If you like a saddle seat horse, the National Show Horse (NSH) Finals was the place to be September 19-22. This was the 24th year for this show that was held at the beautiful Springfield, Illinois State Fairground.

The judging panel of Nancy Becker, Scott Brumfield, and Richard Wright did an outstanding job of awarding this year’s many National Championships. Offering National Show Horse, All Breed, and Show Horse Alliance classes, the show is considered to be one of the most fun shows of the year.

For the third year in a row, the English Pleasure Grand Championship was won unanimously by Jonny B Good with Bob Phillips in the irons. Jonny was also the English Pleasure Amateur Grand Champion with Patti Carleton riding. This horse is proudly owned and bred by Patti of Saddlebrook Farm.

The Five Gaited division is also a big crowd pleaser with multi National Champion Lady Chatterly being named this year’s winner in the open and the Five Gaited Amateur National Champion with Marla Ruscitto, owned by Empress Arabians. The crowd enjoyed trainer Chad Judy as he always makes it so obvious how much fun he is having on this great horse.

Also for the third year in a row, the Three Gaited title went to Grand Affair shown by James Wallen and owned by Wallen Central. This horse was also named National Champion in the amateur division with Marsha Jons.

The youth are a very important part of this show with Ms. Anna Raybourn being named National Grand Champion in Saddle Seat Equitation 17 & Under, UPHA/NSH National Champion and USEF Medal Champion. Anna’s trainer, Vicki Humphrey, is also her equitation instructor along with Carole Stohlmann. What an honor for these ladies to win all three titles unanimously.

In 2006, the show added the NSH Five Gaited Horsemanship class. Winning the National Championship title this year was Trisha Lewis Schemmel. Possibly one of the most sought after titles at NSH Finals is the Stallion Row Jackpot class. This year, eligible weanlings competed for over $45,000. The National Champion Stallion Row Jackpot foal this year was LC All Fired Up (The Nobelest x Western Cabernet) handled by Jim Kelly and is proudly owned by Lisa Cortese.

For complete results or more information on the National Show Horse, please go to www.nshregistry.org.