KATY, TX - Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House, the 56th Annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show was held March 19-25, 2003 at the Great Southwestern Equestrian Center. Filled with world class competitors, the Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker, and Welsh Pony exhibitors converged for the seven-day event. Despite the tough competitions, the spirit of friendly good will was exhibited throughout the show.
Beginning Wednesday evening, the show featured morning and evening classes ending with a morning session on Sunday. The southern hospitality with Texas flair was apparent at the Welcome party on Wednesday evening at the Paddock Club after the show. Thursday evenings Tasting of Franciscan Estates wine was a relaxing way to end the show. Friday night's Exhibitor Party and silent auction drew in the crowd. The silent auction had items ranging from First Frolic's bronze horse sculpture to a Telecaster Guitar, Base and drumsticks autographed by ZZ Top. There was something for everyone to bid on. Exhibitors enjoyed dinner and danced at the Paddock Club Friday Night.
As one of the best shows in Texas, the number of exhibitors increased from the previous year according to the show secretary Barbara McDannald. "With everything going in the world right now, I am so glad everyone came out to the show," McDannald said.
The show once again benefited the Ronald McDonald House, which received over $285,000.00. Since the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show was founded by Lillie and James S. Amercrombie in the late 1940's, over $3.4 million has been donated for worthy causes. The Ronald McDonald House of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital teamed up to provide families of critically ill children to overnight sleeping accommodations in the hospital so the family can remain close to their hospitalized child.
The organizational duties of the show fell on Leonard Davenport, the show manager. The show office responsibilities went to Barbara McDannald. Sounding the call to the ring was Albert Sabrsula. The ever-popular announcer, John Owens handled the microphone, while Lulu Hancock kept things lively on the keyboard. Jack Schatzberg was the show's official photographer. Bill Waller of Knoxville, TN took to center ring as the Saddle horse Judge. Saturday evening began with the judges being driven into center ring in high style, in a brand new white Hummer H2, a sponsor of Pin Oak and to promote the upcoming Hummer Grand Prix G International Cup.
The competition paused for a few moments to award Rachel Shupp, daughter of Terry and Betty Shupp, the 2002/2003 TSHA Youth Scholarship. This $500.00 scholarship was given to Rachel for acquiring the highest number of points in TSHA for the last two years. Barbara Simpson, president of TSHA, gave the presentation. Rachel trains with Debbie Graves and Shenandoah Stables. She rides and shows Heart's Santana and Begin the Times.
Five-Gaited
Spectators were rushing to the ring to see the always-exciting Five-Gaited Stake. The crowd was not disappointed as the dirt was flying and so were the six horses competing for the coveted MASCUP honor. It was no surprise as Lonnie Quarles with the stunning My Chanel took home the championship for Milligan's Stables. Receiving very impressive applause for reserve was Redann's Jamboree and Jack Magill.
The Five-Gaited Amateur Stake left Jack Magill Stables', Debbie Beard with one of many top rides of the week. Certainly A Star was absolutely a star in his performance. Dancing in for reserve was Showtime's Two to Tango and Elissa Champagne with Bayou Park Stables.
The Five-Gaited Junior Exhibitor class had seven competitors racking their hearts out for the first place ribbon. Callaway's Relattia and Maguire Hall were tied first by Bill Waller. Reserve went to Blair Barrett, who had a wonderful showing in all her classes. Callaway's Brass Ring, owned by John and Terri Sherwood took home the red ribbon.
Fine Harness
The Fine Harness Classic had three horses competing for the winner's circle. Bluebonnet Stables and Janet Crampton at the reins of Passing Whispers, took the award. Making a strong showing, reserve for Mill Creek Stables was Mike Breegaman driving Callaway's California Dreamer. Mike Breegaman was behind the lines for Linda Landman Nicholson of Katy, Texas.
Three-Gaited
Saturday night's MASCUP Three-Gaited Stake had four horses competing for the jackpot. Blacklisted was in prime condition to win the Stake. Lonnie Quarles was aboard this fancy mount for owner Susan Olcott and Milligan Stables. Randy Cates maneuvered himself around the ring, positioning Reedann's Phancy Phootwork just right for the reserve for Barbara McCune.
The ever exciting Three-Gaited Amateur Stake, the elegant team of Pretty Well Armed and Joan Cantrell were right on the money for first place. Suiting each other beautifully, this pair also finished up with the blue in the Three-Gaited Ladies class on Wednesday evening.
Not to be outdone, the Junior-Exhibitor Stake had Maguire Hall in the winner's circle. She and Chaka ZuZu made and exciting team to watch. Capsaicin and Blair Barrett had a very strong showing to pick up Reserve. This team had won the blue ribbon in the qualifier class Friday evening.
Three exhibitors marched around the ring in the Three-Gaited Park Full Mane and Tail Stake. A big win came about for the talented Janet Crampton who claimed the championship title upon the flashy Phi's Phortune Teller for Karen Frickey Nalle and Bluebonnet Stables. A strong showing gave Owen Weaver the Reserve title on CH Sunforest.
Pleasure
Not surprisingly, the pleasure division thrived at Pin Oak. Beginning with the Five-Gaited Pleasure Stake, CH Mariachi dominated the ring to win the Championship and the qualifier. A very focused Jan Myers had a fabulous ride to make her way to the winner's circle for Jack Magill Stables.
Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Adult Stake began with six energetic entries trotting about the ring in full force. The sharp and exciting duo Kerry Ann Bunde on Vail took home the Championship tricolor ribbon. As in the qualifier, Corporate Focus and Stephanie Ritter for Fox Grape Farms, Inc., remained solid as they received the Reserve Championship.
Not to be outdone, the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Novice Rider class had seven highly energetic entries. A big win came about for the talented Kate Burke, who rode the flashy, The Talk of Chicago to perfection for the championship. The absolutely stunning gelding, Jut Keeping Time with Ginny Beth Norton for Milligan Stables took home the reserve.
Kelly Ricker was right on the money for the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior Exhibitor 17 & Under Class. CH Sweet Virginia took home the blue ribbon for Milligan Stables. Tying for reserve in the class was The Bachelor Prince and Christy Bennett, having a very solid ride.
The Elizabeth Goth Pleasure Driving Juvenile class, Begin the Times impressively made her way around the ring with Rachel Shupp behind the lines. This elegant team received the first place ribbon with much style and grace.
Moving on to Country Pleasure Driving Championship, Crescendo in Black never dropped an ear, having a fantastic run with Jan Myers to receive the Championship awards for Jack Magill Stables. Randy McBride and Danger in the Air were able to secure the reserve for the class, for Nearnorth Animal Clinic. Having six dynamic entries in the class made the competition steep.
Hackney/Harness Ponies
Although entries were lean for the ponies, the Hackney Pony Championship had one solid entry. Dufferin Debonaire and Erica Labian took home the tricolor ribbon for Bill and Melinda Kacal. This team came in second in the Open Driving class, with Dun-Haven Bandoliero and Anke Rogers winning that class.
Being cheered on by the crowd, Christy Bennett and City Hall won the Hackney Roadster Pony Championship after battling it out with No Fear and Adrian Dullin receiving the Reserve Champion ribbon.
Equitation
Blair Barrett dominated the equitation riders all week long. She kicked off her week by winning the National Horse Show Saddle Seat Event (Good Hands). Under the direction of Janet Crampton of Bluebonnet Farms, she confidently rode to perfection in the final class of the show to claim the Pleasure Equitation Championship. Riding Great Belles of fire she secured the Saddle and Bridle Pleasure Medallion with a precision ride.
For the UPHA Pleasure Challenge Cup, the new team of Chelsea Butschek and The Rose Merchant had a nearly flawless ride to secure the victory for Milligan Stables. Kristen Neilsen rode hard to receive the reserve in this class of six highly skilled entries. She rode Powder and Smoke for Barbara Simpson for a strong second.
Although she was the sole entry, Anne McCutcheon delivered a stellar performance in the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship. Her horse Merchant's Perfect Picture, were the picture of beauty and elegance as they rode their way for the championship. Anne is trained by Debbie Graves for Shenandoah Stables.