Report from the Road – Blue Goose Stable, Pennsylvania

8/30-8/31, 2024
Cochranville, PA USA
Host: Blue Goose Stable
Jury:  Viggon van Beest & Wim Versteeg
Official Photographer: Christine Shea
Editors: Viggon van Beest,  Tracy Geller-Stearns

The second KWPN-NA Harness Horse Keuring of 2024 was held at the Blue Goose Stable, Located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania.

The well-organized Keuring had a friendly atmosphere, and this two-day inspection was held under favorable, sunny conditions.  The number of participating horses was of sufficient quantity,  and we were presented with average to good quality across the board with several high scoring horses.

Young Horse Classes:

Foals/Weanlings – Harness:

A total of fifteen foals competed for the championship titles. Classes were composed of  two Register B foals and thirteen foal book foals. As usual, they were presented in separate categories and there were also two different foal championships.
The quality varied from sufficient to good, with thirteen foals receiving a first premium. Six foal book foals were invited to the final, and the Champion title was for the filly UTRICIA (Vaandrager HBC x Patricia Ster, by Globetrotter Sport (tp),  BREEDER/OWNER: Ammon P. Stoltzfus from Narvon, PA).
UTRICIA is a typical harness foal; she is well developed and has an appealing front with a beautiful head and appearance.  Her topline is well connected and her very well developed withers stand out. She is long-legged and has a strong foundation with a slightly long hind leg. In the trot, she showed a lot of front, with good posture and good suspension, but she could show a little more knee action. Her hind leg comes under the body with more than sufficient power. In the final, in which several foals were evenly matched, she managed to go a little further compared to the pre-selection, ultimately becoming the winner.

 

 

 

 

Second place went to the filly UONDA (Vaandrager HBC x Onda Ster by Waldemar), BREEDER/OWNER: Raymond Stoltzfus of Morgantown, PA).  UONDA is well developed and has a nice, well set neck with a correct head- neck connection and a beautiful head. Her withers are well developed but her back could be just a little stronger. Her foundation is strong and correct. In the trot,  she showed a nice front and leg technique; a front leg with a lot of reach and good use of her hind leg. It was a very tight race with the number one !

 

 

 

 

 

Third place went to the colt UIDANE (Atleet Pref. x Gidane Keur, IBOP by Cizandro Pref.,  BREEDER/OWNER: Jesse Ray Miller from Paradise.)  Uidane is a sufficiently developed, long-legged refined foal. His long neck could stand out a little more, however the topline is well connected. The hind leg is a bit long, but he does have a lot of strength in his foundation. He showed an appealing trot with adjustability, balance and good use of the front leg. Our top three foals all had good quality, and the slightest margins set them apart!

 

 

 

 

 

 

In places four, five and six, we had three appealing colts, namely UTONE (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Jemarina Keur, Sport by Ditisem), URALONE (Baanbreker HBC x Lamone Ster by Globetrotter Sport (tp), both from BREEDER/OWNER: Rocky Ridge Stables from Narvon, PA and UDONTA GFF (Macho x Felandra Keur by Patijn,  BREEDER/OWNER:  William Duffy III of Ashby, MA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Register B foals were assessed, and the colt UNIQUE QUEST (Melody Acres My-Quest x Didane Ster by Manno, BREEDER/OWNER: Jesse Ray Miller from Paradise) was the champion. He is well developed, a good harness type and long-legged.  His neck direction is vertical but he has a slight under neck. He has a lot of withers but the topline could be a bit more muscular. The foundation is correct and strong. In the trot he showed a good front, body position and good balance, combined with adjustability and good reach in the front leg. He could have a little more knee action and the hind leg could come under the body a little more powerfully.  The second colt was unfortunately excused for veterinary reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Year Olds – Harness:

One two-year-old foalbook mare was shown,  and she was a well-developed harness type mare with a lot of expression that easily earned a first premium.

 

SIDEE GFF (Atleet Pref. x Magnalidee GFF Reg.B by Finale) BREEDER/OWNER:  William Duffy III from Ashby, MA)  has a beautiful head, generous shoulders and good connections. Her neck, which comes slightly deep from the chest, has a good direction. Her foundation is correct and strong. Her trot was initially a bit tense, but after a little while, she showed an appealing front, very good posture and good use of the front leg. Especially during the last round it was clear that she also has technique in her movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Studbook Classes:
Thank you to our Keuring Championship Award Sponsor, Iron Spring Farm

Stb/Ster 3 +  Year Old – Harness:

One three-year-old foal book mare, one three-year-old Register A mare and two six-year-old foal book mares were presented for studbook registration and/or Ster declaration.

All of the mares could without any doubt be declared Ster with a first premium!  It was striking that all of the mares scored higher in movement than on conformation.  While we sometimes lacked posture in the Netherlands this year, the opposite was the case here. All mares scored well on this important component.

 

First among the Three-year-olds was ROBUST (Globetrotter Sport (tp)  x Wonder Lady Ster by Roy M)  BREEDER/OWNER:  Ammon P. Stoltzfus of Narvon, PA).  This generously developed, harness-type mare with a lot of expression stands in a good rectangular model. She has an appealing front and strikingly beautiful withers and shoulders. Her topline could be a little more muscular and she could be a little more youthful in her overall appearance. In her trot she attracts your attention because of her beautiful front where she shows a lot of body position, a strong use of the hind leg, a good suspension and a lot of balance. Her reach in the front leg could be a little more generous.

 

 

 

 

 

The second placed mare,  ROSONDA  (Jaleet IBOP (tp), PROK  x Alonda Ster, Pref. by Talos, BREEDER/OWNER: Raymond Stoltzfus from Morgantown) is well developed and refined. She stands out because of her beautiful head and very nice shaped withers and shoulder. Her neck could be a little more vertically positioned and her back could be a little bit stronger. In terms of movement, she came close to Robust. She trotted freely and happily and showed great posture and strong hind leg use. Her balance and suspension also scored positively, although her use of the front leg could be a little more generous. In the front she was slightly inferior to the first placed mare.

 

 

 

 

 

STB/Ster 4-7 Year Old – Harness:

First among the two Six-year-old mares went to the impressive, very well-developed and very harness-typical mare NIKKO (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Ivana by Colonist, BREEDER:  Emanuel K. Petersheim Jr. of Paradise, OWNER:Rocky Ridge Stables from Narvon, PA). She has very strong connections, beautiful withers, shoulders and a strong foundation with good feet. When she starts trotting,  she really takes off from the hindleg and her posture is really awesome. She shows a lot of class, rhythm, balance, suspension and adjustability to her tempo.  If we are very critical, she could use a little more knee action. In summary, calling her a ‘Powerhouse’ would not be out of place for her!

 

 

 

 

In second place came the well-developed, good rectangular model NATALIEANNE (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Erianne M Elite by Vaandrager HBC, BREEDER/OWNER: Ben Fisher Jr. from Manheim, PA).  This mare could be slightly lighter in the front and could be a little more refined.  She has a strong topline with good withers and shoulders and a correct foundation with good feet, however her front leg could be a little longer.  In her enthusiastic trot, she managed to score well for front, body position and suspension. She could have a little more scope in her front leg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Predicate Presentation:

The Elite mare ERIANNE M (Vaandrager HBC x Arianne Keur, Pref. by Patijn Pref., BREEDER:  J. Meijers in NL,  OWNER:  Ben Fisher Jr. from Manheim, PA)  was asked to take part in the arena separately.   Due to her daughter NATALIEANNE  earning the Ster predicate today,  ERIANNE M  was declared a Preferent mare!  A very beautiful moment for her owner that was really appreciated with loud applause from everyone present! Congratulations!

Ster/Keur Mare Presentation Class:

Three mares were presented in this class, yet we could only have one winner!

The victory went to the four-year-old strongly built and very strong moving Ster mare PATRICIA (Globetrotter Sport (tp)  x Wonder lady Ster by Roy M,  BREEDER/OWNER: Ammon P. Stoltzfus of Narvon, PA)  PATRICIA is also the mother of the champion foal UTRICIA, discussed previously.

 

 

 

The previously described Ster mare ROSONDA, as well as the eight-year-old Ster mare LAMONE(Globetrotter Sport (tp)  x Zesty Rose by Larix Keur,  BREEDER/OWNER:  Rocky Ridge Stables from Narvon,PA) were also shown.

OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP in hand:

Four mares entered the arena for the Overall Championship class. The two-year-old SIDEE GFF, the three-year-old new Ster mare ROBUST, and the four-year-old Ster mare PATRICIA and the six-year-old new Ster mare NIKKO. After an individual performance at the trot, they returned as a group to walk around and the winner was announced. NIKKO was once again impressive and left no stone unturned!  She trotted unthreatened with a lot of strength and power and was crowned the Overall Champion!  Congratulations!

IBOP: Harness

Since April 2023, there has been a pilot in the Netherlands, called the ‘alternative IBOP’, which means the IBOP has to be driven twice to be able to pass. This pilot has also been adopted for North America.

 

On the first day of the Keuring, four mares and one gelding were presented in the IBOP class, three of which earned passing scores. The highest score was convincingly achieved by the four-year-old Star mare PAULETTANNE TSA (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Erianne M Elite, Pref. by Vaandrager) BREEDER/OWNER:Ben Fisher Jr. from Manheim, PA. This mare passed with 78.5 points, earning 8’s for her front, suspension, action of the front leg, forward tendency,  and overall appearance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The six-year-old Ster gelding NEDAPERTY (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Edaperty Keur by Unieko) BREEDER:  Ivan Fisher of Narvon,PA, OWNER:  Erin Duffy from Ashby, MA)  has previously passed an IBOP,  and now passed for the second time with 76 points. Seven of the eight components earned a 7.5 and his use of the front leg was rewarded with an 8. He now continues through life as a Ster IBOP gelding, Congrats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The four-year-old star mare PUMPKINBURGA (Globetrotter Sport (tp)  x Idalburga Keur, IBOP by Manno pref) BREEDER:  Ivan Fisher of Narvon, PA,  OWNER: Reuben Moses Zook of Christiana, PA)  was able to pass with 75 points, with the use of the front leg and the forward tendency being rewarded with an 8.

 

 

 

 

On the second day of the Keuring, four mares were presented, three of which were able to pass the IBOP.

PAULETTANNE TSA  passed this time with one point less (77.5) and she now has earned the Keur Predicate, Congrats!
PUMPKINBURGA improved well  compared to her first IBOP, with an IBOP score of 77 points.  She also earns her Keur Predicate, Congratulations!

 

 

Additionally,  the Ster mare ONDA (Waldemar x Alonda Ster, Pref. by  Talos) BREEDER/OWNER: Raymond Stoltzfus from Morgantown), who has also already passed an IBOP previously.   She achieved 75.5 points, with the use of the front leg and posture scoring an 8, and she too now earns her Keur Predicate. Congratulations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so pleased to see the participation in the IBOP this year, and extra special that it has produced a nice number of Keur mares and a beautiful Ster IBOP gelding.

Young Drivers Class:

Youth is the future, and the Young Drivers have been looking forward to this class for a year!
Inside and outside of the arena, the riders and horses show so much enthusiasm and energy: it has to happen NOW!

The class had three participants,  where the Young Drivers were accompanied by an adult driver.  Despite the young ages of the drivers, the horses were presented in a neat and controlled manner.

The first round was inconclusive and it was decided that all participants would participate in another final.

 

The stately five-year-old gelding ROCKY RIDGE HARLEM TROTTER (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Kalarma’s Pretty Girl by Harlem Superior) BREEDER/OWNER:  Ivan K. Fisher, Poole Forge Stables, DRIVER: David Fisher,  has a lot of forward tendency and claimed the win after a nice battle.  Second place went to the approved KWPN stallion GLOBETROTTER Sport (Cizandro Pref. x Lilonka Ster Pref. by Harald). BREEDER: van Dolder of Stolwijk,NL, OWNER: Rocky Ridge Stables from Narvon, PA , DRIVER: James Fisher.  Third was the four-year-old charming Register B mare PRINCESS (Globetrotter Sport (tp) x Wanda Tp by Sandokan) BREEDER: Stephen R. Stoltzfus of Honeybrook,   OWNER: Kay Marschel from Dallas, DRIVER:  Leon Blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Harness Cup – Mares:

The Fine Harness Cups for mares and stallions were held on both days of the Keuring. The atmosphere and enthusiasm during these classes is always really great!

 

Three mares participated on the first day.  Selected to drive the final round were the aforementioned Ster mare LAMONE, and the Reg. B mare PRINCESS.  The winner was LAMONE, who showed a consistent harness performance, moving well through her body. She was driven by  Aaron Fisher from Narvon and she beat the charming and dignified mare PRINCESS who was presented enthusiastically by Cindy Deering from Cornish, ME.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the second day, five mares competed for first place, with three mares invited to drive for the final placing. The new Keur mare, PAULETTANNE TSA, in the hands of her owner Ben Fisher from Manheim, took the win over PRINCESS in a convincing, harness-typical manner with Driver Cindy Deering, who again went all out.  In third place came the new Keur mare PUMPKINBURGA,  driven by Reuben Mozes Zook from Christiana who had to give in to her predecessors in terms of the use of the front, but who offered a very good match with her leg technique.

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Harness Cup – Stallions & Geldings:

The first day’s Fine Harness Cup for stallions & geldings had three participants, with two horses that were allowed to drive for the second time.  It was the Ster, IBOP gelding NEDAPERTY who took the win in the hands of William Duffy III from Ashby, MA. He was presented very well; he was almost flawless in his beautiful performance and it was really noticeable that he got better and better, meter after meter, he just kept going!

ROCKY RIDGE HARLEM TROTTER once again showed well and took a nice second place for him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the second day,  there were also three participants , and no second round was driven.  It was once again NEDAPERTY who with his harness type, energetic and tireless performance was sent straight to victory by William Duffy III from Ashby.  The second place was for ROCKY RIDGE HARLEM TROTTER, who gave it his best shot.  GLOBETROTTER Sport was quite eager, with a lot of stallion presence which caused him to struggle a bit with his balance, and cost him a higher placement.

Sport Points- Harness:

For several years now, points for the Sport Predicate can be earned during the IBOP or Fine Harness Cup. To achieve the sport designation, a minimum of 50 points is required.  If an IBOP receives a passing score of 75 points or more,  and/or at least a 7.5 rating is given during a Fine Harness Cup, sport points related to that performance will be awarded. Various mares, stallions and geldings have already achieved sports points in the past and some of them have now received the coveted Sport Predicate.

At the inspection in Cochranville, PA, sport points could be awarded to PUMPKINBURGA, PAULETTANNE TSA, NEDAPERTY, ONDA, LAMONE, PRINCESS and ROCKY RIDGE HARLEM TROTTER. Congratulations!

 

 

First Premiums:

Foals/Weanlings – Harness (VB & Reg. A)	conformation / movement
UTRICIA (Vaandrager HBC x Globetrotter)	76/78
UONDA (Vaandrager HBC x Waldemar)	76/76
UIDANE (Atleet x Cizandro)	75/75
UTONE (Globetrotter x Ditisem)	74/74
URALONE (Baanbreker HBC x Globetrotter)	75/73
UANNE (Globetrotter x Vaandrager HBC)	72/74
UDONTA GFF (Macho x Patijn)	75/71
UNIX (Globetrotter x Baanbreker HBC)	70/74
UNCLE URIE (Vaandrager HBC x Roy M)	72/72
UBERTA (Hubert VDM x Hermanus)	74/70
UDIONNE (Waldemar x Wodka HBC)	70/72
Foals/Weanlings – Harness (Reg. B)
UNIQUE QUEST (Melody Acres My-Quest x Manno)	73/75
Two Year Olds – Harness
SIDEE GFF (Atleet x Finale)	76/76
Stb/Ster 3 Year Old – Harness
ROBUST (Globetrotter x Roy M)	73/77,  Ster
ROSONDA (Jaleet x Talos)	70/76,  Ster
Stb/Ster 4-7 Years Old –  Harness (VB & Reg. A)
NIKKO (Globetrotter x Colonist)	78/82, Ster
NATALIEANNE (Globetrotter x Vaandrager HBC)	70/76,  Ster
IBOP – Harness (Day 1)
PAULETTANNE TSA (Globetrotter x Vaandrager HBC)	78.5
NEDAPERTY (Globetrotter x Unieko)	76 received IBOP predicate
PUMPKINBURGA (Globetrotter x Manno)	75
IBOP – Harness (Day 2)
PAULETTANNE TSA (Globetrotter x Vaandrager HBC)	77.5,  Keur
PUMPKINBURGA (Globetrotter x Manno)	77, Keur
ONDA (Waldemar x Talos)	75.5,  Keur

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