DECEMBER NEWSLETTER Submitted by Carol Johnson
At what one exhibitor described as “the most fun I’ve ever had at a horse show (legally),” Western Carolinas again conducted a very successful Fall Class A show at Clemson, SC, October 31-November 2.
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
There were 163 horses pre-entered, with 156 showing in one or more classes. Among these were dressage horses whose riders combined for 60 rides, which was just under the number that would have required a second judge or going to a two-day program.
“Our concerns about gas, the economy, and other issues certainly turned out to be unfounded,” says Patti Rowe, club secretary and membership chair. “This show continues to grow each year, in part, because it’s so much fun.”
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
The calendar helped amp up the fun quotient, as did the wonderful weather.
The show’s first day fell on Halloween, and the prize list forecast a lot of “ghoulish” activities. There were a “Halloween costume” class for horse and rider, a “prettiest trainer” class, a ride-a-Franklin class, and prizes for the best Halloween stall decorations.
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
The winner of the costume class was Michaiah Carson, who was attired in her princess costume, complete with tiara, accompanied by her “painted pony,” complete with unicorn horn. (Michaiah later asked that her blue ribbon be traded in for a pink one—her favorite color.) Other entries had the audience laughing and clapping, and included football themes, 101 Dalmatians and Crewella Da Vil, and a jaded Dorothy of Wizard of Oz fame—complete with ruby slippers!
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
Quite a few exhibitors showed up for the Ride-A-Franklin class, but went down in defeat to trainer Jane Garrison, who chose the perfect mount for the class. She rode her daughter Sarah Lyla’s walk-trot mare, who obviously glides, rather than trots. (No fair, Jane!)
On Sunday, the prettiest trainer class was dominated by the one and only entry in perhaps the lovliest prom dress ever worn by a “trainer” riding side-saddle. Larry Shumpert had the audience in stitches in his voluminous white dress trimmed in red, with his extra-long ciggie bobbing at the trot.
The winner of the stall decoration contest was Southern Heritage Farm, owned by Dr. Ed Davidson. Davidson and his associate, Dr. Stephanie Gagliardi, went all-out, with horse-skeleton name plates for all horses, a black cat in a crate named Gummy (since he didn’t have a tooth in his head and was no threat to bite anyone…), and various hanging and swaying objects that certainly had the Futurity babies taking a really good look.
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
Second place in the stall decoration contest went to Ginn Training. Their theme was the Pumpkin Patch.
Speaking of Futurity babies: there were lots of them! The program has grown quite a bit in the last several years, with 66 weanlings and yearlings nominated at the end of last year to be eligible for the classes at this show. Thirty-two of these showed, with 19 owners represented. (See complete list of winners elsewhere.)
The club funds the paybacks for its Futurity program through monies raised by its annual All-Star Stallion Futurity Auction, which totalled $22,515 this year. The owners of first through third place horses in 10 classes received their share of that total, plus entry and nomination fees—less expenses.
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
Ted Carson, who manages one of the stallions in the auction, ML Mostly Padron, had this to say about the show: “Western Carolinas has the best Class A halter show in a three state-region.” He continued, “the club is very progressive at getting the funds to sponsor its Futurity.”
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
The club has added another class to showcase the stallions that participate in the auction. Called the Get of Auction Sire class, this year’s participant, and winner of the class’s share of auction funds, is DCA Always A Jewel (Always A Jullyen V x Koweta Reflexxion). Susan White, the filly’s owner, purchased a breeding to Always A Jullyen V in 2007, nominated the unborn foal by the end of that year, and showed her baby at this show, making it eligible for the Get of Sire payback.
Photo courtesy of Grace Greenlee, Sans Souci Arabians and Friesians
On Saturday afternoon, WCAHA held its membership dinner during which its slate of officers was presented and approved. Sarah Hendricks will continue to serve as club president; Robert Obermiller, vice-president; Patti Rowe, secretary, and Diane Justice, treasurer. Board members are: Grace Greenlee, Judy Warner, Heather Brannan, Ed Davidson, and Carol Johnson. Alternate board members are: Bonnie Iversen and Pat Brown.
If you are a member or wish to become one, and you want to enjoy a progressive group of Arabian horse lovers, contact any of the Board for more information. Sarah Hendricks can be reached at sarahkhendricks@eaton.com, and Patti Rowe, at patti.rowe@anmedhealth.org.
|
