By Kay Swisher

QUENTIN, Pa. – Friday, May 30th was a beautiful, dry spring day and night for the first day of the Eastern Classic held at the Quentin Riding Club. Although as Saturday rolled around the east coast’s traditional 2003 weather reappeared and the honorable Dee Dee Sale had to bring out the umbrella to continue to judge the conclusion of the 95 class two-day show. As usual announcer Robert Kleinfelter held the driest seat at the show. Shane Shiflet had the wettest job, photographing the horses through the raindrops.

The 2003 Eastern Classic presented by the American Walking Horse Association was dedicated in loving memory of Ralph E. Abramovitz, who died on February 26, 2003. Abramovitz was a very dear friend and supportive member and Maryland board member. At the time of his death he was part owner of his beloved big black stallion Armed Man. Abramovitz was known for his fishing and going to horse shows, lots of conversation, good food, stories and lots of laughter. A pink rose floral horse show was given in memory of Abramovitz in the Ladies Championship on Saturday night and was won by Doc’s Gypsy Rose and Elizabeth Wine for owner Odie Adcock.

The walking horse folks again enjoyed the Icelandic horses and their various classes, especially the beer mug class and the five gaits of the small thick mane horse.

The American Walking Horse Association definitely rolled out the red carpet for the owners, exhibitors and trainers. Friday night after the horse show they had a late night supper and on Saturday they fed the hungry horse people after the morning show. During the lunch on Saturday, riding instructor Carol Lamberson of Ringoes, N.J., presented an exhibition on proper riding equitation. Sandra Howland on Coin’s Time Out assisted her.

The Jeff Hatcher Stables dominated the show with 15 victory passes including the big Stake win on Gen’s Mr. Ebony with Jeff Hatcher in the irons for Morna Conway. The Benny Johnson Stables wasn’t far behind with 13 blues and championships.

Judy Morrissett and her favorite ride Grand Entry continued their winning way and took two championships in the lite-shod division. Amanda Weist jockeyed for her grandmother Shirley Basehore and won championships in the country pleasure with Cash’s Confederate Doll and Juvenile Park Pleasure on Slick Chick’s Shadow.

The juvenile class was very competitive with brother and sister competing against each other. Sister Heather Moss came in for the victory on Royal Consul for Gary Williams and Reserve Champion title went to brother Chris Moss on Ceaser’s Pretty Lady for J.C. Shifflett.

Donna Skelly wore the championship ribbon in the Yearling class handling Smoker’s Delightful Doll and continued her winning in the Amateur class on He’s All Color. Black Maxx and Ann Hawn captured the 15.2 and under Championship.

Heather Moss did catch riding on Impress Me for Helen Mueller to win the All Day Pleasure Championship. Earlier in the day Benny Johnson showed his great showmanship as he captured the model class with Impress Me. A tough and exciting class was the park pleasure two-gait, but Ed’s Bold Silver and Rebecca Zirkle made the victory ride.

Bob Medina won the tough Park Pleasure Two-Gait Championship on Pegasus You Tell Me. Medina won a second championship in the following class on Regal’s Lady of Royalty in the Lite-Shod Two-Gait.

Bob Adcock took the reins from daughter Ashley this weekend and won the highly competitive Show Pleasure division on Guaranteed Delight.

The hottest class of the show was the Amateur Specialty class as the big horses worked in the hard rain, John Isler and Sherrie Smith’s big black horse Pusher’s Tall and Proud with Sherrie in the irons walked his way to the championship honors.

Odie Adcock and Shaker’s Spotted Threat walked their way to the Park Pleasure Championship.

The rain may have been pouring down, but the spirit of the horse folks is always up as they cheer on their favorite horse and rider. Complete results from the Eastern Classic Horse Show follow and may also been found by visiting our web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.