October 13, 2006

The Wellpride AEC Goes to the Dogs

Go to just about any horse trials in the country and you can expect to see more dogs on the grounds than horses. The Wellpride AEC is no different, which is why the USEA launched the AEC Dog Show at the 2005 Championships. After that strictly for-fun dog show became the sleeper hit of the weekend, plans were quickly underway for an even bigger and better sophomore event in 2006.

Thanks to sponsors Saratoga Horseworks, SmartPak Canine, and Merial, the top three finishers in each class at this year’s show took home prizes as well as some well-deserved recognition for talents such as waggiest tail and best vocal performance. The prizes included: a cooling vest from Saratoga Horseworks for first, SmartPak Canine gift certificate for second, and stuffed toy and clock from Merial for third. In addition dog treats from SmartPak Canine were available for all the competitors.

We thank the more than 65 dogs and their owners, representing 14 states, for participating, and our sponsors for their support, and look forward to next year’s Wellpride AEC Dog Show at its new venue, Lamplight Equestrian Center!

Results

Terrific Pet Tricks

• 1 Molly (mixed breed) / Leslie Chelstrom, Bluemont, VA
• 2 Chaos (Jack Russell Terrier) / Nancy Bounds, Berlin, MD
• 3 Max (German Shepherd) / Shannon Cain, West Chester, PA

Costume Class

• 1 Annie (Mini Dachshund) / Dawn & Joel Scholz, Knightdale, NC
• 2 Dillon (Golden Retriever) / Lynn Coates-Holmes , Williston, SC
• 3T Brutus, (Puggle) / Terry Lockhart, Bristow, VA
• 3T Bella (Samoyed/Boston Terrier/Beagle) / Jessica Moore, Topsfield, MA
• 3T Topsy (Irish Jack Russell Terrier) / Anne Wilson, Columbia, SC
• 3T Buc (Lab Mix) / Zoe DiGiovianni, Pinehurst, NC

Biggest Dog

• 1 Lola (Great Dane) / Samantha Barber , Norwood, NC
• 2 Marty (Gordon Setter) / Peetie Miller
• 3 Zack (Bernese Mountain Dog) / Annie Kauffman

Best Vocal Performance

• 1 Spirit (Corgi) / Morgan Ludlow
• 2 Pepper Jack (Australian Shepherd) / Julie Ennis, Queenstown, MD
• 3 Zeena (Mixed Breed) / Mike Dickhart, Aiken, SC

Waggiest Tail

• 1 Tucker (American Bulldog) / Kandi Kline, Holly Springs, NC
• 2 Pepper Jack (Australian Shepherd) / Julia Ennis, Queenstown, MD
• 3 Dillon (Golden Retriever) / Lynn Coates-Holmes, Bristow, VA

Most Adorable

• 1 Chance (Mixed) / Eric Kramer, Round Hill, VA
• 2 Daisy May (Border Collie) / Rylee Gailey, Covington, GA
• 3 Frost (Mixed) / Trey Brignac, Raleigh, NC

Smallest Dog

• 1 Chrissy (Chihuahua) / Pat Belskie
• 2 Tinkerbell (Mini-Dachshund) / Dawn & Joel Scholz, Knightdale, NC
• 3 Sir Reginald Puff n Stuff (Pomeranian) / Denise Phillips, Ohio

Most Mysterious Heritage

• 1 Bentley (Bassett Mix/Bull Mastiff) / Leslie Chelstrom, Bluemont, VA
• 2 Quigly (Beagle/Dalmatian/Pitbull/Stafford) / Molly Rosin, Madera, CA
• 3 Suzie (Bengie/Terrier Mix) / Louise Quella, Jackson Springs, NC

Best Rescue

• 1 Jasper (Greyhound) / Holly Johnson, Metamora, MI
• 2 Crosby (Mix) / Katie Saunders, Falls Church, VA
• 3 Sophie (Mix) / Daniel Rose, Summersfield, NC

For more information on the Wellpride American Eventing Championships, including complete results of the equine competition, visit the USEA website at www.useventing.com and click on the Wellpride AEC logo.

PHOTOS: The attached photos are provided courtesy of the U.S. Eventing Association and may be reproduced. Photo credit should be given to Robert Winter.