The Gold Rush Peruvian Horse Classic VIII
Another year and another wonderful show for the Gold Rush Classic in 2008! There were horses and exhibitors from 11 states and British Columbia. The Wednesday Clinic Day was well-attended, and exhibitors felt that they had gained a lot from the expert information and instruction. This was the GRC’s first four-day show, and the feedback from exhibitors was that they loved the format, which allowed ample time for both additional classes and evenings free to enjoy fabulous Las Vegas.
Our exhibitors showed their enthusiasm for the new classes and the Amateur Owner Division by supporting them with LOTS of entries. As always, the Gold Rush Classic offered not only some of the most beautiful ribbons, trophies, and awards in the breed but also gave away thousands of dollars in jackpot and stakes money, this year extending the jackpots to three places for the first time. Final figures will be available on www.goldrushclassic.com by the end of August.
South Point again proved that there is no better place to hold a show! Both horses and people enjoyed air-conditioned comfort from barn to arena to hotel room. Security was excellent, and the barn was spotlessly clean. Exhibitors loved being able to watch the show on the 42” plasma TVs in their rooms. Thousands of drivers daily saw the Gold Rush Classic advertised on the giant outdoor video marquees, and best of all, a steady stream of hundreds of spectators enjoyed the show and had their first exposure to the magnificent Peruvian Horse.
However, problems and emergencies do occur . . .
One week before the start of the Gold Rush Classic, and less than four days before we Show Chairs had planned to depart for the show, we were very disappointed to hear that the CSPHC judge, Carlos Elias of Peru, would be unable to attend due to a medical emergency. It is extremely difficult to replace a judge on such short notice: the entries are already in, and exhibitors have eagerly anticipated showing their horses in front of the invited judges. Many judges cannot take off an entire week from their jobs and personal lives without prior planning, and some had already committed to judging other shows. Therefore, we are very grateful to Mr. Charlie Brooks for hurriedly rearranging his personal schedule and coming to our assistance at the last moment, to take Carlos’ place.
HdN Coqueton won Laureado Breeding Stallion for the RGPHC; he looked absolutely fabulous. Coqueton won Champion of Champions Breeding Stallion in three consecutive years to earn his Laureado title for the CSPHC in 2004.
The Versatility Award was won by Jody Childs’ Me Llamo Altanero JBT, and Jose Luis Enciso won the Peruvian Classified Junior Showmanship Award, which was awarded to the Junior who excelled both in and outside of the show arena. Horsemanship and Sportsmanship were judged for this very special award.
The High Point Horse of Show for both the CSPHC and the RGPHC was RDLF Claro de Luna; Helen Brown did a fantastic job of riding this very handsome gelding, owned and bred by Brian and Terry Jarchow of Rancho de la Florecita. Helen not only won High Point Horse, but also Champion of Champions Amateur Performance Gelding and Champion of Champions AOTR Horse.
The Juniors did a great job, and they had five classes this year in which to participate! For the RGPHC in the 12 and Under Division, the High Point Junior was Georgann Ireland, and Mackenzie Mazzi was Reserve; for the CSPHC the order was reversed. For the 13 and Over group, Jose Luis Encisco was High Point for the RGPHC, and Helen Brown was Reserve. For the CSPHC, the order was reversed.
Joy and Larry Redman and Rancho Chahuchu went away with the High Point Exhibitor for the second consecutive year, and Ben Sawatsky of Paradise Ranch was High Point Exhibitor of Show. Bonnie Windell, from Indiana and New Mexico, won the High Point Novice and was last seen sporting a very large and shiny belt buckle from the Gold Rush Classic! She is new to our breed and this was only her second show; you can be sure to see her at many more shows in the future. With 82 classes in the show this year, there were lots of winners, and all the results can be seen at www.horsestudbook.com.
The Peruvian Digest and the Gold Rush Classic sponsored the Welcome to Las Vegas! party on Wednesday night before the beginning of the show. It was a great opportunity for exhibitors to socialize and meet the judges, Pico Castillo from Guatemala and Charlie Brooks from California. The food was delicious, and the more than 150 people there had a wonderful time.
The Peruvian Classified celebrated its 100th issue with a party on Thursday evening, hosted by publisher Charlotte Dicke-Becerra. While party-goers enjoyed refreshments, Ramon Becerra and Tony Botello gave a very entertaining and beautiful performance in the arena. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the first issue of the Peruvian Horse Quarterly, the new incarnation of The Peruvian Classified, and everyone present received a complimentary copy. What a beautiful magazine, packed with great articles, information, and color photos!
Perhaps the most delightful event of the Gold Rush Classic VIII was the wedding of Kim Montee and Greg Cavataio on Friday night at the famous Little White Chapel. It was a splendid affair which was attended by all of Kim and Greg’s very good friends. Needless to say, Kim was stunning in her gorgeous white satin dress!
We are in the process of inviting our judges for 2009, and several top judges have let us know that they are available and interested in judging the 2009 Gold Rush Classic. Our dates at the South Point Equestrian & Events Center have been confirmed for both 2009 and 2010, in anticipation of a special 10th Anniversary Show. We will announce the 2009 dates and judges on the show website, www.goldrushclassic.com, by the end of August.
Our thanks to all those who participated, to our Prospector Sponsors, to our class sponsors and advertisers, to our vendors, and to all the terrific volunteers and officials; everyone did a magnificent job, and it was very much appreciated by us all!
Barbara Windom & Eleanor Palmisano
Co Chairs Gold Rush Peruvian Horse Classic