By Nancy Brannon, with contributions from Jack Nash
West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association’s closing show of the 2015 season was Harvest Time, November 5-8, at the Germantown Charity Horse Show arena in Germantown, TN. “Riders from several new stables came from middle Tennessee, Alabama, and Missouri. This was our largest show of the year,” said show manager Barney Mallace. “Last year’s Harvest Time show won the USHJA Members Choice Award for nationally rated shows in zone 4, and the Tennessee Hunter Jumper Classic from this year won the same award for regional show in zone 4!” The exhibitors’ party on Saturday night was a meet and greet with the veterinarians from the new Tennessee Equine Hospital in Eads, TN.
Two of the top classes at the show were The David Q. Wright Equitation Classic and the $15,000 1.15m Jumper Classic. The prize money from the David Q. Wright Equitation Classic went to the trainers of placed riders. Horses in the Jumper Classic had to qualify at other WTHJA shows during the year.
Kelsey Sloan, riding Cindy Haverty’s Carnegie Hall, was winner of The David Q. Wright Equitation Classic. Abigail Sellers was second with Tee Time; Clay Alder, third, on Optimistic; and Mary Ritchea on Nameretto, fourth.
There’s an interesting story about Kelsey and Carnegie Hall, aka “George.” Kelsey had been slated to ride another horse in this class, but that ride fell through and she was quite disappointed in not being able to ride in the class. Over lunch with Cindy Haverty she told Cindy about her situation and the two went to Cindy’s barn for Kelsey to try George. At 3:30 p.m. Jack Nash got a call from Kelsey, “Can I still enter the class?” While Cindy and Kelsey trailered George to the show grounds, Jack proceeded to the office to make the last minute entry – with the stipulation that the pair had to ride first in the class. “That’s fine,” Jack replied. In the previous weekend’s MegFord Schooling Show, George had been shown in the costume class only, dressed as a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Kelsey had a few warm-up jumps on George, with riding tips from Jack and horse tips from Cindy. When Kelsey was among the top 4 call-backs for a flat work-off, sans martingales and stirrups, Cindy and Jack were surprised and pleased. Turns out, the first ride was the best, as Kelsey and George won the class. Kelsey’s mother was the trainer of note on the entry form, so she received the winner’s share of the $1500 purse.
Michael Tokaruk earned the top prize of $5,000 in the 1.15m Jumper Classic on Kiersten Sudlow’s Athena Du Rouet. Bryan Dietz brought home the $2,500 second place prize on his own Poppin’ Tags. Trey Lawson was third on Pam Hill’s Corville Z, earning $1,500. Christian Baier took fourth on Noble Desire Hu, and Audrey Muscari was fifth with Cartograna.
Another major winner at the show was Linda Brzoza riding Pop The Question; they were Champions in the Pre-Green and Adult Amateur 50+ divisions. Linda’s other horse Paccino, also did well in Pre-Green, winning one of the O/F classes. Lisa Hutton and Asher were Reserve Champions in Pre-Green. Cheryl Rubenstein and Riesling were Reserve Champions in Adult Amateur 50+.
Performance Working Hunter 3’3” Champion was Maida Clifton, riding Thank You Jeeves. Mary Mielenz and Avonlea were Reserve.
Alex Joerg and Cash In Hand were Junior-A/O Hunter Champions as well as the Special 3’3” division champions. Quincy, ridden by Addison Bihm, was reserve.
Kate Duke and Be My Date took top honors in the Junior-A/O 3’3”/3’6” Hunter Classic. Audrey Muscari and Ricardo were second.
Medium Pony Hunter Champion was Rollingwoods Over The Top, Madison Hill riding. Tate Allen’s Happy Feet was Reserve, and the pair placed third in the Pony Hunter Classic.
Large Pony Hunter honors went to Carnival, Natalie Sharp riding. Reserve was Illuminate, Mary Grayson Fauser riding. The pair also placed second in the Pony Hunter Classic.
Winner of the Pony Hunter Classic was Sophia Zuckerman on Morning Star Struck By Silver.
The WIHS/NAL Children’s Hunter Classic winner was Kelly Byrne riding SLF Riviera. Mia Bozof and Dicaprio were second.
Kelsey Sloan, riding Carnegie Hall, was winner of The David Q. Wright Equitation Classic. Abigail Sellers was second with Tee Time, and Clay Alder third on Optimistic.
The T.H.I.S. National Children’s Medal went to Olivia Yukon and Levonworth.
Full results are available at: horseshowsonline.com
For more information about WTHJA and their 2016 show dates, visit their website: www.wthja.com
Photos by Jan Krisle, Windcrest Photography
