Tag Archives: American Saddlebred

American Saddlebreds Set to Showcase Beauty and Versatility at 2019 Devon Horse Show

Carson Kressley competes in front of a packed crowd at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Photo by Brenda Carpenter Photography.

Devon, Pa. – April 9, 2019 – A vision of spirited beauty and power, the American Saddlebred excels in the show ring, demonstrating two unique gaits to the breed: the Slow Gait and the accelerated Rack. Tracing the breed’s ancestry to the early 1700s, the classic American Saddlebred will once again be showcased in a variety of divisions because of their incredible versatility at the historic Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, scheduled this year for May 23 – June 2, 2019. Saddlebred and Hackney competition will take place from Wednesday, May 29 through Saturday, May 1.

Spectators can expect to see all of the five primary disciplines represented at the Devon Horse Show: Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park, and Pleasure. The $5,000 Three-Gaited Saddlebred Stake is the most anticipated class of the Walter Mooney American Saddlebred Three-Gaited Section. Any entries that participated in another class of the section can take part in the Friday evening stake at the Dixon Oval.

Characterized by a trimmed mane to emphasize their long and elegant neck, three-gaited horses show in trot, canter, and animated walk. Celebrity Saddlebred exhibitor and judge of the Ladies’ Hat Contest at Devon, Carson Kressley, picked up his first tricolor ribbon aboard Famous Kiss in the Open Three-Gaited Park Horse Stake in 2016.

“I’ve shown in a lot of places, but there’s nothing as special as the crowd support at Devon,” said Kressley. “Showing in front of thousands of people in the Dixon Oval is a thrill like no other. I’ve shown this horse a couple times this season and we’ve been second every time. So, to pull it together and win a big class like this here is a huge thrill. Devon is one of the greatest shows in the country. It’s where you come, watch, and dream of competing.”

Another crowd favorite in the Five-Gaited Section is the $3,000 Five-Gaited Saddlebred Stake, which will also take place Friday, May 31st under the lights of the Dixon Oval. Five gaited horses have been taught two specific four beat gaits that are either performed slowly or with rapid, high steps.

Refined yet powerful, the Saddlebreds will be seen parading through the ring with their natural tail and mane flowing and riders dressed in traditional saddle seat habit. The always popular pleasure classes will also return for exhibitors to view in addition to many hunter divisions and open English pleasure division.

The pleasure divisions are always a favorite for exhibitors and spectators alike as riders showcase their mounts in the Dixon Oval. These events will take center stage Wednesday, May 30th through Sunday, June 2nd. Highlights will include the English Pleasure, Country Pleasure, Three Gaited Show Pleasure, Western Country Pleasure Championships, and the ASB Hunter Country Pleasure. The ASB Hunter Country Pleasure division is rising in popularity and is a part of the World Championship horse show for the first time.

Two years ago, the late Janet Sterba earned a championship title in her division once again, sweeping the Five Gaited Pleasure Championship piloting Born For This. “This is our second year working together,” Sterba said about her at the time 12-year-old mare, CH Callaway’s Born For This. “She’s had a grand career. I’m just thrilled to have a good ride, especially on this mare. I’m blessed to get to show her.”

Fine harness, a discipline where horses are shown at the trot and animated walk in a four-wheeled cart, will culminate in the $1,500 Fine Harness Horse Championship at the Devon Horse Show. Drivers are permitted to wear long dress and suits, accenting the elegance of the drive.

Distinctive traits including mental acuteness and willingness to learn have positioned the Saddlebred as a diverse equine athlete. Revered as the “Horse America Made,” Devon Horse Show is proud to feature the talents of this historical breed.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options, and special entertainment events.

To purchase tickets to the 2019 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, email tickets@devonhorseshow.org. For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
info@phelpsmediagroup.com

American Saddlebreds Scheduled to Showcase Beauty and Versatility at Devon Horse Show

Carson Kressley and Famous Kiss. Photo: Devaney Iglesias.

Devon, Pa. – March 23, 2018 – A vision of spirited beauty and power, the American Saddlebred excels in the show ring, demonstrating two unique gaits to the breed: Slow Gait and the accelerated Rack. Tracing the breed’s ancestry to the early 1700s, the classic American Saddlebred will once again be showcased in a variety of divisions because of their incredible versatility at the historic 2018 Devon Horse Show, schedule for May 24 – June 3.

Spectators can expect to see all of the five primary disciplines represented at the Devon Horse: Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park and Pleasure. The $5,000 Three-Gaited Saddlebred Stake is the most anticipated class of the Walter Mooney American Saddlebred Three-Gaited Section. Any entries that participated in another class of the section can take part in the Friday evening stake at the Dixon Oval.

Characterized by shaved manes to emphasize their long and elegant neck, three-gaited horses show in trot, canter, and animated walk. Celebrity Saddlebred exhibitor and judge of the Ladies’ Hat Contest at Devon, Carson Kressley picked up his first tricolor ribbon aboard Famous Kiss in the Open Three-Gaited Park Horse Stake in 2016.

“I’ve shown in a lot of places, but there’s nothing as special as the crowd support at Devon,” said Kressley. “Showing in front of thousands of people in the Dixon Oval is a thrill like no other. I’ve shown this horse a couple times this season and we’ve been second every time. So, to pull it together and win a big class like this here is a huge thrill. Devon is one of the greatest shows in the country. It’s where you come, watch and dream of competing.”

Another crowd favorite in the Five-Gaited Section is the $3,000 Five-Gaited Saddlebred Stake, which will also take place Friday, June 2nd under the lights of the Dixon Oval. Five gaited horses have been taught two specific four beat gaits that are either performed slowly or with rapid, high steps. Dainty yet powerful, the Saddlebreds will be seen parading through the ring with their natural tail and mane flowing and riders dressed in traditional saddle seat habit. The always popular pleasure classes will also return for exhibitors to view in addition to many hunter divisions and open English pleasure division.

Last year, Janet Sterba earned a championship title in her division once again, sweeping the Five Gaited Pleasure Championship piloting Born For This. “This is our second year working together,” Sterba said about her at the time 12-year-old mare, CH Callaway’s Born For This. “She’s had a grand career. I’m just thrilled to have a good ride, especially on this mare. I’m blessed to get to show her.”

Fine harness, a discipline where horses are shown at the trot and animated walk in a four-wheeled cart, will culminate in the $1,500 Fine Harness Horse Championship at the Devon Horse Show. Drivers are permitted to wear long dress and suits, accenting the elegance of the drive.

Distinctive traits including mental acuteness and willingness to learn have positioned the Saddlebred as a diverse equine athlete. Revered as the “Horse America Made,” Devon Horse Show is proud to feature the talents of this historical breed.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

For more information, please visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
info@phelpsmediagroup.com

Courtney Ball Wins 2015 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

Courtney Ball (Courtesy of Courtney Ball)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Courtney Ball as the winner of the 2015 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements. An American Saddlebred competitor from Scottsdale, Ariz., Ball was nominated by the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA).

The 17-year-old high school senior began riding American Saddlebreds at the age of six and has competed in a variety of divisions from showmanship to show pleasure driving. For her achievements, Ball has won six ASHA Youth High Point Awards and several American Saddlebred Association of Arizona (ASAA) High Point Awards. Ball has been an ASHA Youth Club member for 11 years and is the president of her local club, the Bridleway BarnStormers Youth Club. She is also a 10-year member of the ASAA and its Junior Board, and had been a member of the USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program for three years. Ball is an active member of the American Saddlebred International Youth Program, having received all 19 achievement badges.

A student at Pinnacle High School, Ball is involved in Best Buddies, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Diversity Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Society of Womanly Scholars, and Student Government. She takes several honors and AP classes and maintains a 4.1667 GPA. Ball plans to attend William Woods University in the fall of 2016 and double major in Business and Equine Science.

Ball is also very active in her community. She volunteers at a local preschool and with a local Haiti fundraising initiative and Feed My Starving Children. Ball has organized canned food, clothing, and school supply drives as well as efforts to make “no-sew” blankets for a local children’s hospital.

Ball will receive a commemorative trophy, a $1,000 grant to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500.

The reserve overall winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is Nicholas Roberts (Granby, Mass.), nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association. He will receive a $500 grant.

The other national nominees were:
Mary Baker, Wooster, Ohio (Arabian Horse Association and United States Dressage Federation)
Hannah Bentz, Boca Raton, Fla. (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
Katie Berger, Naperville, Ill. (International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association)
Connor Farley, Waverly, W.Va. (Western Dressage Association of America)
Chase Gillispie, Ona, W.Va. (American Driving Society)
Margo Goldfarb, Franklin, Tenn. (American Connemara Pony Society)
Emily Harsomchuck, Madera, Pa. (International Friesian Show Horse Association)
Maria Muzzio, Clifton, Va. (American Endurance Ride Conference)
Kaleb Patterson, Stanwood, Wash. (American Vaulting Association)
Molly Sherman, Dickerson, Md. (United States Eventing Association)

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

From the USEF Communications Department

American Saddlebred and Hackney Champions Crowned

Ashlee Wheaton and CH Extremely Fortunut.

Ashlee Wheaton was not sure what results to expect at her second Devon Horse Show. She and her American Saddlebred mare, CH Extremely Fortunut, had a fantastic first year showing together in 2014, when they were champions at Devon and went on to earn the title of World’s Champion of Champions Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure. In 2015, the pair moved up into the Adult division, taking on a new set of competitors.

Wheaton proved she could handle the challenge Saturday night, riding CH Extremely Fortunut to the Three-Gaited English Country Pleasure Horse Championship.

“I am so excited,” the 19-year-old said after collecting her tricolor. “It means that my hard work has paid off.”

To compete at Devon, Wheaton flew in from her home in Nova Scotia. Her horse, nicknamed Chalupa, is based in New Hampshire with Cater Stables, and she travels back and forth to train and prepare for shows. She feels Devon is a special experience.

“I love it,” she said. “I think it’s so cool at night under the lights. We don’t really get to do that very often.”

Maureen Quackenbush is competing at her first Devon Horse Show, and she will be taking home great memories and a tricolor ribbon. She and C B Party Girl clinched the Hackney/Harness Pony Pleasure Driving Championship Saturday afternoon.

“I’m so excited,” Quackenbush said. “It’s fantastic. It means a lot. This is the home of the Hackney; the show is all about the Hackney. To come here and actually win something is great.”

She added, “Everyone said you’ve got to do it at least once in your lifetime. I’m not getting any younger, so that’s why I’m here!”

Quackenbush and C B Party Girl, a 7-year-old mare, have been competing together for the past year. After a string of good results, she thought Devon might be worth the trip from her home in upstate New York, and the decision paid off.

“We did some winning last year, so we figured we’d come down here and try it!” she said.

Hillcroft Farm had a strong showing Saturday night. Misdee Wrigley Miller started the evening by riding Moonbeams and Dreams to first place in the Three-Gaited Saddle Horse Amateur Stake. Her husband, James Miller, captured both the Single Roadster Horse Championship on Ring of Fire and the Five-Gaited Saddle Horse Amateur Stake on CH Fox Grape’s Dauntless.

The Hicks family also impressed throughout the day. Danny Hicks drove Janet Hicks’ Jackie O to the Single Roadster Pony Amateur Championship Saturday afternoon. Rodney Hicks then picked up three wins in the evening: the Hackney Pony Championship with Ed Ochsenschlager’s The Spiderman, the Single Hackney Horse Championship with Ed Ochsenschlager’s Heartland Good, and the Harness Pony Championship with David & Kierstin Cater’s Mimi.

Janet Sterba earned multiple tricolors as well, taking the Five-Gaited English Show Pleasure Horse Championship with CH Callaway’s Born for This and the Fine Harness Horse Amateur Championship with CH Caraway’s New York Minute, owned by Janet and Jeff Sterba.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Judy Werner and Sydney Collier to Receive Top Awards at USEF Annual Meeting

Sydney Collier (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Judy Werner as the winner of the 2014 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and Sydney Collier as the 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year. The recipients will receive their awards at the Pegasus Awards Dinner held Friday, January 16, at The Hyatt Regency Lexington in Lexington, Ky., during the 2015 USEF Annual Meeting.

Junior Equestrian of the Year – Sydney Collier

Seventeen-year-old Sydney Collier is a talented Para-Equestrian who competed at the international level in 2014, including the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., she was diagnosed at the age of seven with a rare congenital birth defect called Wyburn-Mason Syndrome. In spite of this challenge, Collier pursued her love of riding and has become a top equestrian athlete. A prime example of courage, sportsmanship, and dedication, Collier will be awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

For more information about Sydney Collier, click here.

Judy Werner (Diana De Rosa Photo)
Judy Werner (Diana De Rosa Photo)

USEF Lifetime Achievement Award – Judy Werner

Werner, of Waterloo, Ill., has played an influential role in the American Saddlebred industry for decades. Participating as a competitor, breeder, and leader, Werner has made numerous contributions to the equine industry. For her years of service, Werner has been awarded the 2014 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.

For more information about Judy Werner, click here.

Visit https://www.usef.org/convention/ for more information about the 2015 USEF Annual Meeting.

Miller, Swope and Rudder Score Emphatic Win in American Saddlebred Division at Alltech National Horse Show

David Rudder and Phind the Treasure.

Lexington, KY – November 1, 2013 – The American Saddlebred Division, presented by James & Misdee Miller and Elisabeth Goth & Richard Shadwick, captivated the Alltech National Horse Show crowd on Friday night at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The electric atmosphere in the Alltech Arena spurred the horses on to perform their best as the division concluded with big wins for David Rudder, Misdee Miller and Susan Swope.

“With the exception of Louisville, I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a crowd that loud and that enthusiastic,” said Swope, who rode her own Miss Can’t Be Wrong to claim the Three-Gaited Amateur/Juvenile Championship. “The hunter/jumper people had a lot to do with that, and we appreciate it. My horse loved the audience. She was very bright.”

Miss Can’t Be Wrong, a striking black 4-year-old mare, stood out from the rest in her division. “She’s very refined,” Swope, of Simpsonville, KY, said. “I think her chiseled head and neck are her best assets. She’s got a lot of motion too, and a good attitude, so she’s a pretty special mare.”

David Rudder, who scored two wins on the night, seconded Swope’s assessment of the audience.

“I thought the atmosphere was fantastic tonight,” he said. “It adds so much more excitement when we’re competing to have a crowd that’s enthusiastic. When you’re in the ring and the crowd’s cheering, it energizes you, and the horses can tell too. It’s really a lot of fun.”

Rudder and Phind the Treasure, owned by Joan Hamilton of Springfield, KY, won the ASB Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Juvenile/Adult Stake. Rudder later paired with Candalight, owned by Crabtree Farms Inc. of Simpsonville, KY, to take the title in the Five-Gaited Amateur/Juvenile Championship.

“They’re both similar in the fact that they both love to compete,” Rudder said of the two winning mares. “You can feel that they get excited and love to go in the show ring. They have great expression, and you can just feel them change as soon as they’re at the horse show. That’s always a sign of a good horse – they rise to the occasion.”

Joining Rudder in taking home two titles on Friday evening was Misdee Wrigley Miller. She began with a first place finish in the Fine Harness Amateur Stake with H.S. Baby Steps, owned by Hillcroft Farm of Paris, KY.

Misdee W. Miller and H.S. Baby Steps
Misdee W. Miller and H.S. Baby Steps

“This is the first time I’ve showed this mare,” she said of H.S. Baby Steps. “So I was a little nervous – I’ve never had her in the ring before. But she was fantastic. She was such a thrill to drive, she really was.”

Miller returned later in the night to claim the Road Horse to Bike Championship, sponsored by Sylvia Covino, with Hillcroft Farm’s Live Action. Miller and Live Action blazed their way around the ring, drawing cheers from an enthusiastic crowd as they showcased their speed and style.

Miller stepped up to support the American Saddlebred division this year at the Alltech National Horse Show in order to bring the excitement of the show to other competitors.

“American Saddlebreds were always such a great part of the National Horse Show,” she explained. “I remember showing when it was still at Madison Square Garden, and that was such a thrill. They have transformed the arena and done such a good job making you feel like you’re back in the Garden. I just wanted the opportunity for other people to have that same thrill of showing at such a prestigious show.”

“And it worked, because so many people have come up to me now and said, ‘We’ve had so much fun, and it’s like being at the Garden!'” she added. “I know that’s what Mason [Phelps, Jr., President of the Alltech National Horse Show] wanted to accomplish. He’s done a fabulous job.”

While the American Saddlebred and Hackney Divisions at the 130th Alltech National Horse Show have concluded, hunter, jumper and equitation classes, including the $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix and the ASPCA Maclay Finals, continue through Sunday.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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Melinda Moore Makes It a Double in American Saddlebred Division at Alltech National Horse Show

Melinda Moore and Sir Silver Knight. Photos by Brooke Jacobs of Jacobs Photography.

Lexington, KY – October 31, 2013 – Melinda Moore of Lawrenceburg, KY, took home top honors in the American Saddlebred classes on Thursday evening at the Alltech National Horse Show, claiming both the $3,000 Five-Gaited Grand Championship and the $3,000 Three-Gaited Grand Championship with horses owned by Annika Moriarty Bruggeworth.

The American Saddlebred and Hackney Divisions, presented by James & Misdee Miller and Elisabeth Goth & Richard Shadwick, took center stage for the second night in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Moore started off strong in the Three-Gaited division, claiming her first grand championship of the evening with Sir Silver Knight. While stallions are rare in Three-Gaited competition, Sir Silver Knight has what it takes to stand out.

“He’s very unique,” Moore said. “He’s a beautiful, beautiful animal. People wouldn’t even know that he’s a stallion. He almost looks like a mare in the face. He’s very talented and very game.”

Moore followed up that winning performance later in the evening by pairing with Attache’s Crown Royal to claim the Five-Gaited Grand Championship. An accomplished competitor, Attache’s Crown Royal was on his game and wowed the crowd with his flashy gaits.

Melinda Moore and Attache's Crown Royal
Melinda Moore and Attache’s Crown Royal

“He’s a powerhouse!” Moore said. “I was actually Reserve World Grand Champion overall with him about three years ago. He changed hands a few times and then he came back to me. He’s just a really grand horse. He’s loads of fun. Don’t let your guard down because you might be off, but he will give you a fabulous ride.”

Moore was happy to have the opportunity to compete at the Alltech National Horse Show and experience its atmosphere and hospitality.

“I think it is so wonderful,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful show. We need to try and do things more like these people do. They definitely, literally, roll out the red carpet. They really do in so many ways.”

Moore is currently riding three horses for Bruggeworth, who owns Siren Song Stable in Mays Landing, NJ, with husband Scott Bruggeworth.

Patrice Watson O’Brien also took home a championship on the second evening of American Saddlebred and Hackney competition. She and Regal’s Special Effort LF, owned by S.G.F. Winning Ways Farm of Tomball, TX, claimed the Road Pony to Bike Championship, sponsored by Candi & Edmund Aversenti.

“This is my first time at this show, and it was great!” O’Brien said. “The ring is just beautiful and it looked like a good crowd. It was really nice to be here.”

Patrice Watson O'Brien and Regal's Special Effort LF
Patrice Watson O’Brien and Regal’s Special Effort LF

“This is a new pony for me and this is my second drive on him,” she added. “I was very happy with him tonight. I think he loved looking at all the scenery. The ring is so pretty and well decorated.”

Lauren Pope rode Martha Pope’s Buster Jangle to the win in the Open Park Horse Stake, the first class of the evening. Other winners included Mitchell Tunstall, who took first in the Five-Gaited Junior Stake with Jack Cumber’s War Hart, and Alex Rudder, who won the Three-Gaited Junior Stake with David Rudder’s CH The Proof Is In The Heir.

The American Saddlebred and Hackney Divisions at the Alltech National Horse Show come to a close on Friday evening, when the Five-Gaited and Three-Gaited Amateur/Juvenile Championships will be decided. The Road Horse to Bike Championship, Fine Harness Amateur Stake and ASB Three-Gaited Show Pleasure Juvenile/Adult Championship are also featured on Friday.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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Candi Aversenti and The Veldt Queen Stand Out in Five-Gaited Amateur Stake

Candi Aversenti and The Veldt Queen. Photos by Jane Jacobs of Jacobs Photography.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2013 – The Veldt Queen, owned and ridden by Candi Aversenti, claimed the victory in the Five-Gaited Amateur Stake on Wednesday evening as the American Saddlebred Division, presented by James & Misdee Miller and Elisabeth Goth & Richard Shadwick, got underway at the Alltech National Horse Show. A staple of the National Horse Show in its Madison Square Garden days, the American Saddlebred Division made its return in 2012 and is joined this year by the Hackney Division.

In Five-Gaited competition, American Saddlebreds demonstrate two man-made gaits, the slow gait and the rack, which they are bred to perform. They are also shown at a walk, trot and canter. The slow gait and rack are both four beat gaits that produce a smooth ride. Each hoof hits the ground separately. The slow gait is highly collected and executed slowly and precisely, while the rack is fast-paced.

Aversenti just purchased The Veldt Queen in August, and while horse and rider are still getting to know each other, they are already looking like formidable competitors in the Five-Gaited division.

“This is my first horse show with her, and I was really excited,” Aversenti said. “She can really pound it out in the slow gait and rack, and she’s really strong. I think she liked the ring because it’s dressed so beautifully. She’s just very, very happy, and when they’re happy, it’s a lot easier to get what you want from them. When you have a show horse that likes showing, it’s the ultimate experience. You just have to let them do what they know how to do.”

Aversenti generously sponsored the Pony Division this year to ensure the ponies could be included. “I grew up showing at Madison Square Garden, since I was 12,” she explained. “The ponies are so cute and fun to watch, and we didn’t have them here last year. I thought it would add another dimension, so we decided to sponsor them and bring them back.”

She said she was happy to see the American Saddlebreds and Hackneys return to the Alltech National Horse Show. “It’s just so exciting to have them back at the National, because as far as I’m concerned, they’re part of the National history.”

Nelson Green and Trust My Imagination
Nelson Green and Trust My Imagination

The evening kicked off with the Fine Harness Open Stake, where B&T Vonderschmitt LLC’s Trust My Imagination, driven by Nelson Green, took home first place. Trust My Imagination, a 5-year-old mare, is new to Green, who started working with her in September.

“She’s a lot of horse!” Green said. “When they called that class and she went through the gate, it was like a fire horse in the building. Something clicked. I’m hoping she can go on and be the best one in her division.”

Green competed in the National Horse Show during its Madison Square Garden days, driving harness horses for Sallie Wheeler.

“I think it’s really important that we get saddle horses re-established here because now the National Horse Show is right in the heart of Saddlebred country,” he said. “It’s a perfect setup. The best of the best are right here in this area. It’s a tremendous production, and I appreciate being part of it.”

Fine Harness horses are judged on their performance, presence, quality, manners and conformation, and the division emphasizes animation over speed. Horses are shown in harness at an animated walk and park trot. Drivers are also asked to “show your horse,” meaning they can show off their horses at their most suitable speed.

The Hackneys made their debut in the Hackney Pony Amateur Stake, sponsored by Candi and Edmund Aversenti. Karen Frickey piloted her own Nobu to the victory in the class.

“He’s always bright and he always wears his ears,” Frickey said of Nobu. “And he has a really good back end and good hocks. He has nice manners.”

“They did a fabulous job here, and it’s a lot of fun,” she went on. “This is a nice horse show. I love the way the ring has flowers and greenery all around it.”

Misdee Miller had a successful evening, scoring victories in the Harness Pony Amateur Stake, sponsored by Candi & Edmund Aversenti, with Heartland Demonstrator and the Road Horse to Bike Amateur Stake, sponsored by Sylvia Covino, with Live Action. Both Heartland Demonstrator and Live Action are owned by Hillcroft Farm.

Elisabeth Goth and Sugarland
Elisabeth Goth and Sugarland

Elisabeth Goth and her own Sugarland won the Road Pony to Bike Amateur Stake, sponsored by Candi & Edmund Aversenti. Other winners of the evening included Susan Swope and her own Miss Can’t Be Wrong in the Three-Gaited Amateur Stake, Stephanie Sedlacko and Wingswept Farm’s CH Tipitina in the ASB Juvenile Three-Gaited Show Pleasure, and David Rudder and Joan Hamilton’s Phind the Treasure in the ASB Adult Three-Gaited Show Pleasure.

American Saddlebreds and Hackneys return to the Alltech Arena on Thursday evening, when Grand Championships will be decided for the Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited and Road Pony to Bike divisions. Thursday will also feature the Open Park Horse Stake and the Five-Gaited and Three-Gaited Juvenile Stakes.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Alfano and Sedlacko Steal Show in American Saddlebred Hunter Challenge Victory at Alltech National Horse Show

McLain Ward and A Long Good Night Kiss. Photo By: Brooke Jacobs.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2013 – It’s not every day that you see riders compete over their first hunter course during a national championship, but when four world champion American Saddlebred trainers take the reins of a hunter and grand prix and professional hunter riders take the reins of an American Saddlebred, it makes for a night of fun and excitement. It was a game-changing exhibition at the Alltech National Horse Show as riders traded places for their shot at the night’s championship. Professional hunter rider Jennifer Alfano teamed up with Stephanie Sedlacko to steal the night’s victory as the first place winners in the swap.

Six obstacles were set in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, while riders donned a different set of clothing. Paired up by disciplines, the English riders worked alongside their American Saddlebred counterparts to help direct them through the series of 2’6″ fences.

Hunter rider Hunt Tosh was teamed with Melissa Moore, and together they rode to the score of 156 points. Melissa posted a hunter score of 78 points after having a late lead change from the outside line, while Tosh mimicked her score in the pleasure portion of the class. Their dual 78s earned them the eventual fourth place award.

“We practiced last night in a little bit more of a controlled environment. It definitely felt different tonight,” Tosh laughed. “It was fun. We had a great time. I am always up for trying stuff, and my partner was great. I couldn’t believe how good they were; I thought they were really good. Everyone on the side was helping us out and giving us tips. It all made for a great night.”

Clark Clouse had never even jumped prior to this week’s competition, but he rode Trade Money through the course with only one chipped distance for a score of 75 points. Olympian Laura Kraut stood ringside as she rooted him on, only to have the favor returned as she mounted Don’t Stop, owned by Melinda Moore. Although Kraut did not have a chance to practice, she came to the exhibition with her game face. She earned the night’s highest pleasure score of 85 points for a cumulative score of 160 points and the third place.

Although they may not be veterans, it came down to a battle between the Devon Horse Show’s Five-Gaited Special victor, McLain Ward and Devon Horse Show third place finisher Jennifer Alfano.

Ward paired up with Melinda Moore for tonight’s American Saddlebred Hunter Challenge, with Moore riding to a score of 80 points during the hunter portion. She stood ringside as she guided Ward to the score of 82 during his ride aboard A Long Good Night Kiss.

“It was totally awesome. I had a great time,” Moore said. “I think they had a great time too. Everybody was smiling; everybody was having fun. I hope we can do it more often at these shows. I think that would be great.”

Melinda continued, “The hunters are a totally different ride. We work such different muscles. The first hunter lesson I took, the next day I had muscles aching that I didn’t even know I had. That made me want to do it more and to have fun doing it. I rode Echo tonight, and he is wonderful. Actually, I’ve leased him now so that I can continue to ride him once or twice a week.”

It was only five months ago that Ward racked to the top of the ranks during the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, PA. However, tonight Alfano proved victorious.

Ward and Moore’s final score of 162 points would prove good enough for the night’s second place, as Alfano and teammate Stephanie Sedlacko took home the championship with the overall score of 168 points. Alfano rode to the score of 80 points aboard The Blue’s Girl, while Sedlacko guided Special Edition to the high score of 88 points. Both riders were in shock as the announcers called their names for the championship presentation.

“I had a blast, but most importantly, thank God for my partner,” Alfano smiled. “She carried the show. She was awesome – an 88! She was unbelievable. I made some mistakes, but my horse was awesome. She’s young and green so I was a little nervous – well, I was a lot nervous actually. But she was awesome tonight. It’s so much fun, and it’s so nice of them to let us ride their horses. I can’t thank Stephanie enough for doing that.”

Alfano explained, “I had so much at Devon in May, and I just thought it was the greatest thing, so when they asked me to do it here I was so excited. Like I said, I was a little nervous because I had a green horse, but it was still so much fun.”

This was not Sedlacko’s first hunter course, but after 10 years of solely riding American Saddlebreds, it definitely proved to be a change. “I had done it in the past, but it’s been about 10 plus years,” Sedlacko explained. “So I hadn’t ridden a hunter until now. I thought Jen did great. I was so proud of her. The horse that she was riding was a 4-year-old. It’s only been shown six or seven times, and she’s been kind of tough. We were a little hesitant when we picked her to bring, but Jen handled her great. She rode her like a pro.”

The American Saddlebred and Hackney classes are one of the many highlights of the Alltech National Horse Show. With the Alltech National Horse Show finding its home in the heart of the American Saddlebred industry, there is not only tremendous talent but also excellent prize money and legendary trophies from the days of the National Horse Show’s past.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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American Saddlebred Five-Gaited Swap Premieres at Alltech National Horse Show

Misdee Miller and Grande Gil competing at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show. Brooke Jacobs of Jacobs Photgraphy.

Lexington, KY – October 29, 2013 – Tomorrow evening, there will be a game-changing event at the Alltech National Horse Show, 130th edition. It will be a night to remember, as four World’s Champion American Saddlebred trainers will team up with the top-tier hunter and showjumping professionals to compete in the Five-Gaited Swap Wednesday evening in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

It will be a spectacle to watch the stars of each discipline swap places, and tackle a new feat in their riding careers. American Saddlebred trainers Clark Clouse, Melinda Moore, Melissa Moore and Stephanie Sedlacko will ride over a hunter course set with 3-foot obstacles, as Grand Prix Show Jumpers McLain Ward and Laura Kraut along with professional hunter riders Jennifer Alfano and Hunt Tosh ride to a new rhythm: the five-gaited stride.

The Five-Gaited Swap is new to the Alltech National Horse Show this year, but two of the hunter/jumper competitors are not new to being pushed outside of their comfort zone. In fact, McLain Ward won the Five-Gaited Special Class at the Devon Horse Show in May of this year, and Alfano ranked close behind to take the third place. The class brings the disciplines together, promoting the horses and sportsmanship in tandem.

“I thought it was great,” Alfano reminisced. “It was so much fun, and I appreciate them letting us do it. I look forward to giving it another shot during Wednesday’s event. It is a very unusual class, but it is definitely a highlight, and something I am thrilled they brought to the Alltech National Horse Show.”

The Five-Gaited Swap will commence immediately after the Hackney Pony Amateur Stake comes to a conclusion. Each American Saddlebred trainer will be paired with one of the show jumping riders and together, the team with the best-combined score will take not only the bragging rights, but also the winning share of the prize money.

The Alltech National Horse Show, for the second year in a row, received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in back to back years.

The Alltech National Horse Show returns to the Alltech Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 29 through November 3, 2013.

For tickets and more information, visit the website at: www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com.

About Alltech:
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.

Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.

2013 Alltech National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 29 – November 3, 2013, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
NationalHS@aol.com

Website:
www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at Mmorri4398@aol.com or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Karen Lucca at kll@phelpsmediagroup.com or (561) 753-3389
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com or (561) 313-0384
Sponsorship:
Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389
Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162
Christian Palmer at Christian@phelpsmediagroup.com or (612) 618-8216

Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizabeth Adams
North America PR, Alltech
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356
eadams@alltech.com
(859) 401-2964

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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