|
Tracy Houston and her Four Year Olds... Tracy decided to make good use of her time while we were all away at the Morgan Grand National in Oklahoma City by taking two of our four year olds to the Woodside show for a little schooling and good experience. We don't know who looks better, Tracy or her charges! Pictured below is Infinite... both photos at right are Kopilot.
Congratulations are in order! Bryan and Christy Wingate of Oklahoma City simply couldn't let the adorable black gelding GULFWIND SIR PATRICK return to the west coast. New trainer Kelly Kraegel Varner of Cottonwood Creek will make sure that they are not only going to enjoy many years of success in the show ring, but also a lifetime of friendship with Patrick.
Tyler Hufferd selected World Champion RJH REALITY for the 2009 show season and will be under the direction of his parents, John & Belle Hufferd of Triumph Stables in Roanoke, IN. This crowd favorite will certainly give Tyler the excitement he's been looking for, and will produce winning performances that Triumph is known for. "Harley" will no doubt make Tyler's last junior exhibitor year a memorable one!
Top photo, Gulfwind Sir Patrick, bottom photo, RJH Reality...
Wondering how we're doing at the Dragonfire building site? See a gallery of photos of our progress by clicking the video link at right...
Click on the photo above to see more of Dragonfire at the Morgan Medallion!
 |
 |
Dragonfire Nefertiti |
By Invitation Only |
 |
 |
RJH Reality |
Coulee Bend Jimmy Dean |
2008 Morgan Medallion: Our Medallion wins were actually kicked off by our friends, Gerry Rushton and Stacy Hennessey, as they lead Sandra Nelson's Manhattan Society Girl to a win in the Yearling Filly class, and then on to Reserve Junior Champion Mare honors!
Sandra's wonderful, big young hunter, By Invitation Only (pictured above), was also a winner in the Hunter Pleasure Limit class with Melissa Hart up. Jennifer McFall piloted Renegade Rose to a first in Three Year Old Hunter Pleasure, then topped it with a Championship in the Junior Hunter Pleasure division, also under the Madison Avenue Morgans banner.
Not to be outdone by her trainers, Sandra rode her Let's Boogie to a win in the Hunter Pleasure Amateur Masters, as well as a very good 2nd in Hunter Pleasure Ladies 18 & Over for horses 15.1h & Over. This beautiful team finished the show with the Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship. Sandra and Merriehill The Lion King garnered a good 2nd in the Western Pleasure Amateur Masters, as well as the Amateur Western Pleasure Reserve Championship. Jenny took over the reins on this dependable guy to win the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship.
It was Earl's turn on Grand Cru Beaujolais, and the handsome duo turned in a fabulous performance in the Open Western Pleasure, which lead to his Reserve Champion Open Western Pleasure title later in the week.
Danica Brisco was spot on in her Amateur Western Pleaure performance on Movado. They are a fabulous pair, just oozing talent between them and they were the obvious victors in this nice class.
Dragonfire Nefertiti was absolutely flawless in her Ladies qualifier. She negotiated traffic with grace and style, and with her exemplary "ladies" look, she was the handy winner. In the Championship, she was equally stunning, with one small break in front of the judge. Even with this, she was named Ladies Reserve Champion and gave a beautiful victory pass.
The Open Hunter Pleasure is always exciting at Santa Barbara, and RJH Reality made sure of it this year. He gave a jaw dropping performance with a huge trot and a perfectly soft canter. He went undefeated at this show, winning the Open Hunter Pleasure qualifier, then taking the victory pass as the Open Hunter Pleasure Champion.
Coulee Bend Jimmy Dean gave the performances of his young life, winning the Hunter Under Saddle, and also took the blue in his Training Level Dressage. This stunning chestnut is really coming around as a fabulous sport horse!
Dragonfire Summer Camp Was A Smashing Success! We had an incredible time at Dragonfire's Summer Camp this year. A large group gathered at Eventful Acres to enjoy perfect weather, the Hiskens' hospitality, informative lessons and FUN! Several of our riders made great strides in their riding, while also creating stronger relationships with their horses. Helen Dobeck was named the "Most Improved Rider", and Erin Caputo got the nod for the "Sportsmanship Award".
The games competition in the evenings was definitely a highlight with the brave showing up for heated bareback battles! Cheron's mare, "Bella" was hands down the best, winning the Egg and Spoon Race and tying for first in the Bareback Dollar Bill competition with two different riders! I am sure everyone will be fighting over her next year.
A big thanks goes out to all who made our meals fantastic. And, we also wanted to thank Rod for our hay ride and private wine tasting. This camp most certainly had something for everyone. We can't wait for next year!
Click on the photo at right to see more photos of camp!
Barbara Fleming and Alias were the High Scoring Champions in Training Level Dressage. They also pulled off a win in their premier First Level ride. Barbara has really developed a great relationship with this fine youngster.
Toni Casados is the proud new owner of the stunning Dragonfire Nefertiti, and was delighted watching her beloved Faye win the 15.1 and Under Hunter Pleasure.
The Amateur Hunter Pleasure Championship Jackpot brings tough competition to the ring every year. Claiming her first ever victory in a Regional Championship was Kathy Smith on her VCF Naughty But Nice. Kathy was absolutely beaming as she had the ring to herself in her victory pass.
Another class at the Far West show that invites Oklahoma quality competitors is the Ladies Western Pleasure Championship. After winning her Amateur qualifier with Movado, Danica Brisco had ice water in her veins defending Movado's title in the Ladies division. Danica bested the professionals and claimed top honors, giving Movado the title for yet another year.
Sandra Nelson's newest Madison Avenue star, Renagade Rose, not only won her Three Year Old Hunter Pleasure class but also claimed the Jr. Horse Hunter Pleasure Championship, presented by Kasey Monty. Madison Avenue was also proud of one of it's former stars, Basic Black. This stunning stallion, presented by The River's Edge and owned by Deb Phalen, stormed the very large Novice English Pleasure for the victory.
Dragonfire was very pleased to see that Kathy's former mount, Equinox Adelle with her owner Sarah Hyman, and Sandra's past partner, CHC Blue's Shining Star with her owner Georgianne Ireland were the Champion and Reserve Champion, respectively, of the 13 and Under Hunter Pleasure Championship. Kathy and Sandra couldn't have been happier to see their girls doing so well!
To see just how much fun a horse show can be, click HERE.
Merriehill The Lion King & Sandra Nelson
VCF Naughty But Nice & Katherine Smith
Movado & Danica Brisco
Alias & Barbara Fleming
Let's Boogie & Sandra Nelson
Renegade Rose & Kasey Monty
Dragonfire Nefertiti & Jennifer McFall
Congratulations to Antonia Casados of Fair Oaks, California on her purchase of DRAGONFIRE NEFERTITI (WH Zimbabwe x Dragonfire Nova)
Dragonfire acted as agent for both buyer and seller, breeder and former owner Sandra Nelson of Madison Avenue Morgans.
Not just another pretty face, Nefertiti has not only won her share of hunter pleasure championships as she followed in the hoofprints of her World Champion sire, but she has also taken time out to prove her mettle in the breeding arena as the dam of Manhattan Society Girl (by Tug Hill Whamunition).
Toni and Nefertiti will remain under the direction of Dragonfire, so watch for this exciting new team in the future!
New arrivals at Dragonfire!
It's SPRING and that means we have new foals arriving weekly! First to arrive was a Madison Avenue Morgans addition, a lovely chestnut filly by Grand Cru Beaujolais and out of TTLM Ka-Jen Encounter. Manhattan Glamour arrived on May 1st and what a welcome arrival she is!
We were thrilled to hear that Renee Dreis welcomed a beautiful chestnut filly by Sandra Nelson's World Champion Grand Cru Beaujolais, out of her recent purchase from Sandra, the lovely GPM Jewel B. Named Heritage Hollow Enjolais, we expect to hear great things about her accomplishments in the world!
Dragonfire Nova produced a beautiful chestnut filly on May 14th by Minion Millennium. She is the friendliest filly on the farm and you can find her video clip on our Sales page. Dragonfire Fourth Dimension is a very special young lady and we think she may be the one we've waited for to replace her much treasured dam.
Our Thoroughbred mare, A Buccaneer's Life, is very proud of her latest production, a sweet chestnut colt by Dragonfire Kirin we've named Rouge et Blanc. His May 21st arrival was a brighter day thanks to his wonderful nature and personality.
Madison Avenue Morgans has a new filly in their line-up for 2008 with a real stunner by World Champion Grand Cru Beaujolais and out of EN Ovation NKS, by Nobility. This sassy redhead was foaled on May 26th. Sandra has named this little upstart Standing Ovation and she is already showing signs of her championship lineage.
Sandra had just five days to wait before her good mare Jazzabelle foaled a chestnut colt with a large blaze and two hind socks on May 31st, this outstanding youngster is also sired by Minion Millennium. Watch for Turn of the Century as he begins an undoubtedly star-studded career!
Dragonfire Fourth Dimension, owned by Dragonfire
Heritage Hollow Enjolais, owned by Renee Dreis
Rouge et Blanc, owned by Dragonfire
Turn of the Century, owned by Madison Avenue Morgans
May 23-25 Woodside Horse Trials
Team Dragonfire enjoyed a successful effort at the recent Woodside Horse Trials. Click on the photo at right to see photos of Earl, Jenny and Caroline in action!
May 16-18 Sport Horse Classic at the Woodland Stallion Station
Well, the Sport Horse Classic was HOT! I'm not just talking about Dragonfire's performances, it was a million degrees at this show! Luckily, the ladies were all troopers and the AC was full blast in our travel trailer for the riders to cool off. Barbara Fleming and Alias started us off right by getting a second and a first in Dressage with a 66% and a 69%. These two are quite the team!
The second day of competition saw all of the Hunters performing at their best. Our Masters representation was strong as WC Let's Boogie and Sandra Nelson made their debut together for the win in the Masters Hunter Pleasure. Second were VCF Naughty But Nice and Kathy Smith looking smooth in their second year together. Barbara Fleming and Alias made a clean sweep of the top placings with third.
Sunday was Western day and Sandra topped the Masters class again, this time with new partner Merriehill The Lion King. She and Simba went back in the Open Championship to take top honors with a polished ride. Earl and Gulfwind Sir Patrick make a fantastic duo, gaining compliments as they won their Junior Horse class.
We really accomplished a lot at this show, including finding a great BBQ place on Main Street called Ludy's. It was so good, we went twice!
Team Dragonfire has fun and success at the Eventful Acres Spring Show
The competitors from Dragonfire had a very success show at the Eventful Acres Spring Show on May 10th & 11th. Not only was the weather perfect, the food fine, and the company fantastic, there were a lot of solid performances out there!
Earl McFall won both of his divisions with the Dein Family's Kopilot and Tigerlily. "Koko" was awesome in her debut in the Elementary division to start in second after Dressage and to move up in the final Cross Country phase with a double clear round. Melissa Hart rode "Tucker" in this division, and had a great time at his first show and finished 7th. "Cricket" was also right up there after Dressage with a third, then moved to second after a double clear stadium, and moved another place up to first after cross country. Katie Klooster and EMR Winchester took a strong 4th in this division after a picture perfect cross country round. Junior Training saw Devan Rau and Mushu the Dragon negotiate the courses with ease to take third.
Caroline Dein wasn't going to let Earl have all of fun, as she and Harrison took a very strong second in the Junior Beginner Novice division. These two were totally professional at their first Event and finished on their Dressage score of 21!
Macy Wilson and Buster weren't going to be denied as the came from behind to win the Junior Novice. This National Show Horse loves cross country, as he showed Macy he would go do the creek when he got loose! Erin Caputo and Chocolate Rocket took third in the Junior Elementary, overcoming any fears they might have had cross country.
It was truly a great time, and we look forward to doing it again in July!
Earl and Tigerlily, owned by the Dein Family
Best wishes to Natalie Jensen of Sloughhouse, California as the new owner of ART IN MOTION (Dragonfire Kirin x GPM Jewel B)
Dragonfire acted as agent for both buyer and seller, breeder and former owner Sandra Nelson of Madison Avenue Morgans .
This scopey bay two year old gelding has performance written all over him! His sire is a World Champion in both Hunter Pleasure and Dressage, and his dam is one of the most beautiful, classic Morgan mares on the west coast and has her own resume of championships.
We are thrilled that Natalie has chosen to leave Art in Motion with Dragonfire to continue his training and show ring career!
Best wishes to Kate Burke of Ione, California on her choice of DRAGONFIRE NAPOLEON (Season's Forever French x Coulee Bend Anticipation)
Kate dreamed of a copper chestnut with lots of chrome to do Dressage at Pebble Beach, and Nepoleon has what it takes to be a top contender in this elegant and competitive division! Kate and Napoleon will remain at Dragonfire for their training and to become part of our fun-loving team.
Most recently in training with noted reining and cow horse trainer, Mark Luis, Fabien is a big, athletic young gelding with all kinds of wonderful skills that Stacy will enjoy on the trail and at local shows for years to come. We wish them both the best of luck and we're pleased they found each other!
A big crowd showed up for a little cross country action, perfect weather and friendship. In the more advanced group, we had Earl on Cricket (TKR) showing us a forward and brave ride. Katie Klooster and her long time partner, Chester (Morgan), were awesome as they showed everyone why they are always in the top ribbons. Jenny rode Lira (Lipizzaner) and was having a great time on the clever little mare. In the next group came Dani Castlett on a spunky TB named Canada, and Caroline Dein on Harrison (TKR). Dani calmly guided her youngster through all the elements, as Caroline had the time of her life trying cross country for the first time. In the final group, several beginners (horses or riders) took the stage, Casey on Mac (Arabian), Erin on Chocolate Rocket (Appy), Hailey on Reno (TB), Earl on KoKo (TKR) who was a star, showing her Daddy's (Windfall) capacity for cross-country. Melissa on Tucker (Welsh cross) also got into the act, who was a jumping machine! This group had a great time enjoying the facility's lower level jumps. Sandra Nelson with Judith (Morgan) and Kathy Smith with Nelly (Morgan) also came for a little outdoor action, sans jumps of course! (click on photo at right to see more photos)
A full sibling to Dragonfire Shaolin, a Reserve World Champion both In Hand and Park Harness, Mulan has all her brother's good looks, but is an exceptional Western pleasure prospect. We know Mulan will bring Sandra much joy, we simply LOVE this wonderful three year old filly! (click on photo to enlarge)
Congratulations to Renee Dreis of Heritage Hollow Morgans, Lakeville MN on her purchase of GPM Jewel B! Expecting a 2008 foal by Grand Cru Beaujolais, this beautiful and typey daughter of Serendipity Brazos B is a Reserve Grand National Champion and we wish Renee the best of luck with her in the future. Former owner Sandra Nelson, Madison Avenue Morgans, Nevada City, California.
