10/4/14 A look back at Michigan saddlebreds

Next weekend is the annual ASHAM horse show, put on by the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Michigan. so this week  looks at some Michigan saddlebreds from the 70's.  Michigan is certainly not the mecca of the saddle horse world, but it has had a very respectable past when it comes to stallions, show horses and personalities.  I chose the 70's since that is when I started riding Saddlebreds, and I chose Michigan since that's where I live!  Hopefully you'll recognize many of the names, learn something about the unfamiliar ones, and maybe even say, "Wow, I didn't know they were in Michigan."

Living Legend

Denmark Adonis X Hide-a-way's Desdemona by Hide-a-way's Firefly Supreme

His 2nd dam was the great broodmare Reverie's Desdemona (BHF)

Bryndale's Denmark

Oman's Desdemona Denmark X Blanchita's Lovely Lady by Blanchita's Choice

This handsome stallion was featured as a "Picture Perfect"

in Saddle & Bridle in 1975. 

Anderson Aire

Anderson Rex X Clear Creek Lady by American Born

This stallion was foaled in 1948, but still siring colts into the 1970's. 

He was owned by Theora London Crommer's Beechwind Farms in Osseo, Michigan.

The next six stallions were all owned by Leslie Lane Farms in Midland Michigan.

All of these well bred stallions stood right here in Michigan, and several

of the studs were photographed in their winter coats with a backdrop of Michigan snow.

Another Leslie Lane owned stallion was standing in Kentucky at Crabtree Farms.

Eventually, New Yorker also came to Michigan and sadly, died in

an accident in his paddock in 1980 when only 10 years old.

Flying Mike

On the Go X Genius' Flying Gypsy by Genius' Flying Saucer

Leslie Lane's Grand Slam

Starheart Stonewall X Parading Princess (BHF) by Colonel Sport

Green Acres Commander

CH Wing Commander x Mexico's Golden Girl by Mexico's Admire

Handley's Contract

Private Contract X Susanna Drew by Stonewall King

High Rank

CH Wing Commander X High Fashioned Sue by The Parading Promise

CH Night Prowler 

CH Status Symbol X Empire's Lady Genius by Anacacho Empire 

Michigan had some great shows, and back in the 70's a number of them were held at the Coliseum at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit.  Those days were ended about ten years ago when the Fairgrounds (site of a racetrack where Seabiscuit ran) were closed up.  The ASHAM fall show has moved to the Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University at East Lansing.  

CH Bell Hop and his young rider never showed in Michigan.

However, his rider now has a successful career as a trainer

here in Michigan.  

Meadow Glitter

Vanity's Sensation X Meadow Blossom by Anacacho Shamrock

This gelding was a reserve world's champion on several occasions at KSF.

Peavine's Miss Kay

Night of Folly X Maiden Contract by Private Contract

After her show career, she was owned by C. Thomas Galbreath 

and was a successful broodmare.

Pinecrest's Beautiful Gift

Pincecrest Sensation by Private Contract X Lover's Gift by Anacacho All American

This mare went on to be shown by Melissa Moore at the Kentucky State Fair.

Her pedigree got my attention since her 2nd dam, Secret Sea, was the mother of the

very first Saddlebred I ever rode, Starheart Secret.   

Equitation Rider Shelley London was a student of her

mother, Theora London Crommer.

Alloway's Bonnie Lassie

Bellaire's Anacacho King X Watch my Step by Rex Shadow

Bonnie was the 1973 3-gaited horse of Michigan and

she was bred by my husband. 

Miss Burley Bell

Mrs. Eleanor Pederson showed in fine harness at such places as the

Kentucky State Fair until she was in her 80's, but she and Miss Burley Bell were a very competetive duo in five gaited classes.  Ellie's daughter and granddaughter still show saddlebreds. 

Almost Michigan

Ottawa Creek Farm was in Ohio, just 1/2 mile south of the Ohio/Michigan line.

They showed many horses in Michigan for years.  Here are a couple from the 1970's.

Ottawas Diamond Jim

Had to include him, he's a full brother of Buddy (Best ever Saddlebred!)

Ottawa's Miss Vanity

Shown here in 1972 ridden by Dr. Robert Elrod Sr. 

She was Buddy's older half sister and a 5-gaited show mare in Michigan classes

for many years.  One of my greatest thrills was sitting in a cart next to Dr. Elrod

while he jogged this mare down Sylvania-Metamora Road. 

More about the Elrods and Ottawa Creek Farms in future posts.

More info on Michigan coming in the next few weeks!

Planning on going to the ASHAM show next week since I haven't made it to a single

horse show this year.  First time I missed Louisville in a decade. 

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