Society Ponies Strut Stuff at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds

American Shetlands and Show Ponies from throughout the Midwest were on hand to compete at the ASPC’s National Area IV Show in DuQuoin, IL, June 8-10 along with some top quality Miniature Horses.

Nearly 500 classes were offered over three days in this show hosted by the Show Me Little Equine Club.  2012 Congress Princess Katie Clark was on hand to help present awards in many of these offerings.   The following earned high point youth and amateur awards at this regional championship:

High point ASPC/ASPR Youth: Katie Clark, IL
High Point AMHR Youth: Dani Helbig, IL
High Point ASPC/ASPR Amateur: Michelle Barcus, MO
High Point AMHR Amateur: Sherry Martin, AR

The show kicked off at 9 a.m. on Friday and classes wrapped up late Sunday afternoon.  There was competition for everything from Miniature and pony pleasure to small equine obstacle & hunter to animated harness ponies or speedy roadster ponies.   On Saturday evening, SMLEC hosted an exhibitors’ dinner attended by many. 

Well-known pony farms and stables attended, especially many from Area IV.  Michelle LeGrotte Barcus showed off a couple of new ponies including the beautiful black gelding Coal Train who was handled to the Modern Over Roadster Stake by Jim Knight.  This pony also picked up some great gelding halter wins for Dreamland Shetlands, too.

Knight Stables handled many pony winners throughout the show including several exciting new driving prospects from Dr. Cathy Harris.

Jennifer Radoi presented her Modern Shetland Stallion contender and was often found helping out Denise Johnson.  Johnson recently took over the training and handling for her entire show string so this duo was busy.  Johnson drove her well-known Modern Under Roadster Pony, Pony-Vista’s Fe Fi, to yet another great win. She also showed off her new ASPR harness pony as well.

Excaliber Stables presented the perennial and crowd pleasing Modern Shetland Mare RFP River of Time to a dual victory, capturing the grand champion mare title in both the Modern Shetland Over Mare and American Show Pony mare divisions.  This outstanding mare continues to prove her versatility and stamina handing 16 classes over the three days and switching easily from halter to youth to harness to costume to liberty.

Excaliber also presented some of their own young stock including an ever-improving Classic Roadster winner.  They also debuted some interesting young halter prospects including a well-made young Modern Pleasure gelding pony from the RFP breeding program and a nice Foundation Gelding for owner Paula Hoffman.

Parnell Training Stable from Arkansas presented a variety of small equine from Miniature to Modern Harness in DuQuoin including a nice young halter and harness mare for Sherry Martin.  The Parnell contingent also turned out many palomino Shetlands in a variety of divisions for the Gold Mine and Ozark Mountain programs.  Parnell also showed off a beautiful gray Foundation Stallion that put on quite a show during halter when a broken stud bridle resulted in an impromptu liberty session.

B&B Training was on hand from Arkansas and Belinda Bagby presented a number of beautiful Classic Shetland halter prospects.  Drew and Alicia McDannald drove a number of great small equine driving prospects including a nice Modern Pleasure entry.

The Aldrich family of Double K Ranch competed in both Sheltand and Miniature divisions. 

The Herron family traveled to DuQuoin from Iowa to present a wide variety of small equine in competition, highlighted by the lovely Modern Pleasure Mare Country’s Bombshell Stomp.  Herron Tack was also set up to assist exhibitors with their tack and supply needs.    Tony Fowler of Pro Cut Sharpening was also set up to work on clipper blades.

Several Miniature Horse exhibitors also brought some outstanding animals including the Step family, Arch View Stables, the Shearins of Coyote Creek Ranch, the Schulte, the Hatfield family.   Many of these folks had many of their youth and amateur exhibitors in top form.

Nearby pony enthusiasts Joyce Pierson and daughter Ann Linze were on hand as spectators on Saturday for most of the day.  Many exhibitors took time to catch up with Joyce throughout the day.

Overall, the National Area IV show was pleasant and ran smoothly.  Hats off to Dolores Williams and Angie Foy for a job well done.  Top officiating was handled by Gary Edds in the pony divisions and Curt Summers for the Miniatures.  Randy Martin was steward. 

Next up, many of these same exhibitors are gearing up for other upcoming Midwest shows including the popular Central States Pony Association event on June 16-17 and the upcoming multi-breed show scheduled for July 7-8 in Lake St. Louis, MO.