New Faces at the IALHA Spring Breed Classic Show

By: Amber Lentz

The hottest weekend so far this spring was the setting for the Spring Breed Classic Show, the second of the season hosted by the IALHA California Show Committee at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. A very successful 50/50 Tack Sale was held in conjunction with the show to raise funds for the IALHA California Show Committee. 70 horses and riders took part in the show held April 12 and 13th. Friesian classes were also held in addition to Andalusian, All Breed Opportunity and Exhibition Classes. Several people remarked that the two breeds complimented each other well. David Fiebush, a Friesian owner commented that the idea of having a “series” of shows with both Andalusian and Friesian classes will keep him coming back to show. Lack of Friesian shows and lack of fun at the shows had caused him to attend only open dressage shows in the past. He plans to be at most of the upcoming shows on the schedule including the Regional Championships and is excited to be involved with such a friendly group of people.

Having the Friesians show with us was a new experience and judge Bill Hughes remarked that it worked well from a judging standpoint. As several judges hold both Andalusian and Friesian cards, this made much more sense to him than inviting incompatible breeds, as we have in the past. Laurie Ridgeway attended the show as a junior judge under Mr. Hughes and also generously donated a breeding to each of her lovely stallions, Soberio RR and Allante SS to be auctioned at the tack sale as a fundraiser. Laurie plans to attend the next show as an exhibitor.

The show began Saturday morning with halter classes for Andalusians and Friesians, with both displaying some superior stock. The afternoon was dedicated to performance classes with a pleasing mix of Andalusian, Friesian, Open and Opportunity classes continuing into the evening. Besides the influx of new faces due to the Friesian classes, several participants in the Andalusian classes were competing at this show for the first time.

Jim Johnson and his daughter Micaela traveled from Auburn, Ca to show off their two horses. They had a few blue ribbons to admire on the long drive home. Leslie Charlson joined in the fun and had a great ride on Romero CL winning a first place in the English Show Hack. June Bracken showed her beautiful Half – Andalusian mare in the amateur division and we hope she will continue to participate at our shows.

Lauren Mercer and her mount Camano, coached by Tim Keeling also made their debut at the Spring Breed Classic. Lauryn and Alyx Tauber who train with Lauren LaVine at the LAEC brought their pony, Fancy Love, over to show in the all breed classes and were very glad they did. Sarah Olson and her black stallion Elogiado C enjoyed showing off in the ring as well. New Andalusian owner Tara Geringer was pleased with her horse, Jalisco MOR’s performance with trainer Lisa Winkler in the saddle and plans to show him herself at the next show.  Samantha McNeilly (a long time Andalusian competitor) took the reins on Hugo, winning the Friesian Country Pleasure Amateur. On her way out of the class she remarked that this was her first time on a Friesian. Nick Phillips also showed horses of both breeds in style.

Tammy Hildreth attended the show with several of her Friesians and also brought along her newly purchased cremelo Lusitano, Ultimo RRL. She attended the Clinic held at Pat Garrison’s in early April and is pleased that she will be able to show Ultimo and her Friesians together for the remainder of the season. Her trainer, Sandra Williams, campaigned World Champion Friesian stallion Dante in several classes and was very pleased with him.

At 7 pm on Saturday night, the show resumed with night classes and what a treat for the spectators. Besides showing earlier that day for the first time in at least 20 years, Dianne Olds Rossi presented a fantastic exhibition between classes on her talented Friesian stallion. The Friesian Costume and Liberty classes had the crowd on their feet and dovetailed with the Andalusian classes for an exciting evening.

Half Andalusian Halter classes kicked off the show on Sunday morning exhibiting the different appearances of these talented cross – bred horses. Hailey Attig was seen riding around the grounds on the Friesian D’Artgnan, who seemed impossibly big compared to her 7 year old frame. She has been riding since she was 3 years old and competed in the leadline walk/trot class. It was wonderful to see someone so young still able to show at the Spring Breed Classic.

One of the highlights of the show occurred during class 651, All Breed Exhibition Walk and Favorite Gait, Amateur to Ride. It was the largest class of the show, attracting 15 entries with everything from Saddlebreds to Paint horses competing. Amanda Latta – Shields entered the class on a horse she acquired from the horse rental facility. Dared to ride in the class on a rent horse by a fellow competitor, Amanda gamely piloted the horse through the class and although she did not place, it was great entertainment for the spectators. Asked sarcastically what her horse’s name was, she replied “On a Dare”.

A fantastic time was had by all who attended the show, whether they were seasoned competitors or fist timers. We look forward to seeing faces old and new at Del Mar in June for the Surf and Sun Show, the next IALHA Show California Show Committee event. For more information or to download a premium book, please visit www.ialharegion1.com. See you there!