THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
1
2
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
3
4
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
5
6
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
7
8
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
2015 World’s Championship Horse Show Saddlebreds Trained by Visser Stables
Hackneys Trained by Majestic Oaks THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Shiflet © by Rachel
9
10
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Avis©
CH
BRAVO BLUE Northern Blues x Amp Leigh
2014 — 2015 Reserve World’s Grand Champion Five-Gaited World’s Champion Ladies Five-Gaited Gelding
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Shiflet © by Sandra
11
12
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Howard Schatzberg© by Rick
FOX GRAPE’S THE
TIGER LILY
(SA) Dorian Wild Temper x Callaway’s Carnation
Unanimous World’s Champion of Champions Ladies Five-Gaited World’s Champion Ladies Five-Gaited Mare THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Shiflet© by Rachel
13
14
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Howard Schatzberg © by Stevie B
NORTHERN ASSET Callaway’s Northern Kiss x Fort Chiswell’s Cruella Deville
Congratulations to Helen Rich and Ali DeGray, new owners and Tammy DeVore, new trainer of this exquisite World’s Champion!
World’s Champion Amateur Gentlemen’s ree-Gaited
Scott Robinson, up THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Howard Schatzberg © by Jon
15
16
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Howard Schatzberg © by Stevie B
THE EMBEZZLER Attache’s Royal Assets x Callaway’s Anchor Woman
World’s Champion Amateur Gentlemen’s Five-Gaited
Scott Robinson, up THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Shiflet © by Rachel
17
HEARTLAND WELL SPOKEN Heartland Rain and Fire x Heartland Tiffany
Unanimous World’s Champion ree-Year-Old Road Pony
Maureen Campbell, whip 18
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Shiflet© by John
CRACKIN’ UP Undulata’s Nutcracker x Sultry Heiress
Reserve World’s Champion Junior ree-Gaited Park
Tré Lee Lee,, up Tré up THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Shiflet © by Rachel
19
20
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
21
ABOUT THE COVER
WCC I’M STILL DREAMIN’ & Barbara Goodman Manilow
Undulata’s Nutcracker x Callaway’s Blue Topaz
World’s Champion of Champions Three-Gaited Amateur World’s Champion Three-Gaited Amateur 15.2 & Under ~ With a unanimous decision ~ Owned by Barbara Goodman Manilow Chicago, Illinois Trained by
22
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third EditionPhoto credit: Saddle Horse Report
Kenny & Donna Smith, Owners/Trainers Bob Griffin,Trainer Tom D. Pettry, Barn Manager New Lenox, Illinois 815-463-8418
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
23
CONTENTS
164
54 THIS ISSUE 20 24 42 54 100 104 110 114 118 122 130 136 160 164 168 178 186 188
About the Cover Advertisers List Subscription WCHS WGC Lady Mandolin Meghan Von Ballmoos WGC CH Heartland Expectation Meghan Von Ballmoos Ali De Grey and her World’s Champions Meghan Von Ballmoos WGC HS Daydream’s Heads Up Meghan Von Ballmoos WGC Marc of Charm Meghan Von Ballmoos Painting from Life with Peter Williams Bunny Hinzman No Luck About It: Clover Leaf Stables – Lisa and Bill Waller Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer Getting Real with Reagan: Reagan Campbell and WCC CH Real Action Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer Driven with Passion:Toni Nastali Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer The story behind the results Madine Dercksen International Invitational- Mistico South Africa - Team USA Rack On’: Spotlight on Abigail Tabor Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer All in the Family: Ava Stachowski Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer All in the Family: Shawn Stachowski Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
THE TEAM
Pieter Hugo Managing Director
Johan Blom Chief Executive Officer
Madge Bass USA Sales Manager
Marguerite le Roux Senior Designer
Marie Chin Advertising Executive
Meghan von Ballmoos Morgan Sub-Editor
Sheila Guay USA Sales & Marketing
Allyssa Baird USA Sales & Marketing
Amanda Matheis Executive Asistant
Brittany E. De Vries Sales Representative
Shannon Ella Sales Representative
Jacqueline Beck Fashion Representative
Gasnat Jaffer Office Manager
www.showhorse.co.za EDITORIALS: Johan Blom johan@silvermane.co.za (0027) 83 324 3709 Pieter Hugo pieter@showhorse.co.za (001) 502 321 8305 Meghan von Ballmoos meghan@showhorse.co.za (001) 860 605 5041 Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer Shannon Ella DESIGN: Marguerite le Roux mleroux@silvermane.co.za ADVERTISING: Madge Bass bass.madge@gmail.com (001) 502 299 8523 Marie Chin marie@silvermane.co.za (0027) 82 497 4475 Allyssa Baird allyssa@internationalshowhorse.com (001) 541 840 5597 ORDERS & INVOICING: Gasnat Jaffer gasnat@showhorse.co.za 32b Whitlers Way, Hout Bay 7806, South Africa www.silvermane.co.za
INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODES: SA (0027) AND USA (001) Published by:
PHOTOGRAPHERS :
Jon McCarthy Photography; Shiflet; Rick Osteen; Brooke and Jane Jacobs; Cola’s Photography; Hunt Digital; Elpita Photography; Fotojan Photography; Howard Schatzberg; Johan Blom; Avis Girdler; eAzur; Saddlebred Web; Jen Corcoran; Ross Millin; Kelly Campbell; Washburn; Stuart Vesty; Sandy; Liz McMillan; Sargent, Jamie, Marty Snortum Studio; E motion Photography; David Jampsa; Lisa Harger; Rachel Kelly; Stevie Bagdasarian; Courtney Church
24
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
www.silvermane.co.za
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
25
ADVERTISERS
38 120 187 174 180 4 25 182 143 39 7 36 106 23 179 6 107, 156 158 176 21 35 154 43 163 37 32 135 152 149 40 138 113 34 FC 190, OBC 129 171 140 170 18 148 2
26
Bartholomeus Klip Better Built Barns Black Horse Manor Blythewood Farm Bruwer Stables Cloverleaf Stables DeLovely Farm DesMar Stables DeVore Stables Diamond View farm Elizabeth Goth LLC Equifeeds Equipage Ever Glades Farm Fairview Farm Freedman Harness Frickey Farm Glendale Stables High Caliber Stables Hollow Haven Howie Schatzberg Ingelside Farm Majestic Oaks Mistico Newline Stud R&R Stables Rodney Hicks Stables Rose Arbor Farm Rose Stables Show Horse Art Show Horse Banners Silver Brook SilverMane Media Skyline Stables Stachowski Farm Steenberg Strickland Stables Taylor Creek USA Invitational Team Visser Stables V-Tech Wingswept Farm
Copyright for all original published material is vested in SilverMane Media and may be reproduced only with the permission of the Editor. All opinions expressed in the articles appearing in SilverMane Media are those of the authors and are not necessarily subscribed to by the editorial staff of SilverMane Media. Authors of articles are compelled to acknowledge all sources of information (if any) used in the compiling of articles and are therefore liable for copyright transgressions. SilverMane Media accepts no responsibility for claims made in the advertisements and will not be held liable for any damage resulting from the use of any of the information published in SilverMane Media.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
27
28
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
29
30
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
31
32
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
33
34
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
35
36
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
37
38
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
39
40
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
41
42
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
43
44
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
45
46
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
47
48
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
49
50
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
51
52
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
53
54
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
55
Photo by Johan Blom
56
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
World’s Championship Horse Show Photos by Brooke and Jane Jacobs / www.JaneJacobsPhotography.com
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
57
Saturday Class # 1 3 4 6 8 12
#1
Class Title WEANLING OPEN SS EQ KENTUCKY RIDER 17 & UNDER FINE HARNESS KY COUNTY FAIR CHAMP THREE-GAITED KY COUNTY FAIR CHAMPION YEARLING OPEN FIVE-GAITED KY COUNTY FAIR CHAMPION
Horse Name Nutoriously Innocent Size Me Up Samuri Lady Worthy Sir Ridgefield’s Black Velvet Sabotage
Exhibitor J. Darrell Case Maisie Benfield Peter Palmer Johanna Kapioltas Mitchell E. Clark Melinda Moore
#4
#6
#3
#8
58
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Owner Name Stockings N Stripes LLC Michael/Maisie Benfield Annika Moriarty Bruggeworth Johanna Kapioltas Mitchell E. Clark and Vicky Clark Annika Moriarty Bruggeworth
Trainer Name Joan B. Lurie Cindy Zubrod Boel Peter Palmer Wyatt Dehart Mitchell E. Clark Melinda Moore
Saturday #12
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
59
Saturday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
Owner Name
2
AHHS 20004 KY Co Fair Harness Pony CH
Go Daddy
Mary Gaylord McClean
Golden Creek Farms
7
AHHS 20008 KY Co Fair Roadster Pony CH
The Lone Ranger
Tom Lowry
Mary Gaylord McClean
11
AHHS 20013 KY Co Fair Hackney Pony CH
Seamair Simply Awesome
Maureen Campbell
Maureen Campbell
#2
#7
#11
60
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Sunday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
15
AHHS 20127 Ad Ama Jr Hackney/Harness PL Dr
Sight Unseen
Kay Marschel
Kay Marschel
18
AHHS 20084 Jr Exh Hackney/Harness Pony PL Dr
Nashville Cat
Rose Marie Wheeler
Carter McGlothlin
22
AHHS 20134 Jr Exh Roadster Pony - 14-17Yrs
A Promise Honored
Rose Marie Wheeler
Ashlyn Farms LLC
25
AHHS 20117 Jr Exh Roadster Pony - 13 & Under
Sirfistication
Sallie Mason Wheeler
Joseph &/or Patrice W. O'Brien
Owner Name
#18
#15
#22
#25
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
61
Sunday Class # 13 14 16 17 19 20 21 23 24 26
Class Title SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 17YEARS OLD THREE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE 14-17 DIV I THREE-GAITED SHOW PL 13 & UNDER DIV I SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 15YEARS OLD FIVE-GAITED JUNIOR EXHIBITOR 13/UNDER SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 16YEARS OLD THREE-GAITED SHOW PL 13 & UNDER DIV II SHOW PLEASURE DRIVING JR EXH SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 14YEARS OLD THREE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE 14-17 DIV II
Horse Name CH-EQ Madeira’s Fame Kalarama’s Prospero Callaway’s Nachelle Lemon Shake-Up WRF Our Favorite Memory La Zingara CH De La Hoya CH First Class Heir HS First Day CH Redesigned
Exhibitor Aleia Brown Alex Rudder Ava Stachowski Macey Joan Miles Blake Crim Kaeley Arterburn Alex Jeppesen Zach Meyer Scotty Bruggeworth Rose Marie Wheeler
Owner Name Aleia Brown David B. Rudder Shawn Stachowski R and L LLC Pleasants Valley Stable Todd and Kaeley Arterburn Alex Jeppesen Brown-Anderson Farms, Ltd. Annika Bruggeworth Chestnut Dream LLC
#17
#13
#14
62
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#16
#20
Trainer Name Reese Richey Larry D. Hodge James Stachowski Todd M. Miles Jack Magill Cindy Zubrod Boel Merrill D. Murray Lynda Freseth Todd M. Miles Bret C. Day
Sunday #19
#21
#23
#24
#26
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
63
Sunday Class # 29 30 31 32 33 33A 34 34A
Class Title ASR SWEEPSTAKES 4YEAR OLD FINE HARNESS FIVE-GAITED JR EX 14-17 DIV I SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 12-13 ASR SWEEPSTAKES 4YEAR OLD PARK PLEASURE FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEAS JR EXH DIV I FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEAS JR EXH DIV II THREE-GAITED JR EX 13 & UNDER DIV I THREE-GAITED JR EX 13 & UNDER DIV II
Horse Name Futurette He’s In Style CH Heir’s Halo You’ve Been Thunderstruck Take It From The Top Open First Prince Of Prowlin CH Real Action
#30
#31
#29
64
Exhibitor Larry D. Hodge Emma Sanchez Isabella Privitera Charles R. HerbertJr. Madeleine Wood Catherine Street Ava Stachowski Reagan Campbell
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Owner Name Tim Shea and Marty Shea The Sharyn Stokes Lackey Mary Privitera Stockings N Stripes LLC 3 Sisters Stables LLC Catherine Street Shawn Stachowski Darby, Amy and Reagan Campbell
Trainer Name Larry D. Hodge Kim Bavin Cowart Melissa J. Smith Charles R. HerbertJr. James Lowry Michael E. Beasom James Stachowski Bill Waller
Sunday #34a
#32
#33a
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
65
Sunday Class # 35 36 37 38 39 39A 40 41
Class Title FIVE-GAITED JR EX 14-17 DIV II ASR SWEEPSTAKES 4YEAR OLD THREE-GAITED THREE-GAITED JR EX 14-17 DIV I SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION 11 & UNDER THREE-GAITED PARK JR EXHIBITOR DIV I THREE-GAITED PARK JR EXHIBITOR DIV II THREE-GAITED JR EX 14-17 DIV II ASR SWEEPSTAKES 4YEAR OLD FIVE-GAITED
Horse Name Wicked In A Winning Way Undulata’s Optical Illusion ERB Soquili’s Curious George Rob NewYork CH Swing An Singin It’s Aerosmith Buckles, Boots ‘n Spurs Walterway’s Born To Be Wild
#36
Exhibitor Rose Marie Wheeler Tre Lee Alex Rudder Abigail E.Tate Catherine Wheeler Skylar Rueff Madeleine Wood Merrill D. Murray
#35
#37
#38
66
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Owner Name Chestnut Dream LLC Janet Sterba and Jeff Sterba David B. Rudder Jim and Judy Carr Ceil Wheeler and Kenneth M.Wheeler Jr Katy Rueff 3 Sisters Stables LLC Ghareeb Equine Investments LLC
Trainer Name Bret C. Day Tre Lee Christopher Brannan Jaisen Von Ballmoos Smith Lilly Elizabeth A.Webb James Lowry Merrill D. Murray
Sunday #39a
#39
#40
#41
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
67
Monday Class # 44 45 45A 46 48 49 50
#44
Class Title FIVE-GAITED PONY THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL 13/UNDER DIV I THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL 13/UNDER DIV II THREE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE ADULT I COUNTRY PLEASURE DRIVING DIV I THREE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE ADULT II THREE-GAITED PONY
Horse Name The Rest Of The Story Nuttin’ But Fancy SS Shagadelic Ocean Eleven CH Callaway’s Cumulus Warrior’s Carumba CH Nuttin’ But Style
#45
#46
68
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Exhibitor Olivia Schumacher Katherine Anne Smith Libby Bowen Deborah Orr Susan Aschenbrenner Laura M. Dozer-Elliott Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes
Owner Name Lorraine and Olivia Schumacher Katherine Anne Smith Jack and Donna Finch James W. Orr Jr. Susan Aschenbrenner Stockings N Stripes LLC Rainbow Princess Farms LLC
#45a
Trainer Name Jessica Richardson Smith Lilly Evan Orr Larry D. Hodge Rick M.Wallen Steven J.Wheeler Mark Turner
Monday #50
#48
#49
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
69
Monday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
Owner Name
47
AHHS 20074 Jr Exh Road Pony Un Saddle 17 & Under
A Dazzling Diva
Sallie Mason Wheeler
Maureen Lydon Campbell Charlotte O'Flarity Wrather
55
AHHS 20018 Amateur Gentlemens Harness Pony
The Remington
John Wrather
59
AHHS 20035 Ama Roadster Pony 50 In & Under
Hopkins
Toni Nastali
Toni Nastali
62
AHHS 20029 Ama Road Pony Over 50 In To 52 In
Regal's Prime Rate LF
Toni Nastali
Toni Nastali Carol Lawson &/or Melvin
66
AHHS 20046 Div II Jr Exh Road Pony Un Saddle 17 & Under
Heartland Party Time
Madison Pope
69
AHHS 20048 Harness Pony Mare Stake
Heartland Queen Of The Road
Susan Olcott
Susan Olcott
73
AHHS 20052 Road Pony Ov 50 In To 52 In Stake
Regal's Night Shadow LF
Abel Vega
Deborah Jahn
#47
#47a
#62
70
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#55
Monday #69
#59
#73
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
71
Monday Class # 52 53 54 56 57 58 60 63
Class Title THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL 14-17 DIV I S. S. EQUITATION 8 & UNDER W/T THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL 14-17 DIV II COUNTRY PLEASURE DRIVING DIV II THREE-GAITED SHOW PL ADULT DIV III S. S. EQUITATION 9YR OLD W/T THREE-GAITED PARK OPEN MARE S.S. EQUITATION W/T 10YR OLD
Horse Name Coventry’s Too Fast Too Furious Azure Dreams CH Jessie Cole CH Callaway’s Halley’s Comet CH Spread The Word Bravia Callaway’s Aperitif Sea Side
Exhibitor Gianna Desimone Gracelynn Jordan Gretchen Halloran Christine Broder Amanda J. Murchison Molly Crim Melissa Anne Moore Thea Post
Owner Name S.G.F.Winning Ways Farm, LTD. Cheryl Smith and Gracelynn Jordan Gaited, Inc. Split Decision LLC Amanda J. Murchison Steve Myers S.G.F.Winning Ways Farm, LTD. Dana and Thea Post
#52
#53
72
#54
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#56
Trainer Name Sena Bowling StephanieY. Lilly Matthew H. Shiflet Edward R. Bennett Kristen Spann Cater Bill Waller Melissa Anne Moore Jessica S.Verrill
Monday #58
#57
#60
#63
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
73
Monday Class # 68 70 71 72 74 75 76 77
Class Title THREE-GAITED OVER 15.2 JUNIOR FIVE-GAITED JUNIOR MARE FINE HARNESS AMATEUR LADIES FIVE-GAITED JUNIOR STALLION/GELDING THREE-GAITED LADIES AMATEUR 15.2/UNDER FINE HARNESS JR STALLION/GELDING FIVE-GAITED LADIES AMATEUR MARE FINE HARNESS AMATEUR GENTLEMEN
Horse Name Carson Nation There’s Something About Mary Costa Nostra Mountjoy’s Extra Nice Moonbeams And Dreams Rose Arbor Destiny CH Moonlight Memories Renaissance Man’s Medici
Exhibitor Neil Visser Bret C. Day Phyllis Brookshire Charles R. LeeIII Misdee Wrigley Miller John Conatser Katherine McGee Bosworth Chad Graham
Owner Name Golden Creek Farms, Inc. Carroll Robertson Ray Don and Phyllis Brookshire Prospect Lane, Inc. Hillcroft Farm LLC Joellen Fisher Blount Pair of Jacks Stables LLC William and Elizabeth J. Shatner
#68
#70
74
#71
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#72
Trainer Name Neil Visser Bret C. Day Matthew H. Shiflet Charles R. LeeIII Larry D. Hodge John Conatser Evan Orr Steven J.Wheeler
Monday #74
#75
#77
#76
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
75
Monday Class # 78 79 80 81 82 83 85
#78
Class Title THREE-GAITED 15.2 & UNDER JUNIOR FIVE-GAITED LADIES AMATEUR GELDING FINE HARNESS JUNIOR MARE FIVE-GAITED AMATEUR GENTLEMEN THREE-GAITED LADIES AMATEUR OVER 15.2 FINE HARNESS LADIES FIVE-GAITED STALLION STAKE
Horse Name Look Of Success CH Honey Badger Lady Mandolin MS The Embezzler Macadamia CH Our Brilliant Belle (SA) Kalarama’s Ultimate Choice
#79
#80
76
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Exhibitor Andrew Freseth Andrea Athanasuleas James Stachowski Scott Robinson Mary Jane Glasscock-Kirkpatrick Mary Gise Tammy Devore
Owner Name Evelyn Amanda Dellinger Christina and Andrea Athanasuleas Helen Lacey Reed Elisabeth Goth LLC Glasscock Financial Services LLC Priscilla C. Gise Revocable Trust Helen Rich
#81
Trainer Name Lynda Freseth Matthew H. Shiflet James Stachowski Neil Visser Steven J.Wheeler Lynda Freseth Tammy Devore
Monday #82
#83
#85
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
77
Tuesday Class # 90 92 94 96 98 99 101 102 105 106 109
#90
Class Title SHOW PLEASURE DRIVING ADULT DIV I FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE ADULT DIV I THREE-GAITED PARK OPEN S/G FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE ADULT DIV II THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL ADULT DIV I THREE-GAITED PARK JUNIOR SHOW PLEASURE DRIVING ADULT DIV II WESTERN COUNTRY PLEASURE THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL ADULT DIV II YEARLING BREEDERS OPEN WEANLING BREEDERS OPEN
Horse Name CH Irresistible Design So Swank Kalarama’s Out Of The Ordinary CH Break On Through CH Callaway’s Winning Number I’m A Holiday Graceful Surprise Blushing Bull Ginger Magnolia Awesome At This Far Away Thomas Jefferson
#92
#99
Exhibitor Elizabeth S. James-Lipscomb Drew Taylor Hewitt Andrew Freseth Laura M. Dozer-Elliott Marjorie Townsend Kenneth Smith Priscilla Marconi Lindsay Sowell Mary Gaylord McClean Ramon Gomez Andre Van Schalkwyk
Owner Name Susan and Elizabeth James LLC DTH Saddlebreds LLC Evelyn Amanda Dellinger Stockings N Stripes LLC Ever Glades Farm, Inc. Barbara Goodman Manilow Tri Color Ventures, Inc. Suzanne Bradshaw Carol Hillenbrand Faydelle Schott Silver Mane Media, Inc.
#94
#96
#98
78
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Trainer Name Lynda Freseth Clark Clouse Lynda Freseth Steven J.Wheeler Melissa J. Smith Kenneth Smith James L. Cherry James Lowry Steven J.Wheeler Anne M. Neil Michael W. Hylton
Tuesday #102
#105
#106
#101
#109
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
79
Tuesday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
91
AHHS 20066 FourYear Old Hackney Pony
Heartland Infinity
Maureen Campbell
Sandra J. Surber
93
AHHS 20069 Adult Amateur Hack/Harn Pony PL DR
Beautiful Lady
Linda Fischer
Sandra J. Surber
Owner Name
97
AHHS 20079 FourYr Old Harness Pony
Heartland Copper Illusion
Toni Nastali
Toni Nastali
100
AHHS 20100 Adult Amateur Hack/Harn Pony PL DR Division II
Bvlgari
Kay Marschel
Kay Marschel
104
AHHS 20125 ThreeYear Old Harness Pony
Heartland Dixie Dancer
Darrel Kolkman
Darrel &/or Sandra Kolkman
107
AHHS 20022 FourYear Old Roadster Pony
Prime Time's Choice LF
Tom Lowry
Daniel B. &/or Leah Rae Light
124
AHHS 20104 Amateur Ladies Harness Pony
Heartland Demonstrator
Mary Gaylord McClean
Mary Gaylord McClean
130
AHHS 20110 Amateur Ladies Hackney Pony
Heartland High Tech
Ali DeGray
Helen Rich
#91
#93
#97
80
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#100
Tuesday #104
#107
#124
#130
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
81
Tuesday Class # 114 115 116 117 118 119 121 122 123 127 128 131
Class Title ASR Futurity of Kentucky 2YO Fine Harness Div I (Elimination Round) THREE-GAITED AMATEUR GENTLEMEN 3YEAR OLD THREE-GAITED THREE-GAITED AMATEUR 15.2 & UNDER ASR Futurity of Kentucky 2YO Fine Harness Div II (Elimination Round) FIVE-GAITED AMATEUR MARE THREE-GAITED 15.2 & UNDER STAKE 3YEAR OLD FINE HARNESS THREE-GAITED AMATEUR OVER 15.2 3YEAR OLD FIVE-GAITED FIVE-GAITED AMATEUR STALLION/GELDING FIVE-GAITED MARE STAKE
Horse Name First Encore
Exhibitor James Lowry
Owner Name Faydelle Schott
Trainer Name James Lowry
Northern Asset Rose Arbor’s Moving Out I’m Still Dreamin’ Sir Richard Parker
Scott Robinson John Conatser Barbara Goodman Manilow George D. Knight
Elisabeth Goth LLC Joellen Fisher Blount Barbara Goodman Manilow Cavallo Ventures LLC
Neil Visser John Conatser Kenneth Smith George D. Knight
Callaway’s Sweet Thing HS Daydream’s Celebrity Katharine The Great Undulata’s Simbara Vegas Moon Memories Of Cabo CH Callaway’s Annabel Allison
Allison Brooke Combs Kenneth Smith Nelson Green Erin Eichenbaum Charles R. LeeIII Alexandra E. DeGray Debbie C. Foley
Barbara Goodman Manilow Barbara Goodman Manilow High Spirits Farm LLC Diane Sembler Kamins Golden Creek Farms, Inc. Helen Rich Silver Brook Stables, Inc.
Smith Lilly Kenneth Smith Nelson Green Neil Visser Charles R. LeeIII Tammy Devore Debbie C. Foley
#115
#116
82
#117
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#119
Tuesday #121
#131
#122
#123
#128
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
83
Wednesday Class # 133 135 137 139 141 142 142A 143 144
Class Title AMATEUR WEANLINGS ASR National 3YO Futurity THREE-GAITED Park 3YEAR OLD PARK PLEASURE THREE-GAITED PARK AMATEUR S/G AMATEUR 2YEAR OLD IN HAND PARK PLEASURE JUNIOR DIV I PARK PLEASURE JUNIOR DIV II THREE-GAITED PARK AMATEUR MARE AMATEURYEARLINGS
Horse Name Walterway’s Crack Me Up Nuttin’ Innocent Riverdreams’ Remarcable Cloverleaf Freedom Writer Lady Biscotti Stonecroft Royal Reflection Rango Tango Belle Reve’s Lady Madonna Whassup?
#135
Exhibitor Kenneth M.WheelerJr. Steven J.Wheeler Sarah MacKenna Alexandra Percoco Kathy S. Capsuto-Walker Jennifer Dixon James Stachowski Jacque Nance Kenneth M.WheelerJr.
#133
#137
#139
84
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Owner Name Larry Hartsock Stockings N Stripes LLC Riverdreams LLC Janet and Faith Sturm Kathy S. Capsuto-Walker Pleasants Valley Stable Hagan Saddlebreds, Inc. Epona LLC Ceil and Kenneth M.Wheeler Jr.
Trainer Name Smith Lilly Steven J.Wheeler Lionel Ferreira Lionel Ferreira Thomas Santaferra Jennifer Dixon James Stachowski Steven J.Wheeler Smith Lilly
Wednesday #143
#142
#142a
#144
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
85
Wednesday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
Owner Name
134
AHHS 20121 ThreeYear Old Hackney Pony
Heartland Night Music
Alicia Schuckert
Faydelle Schott
140
AHHS 20141 Adult Amateur Jr Hackney/Harness PL Driving CH
Sight Unseen
Kay Marschel
Kay Marschel
145
AHHS 20130 ThreeYear Old Roadster Pony
Heartland Well Spoken
Maureen Campbell
Keith Johnson
148
AHHS 20143 Road Pony 50 In & Un Stake
Twin Willow's McDreamy
Ali DeGray
Helen Rich
151
AHHS 20146 Hackney Pony Stake
Craycroft Matador
Ali DeGray
T.J., DMD &/or Georgia H. Blevins
158
AHHS 20153 Harness Pony Stallion/Gelding Stake
CH Heartland Expectation
Karen Frickey
Karen Frickey
#140
#134
86
#145
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Wednesday #148
#151
#158
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
87
Wednesday Class # 147 149 150 152 154 155 156 159
#147
Class Title THREE-GAITED LADIES OVER 15.2 FINE HARNESS S/G STAKE FIVE-GAITED LADIES GELDING THREE-GAITED OVER 15.2 STAKE THREE-GAITED LADIES 15.2 & UNDER FINE HARNESS MARE STAKE FIVE-GAITED LADIES MARE FIVE-GAITED GELDING STAKE
Horse Name Nutorious We Must Be Nuts CH Bravo Blue HS Daydream’s Heads Up UseYour Illusion Trust My Imagination Fox Grape’s The Tiger Lily Roselane’s Angelo
#149
#152
88
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Exhibitor Peggy Alderman Smith Lilly Elisabeth M. Goth Scott Hagan Shawn Stachowski Misdee Wrigley Miller Elisabeth M. Goth Matthew H. Shiflet
Owner Name Peggy and Phil Alderman Grace A. Arnold Elisabeth Goth LLC Hagan Saddlebreds, Inc. Shawn Stachowski Hillcroft Farm LLC Elisabeth Goth LLC Janet M. Kellett
#154
Trainer Name Peggy Alderman Smith Lilly Neil Visser Debbie C. Foley James Stachowski Larry D. Hodge Neil Visser Matthew H. Shiflet
Wednesday #150
#159
#156
#155
#Retirement
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
89
Thursday Class # 160 161 162 163 165 166 167 168 169 171
#160
Class Title SADDLE SEAT EQ 14-17 CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINE HARNESS AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED 3YEAR OLD MARE FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE ADULT CHAMP THREE-GAITED 3YEAR OLD FINE HARNESS LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED 3YEAR OLD STALLION/GELDING FINE HARNESS JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Horse Name CH-EQ Madeira’s Fame Look Of Success Costa Nostra The Brightest Blue CH Take A Guess Tango’s Token Kiss CH Our Brilliant Belle Be The First Futurette No Tan Lines
#161
#162
Exhibitor Aleia Brown Andrew Freseth Phyllis Brookshire Bob Brison Michelle Krentz Partridge Smith Lilly Mary Gise Michael Tunstall Larry D. Hodge Matthew H. Shiflet
Owner Name Evelyn Amanda Dellinger Don and Phyllis Brookshire Hillcroft Farm LLC Mary Krentz Grace A. Arnold Priscilla C. Gise Revocable Trust Frank Cook Tim and Marty Shea George Anne and Jim C. Nash
#163
#166
#168
90
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Trainer Name Reese Richey Lynda Freseth Matthew H. Shiflet Bob Brison Bret C. Day Smith Lilly Lynda Freseth Michael Tunstall Larry D. Hodge Matthew H. Shiflet
Thursday #167
#169
#171
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
91
Friday Class # 177 178 180 182 183 184 185 187 188 190 190A
Class Title COUNTRY PLEASURE DRIVING CHAMPION S. S. EQUITATION 8/UNDER W/T CHAMP THREE-GAITED TWOYEAR OLD DIV I S. S. EQUITATION 9-10 W/T CHAMP SHOW PLEASURE DRIVING JR EX CHAMP THREE-GAITED TWOYEAR OLD DIV II SHOW PLEASURE DRIVING ADULT CHAMP FIVE-GAITED JR EX 13 & UNDER CHAMPION THREE-GAITED SHOW PL ADULT CHAMPIONSHIP FINE HARNESS 2YEAR OLD S/G DIV I FINE HARNESS 2Year Old S/G DIV II
Horse Name CH Callaway’s Cumulus Amber Lager All Mighty Joe Bravia CH First Class Heir Let’s Go Tango Graceful Surprise CH Callaway’s Lil Abner Ocean Eleven HS I’m Hot Wired Public Menace
#177
#182
#178
#180
#183
92
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Exhibitor Susan Aschenbrenner Ava Bertagnolli Kimberly Hayes Molly Crim Zach Meyer Matthew H. Shiflet Priscilla Marconi Karla Moritz Deborah Orr Debbie C. Foley George D. Knight
Owner Name Susan Aschenbrenner Ava Bertegnolli Delores Verna Blankenship Steve Myers Brown-Anderson Farms, Ltd. Nancy Hawley Tri Color Ventures, Inc. Karla and Sharon K. Moritz James W. Orr Jr. Hagan Saddlebreds, Inc. Aurora Farms LLC
Trainer Name Rick M.Wallen Shelley K. Fisher Todd L. Graham Bill Waller Lynda Freseth Matthew H. Shiflet James L. Cherry Milo Jones Larry D. Hodge Debbie C. Foley George D. Knight
Friday #184
#187
#185
#188
#190
#190a
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
93
Friday Class # 192 193 194 196 199 200 202 203 205
#193
94
Class Title THREE-GAITED PARK JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINE HARNESS 2YEAR OLD MARE THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL 13/UNDER CHAMP FIVE-GAITED 2YEAR OLD ASR Futurity of Kentucky 2Year Old Fine Harness Finals FIVE-GAITED PONY CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED JR EX 14-17 CHAMPIONSHIP WESTERN COUNTRY PLEASURE CHAMPION THREE-GAITED JR EX 13 & UNDER CHAMPION
Horse Name Double Dog Dare Goddess Of War CH Stonecroft Ring Leader Exclamation Mark! Grey Ridge Wildcat The Rest Of The Story CH The Daily Lottery Blushing Bull CH Real Action
#194
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Exhibitor Janice E. Giles Gene Van Der Walt Brianna Cloutier Darell Cruse Bret C. Day Olivia Schumacher Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes Lindsay Sowell Reagan Campbell
Owner Name Nancy M. Lassiter E.A.C. Equine LLC Brianna Cloutier & Laura Cloutier Milford High Hickory Farm Suzanne Rambler Day and C.Thomas Galbreath Lorraine and Olivia Schumacher Rainbow Princess Farms LLC Suzanne Bradshaw Darby, Amy and Reagan Campbell
#196
Trainer Name Janice E. Giles Annalize Van Der Walt Don Judd Darell Cruse Bret C. Day Jessica Richardson Mark Turner James Lowry Bill Waller
Friday #200
#202
#203
#205
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
95
Friday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
Owner Name
179
AHHS 20179 Jr Exh Hackney/Harness PL DR CH
Nashville Cat
Rose Marie Wheeler
Carter McGlothlin
181
AHHS 20183 Ad Ama Hackney/Harness PL DR CH
CB Party Girl
Maureen S. Quackenbush
Maureen S. Quackenbush
186
AHHS 20218 Jr Harness Pony CH
Heartland Copper Illusion
Toni Nastali
Toni Nastali
189
AHHS 20188 Jr Hackney Pony CH
Heartland Infinity
Maureen Campbell
Sandra J. Surber
191
AHHS 20192 Jr Exh Roadster Pony-13 & Under CH
Sirfistication
Sallie Mason Wheeler
Joseph &/or Patrice W. O'Brien
195
AHHS 20195 Jr Roadster Pony CH
Game
Alexandria Wellington Nunley
All Well Farm
#197
#181
#186
96
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Friday #189
#191
#195
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
97
Friday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
198
AHHS 20198 Hackney/Harness Pony Or Hackney Horse Pair
Spiff and Polish
Lanny Judd
Harlan E. Judd Jr.
201
AHHS 20201 Amateur Harness Pony CH
Heartland Demonstrator
Mary Gaylord McClean
Mary Gaylord McClean
206
AHHS 20206 Amateur Roadster Pony CH
Hopkins
Toni Nastali
Toni Nastali
210
AHHS 20210 Amateur Hackney Pony CH
Heartland High Tech
Ali DeGray
Helen Rich
#201
#206
#210
98
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Owner Name
Friday Class # 207 209 211 212 215
#212
Class Title THREE-GAITED JR EX 14-17 CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED LADIES AMATEUR CHAMPION THREE-GAITED PONY CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED PARK AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED LADIES AMATEUR CHAMPION
Horse Name Soquili’s Curious George Moonbeams And Dreams CH Nuttin’ But Style Cherished King CH My Wonder
Exhibitor Alex Rudder Misdee Wrigley Miller Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes Alexis Pearson Nancy Leigh Fisher
Owner Name Christopher Brannan Hillcroft Farm LLC Rainbow Princess Farms LLC Alexis and David Pearson Woodleigh Farm LLC
Trainer Name David B. Rudder Larry D. Hodge Mark Turner Tammy DeVore Lynda Freseth
#207
#209
#211
#214
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
99
Saturday Class # 216 217 218 220 221 222 224 225
Class Title SADDLE SEAT EQ 17 & UNDER STATE RES THREE-GAITED PARK OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED SHOW PLEAS 14-17 CHAMP THREE-GAITED SHOW PLEAS 13/UNDER CHAMP THREE-GAITED COUNTRY PL 14-17 CHAMPION PARK PLEASURE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED CO PLEAS ADULT CHAMPION FINE HARNESS 3YEAR OLD MARES
Horse Name CH Heir’s Halo CH Let’s Talk Mystery Magic Callaway’s Nachelle CH Jessie Cole Rango Tango Ginger Magnolia Amelie
Exhibitor Isabella Privitera Mary Marcum Orr Macey Joan Miles Ava Stachowski Gretchen Halloran James Stachowski Mary Gaylord McClean Kim Bavin Cowart
Owner Name Mary Privitera Pair of Jacks Stables LLC Ashlyn Farms Shawn Stachowski Gaited, Inc. Hagan Saddlebreds, Inc. Carol Hillenbrand Kaitlin Heisey Krogh
#217
#216
#218
100 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#220
Trainer Name Melissa J. Smith Evan Orr Todd M. Miles James Stachowski Matthew H. Shiflet James Stachowski Steven J.Wheeler Kim Bavin Cowart
Saturday #221
#224
#222
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
101
WGC LADY MANDOLIN By Meghan Von Ballmoos
WORLD’S GRAND CHAMPION FINE HARNESS
W
inning the World’s Grand Championship Fine Harness is a feat requiring an outstandingly exceptional horse— the perfect combination of talent, athleticism and charisma. It can take years for an individual to fully reach their potential and have the presence to perform at the highest level. Remarkably, this year’s World’s Grand Champion, Lady Mandolin boasts all of these traits at the youthful age of four and limited show ring exposure. Guided to greatness by her trainer Jim Stachowski, this brilliant junior mare marched into stake night at the 2015 World’s Championship Horse Show with a precocious command of the ring, proving that her success from the previous year was merely foretelling of her greatness. It was just over a year ago that Lady Mandolin debuted at the Shelby County Fair with then trainers Randy Stoess and
Allison Walker garnering much attention. Far too effortlessly, she went on to win the Three-Gaited World’s Championship with Allison just a few weeks later. Taking breeding advice from her trainers, breeder Linda Shelor had produced the outstanding mare by Undulata’s Nutcracker out Suddenly Summer (Merchant Prince x a Globetrotter daughter) and raised her with attentive care. Allison described “Layla” as “a horse trainer’s dream.” Randy and Allison had trained her since she was a yearling, knowing very early on that she was special. “As horse trainers we tend to think we make them what they are, or that we fix ‘em. She just needed direction.The ability and attitude were all there. It’s all natural talent,” explained Randy. “She’s a grand individual.” Layla won Randy and Allison a world title and simultaneously captured the discerning eye of trainer Jim Stachowski and initially his knowledgeable wife Shawn. Exalted by a careful upbringing and her easy rise to the top, the fairytale continued for Lady Mandolin when she was purchased by Helen Lacey Reed. She went to fine harness heavyweight Jim Stachowski, who immediately appreciated her perfect cadence and four-cornered trot. When they chose to buy Layla, Jim was not aiming for any particular division. He knows quality when he sees it and this was an outstanding horse. As they got to know her, it became clear that she was equally impressive in harness as under saddle. Shawn Stachowski suggested to her husband that Layla might be his next harness champion. “She has all it takes. [A harness horse] has to be big, have good elevation and be powerful; [she] has to have a great attitude and want to be a show horse,” explained Jim. In essence, Lady Mandolin has it all. Jim went on to describe, “She’s a real lady to be around. She wants to work and directs all her energy in positive ways.”
WGC Lady Mandolin pictured winning the 2014 World’s Champion Three Year Old class with Allison Walker.
102 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
During the 2015 show season before Louisville, Lady Mandolin was not shown. Out of the blue, she excited spectators with a thrilling performance in the Junior Fine Harness class, taking home the World title. When Layla and Jim entered the ring to compete in the World’s Grand Championship Fine Harness, the mare’s confidence and brilliance commanded everyone’s attention. Lady Mandolin was the essence of thrilling. After building an impressive resume of harness champions starting
Lady Mandolin winning the World’s Grand Championship Fine Harness with Jim Stachowski.
back in 2007 by winning the Three Year Old class with Callaway’s Local News, Jim Stachowski had now won the World’s Grand Championship for two consecutive years. It is well known that Jim Stachowski is a top Arabian trainer. It’s also known he came onto the Saddlebred scene with a bang a number of years ago. Always looking for an exceptional individual, Jim and Shawn were breeding half-Arabs and their attention turned to the Saddlebred industry more acutely than before. They began acquiring Saddlebreds for their own breeding purposes. Initially, they sent the saddlebreds out for training, yet eventually decided to start working some of the horses themselves.The transition to showing Saddlebreds was
simply an evolution of their breeding program. Fast forward less than a decade later and Stachowski Farm’s Saddlebreds are never to be dismissed at the Kentucky State Fair. They are consistently serious competition. Jim explained that the best horses, regardless of breed, are the same. They have the ability and the desire to be something. A good trainer just needs to keep them happy and stay out of their way. First Jim drove the stunning black stallion Nutcracker’s Nirvana last year and now the bold chestnut mare, Lady Mandolin (and don’t forget The Davinci Code). It might be a harness dynasty. Lady Mandolin has surely begun her ownher future is bright.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
103
Saturday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
Owner Name
Trainer Name
228 230 231 235 237 238
THREE-GAITED PARK JR EX CHAMPIONSHIP FINE HARNESS 3YO STALLION/GELDING FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEAS JR EXH CHAMP THREE-GAITED LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FINE HARNESS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
CH Swing An Singin Diamond District Take It From The Top HS Baby Steps I’m Still Dreamin’ Lady Mandolin MS
Catherine Wheeler Andre Van Schalkwyk Madeleine Wood Misdee Wrigley Miller Barbara Goodman Manilow James Stachowski
Ceil and Kenneth M.Wheeler Jr Susan Olcott 3 Sisters Stables LLC Hillcroft Farm LLC Barbara Goodman Manilow James Stachowski
Smith Lilly Michael W. Hylton James Lowry Larry D. Hodge Kenneth Smith Helen Lacey Reed
#230
#228
104 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#231
Saturday #235
#237
#238
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
105
By Meghan Von Ballmoos
WGC CH Heartland Expectation AND KAREN FRICKEY
I
n the ever-changing show horse industry, most owners and trainers have sold a beloved horse or pony in spite of their personal attachments. Change is good and selling makes the business thrive, moreover considering the vast financial investment of a show horse, it feels imprudent to hold on to a pony forever. It’s just the way it is. It was no different for Karen Frickey about five years ago when she decided to sell her harness pony CH Heartland Expectation at the age of nine to new owner Mary Gise. Karen and her trainers Randy and Denessa Harper had already enjoyed much success with Expectation over a number of years with wins at all the major shows including numerous in the World’s Championship at the Kentucky State Fair. They felt it was time. After all, a pony can’t stay competitive at the top level year after year. But it seems this brilliant pony took to proving the world wrong. Fast forward five years later. After competing under the direction of different trainers over the years, Expectation returned to Frickey Farm to be trained by Randy and Denessa, this time under different ownership.The entire team was happy to have him back after quite a few years in other hands. One day, when a group of customers were gathered at the barn, Randy asked Karen to take her old Expectation for a spin. Surprised, but pleased to take the reins once again, she obliged. As she finished, Randy cryptically asked her if she would like to show him. She wondered why his current owner would not show the pony herself when Randy surprised her and said, “Well, he’s yours!” To her delight, Karen’s brother David had bought him back for her in a touching display of brotherly affection and appreciation for the strength of Karen’s bond with Expectation. He knew how dearly she loved that special pony and was thrilled to return Expectation to her. The entire crowd of supportive customers including Candi and Ed Aversenti, joyfully celebrated with Karen, Randy, and Denessa. It was a tearful reunion for which Karen is truly grateful to her brother.
As all ponies change over time, so had Expectation. He was now fifteen years old and although the team at Frickey Farms had the highest of hopes, they were unsure of the outcome. Expectation was a different pony than he was five years before. Karen had to learn a new way of driving him and Harpers had to adapt their training routine to the different, older Expectation. Nevertheless, his enthusiastic work ethic remained the same. “He’s the same every day,” said Denessa. “Every day is a show day. He always gives it everything he has!” So, they worked him to manage his older body, building up to reaching his peak in August, all the while trying to keep his penchant for overachieving under control. Along with his incredible talent, Karen loves his unique personality. “He’s a buddy! He’s unlike any horse or pony I’ve ever had! Just the way he looks at you is different,” she explained. Her affection for Expectation is heartwarming. Expectation got better and better over the past winter. Leading up to the Kentucky State Fair this year, Expectation and Karen had a stellar show season. The team felt strongly that they had arrived at his best and were optimistic. Bearing his name appropriately, Expectation did not fall short of their aspirations. At the age of sixteen, Karen and her beloved pony were once again crowned World’s Grand Champion Harness Pony topping a field of outstanding competitors. Spectators were delighted by Karen’s touching interview with R.H. Bennett afterwards, in which her gratitude to Expectation, her brother, and of course her trainers was effusive. “I’ve got the best horse trainer in the world,” she exclaimed about Randy. The influential breeding operation at Heartland Hackney Farm bred this special individual and merely a glance at his bloodlines gives further insight into his success. WGC CH Heartland Expectation is out of the mare Heartland Beauty, the same dam as Mary Gaylord McClean’s stunning 2015 Amateur Harness Pony World’s Champion Heartland Demonstrator. Expectation was intended for greatness by design and he proved he still has it. Aside from the victorious end for Karen Frickey, the Harpers, Heartland Hackney Farm, the win was a testament to the Hackney pony as a breed: a willing, energetic, and resilient creature who strives to give his best regardless of age.
Showing at Lexington Junior League Karen and CH Heartland Expectation in their joyous victory pass! 106 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
107
Belong with the broker that takes your business to heart.
For more than 19 years, horse and rider has been at the heart of what we do. As a business focused purely on equine insurance, it has always been part of us and it’s why we see clients as part of us too. It’s also the reason we’ve used our knowledge to craft a complete range of equine insurance products. From mortality cover to critical care cover, from horsebox cover to grooms health cover and beyond, we protect those who belong with us. Shouldn’t you be?
EQUIPAGÉ. BELONG WITH US. Immediate cover at affordable rates • MORTALITY COVER • LOSS OF USE COVER • CRITICAL CARE COVER • PUBLIC LIABILITY COVER • PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER • SHU EQUINE VETERINARY INSURANCE • HORSEBOX COVER • TACK COVER • GROOM’S HEALTH COVER
To belong with SA’s leading Equine broker, call: Tel: 087 150 1853 or 083 377 2705 Email: info@equipage.co.za www.equipage.co.za
108 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
109
Saturday Class #
Class Title
Horse Name
Exhibitor
Owner Name
223
AHHS 20225 Jr Exh Roadster Pony - 14-17 CH
Stat-Tistic
Kirstie Buerkley
Douglass Mesker
226
ASHA 00159 Jr Exb Road Pony Un Saddle 17Yrs & Under CH
Cocked-N-Ready
Alex Rudder
Robert L. Pugh LLC
240
AHHS 20240 Harness Pony Worlds Grand CH
CH Heartland Expectation
Karen Frickey
Karen Frickey
242
AHHS 20236 Roadster Pony Worlds Grand CH
Twin Willow's McDreamy
Ali DeGray
Helen Rich
244
AHHS 20244 Hackney Pony Worlds Grand CH
Craycroft Matador
Ali DeGray
T.J., DMD &/or Georgia H. Blevins
#223
#226
#240
110 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
#242
Saturday #244
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
111
By Meghan Von Ballmoos
ALI DEGRAY WORLD’S GRAND CHAMPION HACKNEY PONY
CRAYCROFT MATADOR
WORLD’S GRAND CHAMPION ROAD PONY
TWIN WILLOW’S MCDREAMY
I
t is incontrovertible that winning a single World’s Grand Championship is a huge accomplish-ment, particularly for an amateur exhibitor. Such achievement requires hard work, an exceptional pony, a great trainer, and a little bit of luck too. In a tour de force, amateur and avid horsewoman Ali DeGray won two grand championships this year- in the same night for mother and owner Helen Rich.
Maureen still jokes that this unconventional method has given her ulcers. For-tunately, from years of experience, Ali was able to take the whole thing in stride executing the game plan effectively. “When she came to us, I had already seen Ali drive a million times. I knew she was capable. She had no fear and she clicked with McDreamy right away. Ali has great feel,” said Maureen.
Along with the expert training by Rich and Maureen Campbell of Majestic Oaks, Ali was the common denominator, guiding Twin Willow’s McDreamy to top an outstanding field in the World’s Grand Championship Roadster Pony (immediately followed by a winning ride in the Amateur Five-Gaited Championship trained by Tammy Devore) and topped off her Saturday evening with yet another win in the World’s Grand Championship Hackney Pony driving Craycroft Matador.
About McDreamy, Ali laughingly said, “He was wilder at Louisville. He’s a little savage. I love it!.. I love wild ponies!” For his part, McDreamy is mostly, well, dreamy. “He goes out every day, always happy, sometimes playful. He was a little quiet in the stall when we first got him. He was in a stall with full walls and we figured out he loves seeing a pony next to him,” she continued. Judging by their continued success throughout the season, team Majestic Oaks, Ali, and McDreamy were prepared and hopeful leading up to the Kentucky State Fair.
Twin Willow’s McDreamy is no stranger to success. Dr. Alan Raun of Reedannland has cleaned up with the speedy pony for years, winning numerous championships at the biggest shows in the country but he was known to be a little tough. His consistent performances and outstanding quality were too much to resist when it was time to find Ali a new roadster pony about a year ago, so Rich and Maureen gamely took on the challenge with “McDreamy.” Maureen ex-plains, ”Reedannland told us everything about him. They were great. They even told us how they worked him.” They also made sure they understood McDreamy’s warm-up routine which went against every horse trainer’s instincts: no warm-up. At all. There’s no standing around; just hook the bike and go in the class. Rich and Maureen trusted the process and it paid off each time Ali showed him, but
112 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
So, typical of his winning ways, McDreamy delivered on Saturday evening at the World’s Cham-pionship Horse show. It seemed the achievement had only started the incredible night for Ali. She went on to win the Amateur Five-Gaited as the middle of a tripartite performance leading to the grand finale. Fortunately the quick changes were easy for Ali, “I’m so used to showing back to back. It was better because it kept me from getting nervous. There wasn’t enough time to get nervous.” Craycroft Matador is a compact powerhouse with the talent and beauty to warrant competing among the best cob tails in the country. As a breeding stallion for a number of years, this hand-some pony has already left a mark on the
Twin Willow’s McDreamy and Ali winning the World’s Grand Championship Roadster Pony.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
113
Craycroft Matador in his picture perfect victory pass for the World’s Grand Championship win with Ali.
hackney history books. Under previous ownership of T.J. and Georgia Blevins for the former half of the show season, Rich and Maureen’s associate Juan Rios worked him with great care and pride. Leading up to Louisville, Matador gained momentum and seemed to be reaching his best with wins at JD Massey and Midwest. Now thriving as a gelding, there was a lot of buzz about him after they debuted him at JD Massey and the blue at Midwest showed that he was in the winner’s circle to stay. Only coming under Helen Rich’s ownership just before the Kentucky State Fair commenced, Matador and Ali had just two drives as a team before the big dance. Taking the pressure off of Ali, Rich told her that Matador “had the sniffles” and “wouldn’t be able to compete.” Once again, Ali’s great sense of showman-ship and ability to adapt her feel to each pony’s individual needs allowed her to shine despite his sickness and their limited experience with
114 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
each other. Ali and Matador took home the title of World’s Grand Championship Hackney Pony to Majestic Oaks. “He’s such a gentleman that I’m going to hand the reins over to Mom soon. She’s so supportive,” said Ali. Working with Majestic Oaks has been incredibly positive for Ali. “They had faith. Rich and Moe are incredible to work with. I love their approach to ponies. They take exceptional care and make it easy for me. Maureen is such a talented instructor. She gives me confidence and makes me feel great.” After a dreamlike stake night, Ali’s joy and appreciation for the honor was tangible when she flashed her trademark bright smile, perhaps only topped by mother Helen Rich’s happiness that shined for her daughter in the stands. Two ponies; two World’s Grand Championships— one memorable night.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
115
By Meghan Von Ballmoos
WGC HS DAYDREAM’S HEADS UP THREE-GAITED WORLD’S GRAND CHAMPION hen HS Daydream’s Heads Up marched through the gate on stake night with owner Scott Ha-gan, the pair set out to make history and succeeded in grand style, garnering the title Three-Gaited World’s Grand Champion. Exquisite and expressive, HS Daydream’s Heads Up made an effortless picture, yet like most brilliant performances, it reflected years of tremendously hard work and a lifetime of dreams.
W
first, but would only become his trainer about five years later.“I was thrilled to get him. He is a freak of nature. There’s nothing about that horse you’d want to change.”
When the striking chestnut was just a week old, Scott and trainer Debbie Foley both saw Heads Up at Fred Sarver’s Cornerstone Farm, where Scott’s breeding program is managed. Hagan remembers, “It was clear he was special. He had a fluid and athletic way of moving, he held his head so high, he was beautifully conformed and his attitude and charisma were ‘just different.’ He radiated that he could become a great one.” By the ubiquitous and undeniably prolific sire Undulata’s Nutcracker and out George Knight’s fine harness mare A Daydream Believer [BHF], Heads Up was everything Scott could have imagined plus more. Although he was not aiming specifically to breed for a walk-trot horse, Scott does not believe in crossing three-gaited or har-ness horses with five-gaited horses so he works within those parameters when choosing blood-lines. Debbie Foley loved the colt from the
Their mutual respect and appreciation is apparent. Scott was effusive about Debbie as a teacher and horse trainer. “Debbie is very unique. She puts the dreams of her customers ahead of her own interests. She makes your dreams her mission. She is a world class horsewoman and has the ability to communicate with an amateur in a kind but direct way not only what to do but why to do it.... I am not a person who can just do something without knowing why to do it. When I know why to do something it gives me the ability to adapt to future situa-tions based on knowledge and experience instead if just ‘well the last time this happened Debbie told me to do this or that.’ If a rider is taught that way, he is always reacting to situations after they have occurred instead of anticipating any particular situation and proactively handling it.”
Scott decided it would be his goal to show his own horse to a world title. Sheer talent and ability can only take a horse so far; Scott realized that he would have to get to work on honing his skills as a rider. Debbie’s farm is just three miles from his home, allowing Scott the chance to ride fre-quently. He also Scott Hagan started in the horse business when he was purchased a “tough as nails” lesson horse and rode as often as just five years old. The family trained their own horses, who possible, taking every bit of information Debbie offered and were not typically world caliber. They had the honor of having claims he learned more in five years than he had in the previous Reverie’s Desdemona’s last foal, by Wing Commander, who forty five. About Scott, Debbie said, “He is like a sponge! He Scott proudly showed to a seventh place in the juvenile five- remembers everything I tell him.” Clearly, he embraced the gaited qualifier. After law school and building a large real estate challenge of improving his level of horsemanship to meet the development company, he was finally able to afford “better horse’s. “I know what it is like to have a dream like Scott’s,” horses” ultimately leading to a now substantial breeding Debbie claims. “Teaching Scott to ride that horse is one of my program called Hagan Saddlebreds based in Louisville, greatest accomplishments. It meant just as much to me, if not Kentucky. more, to put him in the ring and see him win the world.”
Debbie Foley showing Heads Up at the 2014
116 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Tre Lee showing Heads Up
Scott Hagan and Heads Up winning the championship at Blue Ridge 2015
HS Daydream’s Heads Up is truly an impressive sight for any show horse enthusiast. The day to day work routine for this campaigner is pretty basic, lots of jogging and weekly rides by his owner. This is a very rewarding horse to train. “He is an incredibly talented horse,” says Deb-bie.”Everything is easy, he doesn’t have to work at it the way other horses do. Anyone would LOVE to ride that horse!” Scott is thoroughly aware of his good fortune to call himself breeder and owner of this horse. Notably, he is the first breeder, owner and amateur exhibitor to win that prestigious class. While Jean McClean Davis and Elisabeth Goth also earned the honor of win-ning as amateurs, Scott is the only male amateur to win. “He is my once in a lifetime horse. He is such a wonderful horse to be around... Heads Up will never be sold. He will remain in Debbie’s care. I believe that one day Heads Up and Callaway’s Annabel Allison will be laid to rest side by side at Silver Brook.”
So, after much hard work and dedication, amateur Scott Hagan rode his own horse, a product of Hagan Saddlebreds breeding, to bring the yellow roses back to Silver Brook Stables for the first time. He said about the experience, “It made me proud of my breeding program and very grateful to all of the people who have contributed so much to this horse: Debbie, Bud Willimon his farrier, Dr. Hemminger his vet, Alex Carillo his caretaker, Fred Sarver and Dr. Rob Foss who did the embryo work to create Heads Up, and Tre and Emily Lee who gave this horse a great start.” What’s next for this incredible horse? Scott is clear with his intentions. “Debbie made my dream come true. To return the favor, from now through the end of 2016, Heads Up is Debbie’s to ride and show. I am so happy to offer this to her.” THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
117
Saturday Class # 239 241 243 245
Class Title FIVE-GAITED LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP THREE-GAITED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP FIVE-GAITED GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Horse Name Fox Grape’s The Tiger Lily HS Daydream’s Heads Up Memories Of Cabo Marc Of Charm
#241
118 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Exhibitor Elisabeth M. Goth Scott Hagan Alexandra E. DeGray Lionel Ferreira
Owner Name Elisabeth Goth LLC Hagan Saddlebreds, Inc. Helen Rich Riverdreams LLC
Trainer Name Neil Visser Debbie C. Foley Tammy Devore Lionel Ferreira
Saturday #239
#239
#245
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
119
WGC MARC OF CHARM WORLD’S GRAND
By Meghan Von Ballmoos
CHAMPION FIVE-GAITED
I
t is well known that Marc of Charm’s campaign for the red roses has been long and a bit tumultuous. His devoted trainer Lionel Ferrera has passionately supported the stallion, through triumph and defeat; stalwart in his faith. At this year’s World’s Championship Horse Show, the stars aligned for this charismatic performer, finally etching the name “Marc of Charm” among the greats as a World’s Grand Champion Five-Gaited and pleasing his scores of supporters accumulated from years of strong performances. It all started when farrier Marc Gibson bred the grand stallion Santana’s Charm to the mare Pretty Ribbons (out of Yorkshire Pudding) producing a royally bred individual. Clearly Gibson felt confident in his horse from birth with a tribute to himself in the name. Tre Lee successfully debuted the horse in Two Year Old Fine Harness in 2008, winning Lexington Junior League. Lionel entered his life soon after. “I loved him the first day I saw him,” says Lionel who trains the horse for Riverdreams LLC, Carolyn and Gary Koch.“I knew deep down he was one of the greats. He has both the individual traits and the bloodlines that make him so.” Initially, Lionel trained “Marc” at the Bulmer’s Monnington in Hereford, England, traveling back and forth to Kentucky for shows, adding a considerable amount of strain on the young horse. But Marc showed his mettle and started his career as a gaited horse to much success. Training Marc of Charm has been a lesson in patience for Lionel Ferrera. He never doubted his horse’s ability, nor his heart, but often had to refine his approach. “He’s a pleasure to work; he likes what he does,” Lionel explained. “He is also a very smart horse.” Lionel claims Marc taught him,“to bide your time and take what you get from your horse. Have patience.” In this resultsdriven industry, owners and trainers alike sometimes feel pressure to make things happen now. Lionel soon recognized that this horse would reach his peak in his own time, always believing he would rise to the top when the timing was right. “A lot of people don’t spend enough time with a horse. Marc has a massive heart. Heart means being able to do it, year after year.” Lionel says many people gave well-meaning advice on how to improve Marc’s performances, but ultimately his bond with the horse let him know what he needed. By and large, Marc of Charm has been no stranger to the winner’s circle. He has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments that already established him as the real deal, garnering victories in the stallion class at Louisville as well as many other big shows over the years.Yet winning the stake class had become a white whale. Team Marc of Charm, which includes Lionel’s wife and devoted supporter, Georgia and of course faithful owners Carolyn and Gary Koch, has been singularly focused on the grand championship for a number of years, but the win remained elusive. After his
120 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
break this past winter, Lionel changed the course of Marc’s training upon realizing that Marc’s age (at nine certainly not advanced) lent itself to a different work routine than when he was younger. Marc knew what was wanted of him and knew his job so Lionel slowed things down and worked on fitness, keeping the work slow. Once a week, he would “burn him up” and let Marc show his full capacity, building week after week up to the Kentucky State Fair. When show time rolled around for the Stallions on Monday night, Lionel felt Marc was just less than peak, so rode him safely and earned the second place against the strong pair Kalarama’s Ultimate Choice and Tammy Devore. Lionel kept his eye on the Saturday night prize. Unlike previous years, where they warmed up “like King Kong,” Marc and Lionel eased into the warm up, saving their best for the bright lights of Freedom Hall. It worked. Marc of Charm’s time had come. Lionel knew from the first pass around that he had a ton of horse underneath him. After the workout, he felt in his gut he had won. Marc’s legions of fans made certain they voiced their support of the big handsome chestnut, leaving no doubt of his popularity. Lionel claims “Saturday night wouldn’t have happened without the crowd!” He credits Georgia with her thoughtful promotion of the stallion over the years, always “making it about the horse.” Known for his passionate and sometimes outspoken avocation of his mount, Lionel believes his faith made the team more appealing, “If you don’t believe in something, you might be successful, but you’ll never move people.” Hard-earned triumph was a sweet reward for the Monnington camp. Marc of Charm will now enter a new chapter of his life as a full time breeding stallion. A positive indicator of what’s to come, Marc of Charm has sired three world’s champions to date including two world’s champions this year:Three Year Old Futurity Park Pleasure winner Riverdreams Remarcable and Two Year Old Five-Gaited winning Exclamation Marc. In 2014, it was Cupid’s Marc for owner Steven Chancellor. With his longtime owners, trainer’s and fans to support him, it seems the future for Marc of Charm looks as bright as his past.
Marc of Charm at Monnington Farm. Photo’s by Scott Trees.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
121
122 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
123
Peter Williams a t Ke e n e l a n d - Ph o t o c o u r t e s y K een el a n d
By Bunny Hinzman
PA I N T I N G F RO M L I F E W I T H
PETER WILLIAMS “Painting from life allows the interaction that one misses in the studio.”
124 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
K e e neland Rain, cour t e s y Pe t e r Wi l l i a ms
C
elebrated artist Peter Williams has a vision all his own among the tradition, the pomp and circumstance, from inside the paddock. At Keeneland, I have seen him there each time I have been to that historic Kentucky racecourse, as rooted as the ever-watchful Sycamore tree, as life circulates around him. He sees with eyes of an archivist, painting always from an 81year old “inventory” of experiences, of scenes, of people all so “dear” to him. Each painting reflects the effervescent joy of a self-proclaimed “frantic impressionist.” Each brushstroke is an expression of affection, a means towards eagerly – frantically - capturing a beautiful moment in time. His immersion in the subject of the racehorse, of the magnificence of its body and setting,
results in among the most amazing compositions in the genre. Colors bloom on his canvas as he captures the flexing neck of a young colt or the graceful curve of a spectator’s hat. His highly personal visual narratives warmly invite the viewer to his experiences, and, through them, open up a dialogue directly with Peter Williams himself. Though Kentucky has been his adopted home for twenty years, Peter Williams was raised on a livestock farm near Gisborne, New Zealand. The family business was not his destiny, though. Showing creative talents at a young age, he convinced his parents to send him off to an art institute. Even as he grew and traveled worldwide as an acclaimed artist, he would never deny his heritage, claiming to be an “unemployed sheepherder.” He has continued to appreciate his homeland and upbringing
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
125
Ro y a l A sc o t , c o u r tes y P ete r Willia m s
- “the lovely country, unspoiled by development” – where he always “saw paintings waiting to be done.”
painted! While with friends in New York we painted much, the Fulton Street Fish Market, the stock Exchange, the carriages.”
Educated at Heresworth School, Wangauni Collegiate School, and Canterbury College School of Art, he was mainly mentored by fellow New Zealand artist, Douglas Badcock. Badcock’s persistent advice was “to be brief in all things” and to paint from life. Williams has carried this advice with him; never painting from photographs, never looking back.
The fledging artist initially received the opportunity to travel to the United States in 1971, when Qantas Airlines invited him to be a guest on the inaugural 747 flight from New Zealand. Afterwards he spent a year there, carousing the country with his wife and three young children in a motor home as he painted and exhibited. Williams painted everything that caught his eye - vintage cars, flower gardens, architecture, marine subjects, landscapes, and figure studies. He would return to the United States ten years after his first trip, at which point all three children attended art school and painted alongside him. It was on this second voyage he had a chance meeting with famed
“My belief,” Williams says. “Has always been that the subject is there to help one be POETIC, not to dictate as is the case when copying. Always painting from life, we worked among the Amish who hate being photographed but adore being
126 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Sheik h M o h a mme d’s Tr a in in g Tr a c k , D u b a i, c o u r te s y Pe te r William s
equine artist/New York gallery owner, Richard Stone Reeves, which resulted in a commission to paint racing scenes. The meeting with Reeves proved pivotal as Williams subsequently spent more time in the United States visiting racetracks and sporting events, building a larger network. As of today, he has been resident artist for nearly thirty years at among the most prestigious American racetracks: Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Del Mar, Saratoga and Monmouth Park. Former Keeneland president, chairman of the board, trustee, and current trustee emeritus, Ted Bassett said, “Peter Williams’ unique talent of ‘painting from life’ brings a certain realism and vibrancy to a wide range of subjects. His hallmark white hat and easel are fixtures at the world’s most prestigious
Thoroughbred racing events from Ascot to Saratoga, Longchamp to Keeneland, Del Mar to Churchill Downs, Breeders’ Cup to the Melbourne Cup.” His paintings - set in the bluegrasses of Keeneland or the sundrenched Californian Del Mar; the deserts of Dubai or among the top hats of Ascot - unravel the wondrous tapestry that a day at the track can be. Residing in New Zealand for half the year to rest, the remainder of his time is spent painting the world: from camel races in the Middle East to scenic bluegrass paddocks. Through him, Kentucky’s fall brilliance blazes, filling your eyes with hues of gold, rose and dusky shadowed blues. When
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
127
P EB’s car toon por t r a i t o f Pe t e r Wi l l i a ms
I n 1 9 8 4 , Ted B a sset t i n t ro d u ces P et er Wi l l i a m s t o H er M ajes ty Q ueen E l i za b et h I I - P h o t o co u rt esy B i l l S t ra u s
P eter Williams at Ke e n e l a n d - Ph o t o c o u r t e s y Ke en el a n d
residing in Kentucky for six months, he paints over one hundred paintings. Thus, his many painted projections are not dreams, but Williams’ glorious reality, his world – whether the actors on his stage are modest sheep or millions of dollars’ worth of equine muscle. The humble New Zealander’s list of “celebrity” patrons and acquaintances has grown. Twice he was a guest at Sandringham Palace, painting for His Royal Highness Prince Philip. His painting, “1984 Epsom Duel” of El Gran Senor and winning Secreto, trained by father and son Vincent and David O’Brien, was auctioned in aid of Irish Cancer Society at dinner in Dublin. There was an intense bidding war over the painting. Eventually,
128 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
the magnificent work was won by Vincent and given as a gift to David to mark his massive achievement with the winning horse. A most memorable moment, Williams recounts, “was the inaugural running of the QEII Challenge Cup… the fans, the ladies in their most lavish hats, and Her Majesty had all come to the track. “Ted Bassett said to me, ‘I want you to stand by that tree and paint the queen as she walks toward you.’ “Was I intimidated? Well, yes perhaps. Truthfully the best paintings happen quickly. It’s the adrenaline and inspiration. The queen was delightful and most gracious.”
C a s tle Point Races , c o u r t e s y Pe t e r Wi l l i a ms
The famed equine cartoonist, Pierre Bellocq (PEB) said of Williams, “Seeing Peter at work in the racing world’s greatest saddling paddocks like Churchill Downs, Ascot or Longchamp, surrounded by scrutinizing eyes, one can only think of the brave matador…fearless! And to think that poor, shy Utrillo had to get drunk before setting his easel in the crowded streets of Paris!” His 2012 book, Peter Williams Retrospective: Paintings and People Dear to Me, provides a not only beautiful but wonderfully personal, autobiographic scrapbook of his life as a painter. Flipping through page after page of masterpiece after masterpiece, one also comes across the photographic record of his friendships, of the people he has
touched through his paintings who speak themselves in a collected assortment of quotes. Hall of Fame jockey, Pat Day, for instance, reminiscences poignantly that “I don’t remember when I first met Peter. It seems that he has always been there in the background bringing to life on his canvas the many facets of the great sport of horse racing. Blessed with tremendous talent and a well-trained eye, combined with his knowledge of and love for the sport, he captures the beauty and essence of the “Sport of Kings” like no other.” And yet, even when he rubs shoulders with royalty,Williams is the embodiment of warmth and kindness, ever willing to
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
129
Th e Ol d P a d d o c k a t D e l M a r, co u r te s y Pe te r William s
share his love of art, his love of life, with fellow enthusiasts. I will never forget my own meeting with him for that very reason. Like so many others he befriends in the Keeneland paddock, he allowed me within his intimate space of creation; behind his canvas, on his conductor’s stand where he paints the scene before him with orchestral vigor. He is a true legacy, to the many who pass through the paddock’s walks. “How many times have we racing people walked into the paddock of a great racetrack and – uniquely – seen
130 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Peter absorbing and painting the scene as it unfolds, often with admirers chatting and peering over his shoulder,” said Dogwwod Stable’s President, Cot Campbell. When asked how he felt about being such a recognizable figure, such a part of historic Keeneland’s tradition, Williams himself replied in typical humor: “This is the result of the support of Keeneland hierarchy. I can only presume I am a distraction that helps people forget how much money they are losing. It has been a privilege.”
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
131
Skiing in Steamboat, Colorado.
Bill and Lisa’s wedding – July 1st, 2000.
NO LUCK ABOUT IT: Clover Leaf Stables – Lisa and Bill Waller
L paths.
isa and Bill Waller have both been immersed in the Saddlebred industry for most of their lives, though it wasn’t until the mid-1990’s that they first crossed
Lisa grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and when she was just 3-years-old, her grandmother, Ethel Wylie, had a neighbor with a pony.They let Lisa ride it all the time. Lisa’s grandparents loved to go to horse shows as a social event, but were never horse people themselves. Lisa started riding lessons through a school day camp around the age of seven. The barn was called Sherrill Stables in Knoxville, and they happened to have all saddle horses. “From the moment I first saw them, I thought the Saddlebreds were a beautiful horse. I was drawn to them from the very beginning,” said Lisa. When she was ten, Lisa got her first show horse, Fancy’s Golden Dream, as a Christmas present. Fancy wasn’t really such a fancy specimen of a Saddlebred, but it was a very exciting Christmas for little Lisa, and it was the fuel to the fire of a lifelong passion for her. “I had lots of fun, for a long time I didn’t have anything really
132 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer stellar, I showed in equitation, pleasure, ponies, really anything that they would let me catch ride or show,” laughed Lisa. “I just did it because I really loved it. Then, my last junior exhibitor year my family bought Blaze Of Glory, a really nice five-gaited horse.” The pair had quite a bit of success on the Southeast circuit, and they were third at Louisville together in Lisa’s first year as an amateur. Bill, on the other hand, grew up in Southwest, Virginia in a town called Pulaski. His grandfather had retired and was really close with a horseman in Wytheville, Virginia named Thad Williams – who had Super Command – a well-known American Saddlebred. “My dad would take me and my brother and visit Thad’s barn and his grandfather, and we would go to horse shows occasionally just to watch,” said Bill. “When I was a junior and senior in high school, I would drive 30 miles to Wytheville to go to the barn, I just wanted to learn, and I would clean stalls, and do whatever I could. After high school I went to work for Thad Williams.” Although Bill had the passion, the riding wasn’t easy for him in the beginning. He’d already made up his mind he wanted to be a horse trainer, and make a living out of the horses, but
Clover Leaf Stables’ first World’s Champion win together with Mallory Greaves.
it was a long time before he started to feel comfortable in the saddle. “I was trying to learn to ride. Shirley Trail was working with him and she would let me ride every once in a while. I was a football player, and did a lot of sports through high school,” said Bill. “But riding didn’t come natural to me,” he laughed in recollection of his early days in the saddle. “I really wanted to do it hard enough, and I kept working at it though. I was always into the Saddlebred,” he added. “And then down the road, I got interested in the hackneys and Standardbred road horses. But then, I really cared about the show horses.” Bill stayed at Thad’s for a few years after high school, and then worked for Pat Graves in Roanoke, Virginia at her barn, Lessons Unlimited. When he was about 24-years-old he took a job at Whisperwind Farm working for Johnny Lucas in Clayton, North Carolina. “That’s when I got really serious about it,” said Bill. “It was Phyllis Brookshires’ father’s farm, and it was the first place I had worked that had a larger training facility.” After about three years at Whisperwind, Bill made the move to Kentucky, and after a
The first World’s Champion that Bill trained - George Amos in 1996.
short time he ended up in Wisconsin at Don Brockman’s. Bill opened up his own stable there for a couple years before heading back to Kentucky, to work at Donna Moore’s and Shatner’s Belle Reve Farm, and then Merrill Murray. Lisa had her eyes on college, and although she loved the horses, they weren’t in her future as far as a profession. She stayed at home, attending the University ofTennessee, where she majored in marketing and finance, and while in her last year of college; she met and married David Cunningham, from local Beaverbrook Stables. “I had never looked at the horses as something to do professionally, but David was adamant that I was going to start teaching and work in the barn,” recalled Lisa. “I’m so glad, because I absolutely loved it once I started teaching and working with the horses, and then I got to where it was competitive for me.” In 1987, the very first rider that Lisa had started, Amy Carringer, was reserve at Louisville, as a 10-and-under walk-and-trot rider, and then came back as an 11-year-old and won in 1989. Her success really started Lisa’s love for it, and that’s something she carries with her today.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
133
After David and Lisa’s divorce, she continued at Beaverbrook, teaching and working with the horses as well. Carringer continued showing under Lisa’s tutelage throughout the early and mid-1990’s and Lisa began to have a focus on equitation and juvenile riders, with many well-known youth coming up through her ranks. These riders included; Alex Mayes who showed CH Fortunate Commander and El Presidente to World’s and Reserve World’s titles, Eliza Rose Smiddy and CH Fortunate Commander, Hadley Gamble and CH Chalkboard, who were Reserve World’s Champions in the junior exhibitor country pleasure division, and Danielle Loar, the UPHA Adult Equitation Champion. During this same time frame, Bill was making quite a name for himself in the show ring as well. Some of the notable World’s and Reserve World’s champion horses he was training at the time included; George Amos, High Noon and roadster, Six-O-Five.
The pony Lisa first started on at age three.
In the fall of 1996, Lisa went to look at horses in Kentucky, when she ran into Bill with a friend of hers, Linda Murray, while they were at Tattersall’s. They had known each other casually throughout the years, through the business. They all went to dinner together, and the rest, they say, is history. It was a long-distance relationship from the beginning, and continued to be, as Bill was working at Rose Gallagher’s Trinity Farm, outside of Chicago, Illinois. But, in 1997, Bill found himself in between horse jobs and decided to move to Tennessee, and leased a barn to train on his own. It wasn’t long after that Bill and Lisa decided to join forces and started Clover Leaf Stables. In 1998, they leased a farm from one of Lisa’s customers, the Chedester family, whose daughter, Elizabeth Jane had quite a bit of success in the show ring. In 2001, they built their own place, on 20 acres that happened to be directly behind the Chedester’s farm they had leased. From the beginning, they proved that as a team, they were a force to be reckoned with, both in and out of the show ring. The first World’s Champion under the Clover Leaf Stables banner was tiny and talented, Mallory Greaves, their 8-andunder walk-and-trot World’s Champion in 1999.Their list of champion horses and riders continued to grow their first few years together; Rachel Machamer, CH Heir Style, CH In Neon ERB, Undulata’s Perfect Gift, Jessica Northcutt, Candle Dan, and many more. They continued to focus on juvenile riders, many of them starting out in the walk-and-trot division; and developing a partnership between the horse and rider, expertly pairing up exciting teams. Bill and Lisa are still in the same location they started in. The property includes a 31-stall barn with large indoor and outdoor arenas. They live on an additional 11 acres nearby that they had purchased prior to the larger farm. “We enjoy having our own space,” said Lisa. “It’s nice to be able to get away. We originally had the intention of building the barn on the 11 acres, but its better this way.” They currently have about 30 horses in their program, approximately 20 of which are in training, and some school 134 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Lisa’s first show rider and World’s Champion, Amy Carringer in 1989.
horses. They usually start working horses around 6:30 in the morning, and try to wrap up by 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon. While Bill does the majority of the training duties, Lisa comes in and helps work horses as well, and then will run errands and do paperwork, before returning to the barn to start teaching lessons. Lisa teaches approximately 35-40 lessons each week on her own, starting with up-down beginners, developing them into World’s Champions. They don’t have any other instructor on staff, and she likes to do mainly private lessons, so she can keep her focus on that rider. Most of the riders that Bill and Lisa have on their show string have come up through their riding program. Reagan Campbell is one example. She started riding at 8-yearsold with Lisa, and after one year of academy was in the show ring, and earning herself a World’s Championship title soon after. “We have been fortunate to get riders that really love the sport,” said Lisa. “The ones that can move on and have show horses do. We certainly don’t want to discourage anyone. We want everyone to be able to do it at some level. Some will stay in academy, but as long as they love
Left: Bill and Lisa are also both “R” rated USEF judges, and have had the opportunity to judge many major shows, including Bloemfontein in South Africa, the World’s Championship Horse Show and Morgan Grand Nationals
Vacationing in Mexico
Bill and Lisa’s first horse show together as Clover Leaf Stables in 1998 with their dogs, JoJo and Buddy.
the horse, whether it’s showing the horse, or even just being in the lesson program, it’s a good thing for all of us. They need to do it at whatever level they can and enjoy it.” They both realize that success can mean many different things, at many different levels, and what may be possible for one family, might not be for another. “We try to make things work, instead of trying to find reasons it won’t work. The easier you can make it for the family, the better,” said Lisa. “Horses are a great family sport. It makes you goal oriented and competitive. We try to educate them, and let them get into it at their own pace.” “We’ve been very fortunate all along that the parents have been happy for the success of their children,” added Bill. “Not everything is going to be just perfect, there will be days that your horse is off, your off – or things don’t work together, those things can happen, but we try to educate them from the beginning. The little ones that have a lot of success too early, have to learn that winning isn’t everything. Life isn’t fair all the time. Sometimes, the hardest thing is when they go out and have a really good ride, and do everything they’ve been taught to do correctly, the horse responds in the correct manner and
they still don’t win. It teaches them that it’s all about doing their best and doing everything they can do – and sooner or later they will be rewarded. They are showing against people that are also doing their best, maybe that day their horse was better, or they rode a little stronger,. They have to keep working to do the best they can.” Since Bill and Lisa do most everything themselves, it can be difficult for things to carry on while they are on the road at shows. Without anyone there to teach, sometimes lessons have to take the back burner. They usually take a lesson horse with them on the road so their show riders can practice while at a show. But they are lucky to have great farm help that can work horses while they are gone; and in the past they have had apprentices and assistants as well. “It’s harder and harder to find people that want to work and want to learn the hands-on how to take care of horses – and how to do the things that are necessary.” That, Bill says, has been one of their biggest challenges in this business. “The one thing you can’t be is afraid of work. You have to work harder than you think is possible, but there are times, and years, and horse shows that are very rewarding and remind you why you do this.” THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
135
Three-time World’s Champion and two-time World’s Champion of Champions for Clover Leaf Stables, Candle Dan.
Blaze of Glory and Lisa in 1980.
Another Contender and Bill at the American Royal in 1995
“Last year, it was good and bad all at one time at Louisville,” added Lisa. “Little Molly [Crim’s] horse developed an abscess, and you don’t want to let any one rider down, but especially a child. We were able to see how kind this industry is too, we had five horses offered to her to show in the championship, and she was able to go in and win on a horse she had only had a chance to ride for ten minutes.”
won the walk-and-trot 9-year-old equitation World’s Championship and the tri-color in the 9 & 10-year-old Championship. Also, CH Anna Wintour was the Reserve World’s Champion in the Open Park Mares division with Bill, and then took home the title of Amateur Park Mares Reserve World’s Champion with owner, Alexandria Wellington-Nunley.
Although their success in this business has been plentiful, like any other business, it has been volatile for them as well. “We all know how bad the economy got in this business six or seven years ago, and it’s just now starting to get back to what it was,” said Bill. “During that time you lose horses and clients. We are just as good as the horse we are riding or the horse we are working. Lisa and I worked through it, and did everything we could and made it through and now we have had one incredible year. Things can change; it’s definitely a roller coaster. This business will keep you humble.”
While their free time is limited, they make the best of each and every opportunity.They love snow skiing in the winter and going to the beach. In between their hectic schedule of taking home world titles at Louisville, they managed to sneak away for an afternoon and rent a pontoon boat on a local lake.
An incredible year is an understatement. This year’s World’s Championship Horse Show was one of epic proportions for Clover Leaf Stables. Together, Reagan Campbell and her horse, Real Action, took home the 13-and-under ThreeGaited World’s Champion of Champions title after a blue in division 1 of the qualifier. Molly Crim and her horse Bravia 136 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
They relish in their time together. “Even though we work together day and night, we enjoy and love each other’s company,” said Bill. “We love the water and beaches, and we love being at home with all of our dogs and cats – two basset hounds in the house, two farm dogs and three cats.” Lisa and Bill Waller have learned to be grateful for these good times and not take them for granted. “Enjoy the good years, and work through the others, and hopefully it all comes out in the end,” said Lisa pointedly.
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
137
By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
GETTING REAL WITH REAGAN:
REAGAN CAMPBELL
AND WCC CH REAL ACTION
R
eagan Campbell is the 14-year-old daughter of Darby and Amy Campbell of Knoxville,Tennessee. She comes from a big family with a brother, two sisters and three family dogs. She is a freshman at the Christian Academy of Knoxville, and has aspirations of becoming an equine vet when she grows up.
the perfect fit; something that was suitable for a junior exhibitor, but also fancy enough to take her to the top.
That winter, her family purchased the 5-gaited gelding, Montano, and Reagan started out the 2013 show season in 12-and-under walk-and-trot pleasure with her new mount. They enjoyed an incredible season together, taking home the blue in all but one outing the entire year.The following season they started showing together in the junior exhibitor show pleasure division, and eventually moved into junior exhibitor park. Reagan has also tried her hand at driving, showing him in pleasure driving this year.
By far Reagan’s most memorable moment was this year’s win in the 13-and-under three-gaited World’s Championship qualifier and grand championship with Real Action.
“We had been looking at horses and weren’t finding anything that suited and were starting to run out of options,” said Bill Waller. “We found some really nice horses that might not have been When Reagan was 9-years-old, she got her first taste of horses, suitable for a junior exhibitor, something with the quality and when she convinced her parents to let her take riding lessons. presence that we really wanted, but something for a 13-and-under Having loved horses for as long as she could remember, they rider. It was really hard to find. We had been to John and Tammie [Conatser’s] looking at another horse, and Lisa turned to Tammie ended up at Lisa and Bill Waller’s Clover Leaf Stables. and asked if that horse (Real Action) would ever be available, and Since then, Reagan has catapulted to success in the Saddlebred in fact he had just recently been put on the market. We asked industry. After less than a year of lessons, she started showing to see him, and at that point were second or third in line. When in Academy on a mare named Santana’s Kiss. The following we got the phone call that we were next in line we took Reagan year, in 2012, her parents were purchasing their first horse, the out of school and went up to try him out immediately. It looked well-known champion, The Mystery Machine, better known as amazing, and [Darby] could see the difference in his quality and “Scooby”. With World’s Championships already under his belt in the impressive type of horse he is, so it made the decision fairly the walk-and-trot division, he carried Reagan to a world title in the easy.We were just happy to be at the right place at the right time.” 10-year-old walk-and-trot equitation division.The pair finished out Within two months the duo were hitting the show ring for the the year at the American Royal with a top 10 finish in the UPHA first time at Pro-Am Horse Show, and from the beginning they National Championship for walk and trot equitation 10 & under, were turning heads. They have been a powerful combination, as well as a blue ribbon in the UPHA Challenge Cup 10-and- hitting the winner’s circle at nearly every step on their way to the green shavings. under walk-and-trot qualifier.
Reagan’s newest companion is the incredible, Real Action, and their partnership has been one of storybook proportions. This past winter the Waller’s were looking for a new mount for Reagan.They had looked at a lot of nice horses, but hadn’t found
Reagan after winning the 10-year-old walk-and-trot World’s Championship
Reagan and Scooby
138 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Reagan typically practices 2-3 times a week, each lesson varies according to their current focus, and she’ll ride different horses to work on different skills. She usually will warm up in the hallway and then move into the arena. Her biggest challenge to overcome in her riding was her transition year learning to canter and her goals are to continue learning more and becoming a stronger rider each and every year. “Saddlebreds have given me confidence and strength and I couldn’t imagine my life without them,” said Reagan.
Reagan showing Santana’s Kiss in Academy
Reagan and Montano
Photo courtesy of Horse World Magazine
QUICK FACTS :
Reagan with Bill and Lisa Waller with their Championship ribbons and roses.
Reagan with Real Action’s previous owner, Betsy Thomas.
What’s the best place you have ever travelled to? Turks and Caicos Islands What is one place you would love to go? Greece What is your trainer’s favorite phrase or words of advice? Don’t ride not to lose, ride to win! What are your hobbies? Shopping and riding horses! What do you do in your free time for fun? Ride horses. Do you have any nicknames? Reags or rcam What is your favorite food? Italian Favorite music, singer or band? The Weekend Favorite Movie? RV What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? Horses. What’s one thing you wish you didn’t exist? Homework What’s something no one knows about you? Winter is my favorite season Anything else you would like to add? My favorite Bible verse is Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
139
140 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
141
142 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
143
144 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
145
146 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
147
148 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
149
Carefree, fly free summer
ALSO AVAILABLE IN 5L
Fly repellent- An effective gel and spray-on fly repellent for protection against house flies. Contains Cypermethrin, Citronella oil, Essential herbal extracts
Reg G2953 of Act 36/ 1947
Science, Solutions, Service www.vtech.co.za
150 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition Client Service Centre: 0860 109 779 Cnr. Douglas and Old Pretoria Road, Midrand, South Africa, PO Box 12285, Vorna Valley, 1686, South Africa
Reg G2951 of Act36/1947
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
151
152 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
153
154 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
155
156 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
157
158 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
159
160 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
161
By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
DRIVEN WITH PASSION:
N
TONI NASTALI
ot everyone in the industry is born and raised with Saddlebreds in their blood. For Toni Nastali, her interest took years to develop. Growing up in Melrose Park, Illinois, her first exposure to the breed was thanks to her younger brother, Jim Nuzzo. When he was 13-years-old, he wanted to take riding lessons, so their father took him to Don Landers’ High Style Stables in nearby St. Charles. Jim and his father became fast friends with Don and his son Bobby, and soon they were purchasing their first horse, a Saddlebred from Tattersalls that Jim enjoyed showing at small, local shows. Toni and her two sisters had little interest in the horses, but they would dutifully go to the shows in support. Jim continued to own and show horses throughout adulthood, while Toni would watch on the sidelines. It wasn’t until 1998, nearly 30 years later, that something changed.Toni was attending the Midwest Charity Horse Show with her brother, and while watching the Amateur Park class, Jim pointed out a horse named First And Ten, exclaiming that he would love to show that horse. Somehow, the conversation turned to ownership – and soon Toni had purchased her very first Saddlebred.“The plan was Jim would show him the first year, while I learned to ride a horse,” Toni told Bob Funkhouser in an earlier article.
In February, 2000, Bob teamed Toni with her first driving horse, the well-known CH Midtown Man. They enjoyed immediate success, and in their second season together were crowned the Country Pleasure Driving World’s Champion of Champions. “I thought, ‘wow’, this is really fun,” said Toni. And her love of driving was only beginning. Toni continued to ride when she could, and partnered next with Meadowsweet in Country Pleasure for a season, and it was then that Bob Griffin found her next purchase, a two-year-old named Gettin’ Fancy by Radiant Sultan and out of a Stonewall’s Main Event grandbaby named Woven Fancy. She was shown quite successfully as a three-year-old both under saddle and in harness, and the following year Toni began to show her in junior show pleasure driving on the Midwest circuit. Her brother Jim had introduced Toni to Margo Baird, of MBA Equestrians, and they quickly became friends. Toni loved visiting the farm, which happened to be right down the road from where she lived, and seeing the babies. She soon wanted to try her hand at breeding. Toni bought a breeding to Supreme Heir at auction, and when her first broodmare purchase couldn’t get in foal during that breeding season, or the next, Griffin suggested they try to breed Gettin’ Fancy, “Fannie” instead. Fannie was only five-yearsold at the time. The resulting foal, born in March of 2004 was a beautiful bright chestnut horse with a white face, named Fanciful Heir SS. Later to be known as the 9-time World’s Champion, CH I’m McDreamy, the horse was special from the very beginning. Tom Thorpe won the UPHA Park Pleasure Classic on him at Midwest Charity in 2007, before Toni sold him to Jacqueline Ware, where Kim Cowart showed him to the three-year-old threegaited World’s Championship that year.
At the age of 48,Toni was getting her first taste of the Saddlebred breed first-hand. She began taking lessons from Linda Larson at Plum Creek Stables, and started showing in walk-and-trot academy soon after. Pushed by a blue ribbon and a little confidence, she moved up to showing First And Ten the very next season. During this time, Toni was also taking care of their elderly mother, and because of the close location, moved the horse to Bob Griffin’s newly-founded Northern Tradition Farm. Toni was finding the time to ride difficult, but had always admired the driving divisions, and mentioned it to Bob. That instant success in the breeding world, solidified Toni’s interest QUICK FACTS : One of the Spring-Align storefronts
Two of Toni’s grandchildren, Julia Claire and Sarah Grace after their grandma’s win 2015 Weanling - Crystals Caravaggio x Gettin’ Fancy
162 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Favorite Food? Rib Eye – definitely into good steak Favorite band/music/singer? Israel Kanakawiwo’ole – Over the Rainbow Favorite Movie? Legends of the Fall – 3 outstanding male leads that fill all my fantasies depending on my mood One thing you couldn’t live without? Family One thing you wish didn’t exist? Alzheimers Favorite Horse Show and why? Devon – best footing and love the enthusiasm of the crowd Favorite destination? Southern Caribbean beaches and I love the history of Europe What is one place you would love to go? South Africa photo safari What are your hobbies? PONIES What do you do in your free time for fun? TRAVEL – just returned from Australia What’s one thing no one knows about you? I love to cook - I’m a food network junkie
Heartland Rough and Ready and Toni Nastali
in breeding. Under the name Springside Stable, Inc. she continued to breed Fannie via embryo transfer, and also added another of her old show horses to her broodmare band, the gray gaited mare, My Pepper Ann. Over the years, Gettin’ Fancy has had nine foals, four of which have World’s Championship titles to their name. Her 2010 foal, Nuttin’ But Fancy SS by Undulata’s Nutcracker was this year’s World’s Champion in Three-Gaited Country Pleasure 13-and-Under Division 1 with owner and rider, Kate Smith. Her 2011 foal, Designed By Fancy SS, is by Designed, and was the 2013 two-year-old three-gaited division 1 World’s Champion with Chuck Herbert under Nastali’s ownership. Gettin’ Fancy’s other World’s Champion is the 2014 foal by (SA) Tomcat, Fancy Cat SS, who took home the weanling breeders open World’s Championship last year. ToToni, breeding horses is now a passion and her horses and babies are her family.“I love watching the mare nuzzle her foal for the first time and helping point them in the right direction for feeding, standing over them when they sleep,” said Toni. “I love watching the mares running after them when they stray too far. And then when they’re all in the pasture together, mother with baby at her side, for me it’s just like raising one of my children. It completes me. I am a proud parent of my children’s accomplishments and families and now of my equine family.” She’s looking forward to seeing the potential of some of the youngsters on the ground as well. “I’m always excited about the
youngsters. I have a two-year-old, Callaway’s Blue Norther by Gettin’ Fancy named Fancy Shades of Blue SS that shows a lot of promise. The yearling, by (SA) Tomcat, Fancy Cat SS is also very exciting to watch grow. And I may have found my best cross for CH My Pepper Ann with Tango’s Parting Kiss, yearling Eva Peron SS is special.” In addition to her passion for breeding horses, Toni has also continued to delve deeper into the world of driving, with both harness horses and hackney ponies. Her love for them continues to grow, and although she’s stepped away from riding now, she hasn’t abandoned her Saddlebred roots. “Driving is driving, whether harness or pleasure horse or pony. It’s all about the feel in the reins for me and the connection with their mouth, how much hold you need and when to lighten the touch,” she said. In 2003,Toni wanted to try her hand at a road pony, and purchased Heartland Victory Maker as a three-year-old. Together the team garnered much success, including World’s Championship titles together, and when it came time to sell him several years later, he was sent to Maureen and Rich Campbell. She continued to drive while he was for sale there, and became completely immersed in ponies, enjoying her first experience with the County Fair circuit in Kentucky as well. Heartland’s Victory Maker was sold in 2009 and in that year Toni bought Heartland Rough and Ready and THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
163
Knollwood All Star Design
Heartland Most Wanted. The list of ponies she has owned and driven reads like a who’s who.Two of her favorites from over the years are Sugarland and The Remington. “I believe not every trainer gets along with every horse. I try to match the trainer to the horse’s needs or potential,” saidToni.“And yes, I travel to a lot of shows.”Toni currently has her hackneys with Majestic Oaks Hackney Farm, her broodmares, weanlings and yearlings at MBA Equestrians, and horses at Cedarwood Farm, Cardinal Farm, Pepper Hill Farm, and Northwind Stables. She’s come a long way since those early days of sitting on the sidelines at horse shows. Her success in the industry has been in large part to her adaptiveness as a business person as well. Over the years, she’s made smart financial decisions for both her horses and her business. After graduating from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in accounting,Toni was working at a CPA firm and in 1981 went to work as a comptroller for two brothers who were second generation of a family business called Spring-Align, Inc., specializing in heavy duty truck repair. At the time they had five garage facilities and in 1984 they decided to split up the shops. Toni stayed with the brother that had three shops. His interest in the business wasn’t in the day-to-day operation, so he gave Toni full responsibility and started gifting her shares of the business for job performance. “Eventually, we opened up two more shops and I was able to financially come in as a full partner. In 1995, he passed away and I was able to buy the 164 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Kilbro’s Code Red
remaining shares from his estate. I divested two of the shops shortly thereafter and continue to run the three shops daily.” The business now includes her own family, as her son, Alan, left the CPA firm he worked for and joined her about seven years ago. She stays busy with responsibilities at Spring-Align, but with her family on board now as well, she will continue to pass along the family business, and enjoys the time away from work, where she can enjoy her horses and ponies. Her five grandchildren are also a very important part of her life. Alan and his wife Michelle have three children; Andrea, 6, and twins, Gianna & Luke 5. Her daughter Nicole lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband Doug Johnson and their two children, Julie Claire, 10 and Sarah Grace, 8. Toni currently drives Heartland Copper Illusion, Heartland Prime Rate, and has a new pleasure pony she hopes to show in the fall. Her accolades over the years have been great, with lots of trips in the winner’s circle. “My most memorable show ring moment thus far was winning both sections of the road pony qualifiers this year at the World’s Championship Horse Show and then winning the Amateur Road Pony World’s Champion of Champions and having my other pony with a catch driver end up in reserve,” said Toni. She hopes to continue driving, and of course breeding top quality horses as well, and her goal for the future is simple. “Just keep having fun and smiling,” she said.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 19-28 NOV
TEL 021 300 0751 misticoequestrian.co.za facebook.com/misticoequestrian
R312 PAARL - DURBANVILLE
THE INTERNATIONAL HORSE Third EditionBODY 165 LIVERY | FUNCTION VENUE | RESTAURANT | SHOWSHOW HOLDING
SERIES 2, 2015
Sept 17-19, Stellenbosch
SOUTH AFRICA SADDLE SEAT WORLD CUP
THE STORY BEHIND THE RESULTS The Junior Protea Equitation team competed against the USA at Mistico Equestrian Centre, near Stellenbosch, from the 16th to the 19th of September 2015.
R
epresenting your country in a sport is something special that very few people have the privilege of doing, and wearing the bottle green blazer with the Protea logo on, is a big honour. On Wednesday 16 September 2015, most of the Junior Protea Equitation riders had the opportunity to wear their blazers for the first time. The Juniors were presented with their blazers at the Waterkloof Wine Estate Restaurant in Somerset West. Afterwards the team,along with their parents and their trainers, enjoyed a delicious six-course lunch and a spectacular view over the ocean. On Wednesday evening the USA team arrived.The allocation of horses took place during a welcoming braai held at the Dercksen family home, De Bosch Stables. The teams met for the first time and even though we were to compete against each other over the next few days, we enjoyed getting to know each other better.
By Madine Dercksen mind. On Thursday evening both teams had a great time eating hamburgers at Hudsons. The wind was icy, but the warm spirit of new friendship made it tolerable. By Friday, some of our nails were bitten to the quick while others ate an excessive amount of red Wilson toffees, in an attempt to curb our anxiety. We had the opportunity to sleep later than usual, but as soon as we woke up, we ate breakfast and started to prepare ourselves, mentally and physically, to compete that afternoon. By the time the competition started, we were all ready, suited up and dressed with the right attitude.
“Riders up!” the announcer called. The last few butterflies flew out of our stomachs while getting on to the horses. From that moment until our patterns were completed, it was only my horse and I. Nothing else mattered. Even the muscle cramps were ignored. After an exhausting first day On Thursday two practice sessions took place at Mistico. of competing, our trainers, Adriaan Odendaal and Charl The knowledgeable trainers had to match the horses with Oosthuizen, and manager, Willie de Jager, were very pleased the riders perfectly, aiming for optimum results. They made with our performance. They kept us motivated to maintain some wise decisions, keeping the team’s best interests in the good performance the next day. 166 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
SERIES 2, 2015
Sept 17-19, Stellenbosch
SOUTH AFRICA SADDLE SEAT WORLD CUP
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
167
SERIES 2, 2015
Sept 17-19, Stellenbosch
SOUTH AFRICA SADDLE SEAT WORLD CUP On Saturday morning phase two of the competition took place and the intensity increased. Mistico was full of supporters and the pressure was on. Every rider gave their everything, but sometimes your everything is not good enough. The Americans went home with both the three-gaited and five-gaited gold medals.
In the blink of an eye, the competition had passed. At the prize giving ceremony that took place at the Petro Botha Stables on Saturday evening, we had a ball. It was fun dancing and bonding with the other team once more. We parted with tears in our eyes. It was an amazing experience to get to know our own team better, as well as the USA’s team. Meeting and spending time with the other team was one of the highlights of the competition. We were faced with some obstacles during the competition, but as a team we got through it all. Some of us had challenging horses to ride, while others made unexpected mistakes or dealt with injuries. We could always rely on our teammates. I would like to thank my team for all the help and support. During the week we built bonds that will last a lifetime. We experienced the competition as an amazing opportunity to improve our equitation and horsemanship skills. Like any other sport, sportsmanship remains an important aspect of the competition. A lot of positive feedback was received from the Americans regarding our sportsmanship and hospitality. Despite all the big things, there are also smaller memories etched in our hearts forever. Driving to Mistico in the morning, all dressed up and listening to music only made us more excited to get riding. It was thrilling to finish a ride on an unfamiliar horse, knowing you did a great job, knowing that your teammates would be there to support you if your ride did not match your expectations.The jokes we made and relaxing in the team room after a tough day of competing will be missed. We, as young riders, realise how privileged we are to represent our country. The experience we have gained and lessons we have learnt is worth more than any horse you can buy. Especially thank you to Adriaan, Charl and Willie. Our team had an incredible manager and trainers.They put in a great amount of effort before and during the competition, to ensure that we as riders would enjoy riding, while performing to the best of our ability.Thank you to Francois Dercksen, who was in charge of arranging the competition, and Amanda Williams, head of of ESASSA, and ESASSA for creating the opportunity to ride and compete as part of the Junior Protea team. We are all looking forward to a similar experience in the future. 168 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
SERIES 2, 2015
Sept 17-19, Stellenbosch
SOUTH AFRICA SADDLE SEAT WORLD CUP
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
169
170 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
171
172 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
173
174 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
175
176 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
177
178 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
179
RACK ON’: SPOTLIGHT ON
By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
ABIGAIL TABOR A
t the young age of ten, Abigail Tabor is already a well-known fixture in the show ring, turning heads every time she shows her gaited horse, CH Sunken Treasure.The team is quite the pair to watch, both horse and rider clearly enjoying their job – and every pass they make, they seem to make everyone around them smile in enjoyment.
She started showing Doubletree’s Aqua Blue in the 8-and-under walk-and-trot division in 2011 and the following year they were the 8-and-under walk-and-trot Reserve World’s Champions. Her most memorable moment was riding Aqua for the first time. It was also in 2011 that they bought CH Santana’s Night Moves. They competed successfully in the 12-and-under walk-and-trot pleasure division through 2013. In 2013, her family purchased Abigail is the daughter of Jordan and Nathan Tabor or Kernersville, Harlem’s Heirospace for walk-and-trot equitation and the pair North Carolina and is in the fifth grade. Although she is an only started cantering in 2014. child, they have many family pets, including her dogs and beloved chickens. She’s homeschooled and when she grows up she would Abigail and CH Sunken Treasure debuted in the 13-and-under like to be a mineralogist, “a person who studies rocks, basically,” five-gaited division in March of this year at the J.D. Massey Classic she said. horse show.They won both classes at that show and at Lexington Junior League Horse Show this past July, they took home a reserve She’s been riding horses since the tender young age of two, and in the qualifier and came back for an exciting win in the 13-andat 4-years-old she started lessons at High Caliber Stables. She under five-gaited championship. Most recently, at the World’s started showing in academy then, and by the time she was five Championship Horse Show they were crowned the Reserve had already moved up to walk-and-trot equitation. World’s Champion of Champions in the 13-and-under five-gaited division.They are looking forward to racking their way through the Abigail practices with Mary and Evan Orr two times a week, rest of this show season. usually, “but I would ride every day if I could.” For a typical lesson, she says, “I get the horse’s ready, brush them out, and gather my Abigail says that her biggest challenge has been learning to helmet and stuff and then we do our lesson.We usually walk, trot trust Mary more and her goals for the future are to learn to and canter; but, if it’s a private I’ll rack. Sometimes we go outside, do everything by herself. “American Saddlebreds have taught which is my favorite.” me to work hard and overcome my fears,” said Abigail. “They have also helped me learn respect.” She has had the opportunity to show some wonderful horses in her short, but illustrious career.They all rank as her favorites as Without a doubt, Abigail Tabor will continue to grace the well; Doubletrees Aqua Blue (Aqua), CH Santana’s Night Moves winner’s circle for many years to come. Her enthusiasm and (Phil), Harlem’s Heirospace (Lunar), Blue’s Traveler (Popper, a smile are contagious and her supporting fans will continue to road pony), and WCC CH Sunken Treasure (Jack!) grow as well. QUICK FACTS :
Abigail with her barn mate and mentor, McGee Bosworth.
Abigail and her first horse, Tony. A Christmas gift when she was almost threeyears-old.
Abigail with 2 of her 6 chickens; Bojangles and Domino.
Abigail and her lifelong best friend, German Shepherd, Mocha.
180 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
What’s the best place you have ever travelled to? The Virgin Islands What is one place you would love to go? Alaska What is your trainer’s favorite phrase or words of advice? Go Big or Go Home What are your hobbies? I love to train my dogs and collect Breyer horses. I make my own Breyer tack. What do you do in your free time for fun? Play outside with my dogs and chickens. Do you have any nicknames? “A” What is your favorite food? Tortellini Alfredo Favorite music, singer or band? I like Oldies Favorite Movie? All horse movies. I have them all. What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? Animals and my family What’s one thing you wish didn’t exist? Sadness What’s something no one knows about you? If I told you then everyone would know! Anything else you would like to say? No, I don’t have very much to say. I hope everybody has a good rest of the season!
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
181
182 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
183
184 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
185
186 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
187
188 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
189
By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
ALL IN THE FAMILY :
SHAWN STACHOWSKI L
ike many in the industry, Shawn Stachowski’s involvement with horses began at a young age. She was a self-proclaimed horse crazy kid, who got her first horse – a grade pony – at just 4-years-old from her grandfather. Born in Pennsylvania, Shawn spent first through fifth grade living in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Not an ideal location for her horse habit.“I was obsessed with horses. I harassed my parents until they gave in.We lived on an island off the New Jersey coast and no horses were allowed there. So my parents bought a farm on the mainland.” At first, they bought quarter horses, and then while driving in Michigan, they passed an Arabian farm, and piqued by their beauty, they bought several Arabians as well. Soon after, they had hired a trainer and were showing the Arabians. By coincidence, Shawn began riding Saddle Seat and as they got more involved with the showing, they soon bought a much larger farm in Northern New Jersey. “At that point I was interested in equitation, so I started taking lessons with Saddlebred trainer, Babs Spencer-Santarelli, and later on with Liz McBride [Jones], who trained for my parents,” said Shawn. Both Liz and Babs were quick to let Shawn know all about the American Saddlebred breed and what they were about, and although her parents preferred the Arabians, Shawn always had a high interest in the Saddlebred. An interest she would continue to foster through her youth – and return to in adulthood.
homework, and her breeding success with Arabians proved to cross into the Saddlebred world as well. In 2002, Shawn had her first chance to show a Saddlebred. The mare, Globetrotting Princess, and Shawn were the Amateur Three-Gaited Reserve Grand Champions at the Rock Creek Horse Show.That same summer she showed at Lexington Junior League and the Kentucky State Fair for the first time. Since then, she has stepped back quite a bit from the Arabians, rarely making it to those shows, and actually hasn’t shown an Arabian since 2008 (and 2001 before that). Jim appreciated a good horse regardless of the breed, and his interest in the Saddlebred continued to grow as Shawn’s did. In 2006, Shawn rode Santana’s Gypsy Gal to a Reserve World’s Championship title in the Adult Show Pleasure division. The following year, Jim competed his very first time with a Saddlebred, owned by customer, Curt Piotrowski, winning his first World’s Championship, with Callaway’s Local News in the three-year-old Fine Harness Mares class.
Saddlebred trainers were soon talking about the renowned Arabian trainer that was showing up with the quality stock, most noticeably in the harness division, at their biggest show of the year. Where were these outstanding young Saddlebreds coming from and where were they getting these horses? The answers Jim and Shawn Stachowski have been married for 20 years, led back to Shawn. She was pouring herself over the pedigrees but their history goes back nearly 40. They first crossed paths of the Saddlebreds and building up quite a string of Saddlebred in 1979 when Shawn was 12-years-old at an Arabian show in broodmares and show horse prospects. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her father, Paul Moros, bought an Arabian horse named Ali Nabiel from Jim and kept many horses One that quite possibly caused the biggest stir those first few with Stachowski Farm over the following years. In fact, her father years at Louisville was The DaVinci Code. Shawn had purchased was actually the owner of the first National Champion Arabian the horse as a yearling, and in 2009, Jim and The DaVinci Code Jim ever trained, Whirlwin Decision. made their debut. The mares first-ever show was a memorable one, winning the Fine Harness Mares Stake and taking home At first, Shawn’s involvement in the Saddlebreds was limited, but the Reserve World’s Grand Championship in the Fine Harness she got the chance to own her first Saddlebred, a broodmare, division. She was an overnight success and was the talk of the in the 1980’s. Shawn has always been heavily interested in the breeding aspect of both Arabian’s and Saddlebreds. “I’ve always QUICK FACTS: been obsessed with what makes a horse great- it was natural that I would be involved in breeding. I always, even as a child, spent Favorite Travel Destination: NYC and the California coast Dream Trip: France on a boat hours studying pedigrees, on horses I liked, and horses I did not Hobbies: Shopping with Ava, music, and baseball with my son, Jimmy, like. Watching and studying every class,” said Shawn. “I look for who is 10 quality in a mare. To me quality is an outstanding individual who Favorite Food: I do not have a favorite food! It depends on the possesses an outstanding pedigree.” moment! After many years and much success showing Arabians as an amateur, a twist of events led Shawn back to the Saddlebreds. In 2000, Stachowski Farms had acquired an unbelievable Arabian breeding stallion and Shawn went looking for a few Saddlebred broodmares to breed to Baske Afire. It didn’t take long before she fell “head over heels, completely in love with the Saddlebred,” she said. She returned with not only Saddlebred broodmares, but some show prospects as well. Shawn had clearly done her 190 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
Favorite band/music/singer: My favorite band is Guns n’ Roses. Favorite singer is Axl Rose! Favorite Movie: I admit to loving the original Rocky One thing you couldn’t live without: I can’t live without my family or horses. One thing you wish didn’t exist (or you could “take it or leave it”): There’s just too much I wish didn’t exist. Favorite Horse Show and why: Louisville is my favorite show because you have the chance at becoming World’s Champion!
show for her beauty and elegance, extreme motion and the pure excitement of her movement. “She was a completely gifted horse,” said Shawn. “It was funny that we knew how special she was, yet we didn’t know. She had natural talent and extra ability. She was a complete athlete,” she added.
Champion of Champions was unbelievable,” she added. Shawn also currently shows On Higher Ground in the Show Pleasure division.
Shawn was also instrumental in adding an American Saddlebred stallion to their ranks. They were looking to breed with not only other Saddlebreds, but Arabians as well. Nutcracker‘s Nirvana was a green and young three-year-old in training at Melissa Moore’s in Another head turner on the green shavings was Wild Carrissima. Kentucky in 2011 when Shawn found him. “I felt in my heart he Shawn purchased the stud colt as a 2-year-old from a woman would be a great breeding stallion,” said Shawn, encouraging Jim to who was getting out of the business.They gelded him in hopes it make the trek down to Kentucky to look at him with her. would help manage him. Once gelded, he became a very good training horse. “He did his job perfectly all the time. He was Shawn hopes to continue breeding and showing as many extremely gifted,” said Shawn. Jim showed Wild Carrissima to a Saddlebreds as possible.They now have over 50 Saddlebreds on Reserve World’s Championship in the Fine Harness Stallion and their farm in Mantua.These include about 35 training horses, 25 of Gelding Stake in 2010 before selling him after the show. which are owned by outside customers. “American Saddlebreds have definitely instilled in me the concept of being relentless at At home in Ohio, Shawn continued to build up her Saddlebred achieving your goals. Becoming involved with Saddlebreds was broodmare band, and in 2008 she purchased My Prom Night, the not easy - it was hard work and learning for years and years! If exceptional black three-gaited mare that Jackie Tanner had shown. you have a passion, work hard and your dreams can come true,” Having previously owned her two-year-old filly by The Sky King, said Shawn. Shawn knew the mare at times could be really extremely fancy, but also not easy.“I wanted to breed her mother the way I wanted Although Jim and his staff work and train the Saddlebreds that to breed her. Something with Supreme Heir because I knew the are owned by outside customers, Shawn often handles much of mare was extra hot.” The stallion she chose was Mountainview’s those duties with her own horses. They have worked seamlessly Heir To Fortune. together over the years. “It’s great having a horse trainer for a husband. Obviously, we have a lot in common, and we work very “When the filly was born she was really phenomenal – she looked hard at common goals. Usually everything goes smoothly, but yes, the part,” said Shawn adding that she was “really, really exciting.” there can be more drama if your husband is your trainer,” said The result of this breeding that Shawn had thought long and hard Shawn laughing. about was Use Your Illusion, the 2013 showstopper who will go down in history as winning the three-year-old Three-Gaited class Not only does Shawn enjoy spending every day on the farm, but with just one shoe. The mare also won the Junior Three-Gaited she works with the Saddlebreds from the time they are babies. “I under 15.2 World’s Championship in 2014. Use Your Illusion ranks manage the horses I own. Working with my horses is a large job at the top of Shawn’s list of her all-time favorite Saddlebreds she and an everyday thing,” she said. “I get to work a lot of my own has had the opportunity to show over the years. young horses and this is very helpful in evaluating how different [breeding] families train. I try to take what is already outstanding Her fondest show ring memory is this year’s win at Louisville in and tweak it with the right stallion. Breeding great horses is the Three-Gaited Ladies 15.2-and-under division with the mare, extremely difficult. It’s not easy, and anyone interested should be in only their third show together. “She’s only five-years-old now, prepared to do a lot of studying,” she added. and I’m looking forward to a long career with her,” said Shawn. “Because she is a horse I bred and raised, I continue to love Thanks in part to Shawn, Stachowski Farms has risen to the top her very much.” Some of Shawn’s other favorite horses include; of the Saddlebred industry, and will continue to do so for years CH High Heat and Rob New York. “Riding CH High Heat in a to come.With many outstanding young prospects on the ground, 10-horse workout at Louisville and coming in Reserve World’s the green shavings await them.
High Heat and Shawn Stachowski
Shawn with husband, Jim, daughter, Ava, and son, Jimmy at Junior League Horse Show in 2008
The Stachowski family in 2012
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
191
ALL IN THE FAMILY:
AVA STACHOWSKI By Deveau Zubrod Kreitzer
A
va Stachowski is the 14-year-old daughter of Shawn and division on her namesake, a home-bred Arabian half-Saddlebred Jim Stachowski, of the notable Stachowski Farms in Mantua, named Lady Ava Isabella. Ohio. She’s a freshman at Aurora High School. Ava lists all of these horses at the top of her list of favorites Growing up surrounded by horses, it’s no surprise that Ava started because they have taught her so much. In addition, she has also riding when she was just 2-years-old. Her father made his mark enjoyed showing the Saddlebred, Up in the Heir. Her most by training Arabian horses, and over the years continued with memorable riding moment was last year when she won her first half-Arabians, crossed with American Saddlebreds. It was through World’s Championship title with Americas National Treasure in them that he got more involved with the Saddlebred breed. the 13-and-under Country Pleasure division. “It was one of the best days of my life because he is my best friend and it was just By the time Ava was four, she had hit the show ring. Having her dad amazing winning there with him.” as a trainer, and a mom that grew up with horses, definitely has its advantages, one of which is the opportunity to ride whenever She has also had an incredibly successful show season this year, she wants.“During the summer I ride every day. During the school winning multiple world and national titles with her mounts. year, I just try to get as much riding in as I can. My typical riding These include the World’s Champion 13-and-under Threesession always starts out with me getting my horse ready, cleaning Gaited division 1 title with Prince of Prowlin’, the 13-and-under them up and tacking them. Then I wait for my lesson, depending World’s Champion and World’s Champions of Champions on who gives the lesson I usually wait a little while.Then my trainer Show Pleasure title with Callaway’s Nachelle, and the National usually gets on the horse and I watch what they are doing, then Champion Half-Arab 13-and-under English Pleasure title with I get on.” Adding that, “it can either be a really short or a long Lady Ava Isabella. lesson, it just depends on the day and horse.” Even with all of the practice, and multiple World’s Championships It’s not always easy riding for your dad though. “I like having my under her belt, she still has challenges along the way. “My biggest dad as my trainer because I know what I need to get done, but challenge to overcome when riding is probably the canter,” said it is easier getting a lesson from someone else,” Ava said, laughing. Ava. “It’s either I go really fast or I don’t get it.” She’s working on that and her riding goals for the future are to keep improving Ava currently shows three Saddlebreds; Callaway’s Nachelle as a rider. “Riding American Saddlebreds have shaped my life by in 13-and-under Show Pleasure, Prince of Prowlin’ in Junior teaching me how to solve my own problems.” Exhibitor Three-Gaited and America’s National Treasure in 13-and-under Country Pleasure. In addition to the Saddlebreds, Ava is looking forward to finishing out her last year in the she also competes successfully in the Half Arab English Pleasure 13-and-under division at Kansas City this fall. 10 QUESTIONS WITH AVA: What is your trainer’s favorite phrase or words of advice? “When I grow up I want to be you Ava” - Annie Boylan (assistant trainer at Stachowski Farms) What are your hobbies? Shopping What do you do in your free time for fun? Hanging out with my friends, shopping and I love listening to music Do you have any nicknames? “Avacado” What is your favorite food? Pretzels Favorite music, singer or band? Beyonce Favorite Movie? I don’t have one What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? I’m not sure – I think that everything is useful to someone. What’s something no one knows about you? I try my hardest at whatever I do. Any last words? I would like to thank my parents, all of the grooms and trainers for all the help!
192 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
193
194 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
195
196 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
197
198 THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW HORSE Third Edition
199