A Wild Week at Indianapolis Charity
Friday, June 13, 2008
by Leeann Mione
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – This year’s Indianapolis Charity Horse Show was a terrific horse show with even more entries than last year and world’s champions competing in class after class. But Mother Nature was also competing for attention and she got it Friday night with an awesome and frightening display of her power and unpredictability.
The weather made it a wild weekend in Indianapolis. Photo by Bill Whitinger.
Indianapolis Charity has a reputation of attracting some of the industry’s top barns from throughout Indiana and the rest of the country with their Saddlebreds, Morgans, Friesians, Hackneys and roadsters and the show has been growing at a steady pace for the last several years. This year, with the schedule right on top of longtime Kentucky favorite Rock Creek, which has its own historic relevance, it was hard to predict how the numbers at both shows would stack up.
The good news is that both shows came out on top.
The air conditioned Pepsi Coliseum offered a very comfortable venue for showing and watching the huge pleasure classes, nicely filled and competitive Five-Gaited Stake, Roadster Pony Stake, Saddle Seat Equitation and the junior exhibitor and Amateur Three- and Five-Gaited Stakes. The Morgan, Friesian and road horse classes had considerably fewer entries but they were represented by current, former and perhaps future world’s champions. Tim Roesink served as judge of the Morgan division.
With so many top horses on the grounds it was surprising that there was not a Three-Gaited Stake. With $1,000 in prize money up for grabs, you’d have thought someone would have wanted to have a go at it, but instead, the ladies, amateur, junior exhibitor, junior horse and UPHA Classic classes drew the numbers and turned out to be very competitive.
There were plenty of show ring highlights, however, including the winning performance by 16-year-old Thunder & Lightning in the Roadster Pony Championship. Denise Steinhauer drove amidst a great field of six to be named the grand champion with "Stormy" under the direction of Rick Wallen.
By the time the Roadster Pony Championship was in the ring, the weather had calmed down and things were back to normal. In fact, Saturday proceeded on schedule from beginning to end. That was a welcome relief after Friday evening’s crazy weather and the drama that ensued.
The evening session began Friday with the Fine Harness Stake, followed by the Show Pleasure Driving Championship. All the while, the clouds were gathering and the skies grew darker and darker. Weather reports warned of approaching tornadoes and torrential rain.
After the pleasure driving horses exited the ring, it was announced that the schedule was going to be suspended for a while due to the approaching bad weather. The Indianapolis facility, while indoors, does require horses stabled in the adjacent barn to be outside briefly on their way to the coliseum and management made the call to halt the action as a safety measure.
Just a few minutes later, announcer Tuffy Owens asked everyone in the coliseum to evacuate their seats and move into the hallway because of a tornado warning. The weather delay was for a good reason and after a while the skies began to clear. The tornado never came, the heavy rain eventually let up and it looked like Indy was going to escape the worst of it. At least that’s what it seemed like when you went back inside the coliseum and couldn’t see what was happening outside.
Outside the wicked thunder and lightning were an indicator that it was going to be a long night. The action began again and Judge Brian Reimer named the ribbon winners in a host of good classes.
Eight junior exhibitor three-gaited riders came through the gate and not long after, the action stopped again, but this time it was because of a thrown shoe. The timing could not have been more perfect. Riders were either walking or stopped on the rail while they waited for the shoe to be put back on when suddenly the lights went out.
To say it was dark inside the coliseum is an understatement. It was so dark, for what seemed like forever, it was impossible to see your hand in front of your face. A large gasp went out from the crowd, then a hush seemed to come over the audience as everyone waited for the emergency generator to kick on. When it finally did and some light was restored to the arena, trainers rushed in to get to their riders.
It seemed that no one quite knew what to do at that point. Power was out back in the barns and in the coliseum which meant no sound system for announcing and a very dark trip back to the stalls for the eight young riders and their horses.
With Owens shouting as loud as he could and with the help of trainer Kurt Hufferd of Indian Creek Morgans, everyone was asked to be quiet and the announcement was made that the class would be finished so it could be tied and riders could go back to the barns.
Riders picked up the canter first way and reversed to put on a great show despite the unusual circumstances. When results were announced, it was the DeLovely team of Show Baby Show and Christina Collis named as the blue ribbon winners.
Riders were asked to dismount at the out gate before heading back to their stalls because the barns and walkways were still very dark.
Show ring safety has been on the minds of everyone since the numerous discussions held at this year’s UPHA/AHHS National Convention in Roanoke. It was widely agreed in those discussions that the best policy is always to "come into the center and park".
The extreme darkness and length of the blackout at Indy however, raises more questions and the issue needs to be addressed again. How can you come into the center if you can’t see where it is? Should you dismount if possible or stay on your horse? How can we prevent such prolonged, blinding darkness?
What about the warm up ring? At Indy, the next class was the Road Horse To Bike Championship followed by the Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving Championship. Those horses were in the warm up ring with owners, exhibitors, trainers and grooms.
Everyone emerged unscathed but results in both the warm up and show rings could have very easily been far different.
Thankfully, the junior exhibitors were not trotting or cantering when the lights went out and the roadsters weren’t in the ring going at speed. None were headed across the middle to find a spot on the opposite rail.
After tying the class, the rest of the session was postponed and classes were moved to the beginning of the Saturday evening session with the exception of the Harness Pony Championship on Saturday morning.
Bad weather can’t always be predicted and it can’t be controlled. It simply has to be dealt with in the most safety conscious way by everyone involved. Show manager Phyllis Harris drew on the advice and help from both Hufferd and trainer Chuck Herbert. "I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to both Kurt and Chuck for their help in this situation. They gave me great advice and helped control things while we worked to get the power back up and decide what to do."
Bad weather aside, the Indianapolis Charity had much to be proud of as great class after great class added names to the prestigious list of previous "Indy 500" winners.
Phyllis Harris, assisted by Show Secretary Judy McManama and Assistant Show Manager Barbara Fischler helped the show be such a success. Fischler was also surprised with the 2008 recipient of the Shining Star Award.
Terry Young took on the task of capturing the winning photos and Brad Noel was the show ringmaster. June Brune returned as the official organist, Pat Crutchett was the paddock announcer and Greg Mominee was official farrier. Drs. Duane and Bruce McDavitt were the official veterinarians.
The dessert party that had been scheduled for Friday after the show was set up Saturday evening and after a full day of competition including the morning session and a big number of academy classes, everyone was ready to enjoy the great assortment of sweets as they prepared for the show’s final session.
A pizza party Thursday evening, along with the dessert party were both provided, compliments of Arnie’s Restaurant in Indianapolis. Donna Seedorf, Debbie Owens and Terry Hudson were the morning coffee hostesses for the week.
The show benefits the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund and once again raised money for the non-profit group which grants wishes for children with life threatening illnesses. The show’s benefactor since 1995, the Indianapolis Charity to date has donated more than $173,000 to the charity.
Even with the weather related events of Friday night, the show was definitely a success. More horses, ponies and people made the trip to Indianapolis this year and raised more money for charity than ever before.
While questions have been raised about how to deal with situations such as the power outage at Indianapolis Charity, the situation was handled as well as it could have been, no one was hurt or injured and ultimately it was one heck of a horse show from beginning to end.
Although it may have been somewhat anticlimactic to watch a really nice Five-Gaited Stake early in a very busy session Saturday night, Judge Brian Reimer had a hardworking and talented group of horses in front of him and they put on a great show for the crowd.
Melissa Moore and Twice Charmed couldn’t be denied and they were named the grand champions for owner Sandy Witter. Shame On You, with Merrill Murray on board, was right there for the reserve title for owner Maguire Hall LLC.
The ladies class was even larger and also extremely competitive. Lisa Strickland piloted her own entry Celtic Lass to the top spot. Jenny Taylor and Beringer Red took reserve for Fred Rhue.
The amateurs closed out the show in the final class Saturday night to determine the champion after a great qualifying class earlier in the week. Janet Kellett and CH Callaway’s Banner Headline turned in a powerful performance to earn the tricolor. Callaway’s Born A Winner and Jennifer Fisher exited with the reserve streamers under the direction of Tammy Devore.
Andrea Nelson headed to the winner’s circle in the amateur qualifier and was met by Martin Teater for the presentation. Five O’Clock and Chris Nalley put together the reserve effort from DeLovely Farm.
Hunter Chancellor debuted with Platinum's New Look to sweep the junior exhibitor five-gaited division.
Hunter Chancellor had a busy week in Indy and she faced a strong group for her debut with Platinum’s New Look in the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited class. Chancellor took control all the way to center ring to receive the blue ribbon and then returned in the championship to add another win to the DeLovely total. Cory Vetter and She’s Fancy Free were right on track to finish with both reserve ribbons under the direction of Marilyn Macfarlane.
A big group of talented four-year-olds came through the gate in the junior class and they put on a great show for the crowd. Melissa Moore, riding Callaway’s Carnival In Rio for Sally McClure Jackson, took the victory pass for Sunrise Stables. Todd Graham had a successful show with his group and he finished in second with Stravinski for Penny Greer. Graham wasn’t done yet. Mr. Hayworth carried Graham straight to the winner’s circle in the UPHA Five-Gaited Classic to add the win to Greer’s total.
Jim and Fay Lowry brought a huge group of Saddlebred and Morgans and by the end of the show had lots of top ribbons hanging on the tack room wall including the red ribbon in the UPHA class. Jim Lowry rode Certain Style for owner Bonus Time Farm LLC.
The limit class also showcased the strength of the five-gaited division at this year’s show. Like the ladies and amateur classes, it hosted a large group and Todd Graham went to the head of the class once again when Reimer named Callaway’s Melosa the winner. Walterway’s What About Me and Merrill Murray claimed the red ribbon for owner Larry Hartsock.
Trainers Tammy Devore and Todd Miles waited at the out gate for the results of the Five-Gaited Pony Stake as Our Sonflower and Moon Charmer entertained the crowd both times. Moon Charmer came away with both blues with Tyler Miles up to add to his list of wins this season. Caroline Walker rode Our Sonflower for Hickory Hill Farm.
It was surprising that with the number of entries of Indy that there was no Three-Gaited Stake.
Four ladies showcased their skills in the Ladies Three-Gaited class and when Reimer’s card was turned in, it was the Krussell Stables-trained team of The King’s Lady Anne and Debra Hoffman named to take the blue. Gloria Vanderbilt, with Fay Lowry up, exited with the red ribbon for Wrapped in Rainbows Farm and Ashlyn Farms LLC.
The amateur division was full of quality entries and it was last year’s park winners Kent Brockman and Bridgette McNeese selected as the winners of both the championship and qualifier under the direction of Martin Teater. Erin Obenauf, showing from Reiser Stables, was on board Callaway’s Blue Waltz for reserve in both classes.
After a wild junior exhibitor class, Show Baby Show and Christina Collis returned to win the competitive Three-Gaited Junior Exhibitor Championship for S.A.B. Inc. Gypsy’s Say When, owned by Andrea Perry and shown by Tyler Miles, made it a one-two finish for DeLovely. Caitlyn Donohue rode her King Of The Blues WVF to the red ribbon in the qualifier under the direction of Tom Thorpe at Northern Tradition Farm.
Although not quite as large as the junior five-gaited class, the junior horse class in the three-gaited division was a great showcase of four-year-olds who no doubt will be entertaining crowds for years to come.
Carter Cox, so often seen on a nice young horse, headed to the winner’s circle when Ribbons And Reins was called out as the winner for owner William Phelps. Stonecroft Night Light and Fay Lowry were named for the reserve for owners Karrie Graham and Dwaine Kinderknecht.
Bob Bobaloo and Martin Teater teamed up to win the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic for A.E. Nelson.
Martin Teater was in the irons for the winning ride with Bob Bobaloo in the UPHA Three-Gaited Classic for owner A.E. Nelson. Simbara’s Sandcastle was next in line for a ribbon for Dr. and Mrs. Simon Fredricks.
Bille Graham rode Callaway’s Rosemary And Thyme to the blue in the limit class. Her win added another to the Royal Winds total. Heir’s Bells And Whistles was second with Ashley Smith riding for Norine Smith under the direction of Amanda Mark.
It’s Murphy’s Law and Erin Taylor and Another Hot Summer Night with Audrey Lowry switched placed in the pony classes. Taylor accepted the tricolor in the championship under the direction of Chuck Herbert after claiming reserve in the qualifier. Lowry’s rode for blue in the qualifier.
Cheryl Friedman’s entry A Midnight Kiss took the top prize in the Three-Gaited Park Stake with Chris Reiser showing in the talent-filled class. Tammy Devore rode Handsome Heir to reserve for Rolf Hanna.
Major Buck and Jim Lowry teamed up to win the even bigger open park qualifier for owner Jim Dodson. Asylum and Tom Thorpe were right behind to take the red ribbon for Patricia Barnard.
Day's Grecian Gray won a big Amateur Park Championship with Michelle Krentz to sweep the division under the direction of Knollwood.
Michelle Krentz and Day’s Grecian Gray also faced a big, deep group for the amateur stake and they were selected to receive the tricolor under the direction of Knollwood Farm after receiving the reserve in the amateur qualifier.
Big Man On Campus and Scott Hagan were victorious in the amateur class to add a blue to the George Knight Stables total and Hagan Saddlebreds.
Hi On Heir and Sally Jackson finished their week with a tricolor and reserve in the fine harness division to represent Sunrise Stables. Jackson drove for the victory pass in the Fine Harness Stake and also handled the drive in the junior class.
Janet Kellett kept her winning streak on track with the win in the amateur class with Hoof Prince. Harlem’s Santa Fe and Susan Bartlett were in top form and claimed the red ribbon from Cedarwood Farm.
Simbara’s Heir Fair won the junior class for Tim and Mary Shea. Carter Cox drove to add another win to the Woodstock Farm total.
Reimer selected HS Marakesh’s Prodigy as the winner of the UPHA Fine Harness Classic. George Knight drove for Hagan Saddlebreds. Last year’s two-year-old world’s champion Curtis Lowe exited with the red ribbon with Steve Demjen driving for Lisa May and Steve Demjen.
Knight also handled the drive to the winner’s circle in the Two-Year-Old Fine Harness class with HS Daydreams Come True, owned by Hagan Saddlebreds.
Raymond Shively and Tom Fiedler battled it out for the top two spots in the open road horse to bike division and fortunately, they were not in the coliseum for their championship when the lights went out.
Bill Becker and Raymond Shively visited while watching their horses warm up.
They came back Saturday night to see who would claim the tricolor and once again it was Emerson, with Shively driving, named as the winner. Valparaiso took both reserves under the direction of Lowry Stables.
Quill was directed by Majestic Oaks for the win in the under saddle class with owner Holli McDowell on board. Rosetta’s Sergio and Connie Smith were reserve for owner Travis Smith.
Thunder & Lightning, at the age of 16, was the Roadster Pony Grand Champion with Denise Steinhauer driving from Rick Wallen Stables.
How appropriate that Thunder & Lightning’s barn name is "Stormy". The weather was no longer stormy but he was on fire with a powerful effort to win the Roadster Pony Stake at the age of 16 with owner Denise Steinhauer handling the winning drive from Rick Wallen Stables. Desert Fox also turned in a strong effort for owner Linda Park to be named the reserve grand champions from Steve Demjen Stables.
Heartland Wonderful Miss and Maureen Lydon were the winners of the open class for Creekridge LLC. Lydon, like so many others, had a very busy week going back and forth between Indy and Rock Creek. Dun-Haven Awesome Image and Connie Smith teamed up to take reserve in the open class for Beth Jones.
Showing under the direction of Bacon Stables, Jane Mueller and Murry Dickson were named the amateur champions to pick up the blue ribbon. The Debonaire Stables-trained team of Runaway and David Estis claimed the nice reserve for Burnside Manor Farm.
Holli McDowell was back in the winner’s circle when number 168 was called out as the winner of the UPHA Roadster Pony Classic for Jack Tatum. Josh Greer drove his pony Regal’s Lightning Strike LF to reserve.
The two medallion classes, like the roadster under saddle class, were new to the Indy schedule this year and both medallion wins came from Majestic Oaks which made it a clean sweep.
Dun Haven Grandiose and Kristie Buerkley won the AHHS Roadster Pony Youth Medallion and Pure Country won the AHHS Roadster Pony Under Saddle Medallion. Samantha Johnson rode for Lisa McMackin and Holli McDowell.
Kathryn Nichols drove Dun-Haven Phenomenal to start her day off right Saturday morning. They won the Harness Pony Championship Saturday morning after the class was moved from Friday night.
Linda Lewis was directed by Jim McIntosh to the win in the amateur class with her pony Mi Leonardo. Blackhawk, with Juan Rios handling the drive, was the winner of the UPHA Harness Pony Classic. Rios drove for Stonecroft Farm who will be changing this pony’s name to Nobu. Heartland Moon Shot and Matt Schuckert picked up the red ribbon in the UPHA class for David Estis.
Rios kept the wins coming and he took another victory pass, this time in the Hackney Pony Championship with Mark In Time. The Bent Tree Farm-owned pony topped three other elegant ponies for the win. Lewis and her well-known Final Contender took the reserve tricolor in the championship after having won the amateur class. David Estis handled the drive with Regal’s Top Gun for the red ribbon in the amateur qualifier from Debonaire Stables. Heartland Storyteller, also from Debonaire Stables, won the UPHA Classic with Matt Schuckert showing for Richard McQuown.
Early Edition and Jane Mueller won the Hackney Pleasure Driving Championship and qualifier under the direction of Bacon Stables.
Early Edition and Jane Mueller made it two for two when they were selected as the Hackney Pleasure Pony Driving Champions from Bacon Stables. High Life’s Pride and Karen Thompson took the reserve titles in both pleasure driving classes for owner Karen Lee.
Kelsey Herbert had two ponies that won at the show for Cedarwood Farm. She used an unusual technique for applying mascara to her cousin Hanna Daily, who showed Superfine Doll in the academy division.
Owner Kelsey Herbert had two winning ponies at Indy. She drove Heartland Showboat to the blue in the UPHA Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Classic and Heartland’s Night Prowler won the AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Youth Medallion with Melissa Steinkamp.
The quality and numbers at Indy this year were impressive. Numerous world’s champion horses and ponies graced the ring in class after class in the three-gaited, five-gaited, fine harness, roadster and pony divisions.
The pleasure divisions however, truly displayed what the show was all about. A great facility, great schedule and great management are what bring people to a horse show and the pleasure horses came in droves.
Brian Reimer had the difficult task of naming the ribbon winners in huge class after huge class and he had some of the country’s best in front of him all week.
The Adult Five-Gaited Pleasure Championship, like the adult qualifier, was a great class and a big group came through the gate to see who would come out on top. Out Of Reach proved that the tricolor wasn’t out of reach and Karin Blankenship headed to the winner’s circle to pose for the photo with trainer Todd Graham.
Sally Jackson teamed Cats’ Don’t Dance in a strong effort to take the reserve under the Sunrise Stables banner and added to her very successful week at Indianapolis.
CH Chandler and Lisa McClaren couldn’t be denied on their way to the win in the adult qualifier under the direction of Country Meadow Farm and they picked up their hard-fought blue for Fifth Gait LLC. Reedann’s Top Notch, with owner Dr. Kyla Tremper in the irons, finished with the red ribbon under the direction of Pat McConnell of MBA Equestrians.
The five-gaited pleasure junior exhibitor division was new to the Indianapolis schedule this year, and like the adult classes, was extremely competitive. Tyler Devore, always a showman, was met by his mom, Tammy Devore, when Believe Her won the junior exhibitor stake for Mallory Greaves. Cool Down Papa and Kathryne Stief, showing from Lowry Stables, were right there to take the reserve streamers. Both teams finished in the same order in their qualifier.
The Park Pleasure Stake was also a very competitive class and was well filled. Steel N A Dream and Scott Matton turned in the winning effort for owner Cori O’Brien to add another win to the Knollwood Farm total. Sapphire On Ice and Toni Knight represented Mark Utoft Stables with their reserve championship finish for owner Katherine Meintz. They also took second place in the big open qualifier.
Surfer Boy has been a many time winner in harness and kept his win streak going when he moved to the under saddle division. Walden Bullard rode to the blue in the open class for owner Georgia Baker under the George Knight Stables banner for a successful under saddle debut.
Kurt Hufferd, from Indian Creek, showcased one of the many young horses on their string this year and he headed down victory lane in the Junior Park Pleasure class with Callaway’s Come As You Are for owners Silver Arrow Stables. Imagine My Surprise, owned by Steven Chancellor, followed in the ribbon count with Todd Miles showing.
The Hillcroft Farm-bred horses just finished a good week at Devon and it was another Hillcroft bred entry that took the top spot in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic. Billy Jarrell rode Hillcroft Sweet Kiss to the blue for owners David and Kim Clements.
Irish Tribute and owner/trainer Nancy Ress closed out the park pleasure division with their win in the Park Pleasure Driving class.
There were so many show pleasure horses on the grounds that the adult championship was split into two sections as was the limit class. The junior exhibitors each had their own age group and championship classes and quality across the board was terrific.
Shawn Stachowski and her Santana’s Gypsy Gal came back after their adult qualifier to put together a strong team effort and win the section one adult championship for Stachowski Farms. The win gave them their second of the week as they had also won the section two limit class. Thundersnow and Erin Obenauf moved up in the ribbons to take the reserve championship under Chris Reiser’s direction and close out their great show at the Pepsi Coliseum.
Backstage Pass and owner Cathy Schueler won the first split in the big limit class then returned in the section two adult championship to add another win to their total. Brooke Jacobs showed CH My Southern Charm to the section two reserve tricolor for Werk Way Stables. They claimed the red ribbon in the adult class behind Natalie Udell and King Of Pop. Udell topped a huge class on her way to the winner’s circle under the direction of Bell View Acres.
CH New York Style and Ben Ferreby were the Three-Gaited Pleasure 14-17 Grand Champions under the direction of Marilyn Macfarlane of Walnut Way Farm.
CH New York Style and Ben Ferreby were met by Marilyn Macfarlane when they turned in the first place effort in the 14-17 championship amidst deep competition. Carameaprize and Jennifer Zuchell took the reserve tricolor under the direction of Ray Krussell after winning the 14-17 class. Irish Epic and Alle Hogan were the 14-17 reserve champions in the qualifier.
Tyler Miles was back up on a winning entry when he showed Can You Hear Me Now to the 13 and under championship win for Steven Chancellor. Hunter Chancellor rode to the blue ribbon in the qualifier earlier in the week. Bouffant and Courtney McGinnis gave DeLovely the top two spots when they were selected by Reimer as the reserve champions. Caroline Walker kept her good show going with the reserve in the 13 and under qualifier with Walterway’s Headline Material.
Stacey Luft finished as the reserve champion with The Country Lover in the section one limit class behind Backstage Pass. Luft rode under the direction of Mark Utoft. Danger High Voltage was the section two limit class reserve champion with owner Susannah Sherman to add the reserve to the Cedarwood Farm total.
Stonecroft I’m Radiant and Karrie Graham swept the show pleasure driving division for Graham and Kinderknecht and added two more wins to their total. Callaway’s Landslide, with Brendan Heintz driving for Jeanette Durant, was the reserve grand champion and Gigolo Joe was reserve in the qualifier with owner Toni Nastali in the cart.
The big country division kept the momentum going and another big group came through the gate. After taking reserve in the competitive adult qualifier, Erin Obenauf and A Winter Pearl returned to top the big group and add the tricolor to the Reiser Stables banner. Cheetah’s Admiral and Joellen Fisher Blount picked up the reserve streamers from DeLovely.
Megan Mahoney, riding under the direction of Country Meadow Farm, with her entry Worthy One’s Party Dude, headed down victory lane and was met by trainer Julie Arnston Wroble for her victory pass.
Ooh La Latte was just one of several winners representing Sugar Knoll. Sarah Lawson swept the junior exhibitor country pleasure division for owner James Williams.
Shelly Fisher directed Ooh La Latte to the red, blue and gold ribbon with Sarah Lawson riding for James Williams after having won the junior exhibitor qualifier. Brittany Baird and teammate Crimson Blue were right there for both reserve ribbons for Margo Baird Valentine and MBA.
Kristie Keating and Arrowhead's Captain Morgan won the Limit Country Pleasure class under the direction of Mike McIntosh.
The limit horse section wasn’t as large as for the show pleasure horses, but it was still very well filled and very competitive and it was Emily Abbott and Arrowhead’s Captain Morgan were named to go to the head of the class. Abbott rode for owner Kristie Keating under the direction of Mike McIntosh and Kathy Conflenti. We Be Jammin earned the red ribbon in the class with owner Carolyn Stuart on board.
Jim and Jenny Taylor, of Memory Lane Farm, directed John Scheidt and Stonecroft Tangueray to a sweep of the country pleasure driving division. Callaway’s Sportscaster and Paige Giusfredi followed in the ribbon count in both classes and exited as the reserve grand champions and reserve champions. Sportscaster represented Bell View Acres with Giusfredi.
The western pleasure division has consistently been well-filled and competitive at shows around the country since even before it was added to the World’s Championship Horse Show, which will be here quicker than we think. The western pleasure horses at Indy kept that reputation intact and they faced a great group in the championship and qualifier.
Super Rooster has been one of the division’s most consistent performers and Lisa McClaren kept her good show going with the championship and qualifier wins. Owner/exhibitor Joan Todd and her entry Highly Charmed won the Saddle & Bridle Shatner Western Pleasure class in addition to the reserve titles in the stake and qualifier.
April Cuthbertson swept the hunter country pleasure division and topped two other teams in both the Hunter Country Pleasure Championship and qualifier. Megan Mahoney continued her busy week by switching gears and putting A.F. Color Creation in the second place slot in both classes. They took the blue ribbon in the Saddle & Bridle Hunt Seat Classic to end their week on a high note.
Debbie Ecksten joined her mom, Linda Lewis, on the list of Indy champs with her Friesian Marko. Showing under the direction of Jim McIntosh, Ecksten and Marko were the Friesian Under Saddle Grand Champions and won the English pleasure class earlier in the week to sweep the division. Hylke and Kristina Mulry, directed by Mike McIntosh, put together the reserve effort in both classes.
Six poised young women took the stage for the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship and all six were veterans of the division with many wins between them in their equitation careers.
After working hard on the rail to showcase their skills, Brian Reimer asked all six riders to perform the workout and the appreciative crowd supported their favorites.
Jacqueline Beck returned home to California after ending her week in Indianapolis as the Saddle Seat Equitation Grand Champion from Zubrod Stables.
Not only a veteran of the equitation division, but also a veteran of cross-country travel, California girl and winner of the 14-17 class, Jacqueline Beck was named the grand champion. Beck showed Kiss Of The Zodiac under the direction of Cindy Zubrod Boel.
Angela Darrow has also been a many time champion in the equitation ranks and she rode Tango Till Dawn under the direction of Knollwood Farm to take the reserve tricolor streamers after the reserve in the 14-17 class.
Kathy Boggs, of Cape Cod Farm, put the team of Hallie Sansbury and Highpoint’s Syncopated Rhythm in the ring and they came away with two victories by week’s end. Sansbury won the 13 and under class then returned to win the NHS Good Hands class.
Shelby Anderson rode Big Hit’s Grand Finale to the red ribbon in the 13 and under class, showing under the direction of Bill and Nancy Becker of Shadow Run.
Macey Miles kept the DeLovely win streak going when she swept the walk and trot division with CH Callaway’s Coraleen. Miles was the Walk & Trot 10 & Under Equitation Grand Champion and qualifier winner. She was followed in the ribbon count in both classes by Madison Miller with Kallisto. Miller rode from Reiser Stables.
Taylor Newton represented Sugar Knoll Farm with her winning ride aboard A Sweet Sensation in the UPHA 17 and Under Challenge Cup. Caitlin Donohue and King Of The Blues WVF were the Challenge Cup reserve champions from Northern Tradition Farm.
Ray Krussell met Morgan Wolin in the winner’s circle when Reimer named her the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup Champion. Wolin rode Linus Van Pelt for the victory pass. Abbott and Captain Morgan were right behind to finish as the reserve champions. Emily Claire carried Eleanor Watkins to the red ribbon finish in the NHS Good Hands class to add another top ribbon to the Zubrod Stables total.
Brittany McGinnis made two successful appearances in the pleasure equitation division with the Fish Creek Stables entry Callaway’s Jackpot. McGinnis won the pleasure medallion class then followed it up with the Pleasure Equitation Championship win. Amberly Hines and Jabez were reserve in the championship under the direction of Shadow Run and they also claimed the reserve in the medallion class.
Sarah Lawson, riding Winnepeg Parks for owner Margaret Williams, added another blue to the Sugar Knoll total with her winning performance in the 14-17 class. Jamie Weisbach was next on Reimer’s card with Oh Gee Whiz to take the red ribbon from Zubrod Stables. She followed up her reserve with the blue ribbon ride in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup.
Abby Mutrux and Blackboard and Margaux Walker with Stratocaster finished one and two, respectively in the 13 and under class. Mutrux represented DeLovely with the win and Walker brought the red ribbon back to Country Meadow and also took reserve in the pleasure challenge cup.
The Morgan division was represented by great quality even if it wasn’t represented by great numbers. Some of the industry’s biggest barns made the trip to Indianapolis to show and all of them went home with plenty of blue and red ribbons by the end of the week.
MEM Chill Factor, owned by Maine Event Morgans, was the Open Park Harness winner and took the victory pass with trainer Kurt Hufferd driving from Indian Creek.
Jim and Fay Lowry directed Rebecca Sebastion and CN Grand Style to the tricolor in the English Pleasure Stake after the red ribbon ride in the amateur class.
HVK Flashback, a teammate at Lowry Stables, won the Junior Exhibitor English Pleasure class with Rebecca Boorstein and added another win with the victory in the Amateur English Pleasure Stake later in the week.
Key Criterion and Karen Shields were the ones to beat in the amateur qualifier and came back for reserve in the amateur stake under the direction of Glenn Bouvier.
Claridge Armani exited with the red streamers in the junior exhibitor class. Alexandra Lawson rode for owner Margaret Williams under the direction of Shelley Fisher.
Futurity Miss Munitions and Nicole Krupp added another blue to the Lowry Stables total with their first place finish in the Walk & Trot English Pleasure class. Krupp rode for owners James and Shula Dodson.
Donna Zimmerman and husband Ron sponsored $50 participation awards for a random winner in each championship class. She rode to the win in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship with Stonecroft After Midnight from Memory Lane Farm.
Donna Zimmerman and her husband, Ron, sponsored a $50 participation award for a random entry in each championship class at the Indianapolis Charity. They got a little bit of their money back when it was announced that Donna Zimmerman earned the $50 in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship. She then got more good news; Stonecroft After Midnight was named the grand champion. Jim and Jenny Taylor directed the team to their tricolor ride and their win in the open class earlier in the week.
Kurt Hufferd and Shanna Gish put the reserve grand champions MIK Assets & Attitude in the ring in the Classic Pleasure Saddle Championship. LCS Second Time Around, with owner Madeleine Evans, received the red ribbon in the classic pleasure saddle qualifier under the direction of Susan Evans from Candlewood Stables.
Audrey Lowry and Cabot Carte Blanche picked up the blue in the junior exhibitor class, followed by MIK Assets & Attitude with Emma Fedoracak in the irons.
Stonecroft Neoclassic added two more wins to the Memory Lane Farm total with Donna Zimmerman in their sweep of the classic pleasure driving division. Paris By Night and Jim Bayman claimed both reserves for Indian Creek.
Cabot Betty White, owned by Bonus Time Farm LLC, was the Hunter Pleasure Grand Champion and ladies champion with Rebecca Sebastian riding. They represented Lowry Stables in the winner’s circle. Crestfield Hi Command and owner Susan Brown won the open and amateur qualifiers before returning to claim the reserve grand championship tricolor to give Lowry Stables the one-two finish.
Winterridge Fancy Tiara and Madeleine Evans took the red ribbon in the Ladies Hunter Pleasure class and Evans also rode PKR Double Trouble to reserve in the amateur class and represented Candlewood Stables.
Rebecca Boorstein and Z’s Majestic Sensation took the victory pass in the Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure class for Equilateral Enterprises LLC and were followed in the ribbons by Trophy’s Maximillion with Corbin Jeffries up. Jeffries rode for owners Katherine and Brad Roberts.
John Huse and AMHF Bal Du Masque were the Morgan Western Pleasure Grand Champions and amateur champions for Springmill Morgans and represented Indian Creek Morgans in the winner's circle.
John Huse and AMHF Bal Du Masque topped one of the Morgan division’s biggest classes; the Western Pleasure Stake. Springmill Morgans took the tricolor under the direction of Indian Creek and they also won the amateur qualifier. Flintwood’s Cracker Jack, with Laine Vincent up for Randy and Laine Vincent, finished as the reserve grand champion from Lowry Stables. Cracker Jack came into the stake having already won the open class with Fay Lowry taking the winning victory pass. Shanna Gish rode Partidge Hill Prophet to reserve in the open class for Spring Hill Morgans.
Madeleine Evans showed her versatility by switching gears to the western division. She took the red ribbon with PKR Double Trouble in the Amateur Western Pleasure class for Tom Ravencourt.
Stephanie Mahoney and Suntime Sugar And Spice teamed up for the blue ribbon in the junior exhibitor class for owner William Coomes. Cape Cod Farm hung the blue ribbon on their tack room wall after Connor Farley rode Aquilla’s Stardust to win the Walk/Jog Western Pleasure class.
Audrey Lowry again headed down victory lane when she won the Morgan Saddle Seat Equitation Championship with Cabot Carte Blanch. Ashley Burns, riding Gradell Wild Surprise, was selected by Reimer for the win in the Walk/Trot 11 & Under Equitation blue ribbon. Nicole Krupp was reserve with Futurity Miss Munitions.
Rebecca Boorstein won the Morgan Hunt Seat Equitation class for the 17 and under riders. She was followed in the ribbon count by Whitney Jeffries, riding Trophy’s Maxamillion. She also won the Walk/Trot Hunt Seat Equitation class. Colleen Coomes and Suntime Sugar And Spice won the Western Seat Equitation class and Connor Farley closed out the division with the win in the walk/jog western equitation win.
The Indianapolis Charity Horse Show definitely had some ups and downs this year, but since no one can control the weather, those have to be taken in stride. In one of the country’s most accommodating facilities and under the direction of one of the industry’s most accommodating management teams, the show saw a big increase in entries and truly great competition in the show ring.
Barbara Fischler Receives 2008 Shining Star Award
(Editor’s Note: The following speech was read by announcer Tuffy Owens, Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show.)
The Shining Star Award for 2008 is presented to Barbara Fischler. Barbara has been assistant show manager but her recent move to Evansville, Ind., will make it difficult for her to continue in that capacity. She will still be in charge of the vendor space however – sending contracts, assigning spaces, etc., and assisting in the horse show office when her time permits.
Barbara started her show ring career many years ago in Northwestern Pennsylvania with a trainer well known in those parts by the name of Ralph Munk. For a number of years, she could not pursue showing horses as her marriage took her to England and she also had a son to raise. In England, she continued riding and judging small shows at her stable.
During her hiatus from showing American Saddlebreds, she raised, trained and showed German Shepherd dogs. While she no longer raises German Shepherds, she is active in that breed club.
Barbara was director of the university libraries at Indiana’s Purdue University campus from 1982 to 1995 and taught library and information sciences in courses there as well as at the Bloomington, Ind., campus of Indiana University. She now frequently does consulting work related to the design of libraries.
She reentered the show ring with an American Saddlebred Show Pleasure Driving horse, Callaway’s Tell All, who was retired a couple of years ago. She now shows her horse Double Click in the show pleasure driving division. Both horses are with trainer Armon Effinger in Evansville, Ind.
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