AHHS Grand Event Sets Stage for 16th Annual LBS

On March 3rd, 2012, the AHHS 16th Annual Limited Breeders' Weanling Stakes Stallion Service Auction was graciously held at the famous and magnificent Undulata Farm in Shelbyville, KY, a premier Saddlebred stable. The doors opened at noon, and the crowd was in good attendance. The event was set up in the farm’s indoor arena with tables, refreshments, a cash bar and plenty of silent auction items to bid on.

The clinics started at 1p.m.  First up, Maureen Campbell, trainer at Majestic Oaks Farm, gave a lovely talk and demonstration on teaching the child or adult beginner to drive. She reinforced to have a very safe pony and to focus on the positive things the driver is doing. This is something to add to your lesson program perhaps.

Vern Houston was the next speaker, and he gave a very informative talk on preparing the weanling, yearling, two- and three-year olds for the futurity competitions. Clinic-goers learned a lot from him. He mentioned that the main thing to have is patience and not to overwork the colt. He likes to have them half wild so they really look around and show off.  Houston said, “They have to be fit and finished.”

Then four trainer/judges came up and answered questions about anything. Randy Harper, Rich Campbell, Rodney Hicks and Andy Freseth were the participating professionals. Again, very informative and interesting.  Many questions were asked ranging from training to judging.

Next came a break to set up for the stallion preview. During that time, Grand Event attendees were treated to a tour.  The Shelby County Historical Society was on hand to give tours of the historical Undulata mansion filled with antiques, trophies and horse show memories.

The stallion preview followed. The six stallions shown were: The Spiderman, Benjamin Button,CH Dun-Haven Phenomenal, Extremely Fine, Heartland Equality and Kilbro's Image. In all 52 stallion services were to be auctioned later that evening after a dinner, catered by the famous restaurant, Claudia Sandars.

No full report on the auction is yet available.  However, attendee Dennis Robison noted that world Champion Heartland Equality was the top stallion in the sale, fetching more than $6,000.

The 2012 LBS Auction and Grand Event was made possible by the hard work of many people.  David Yoder was the auctioneer.  Judy Lowry was the AHHS Grand Event Coordinator.  The corporate sponsors were Saddle Horse Report and Horse World magazines.  Members of the Limited Breeders Committee included Rodney Hicks, Chairman; Tom Lowry; Chris Gantley; Jay Kolkman; Pat Kennedy; Steve Kildow and Christy Gantley.