The Stable Scene by Kathy Sampeck (June/July)

 

The best in the nation - these are the contenders you see at the Washington International Horse Show. Riders must accumulate enough points throughout the year just to qualify for entry - a tremendous accomplishment in itself. The prestige associated with this show makes it a year-end goal for the most elite riders in the country. The show is held each Fall, in recent years at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.

 

Many of the classes at the "Washington International" are for "hunters." Showing hunters originated from fox hunting. Instead of jumping a stone wall in farmer?s field, however, show hunters jump a course of obstacles with specified dimensions in the show ring. The goal is not just to get to the other side. The objective is to achieve a perfect "trip," and the best show hunters can make the course look almost effortless.

 

One of the hunter classes at the Washington International is for "Amateur-Owner Working Hunters, (riders over 35)." Ten years ago, "Classic Contender" won this event for three consecutive years. No one has done it since! That?s why "CC", and his owner, Maxine Dixon Grossman, hold permanent possession of the Tinker Hill Farm Challenge Trophy - until someone else can win it three years in a row! And you guessed it - "CC" lives in stall number 4 at the Aquia Harbour Stables.

 

"CC" is a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse. These two breeds are the fastest of all horses. The thoroughbred is king of horse racing, and also preeminent in hunting, steeplechase and polo. "CC" is a 15-year-old chestnut gelding, 16.3 hands. "CC" and Maxine Dixon Grossman, a trainer in the Harbour, were also once ranked 3rd and 5th in the United States (2 consecutive years) for Green Conformation Hunters. In "conformation," the horse's physical build and appearance is also considered, as well as the jumping performance. In addition to her accomplishments in the horse show world, Maxine is an "A" rated member of the United States Pony Club, and a USA Equestrian Junior Judge. She has trained a number of horses at the Stables, including Mystikal, Rose, Aquia's Secret Rendezvous, MacCoosa, and Thunder. If you made it to the Horse Show on June 1st, you might have seen some of those horses compete. This was our biggest show yet, with more exhibitors from outside the Harbour than ever. Although space will not permit including all of the results, the following are the highlights:
  • Grooming and Conditioning -
    • 1st Place, Sky Pilot, shown by Melvin Dixon;
    • 2nd Place, Mac Coosa (owned by Jackie and Tony Belcastro), shown by Cassie Solomon

     

  • Leadline - Blue Ribbons were awarded to
    • Michaela McCrory
    • Bethany McCrory
    • Sarah Nelson
    • Courtney Scott
    • Justin Prouty
    • and Alan Farnum

     

  • Short Stirrup -
    • Champion, Derek Finney/Thunder
    • Reserve Champion, Samantha Snow/Dottie

     

  • Student/Adult Equitation -
    • Champion, Mallory Miller/Cowboy
    • Reserve Champion, Maxine Dixon Grossman/Aquia's Secret Rendezvous

     

  • Childrens/Adult Open Pleasure -
    • Champion, Happy Appy, owned by Jackie and Tony Belcastro, ridden by Stacy Nelson
    • Reserve Champion, Azure Skies Before Dawn, ridden by Christine Lindsay

     

  • Novice Equitation, Over Fences 2' - won by Frances Lester riding Rose

     

  • Novice Rider, Horse/Pone, Pleasure -
    • Champion, Rose, owned and ridden by Frances Lester
    • Reserve Champion, Oceans of Gold, ridden by Stephanie Bryant

     

  • Green Hunter, Over Fences 2' or 2'3" -
    • Champion, Frances Lester/Rose
    • Reserve Champion, Maxine Dixon Grossman/Mac Coosa

     

  • Childrens/Adult Hunter Over Fences 2' or 2'6"-
    • Champion, Stacy Fanelli
    • Reserve Champion, Frances Lester/Happy Appy

     

  • Low Hunter, over fences 2'3" -
    • Champion Stacy Fanelli/ Sam I Am
    • Reserve Champion, Derek Finney/Thunder

     

Special recognition goes to Karol Lurch who won two 5th place ribbons in Green Hunter, riding Coty. Also, the show was a great opportunity for the two trainers in Aquia Harbour to show what their students have learned. Michaela and Bethany McCrory, Stacy and Sarah Nelson, Courtney Scott, Derek Finney and Frances Lester train with Maxine Dixon Grossman; Mallory Miller and Samantha Snow train with Kelli Reed Padgett. All of the exhibitors showed great sportsmanship. Thanks to all the volunteers, and to Stables Manager Amy Daniels. Last but not least, a huge thanks to Girl Scout Troop Number 3295 (leader Coletta Gant) for providing refreshments throughout the day! Happy Trails!