Dragonfire Sizzles in Santa Barbara

It would be an understatement to say that Santa Barbara is one of the best places on the West Coast to show horses. While the town most certainly provides fun-in-the-sun daytime adventures and a friendly atmosphere for eating and nightlife, it is the great competition that makes the Morgan Medallion a show not to miss. Every class seems to have a past World Champion in it and each rider is turned out impeccably. Team Dragonfire not only gave many stylish performances, but also had a fantastic time doing it!

Merriewold Hanah with Earl McFall

Earl McFall and Merriewold Hanah presented a picture of power and grace in the Working Hunter division that was unstoppable. Hanah's flair over a fence combined with Earl's experience proved too tough for the competition as this pair won the Working Hunter Under Saddle, The Low Warm Up Hunters and also the Low Working Hunters. Proudly owned by Merriewold Morgans, Hanah is well on her way to establishing herself as one of the best sport horses in competition with wins in Dressage as well as over fences.

Taylor McFall

Ironforge Aire Command and Taylor McFall

Ironforge Aire Command and Taylor McFall

In one of the most entertaining classes of the show, young Taylor McFall really gave it her all in the Walk/Jog/Trot Pleasure Championship. After working the kinks out in the qualifiers with her partner, Ironforge Aire Command, Taylor was really up for the challenge of competing against the older and more experienced riders. The crowd and the judge alike could really see that she was "feeling the rhythm" in her championship. The announcement that Taylor and Ace had won the Reserve Championship was met with great approval from the stands and a teary eyed congratulations from her coach Melissa Votaw.

Rosy Outlook and Earl McFall

Rosy Outlook continued her winning ways under the guidance of Earl McFall. This perky, but sensible chestnut filly has a smooth and forward motion that gives her definite advantage over her competition. Bred to be a sport and show winner, she is by Dragonfire Kirin who not only won World titles in Dressage but also the Open Hunter World Championship, and is out of a Holiday Compadre daughter. Compadre was also a show/sport crossover with Open Western Pleasure World Titles along with victories in Reining. Rosy gave winning performances all week with a win in Dressage Suitability and in the Three Year Old Hunter Pleasure. She then went on the be named the Reserve Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse Champion.

Dragonfire Timeless and Jennifer McFall winning in a CWD saddle

Dragonfire Timeless is living up to his family's winning reputation with a red-hot season in his first year on the circuit. By the ever popular Minion Millennium who has produced World Champions in Park, In Hand and Hunters, and out of the beautiful Raintree Ala Bella, "Timmy" is a serious class act. When this colt hits the ring he inspires comments from the crowd about his square and smooth uphill motion, and also his obvious ease in which he performs his paces. Timeless gathered up more victories at the Morgan Medallion with the win in the Four and Under Hunter Pleasure and the Junior Hunter Pleasure Grand Championship, to go along with his Far West Championship.

Dragonfire Nefertiti and Jennifer McFall

Dragonfire Nefertiti and Jennifer McFall take a victory pass in a CWD saddle

The Ladies Hunter Pleasure Championship, along with the qualifier, went to Dragonfire Nefertiti and Jennifer McFall. Owned by Antonia Casados, 'Faye' is an undeniable beauty in the Hunter division. Every season this mare gets better and better, as she combines sexy good looks with tons of heart. Dragonfire is extremely proud of this perennial winner and granddaughter of our senior stallion, Dragonfire Kirin.

Not pictured, Macy McCallion piloted her own Chehelam Cassanova to a Reserve Championship victory in the Amateur Hunter Pleasure. Macy is one of the most elegant riders, with long legs and impeccable poise. Cassanova is as steady as he is forward, and the two of them make a lovely picture.