Elisabeth Goth and the American Saddlebred Horse Association's Young Adult Committee, chaired by Ashley Hallock, hosted a Junior Exhibitor Party immediately following the Thursday morning session of the Lexington Junior League Horse Show in the Red Mile’s historic Round Barn.
This year’s theme was Tea Party, and it was accented with tea sandwiches, cupcakes, a candy bar, ice cream wagon, and a lucky-charm bracelet station. In addition, each junior exhibitor left with a goodie bag full of wonderful treats and items from the American Saddlebred Museum. As in year’s past, the winners and trainers of the three World’s Grand Champions were welcomed to sign World’s Championship Horse Show posters and chat with and inspire the American Saddlebred world’s youngest fans.
More than 100 fans, young and young at heart, attended the grand event, and were able to meet host Elisabeth Goth; trainers Lionel Ferreira, Debbie Foley, and Jim Stachowski; as well as owners Scott Hagan and Carolyn Koch. Scott Hagan had the honor of being an amateur who not only won the Three-Gaited World’s Grand Championship, but also won aboard his homebred mount, HS Daydream’s Heads Up. It was a lifelong dream of his to win a grand title on a horse he bred, and he shared with the crowd what a gratifying experience that was. All attendees left inspired and even more appreciative and in love with the American Saddlebred breed and its incredible industry.
"The generosity of Elisabeth Goth to serve the youth of our sport is inspiring and infectious. The poster signing and words of wisdom from Lionel and Carolyn, along with Jim Stachowski, Scott Hagan and Debbie Foley, were very moving to the children and adults alike. Events like this do so much to celebrate the stars of our sport and all that is good about it." said ASHA President Bob Funkhouser.
This year, the guests had an added special opportunity. Lionel Ferreira, presented his Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion stallion, Marc Of Charm, to the adoring crowd. After trotting and racking both ways up and down the Red Mile, Lionel invited the junior exhibitor attendees around “Marc” for a group photo. It was a moment no one will ever forget as the magnificent stallion happily posed for the photo with the children petting him, truly enjoying the affection from his young admirers.
After the group photo, Ferreira invited one lucky little girl to sit atop Marc with him, in a moment that moved everyone to tears. The smile on the little girl’s face could not have been any bigger, and the docile nature of the stallion epitomized everything that the American Saddlebred breed is known for.
Of the occasion, Lionel Ferreira said, “It's important to take our wonderful breed of horse to the people and the youth, so that they may experience them first hand. Marc Of Charm is a remarkable example of our breed."
Lionel's wife, Georgia Ferreira, added, “Seeing the wonder in the children's eyes was special. I think we all remember our childhood moments where a horse just amazed us. Marc's personality and gentle nature makes him the perfect breed ambassador "
ASHA would like to give a special thank you to all whom made this wonderful event a success, including Elisabeth Goth, Debbie Foley, Georgia and Lionel Ferreira, Carolyn Koch, Jim Stachowski, Ashley Hallock, Ann Katherine Riddle, and the many volunteers that worked to make sure every detail was perfect.
-- via ASHA