The 2014 Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity Comes to a Close
After four full days of sun and horses, the 2014 Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity wraps up. After monsoon-like storms came through earlier in the week, bringing with them rivers of water running through the fairgrounds, it seemed almost impossible that the Futurity could welcome blue skies and warm temperatures. But, that is exactly what happened, and “torrent” turned into “talent,” as horses loped, trotted and cantered around the outdoor arenas at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds. Nary a puddle to be found. And, there certainly were talented horses out on the grounds, making for stiff competition and plenty of two, three or even four-way ties!
The judges for the weekend were Christa Baldwin, John Briggs, Rick Christy, and Mike Hawkins. There were many trophies and belt buckles given out during the weekend, with Congress Queen Meghan Murphy and various members of the Tom Powers crew passing out prizes. Smiles were everywhere as the show carried on smoothly, and horses were wonderful in the show pen.
As always, PleasureHorse.com posted results as they happened, photo galleries of each class, and stories. Holman Photography, official Tom Powers Futurity photographer was on the grounds capturing some amazing images. Check out their website to order prints and view their photos!
A cause very dear to the hearts of Tom and Dominique Powers is the NSBA Trainers Crisis Fund, dedicated to helping trainers who become injured, with financial assistance. In keeping tradition with last year, Tom and Dom hosted a BBQ to benefit the Crisis Fund. And, new this year, they held the NSBA No Bridle Western Pleasure class, immediately following the calcutta. During the calcutta, veteran trainer Carl Yamber, riding OHK Krymsuns Goodbar, owned by Richard and Betty Carr, garnered a bid of $10,000! Yamber suffered a heart attack and stroke last fall, but has made a strong recovery. The crowd showed their respect and appreciation for Carl with their thunderous applause throughout the auction and class, and Yamber and OHK Krymsuns Goodbar were named Champions. Other trainer and rider combinations included Reserve Champions Ty Hornick and Certain Vino, owned by Lee Reeve, and Rusty Green and Certainly Inspired, taking 3rd. For a complete list of results and all the photos from the No Bridle WP class, click here. The event raised $26,150 for the Trainers Crisis Fund.
Also on Saturday, the Western Pleasure Super Sires 3YO Non Pro and 3YO Ltd Non Pro classes were held for the first time at the Tom Powers, with Rock County Kid and owner/rider Sharnai Thompson taking home the win in the Non Pro.
The Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity sale was again successful, with Alan Parker Auctions running the event for the fourth year now. Of the 88 horses that went through the sale, Heza Lazy Cookie was the high seller of the night! This handsome colt went for $74,000 to Frank Berris. All of the yearlings that went through the sale are eligible for the 2015 Tom Powers 2 Year Old Western Pleasure Sale Stakes. And this year’s Stakes class was a great one to watch!
Seventeen horses from the 2013 sale came back to compete in the concurrent Open and Limited western pleasure class this year at the Tom Powers. The two year olds were all exceptional, and it was an amazing showing of horses. The Limited division had a two-way tie for third, with My First Hotrod and Cameron Van Sickle and Chip In My Willy and Ricky Noiseux. Reserve went to Better B Good To Me and Johnny Terry. Blake Britton and Foreverandeveramen (A Good Machine), owned by Chris Lagerblade, took home the win, and the check for $7,000.
And a major congratulations to Patrick Heeley piloting Simply My Goodbar (Zippos Mr Goodbar) to champion in the Open division! Simply My Goodbar owned by Linda and Scott Berwick, brought home a check for $25,000 plus the additional $3,000 from Harris. Is it coincidence or just pure know-how that Pat was also the 2013 Champion in this class with Sleepy N I Know It, also owned then by the Berwicks? Tied for reserve in the Open division were Sucha Machine (Machine Made) owned and ridden by Shane Pope and Honolulu Babe (Batt Mann), owned by Hanna Ring, ridden by Katy Jo Zuidema.
For full results and photos from both the Limited and the Open, click here. For the rest of the class results and photo galleries, check out the 2014 Tom Powers page!
The rest of the classes were all fantastic, including an adorable leadliner and a 9 and under walk trot. Sunday rounded out with such nice horses and novice and youth riders.
If you haven’t been to this great Futurity yet, you are truly missing out! Thanks to Tom and Dominique, and the rest of the crew who helped to put on a great event. We always feel so welcome, and it is definitely one of our favorite shows! See you all next year for a long weekend with Tom and Dom and their crew. We can’t wait!
