World Champion Surprises Mark INDY Charity!
Thursday, June 5, 2003

Indy also set the stage for a few surprise visits, surely adding to the show’s excitement. Opening on Thursday afternoon, open Five-Gaited World’s Champion S.S. Genuine made an appearance in the ladies class with Joan Hammond riding David Nierenberg and Debbie Foley’s ever-so-popular gelding. Merrill Murray was of course there to direct Hammond to the win. The stellar pair shined again Saturday night, battling up against world class contenders such as Tigerlee with Jackie Stred and A Song In My Heart with Laurel Nelson. After a hard fought fight, Hammond and Genuine exited as the champions.

While the open gaited stake was lean, with only one entry, the class was nonetheless a show highlight. After Thursday evening’s surprise appearance, spectators were indeed anticipating another glimpse of CH Wild-Eyed and Wicked...with Dena Lopez up for Sally Jackson -- in the open division. While crowds have certainly enjoyed watching Sally Jackson excel in the amateur division over the past year, it was very exciting to see Dena back on board for a change of pace. As the sole entries, Lopez and the current amateur world’s champion turned the gaited stake into more of an exhibition and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

S.S. Genuine with Joan Hammond, and CH Wild-Eyed and Wicked with Dena Lopez, while interesting, were not the only teams that had people talking at Indy. New and old teams were out in full force at the Indianapolis Charity, assuring all there that that Junior League is just around the corner -- and all at Indy are ready to take on the challenge.

Outside the show ring, Indianapolis Charity has a very kind staff available, keeping everything running exceptionally smooth. Phyllis Harris was again the show’s manager. Harris was assisted by Barbara Fischler and Judy McManama, who was the show secretary. James Nichols marked the cards for the saddlebred classes while Laura Kinnick was there for the Morgan judging duties.

One of the things Indy is known for is its Shining Star Award, which is presented to honor people associated with the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show. This year, the Shining Star Award was granted to Jamie and Shan Donaldson. Working on his final year in the business, Jamie Donaldson with the assistance of his lovely wife, Shan, captured the moments as the show’s photographer.

Indy is one of those horse shows that really lives up to its name where charity is concerned. This year the horse show again supported the Indiana Children's Wish Fund. This years' show was dedicated to Rudy Kyler, one of the key developers of the show when it began 29 years ago. Kyler passed away in late 2002. Kyler's wife, Barbara Kyler, is still very involved in working with young people and getting them started in the show ring.

All in all, the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show lived up to up to its reputation as a competitive, charitable show that falls at a time very much appropriate for those getting in prime shape for the road to Louisville.

Now, onto the competition...

FIVE-GAITED Most of the five-gaited classes were very competitive and well filled at Indy. The limit class featured seven entries. Hero's Jumpin' Jack Flash, who impressed the crowds at Bonnie Blue in the open division but fell short of capturing the tricolor after throwing a shoe twice, took the stage and racked away with the blue. Merrill Murray was the winning rider for Barbara Wood and Dr. Raun. Murray was also the winning training in the UPHA Five-Gaited class where he rode Liquid Thunder to the win for Cross Timbers Enterprises. Northern Tradition started its week off right as My Pepper Ann and Tom Thorpe took the blue in the Junior Five-Gaited class for owner Toni Nastali.

The junior exhibitor riders came out in full force with eight making the call for their five-gaited class on Friday evening. Coming from Don Deardorff in Oregon and new to the Delovely team, The Shooter was ridden by Laura Dozer to the Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited win. World's Champions Chandler and Lisa McClaren had a tough go in Friday's qualifier but came back better than ever for the championship. Sweeping the tricolor, Dale Arnston and Julie Wroble directed the pair to victory. The Shooter with Laura Dozer took reserve.

For the amateur riders, Indy held a novice rider five-gaited class where five showed up to gain some experience in the ring. Trained by Jim McIntosh, Debbie Eckston and Callaway's Belfast went home with the blue. The seven horse Amateur Five-Gaited class was exciting as spectators witnessed some world class contenders making their case for victory. In the end and after a hard fought fight, Jackie Stred and Tigerlee garnered the blue with George Knight meeting them for the victory pass. Laurel Nelson put in a solid ride with A Song In My Heart for the red. The amateur gaited stake was as exciting as the amateur qualifier...with a twist. Ladies winner S.S. Genuine and Joan Hammond joined Tigerlee, A Song In My Heart, Colonel Clarence and My Reason To Believe. After an intense class, Hammond and Genuine were named champions while Tigerlee and Jackie Stred took home the reserve. It was great to see Vicke Reed in the winner's circle. Reed rode Olympic Fire to the amateur ladies tricolor.

S.S. Genuine with a different rider, and in the amateur division, was not the only surprise at Indy. Dena Lopez took a trip down memory lane and rode Joe and Sally Jackson's champion, Wild-Eyed and Wicked to the five-horse Open Five-Gaited class win. The pair came back for the championship Saturday evening, giving the stands something to cheer about as Wicked showed everyone exactly what he's made of.

THREE-GAITED The Limit Three-Gaited also kicked off the competition for the walk/trots. Dick Obenauf rode Another Asset to this blue for owner Charles Goodman. The stunning black beauty of Mrs. Alan Robson, Albelarm's Radiant Lady was in prime shape for the UPHA Three-Gaited blue. Jenny Taylor was for owner Mrs. Robson and trainer Tom Ferrebee. Nokus DeVosia and Martin Teater, riding for Kathleen Zimmerman, finished on top in the junior class. There were seven entries in the Junior Exhibitor Three-Gaited class. Send Her Roses and Chelsea Ruxer had a great ride for the blue. Saturday evening's championship class left the new and stellar combination of Brittany McGinnis and Simbara's Audacity on top of the world as they took a well-deserved tricolor back to the Delovely banner. Hot Lava and Caitlin Cooper were the reserve champions for owner Steve Crabtree.

Triple Asset and Sharon Vuinovich made a nice show for the blue in the Amateur Novice Rider Three-Gaited class. For the not so novice riders, nine entries showed up for the amateur walk/trot class. Off to a great start in 2003, Barbara Goodman Manilow rode Lady Maya to the Amateur Three-Gaited victory. The pair held their own in the championship as well, exiting as the champions in a very competitive 10-horse class. Sharla Deuschele was thrilled to take reserve aboard SS Lies Alibis. This team is trained by Richlon.

Under the direction of Lisa Strickland, the Ladies Three-Gaited class went to Sold Out Show and Deborah Jahn. Steel In Love and Fran Crumpler swept the open class for Katherine Cramer. After a second in the amateur qualifier, Brook Jacobs elected to show Sky High Money back the the open stake where the duo captured the tricolor. Margo Baird and beneficiary turned in the reserve performance.

Some interesting combinations marked the park division, adding to the great quality at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show. Shady Creek's Genius and Lindsay Bade were a dominating force as they took the Amateur Park tricolor. The Top Banana and Andy Hutson followed with reserve. Mrs. Alan Robson's remarkable entry, CH Holy Fruit Salad came back from the qualifier in tip top shape with Jenny Taylor on board for trainer Tom Ferrebee. After a near flawless ride, the pair exited as the Park Champions where Tuff Hedman and Robert Gardiner finished reserve.

The park pleasure division was one of the larger or the show with 13 competing in the Junior Park Pleasure class. The very sharp Square Dance and Robert Gardiner won the class for Cathy Klasek. Under the Ruxer Stables banner, Tonosama and Mark Utoft took the blue in the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic for Theresa Vonderschmitt.

FINE HARNESS The fine harness division was somewhat light in numbers, however what we did see was impressive. Callaway's Ike The Sixth and Mike Hylton turned in a winning drive under the direction of Ventura Stables. Chuck Herbert trained Harlem's Santa Fe and Susan Bartlett to the Junior Fine Harness victory. The Amateur Fine Harness class was spectacular as three solid chestnuts made the gate call. The really competitive class finished with Just About Perfect on top of the card with Ellyn Dorsey behind the lines. Catastrophic and Lisa Antalek received a warm applause for the reserve ribbon. The Open Fine Harness class featured five entries. Becoming very familiar with victory, Sass With Class was named the winner and later collected the tricolor with Dena Lopez at the whip both times out for New Millennium Equine Endeavors. Shady Creek's Nell and Jim McIntosh were second to the champions both times out. Linda Lewis is the proud owner of Shady Creek's Nell.

PLEASURE The nine-horse Show Pleasure Driving class concluded with the bold moving George Knight-trained chestnut, River Dance. Coming off a recent win at the Kentucky Spring Premier, this fine talented gelding was driven by owner Dr. Randall Finken. The pair was also on top in the championship where Petra's Beyond Belief and Natalie Udell turned in the reserve performance.

The Five-Gaited Show Pleasure class was exceptional, with 16 working the ring in hopes of capturing a good ribbon, if not just a ribbon. Former junior exhibitor gaited star CH Callaway's Capitol Reporter and new owner Theresa Vonderschmitt had a terrific ride and exited with the blue. Fifteen showed back in Saturday evening's championship. This time, the talented young rider, Mandy Martin took charge and collected the tricolor aboard Ridgefield's Excessive. This team is trained by Northern Tradition. Harlem's Hot Ticket and Natalie Udell were recognized as the reserve champions.

The Limit Three-Gaited Show Pleasure class was another full one with 13 entries in two different sections working the ring. Dick Obenauf directed New York's Best M & N and Mimi Bahcall to the victory pass in the first section. Delightful Fascination and Debi Chylek were first in section two.

Chelsea Ruxer has developed into a very talented agressive riding young lady. She had several top rides at Indy, one being the Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure 14-17 class where she rode Marina Caprina to the blue for Ruxer Farms. CH Born To Be Blue and Thea Ervin impressed Nichols and took their turn at victory in the 13 and under class. The exciting duo held their own and took a second trip down victory land in Saturday evening's Junior Exhibitor Show Pleasure Championship, too.

The Adult Show Pleasure Championship featured 19 top horses that returned from a split qualifier. Under the direction of Toni Knight, Lightnin' Lil and Nicole Beltz won section B. Mary Jane Fredrickson and Fame's Preferential Treatment won section A. The dynamic pair stood out in the deep championship, too, exiting as champions under the Delovely banner.

Show pleasure for the walk trot riders was dominated by Jo Cornell Stables. Christina Collis took the blue with The Worthy Prince while Harlem's Atta Girl finished with the red with Erin Taylor up. Both young ladies ride under the Jo Cornell banner.

The Country Pleasure Driving qualifier had nine entries vying for the blue. Lakeview's Yes I Am and Hope Johnson captured the win. Only four entries show back for the qualifier where Georgia Road and Linda Park swept the tricolor, leaving Callaway's Tell All and Barbara Fischler in the reserve position. Topping off a fantastic week in two divisions in Indianapolis, Shana Jo Brown rode trainer Tom Sworm's bright entry Cloverleaf's Pocketful Of Miracles to the 11-entry Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure Championship following a victory pass ride in the qualifier earlier in the week. The reserve champions were Callaway's Main Event and Heather DeHaven.

The Adult Country Pleasure class may have left the exciting pair of Harlem's Mojo and Toni Nastali on top of the cards but when it came time for the championship it was Country Pleasure Limit winners Heir Express and Marianne Gauger who swept the tricolor. Meadowsweet and Constance MacQueen put forth great effort for a reserve finish.

Judge Nichols put Linda Beltz's elegant entry, Bullet Proof, in winner's circle after a flawless go in the Western Country Pleasure Championship. Hide-A-Way's Golly Miss Molly and Autumn Hunt garnered the reserve championship.

ROADSTERS Both times out, veteran Raymond Shively collected the top ribbon behind the lines of When and Where. The pair won the Open Roadster Horse To Bike as well as the championship where The Big Show and Steve Crabtree finished reserve.

For the road ponies, Bluegrass '76 and Ashley Baird took top honors in the AHHS Hackney Roadster Pony Medallion. The Roadster Pony Championship was battled out by amateur winner Lamborghini, with Laurel Nelson in control and open winner Fit To Be Tied with Brooke Jacobs behind the lines. After an exciting match up, Lamborghini and Nelson collected the tricolor under the direction of Mitch Clark. Fit To Be Tie and Brooke Jacobs finished next in line.

HACKNEY PONIES Frickey Farms collected numerous blue ribbons and tricolors at Indy. Ed Frickey and Classical Dancer added to the collection after claiming the tricolor in the Hackney Pony Championship. Mr. Hawkey and Roy Harris were the reserve champions.

Karen Frickey put in here share for Frickey Farms too, sweeping the Harness Pony Championship behind the lines of the her stunning pony, Ballet. Little Big Man and Becky Brayton Buhl turned in a reserve performance.

The pleasure pony division was deeper in numbers with eight competing in the Amateur Hackney Pleasure Driving and six in the Hackney Pleasure Driving Championship. In both classes, Heartland Parade Time and Kelsey Herbert finished as winners.

EQUITATION Equitation turned out to be great and what was especially nice was that the winning was spread out over various talented riders. The very seasoned Renee Zubrod rode her new mount Wrapped In Roses WRF to the NHS Good Hands blue. The UPHA Challenge Cup went to the polished Jacqueline Beck, who also her new horse, CH Calista. Yet another new team, Jessica Harrison and Attache's Magic Asset, had an outstanding win for the USAE Saddle Seat Medal victory. Both Jacqueline Beck and Jessica Harrison are instructed by Delovely.

Another Delovely lovely, Brittany McGinnis, was named winner in the Saddle Seat Equitation 13 and Under class, making a solid start to her walk/trot/canter career. The 14-17 winner was Shana Jo Brown, who expertly rode Absolut-Leigh So to the win under the guidance of Tom Sworm. Shana Jo Brown was also the Saddle Seat Equitation Grand Champion, after strong rail work and a very polished work out. Lisa McClaren was the reserve champion.

The pleasure equitation competition had its finale on Saturday morning. Seven riders contenders met up for the competition. When all was said and done, Linda Haupt collected the tricolor aboard her mount Wizard's Icon. They also won Saddle & Bridle's Pleasure Medallion. Ashley Goudreau finished as the reserve champion aboard Dream Quest. Jessica Harrison impressed the judge for the top prize in the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup aboard the very tried and true Attache's Magic Asset.

Two of Jo Cornell's students matched up for the walk and trot competition. Christina Collis garnered the tricolor ribbon in the Walk and Trot Championship on Saturday. Erin Roggenkamp accepted the blue in the UPHA Challenge Cup 10 and Under Walk/Trot class. Six came through the gate for the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup class Saturday morning. No stranger to equitation or victory, Brooke Jacobs added to a great week and took the blue aboard CH Bright Lights RWF.

MORGAN The Morgan divisions seemed to pick up at this year's horse show, with a few top barns making the trip to Indianapolis for the competition. Crystal Farm brought a solid string of top contenders this year, adding to the usual Indy supporters like Lowry Stables, Indian Creek, Glenn Bouvier, and Cheryl Woosley's team of nice Morgans, to name a few.

The Morgan Park Saddle Championship featured the big moving bay, Arboria Invictus. Donna Zimmerman rode to this win under the Lowry Stables banner. The Amateur English Pleasure Championship was quite deep with seven vying for the tricolor. Tara's Heavenly and John Stephenson stood out for the tricolor while Mandate and Brock Rutledge turned in a reserve performance. Brock Rutledge was also on top of the cards in the Morgan Classic Pleasure Stake, claiming the tricolor aboard the very fancy CFP The Dream Maker.

With Mary Carlton up, Think About It MEM was on top of his game for owners Erin and Marie Thomas, claiming the tricolor in the Open English Pleasure Stake. Hylee Grace Under Fire and Glenn Bouvier were reserve for Jane Steffenhagen.

James Lowry was behind the lines of Donna Zimmerman's bold entry, IGF Coeur Et Ame for the Morgan Pleasure Driving Championship. Susan Brown was very pleased to be called out as Morgan Classic Pleasure Driving Champion with her bright entry Crestfield Hi Command. Lost River Roosevelt and Judy McManama were the reserve champions.

The Morgan Hunter Pleasure Stake was impressive as six nice hunters worked the ring in hopes of a top ribbon. Liberation Daddy's Girl and Susan Brown came off a first place finish in the qualifier to capture the hunter pleasure tricolor. Jim and Faye Lowry greeted Susan for the victory pass. JLS Night Track and Emily Cook received a warm applause for their reserve finish.

Finally, the western competition finished up at Indianapolis with the very graceful Rum Brook Vintage Rhythm and Kali Hutchinson in the winner's circle. This nice pair was name the Western Pleasure Champions. Spiceolife Saratoga and Shanna Gish were the reserve champions for Sringmill Morgans. The above highlights a great week at the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show. Complete results follow.

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