Photo Credit: The Equine Chronicle- Brittany Bevis
It was the unanimous decision of the judges this evening at the 2011 Reichert Celebration that Dave Archer and Touched N Moonlite were the standout winners in the first ever Equine Chronicle Color Classic Limited Western Pleasure.
This new class was specifically designed for those riders who are not in the Top 15 of the Equine Chronicle Top 20 riders from the previous year.
This Top 20 ranking is determined by all-time earnings in the Equine Chronicle Color Classic and will change each year as winnings increase and decrease. Once a rider has exceeded Equine Chronicle Color Classic earnings of $75,000, they are no longer eligible to compete in the Limited Division class.
The best part about this new Limited Division class is that it was held prior to the Open Division Equine Chronicle Color Classic. Also, entry into the Limited Division Color Classic allows participation in both the Limited and Open Division classes.
For Archer, this win tonight was extremely special because the owner of the horse is his own father, Wilburn Archer.
“It’s a great feeling riding one for my dad,” Archer says. “It might be the best horse that I’ve ever ridden. I love him. If it was up to me, I would never sell him.”
“He went out there and showed tonight. That’s 50% of the battle. As long as the horse goes out there and shows, it gives you a pretty good shot. I thought I would be real nervous, but I wasn’t really. I took a couple of deep breaths to settle myself.”
Touched N Moonlite, aka “Regis,” is a 2-year-old by Only in the Moonlite and out of One Tough Touch. Because this horse was purchased in the Reichert Yearling Stakes Sale last year, he is eligible to win an extra $5,000 to be awarded during the Equine Chronicle Color Classic on Friday.
After being named the unanimous winner tonight in the Limited version of the class, we asked Archer if he feels any added pressure going into the class on Friday. Although he has never competed in the Color Classic, Archer says there is really nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Archer says that Regis is not only a naturally talented mover, he is also very consistent, whether he is riding at home or at a horse show.
“He is super cute in his front leg, that was the kicker for me,” he says. “He made it real easy for me. About the middle of February, it just clicked with him and he came around. We have been taking him to horse shows and he has ridden the exact same every day since the first part of April.”
We also had to ask Archer about his unique fashion choice for this evening’s competition, a black shirt with green paisley collar and cuffs. According to Dave, this new style of show shirt is by Winning Couture, and he hopes his new look will give him a little extra edge on Friday night.
There was also plenty of added money and great prizes awarded during this class. Sue Kapushion was the lucky recipient of a random draw for a beautiful new Harris saddle. The “First Time Exhibitor Money” bonus program was put into effect, with the highest placing limited rider with this designation receiving $1,500 and the second highest placing limited rider receiving $1,000. The highest placing non-pro rider also received $1,000.
Equine Chronicle 2-Year-Old Color Classic Limited Western Pleasure Results:
1- Touched N Moonlite/Dave Archer- $6,864.90
2- Certainly a Charlie/Pat Odell- $4,073.20
3- Capture the Impulse/Gretchen Hachtel- $1,706.10
3- Uh Huh Im Good/Laura Stenroos- $2,706.10
5- Wata Famous Chex/Alan Fisher- $1,333.50
6- Hot Poker Chip/ Jamie Zuidema- $1,210.10
7- JNZ Stylish Chip/Colt Andrews- $564.60
8- For Goodness Grace/Robin Beaty- $482.00
9- Livn Sensationa All-Sue Kapushion- $465.00
10- Sensational Cookie/Heather Pelletier- $464.00
