A celebration worth attending
The Reichert Celebration adds an Appaloosa show to the lineup
An event that celebrated its 10th year in 2008 added a spectacular show for those who prefer a more “spotted” color—a full ApHC-approved, four-judge show was included at the Reichert Celebration in addition to its glamorous lineup of NSBA classes and other breed shows.
Though Appaloosa pioneers have been making appearances at the Reichert in previous years, the addition of the Appaloosa show brought in 479 entries, with trainers and owners vying for a chance to win exciting prizes and cash awards. Appaloosa classes were held August 8–10, and the Reichert Celebration classes were August 10–17.
A winning appearance
Appaloosas made appearances in a number of Reichert classes, which are NSBA sanctioned. Non-pro Stormi Guid-ry rode her stallion One Hot Version to a win in non-pro limited 2-year-old western pleasure, the first time an Appaloosa has won in the open non-pro events. “It was amazing,” Stormi says. “It felt amazing to go out there. There was another Appaloosa in the class, but it felt good to win it on an App. Especially with Quarter and Paint Horses in there.” Also in the class was Two Timin Charlie with owner Danny Desmond, and the pair placed fifth.
Colt Andrews took One Hot Version into the color breed limited 2-year-old western pleasure and won; he also won with Premium Chocolate in the color breed limited 3-year-old western pleasure. Premium Chocolate was trained by Tim Zuidema, who brought her up from Florida for owner Rosemary Rhomberg. “I’m very proud of Tim, and very proud of Colt,” Rosemary says.
Color breed classes are open to Appaloosas, Palominos and Paints, and Appaloosas were in it all, from longe line to hunter under saddle.
Zippo Diamond Hunter won the color breed 2-year-old hunter under saddle with Trish Yamber in the saddle. The stallion is owned by Karen Graham, who unfortunately didn’t get to attend, but was pleased that promoting her horse is beginning to reap rewards. Rusty Miller and Chocosaurus, owned by Patricia Nye, placed fifth in the class.
Laura Lovegreen’s yearling filly Déjà Vu Dreams won the claiming color breed filly class. “We went last year to watch, and were so impressed by the vision J.R. Reichert had for his ‘celebration,’ we wanted to participate,” Laura says. “We attended this year because we purchased slots for the class.”