LCC held down the reserve placing in the qualifier.
Wright Hall Stables was two for two in the Novice Rider Adult Show Pleasure section. Making victory passes in the qualifier and championship were Brian Fitzsimmons and Royalty At Midnight. Julie Barker moved up a notch from the qualifier to command the reserve grand champion victory pass with the multi-titled Daddy O. Annie Porte and Midnight’s April Dancer wore the red ribbon from the ring in the qualifier.
The blue prize in the Novice Three-Gaited Pleasure class was awarded to Charm’s Top Cat, an entry owned and ridden by Sheana Kerwin. Audrey Pade’s MacDonald Dixon scored the red in this one.
What a year it has been so far for Caroline Rose and Memories Of Memphis. Their first two times out at Raleigh a few weeks ago resulted in victory passes and now two more 14-17 show pleasure wins were added to the record via the UPHA 14 Spring Premiere. Kristen and David Cater keep this team in top order. They had to be right on the money because Christie Milbury and the big doing Spirited Edition were the sporty reserve grand championships. Jessica Moctezuma and the versatile champion CH Callaway’s Royal Request carried reserve honors from the ring in the qualifier.
Elaine Gregory and Robin McGahey put Melina LaBonte and Corporate Focus on top in the 13 and Under Show Pleasure Championship. Judge Moore put the Nicholas Villa trained Bella Dahl and Elena Vail in the spotlight as the reserve grand champions. They also held down the reserve prize in the qualifier that was won by Elizabeth Ververeli and CH Callaway’s Publicist who are no stranger to the top.
Competition was extremely strong in the walk and trot pleasure division. Jon Douglas directed Jackie Maynard and My Peridot to the top of the 10-11 championship in which Stephanie Shaubush and Classic Star were reserve. Max Liberty and Gradell’s Wild Reflection made the last pass in the 10-11 qualifier.
There was also a Walk and Trot Pleasure Championship for riders 7-9. Representing her parents, Jon and Sarah Lettre, Lexi Lettre was the grand champion with Medomak Ever Beamin. They were also winners of the Walk and Trot Pleasure 7-9 Year Old Riders. Molly Codeanne and Captain Planet stepped up with a reserve grand champion performance under the direction of her grandmother, Lynn McNamara. Rebecca Knoll and M Wild Jewel had the reserve ride in the qualifier.
Joellen Fisher Blount filled in admirably for Jayne Romano as she drove Mahvalous Guy to the winner’s circle of the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. The Jan Lukens trained team had challengers coming at them from all directions, namely reserve grand champions CH Lover’s Heir and Tiana Tapper (winners of the qualifier); and newcomers Drop Dead Gorgeous and Millie LeBoff who finished third with a good showing. Also in the mix, Claudia Fletcher and Midtown Magic finished reserve in the qualifier.
There wasn’t any room in the Adult Country Pleasure Championship for error. Competition was keen, however, Patricia Bartsch and Mr. Rockefeller put it all together to make the last pass as grand champions. This was yet another Cater Stables winning combination. Always among the top prizewinners, CH Titleist Commander finished the week as reserve grand champion for owner/rider Traci Massaro. Third place finishers in the championship, Roberta Hirshon and Platinum Asset topped the adult qualifier.
Just nine years old, Savannah Pike rode Chi Town Willy past the competition in the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship. Reserve grand champion honors belonged to the Somersdream team of Megan Derby and Mr. Diamond Merchant who had made the victory pass in the qualifier.
Coming off a winning ride at Raleigh Spring, Joe Webb and Wicked Whispers scored a blue and then the tricolor in the Novice Rider Country Pleasure qualifier and championship. Junior exhibitor grand champion Chi Town Willy was the reserve champion for owner/rider Savannah Pike.
Megan Adams and Genius Poetic Justice added their names to the list of 2007 UPHA 14 grand champions. Their title came in the Country Pleasure Driving finale where Midnight Eclipse and Elizabeth McCracken were reserve grand champions. Vicki Wyman and Callaway’s One More Round went home with the blue streamers in the first round of competition.
The horse that does it all, CH A Magic Surprise, took home the Country Western Pleasure Championship to North Wind Stables. Jessica Moctezuma was in the saddle for Pat Johnson. A Magic Surprise had opened up the Symphony of Horses with Carson Kressley in the saddle.
Last year’s reserve national champion, Mapleridge Rare Event was the Spring Premiere Country Western Pleasure Reserve Grand Champion and reserve Shatner winner for Sue English and trainers Marsha and Gary Garone. A Magic Surprise had also won the qualifier but in that one it was Fame’s Favour and Cassi Wentz in the reserve slot. Dr. Nancy Trent’s Ultimate Fire added yet another blue ribbon to the North Wind tack room with a win in the Shatner class.
Equitation has been a strong suit of Chapter 14 for many years as riders from New England consistently do well on the national circuit. The year’s group of champions will also be making waves at the top level.
Marsha and Gary Garone’s Fairfield South riders spent a lot of time in the winner’s circle starting with Kyle Gagnon and the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. A world and national finals champion for a number of years, Gagnon also won the 14-17 age group to qualify for the senior championship. Representing Cater Stables, Laura McGee enjoyed an extra pass as the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Grand Champion. From Wright Way Stables, Meghann Wright displayed her skills as the reserve 14-17 equitation rider. Novice winner Kristin Chandler was third in the senior championship.
Gagnon’s stablemate Olivia Prentiss rode as the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Grand Champion. It was the second consecutive year for the junior title. Her skills were also evident in the victory pass of the 12-13 year old class where she placed just ahead of High Tail Acres’s Alexis Taylor Pearson.
Third in the 12-13 qualifier, Kate Kielceski rose to the occasion and finished the week as the Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Reserve Grand Champion under the direction of Alicia Fraser. Earlier she also enjoyed a victory pass in the UPHA 13 and Under Challenge Cup. Jessica Moctezuma had winning rides in the UPHA 14-17 Challenge Cup, NHS Good Hands and the USEF Medal. Kimberlee Meserve and Alexandria Simpson were reserve riders.
Keeping the winning ribbons hanging on the Fairfield South tack room, Gavin Gagnon turned in yet another winning ride, this one the Saddle Seat Equitation 11 and Under blue. Michaela Gillispie earned the reserve title among a group of top young riders.
A strong group of walk and trot riders came prepared for competition and they went home with winning ribbons. Emily Tarr was the Walk and Trot Equitation Grand Champion from Cedar Spring Farm and she was followed by Alexandria Frangiosa, winner of the 11 and Under Walk and Trot class under the direction of Jean DeGutis.
Katharine McCaughey was tops among the UPHA 9-10 Walk and Trot Challenge Cup riders ahead of Rebecca Knoll. Following her family’s footsteps, Lexi Lettre was the UPHA 8 and Under Challenge Cup Champion. Also from a family of accomplished equestrians, Molly Codeanne rode as the reserve champion.
Equitation Unlimited stablemates Brittany Schilling and Meghan Bradley were first and second respectively in the Pleasure Equitation Championship and qualifier. Lauren Lagasse had the blue ribbon ride in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup in which Alexandria Simpson was reserve. Marissa Gillispie was on top in the Pleasure Medallion.
The youngest of aspiring stars rode in the Leadline Equitation competition. A winner of several Leadline classes last year as well as a 2007 Symphony of Horses performer, Ariella Silber was all business on her way to having fun in the winner’s circle of the Leadline Equitation class. Kristen Cater was on the end of the winning lead. Carolyn Genatossio took Ainsley Hill to the reserve title for Somersdream.
Taylor Pluta was the top rider from the Leadline Hunt/Western Seat competition. Philip Roberts was right there in reserve.
On the other end of the spectrum, Margaret Biggs was the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup Champion, followed by Marlo Franco and then Cynthia Fawcett.
Friesians also had their time to shine and some of their classes were extremely large. The always-popular Jorrit reigned supreme as the Friesian Pleasure Saddle Grand Champion with David Arnold riding for Lou and Delia Fox. Open class winner Gooitzen Fan Teakesyl made a strong showing as the reserve grand champion with Jan Lukens riding for owner Annika Bruggeworth who also won the ladies pleasure class aboard Gooitzen Fan Teakesyl. Bruggeworth and Jan Lukens also won the Pro-Am Pleasure Saddle Seat class with Daimler B.
From Misty Meadows, Afko and Bob Neimeth were on top in both the Friesian Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier. David Arnold presented twice reserve champion Hattie for Rosemarie and Gary Saccocia.
These were some of the highlights from the 2007 UPHA 14 Spring Premiere Horse Show’s 25th edition. Complete results may be found by clicking here.
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