USA Equestrian Announces Horse of the Year Awards

Red Vista Ranch owners Linda Ackermann and Maura Isaacs are the first recipients of a new award: Leading Half Arabian Owner. This award is in conjunction with USA Equestrian annual Horse of the Year awards and represents their receiving the most points for half-Arabians during the 2001 show season.

Red Vista's four half Arabians: Rich and Famous +, Hot Ticket ++/, KRA Super Flame+, and Emirs Star amassed over 2200 points during the 2001 show season. These points were in HA Country English Pleasure, HA Hunter Pleasure, HA Show Hack, Stock/Hunter Halter in Open, Junior Exhibitor and Adult Amateur classes. Rich was singled out as Horse of the Year in HA Country English Pleasure Open and Reserve Champion with a Junior Exhibitor. Hot Ticket was Horse of the Year in HA Hunter Pleasure Open and captured Top Ten honors in the Specialty Division. They all came away with Regional awards as well.

We talked with Linda and Maura about this award. "It was a dream year." Says Linda. "The hard work of the past three years really came together." We were fortunate to have talented junior riders, Jeff Lovejoy and Teri Wares riding our stars. In the Open classes were Dan McConaughey and Susan Shea Graham. I showed Ticket and Star to many of their halter wins and rode Flame in HA Hunter Pleasure adult amateur.

"The most important part of this recognition is the consistency our horses showed throughout the year. At "A" shows, Regionals and Nationals they were in the money. Rich and Ticket's equitation points were not part of the consideration but each horse won Regional or National recognition there as well. They all did double duty as Open and amateur mounts and in Ticket and Star's case halter too. They are talented, versatile champions and we are so proud to have them in our barn." Says Linda.

"Being in this industry is not easy. The competitive strain often produces stress and doesn't always bring out the best in individuals but these horses make it all worthwhile. They are kind and loving, ever willing to perform at their best. They stay out of the politics and are always loyal to their owners. That is the best definition of a true friend I know." States, Maura.

"2002 has brought changes in the management of our horses. Bob and Lisa Locke have taken on the training of these horses and several new stars in the making. We have new youth riders, Joy and Robyn Reed and Elizabeth Pullium honoring us by riding Rich, Hot Ticket and Bravo Botany at Scottsdale."

'We are introducing several new horses in 2002 and hopefully finding good homes for a couple of our stars who are ready to move on to bring home awards for new owners. Jackie Alkin will continue to train and show our two Dressage horse." Continues Linda.

'We continue to feel blessed to have these wonderful horses in our lives and continue our commitment to fair, honest dealings with all whom we come in contact. Our ultimate commitment is to respect and honor these noble creatures who give us much more than blue ribbons and trophies." Says, Maura.

"It takes a lot of people working together to have the kind of success we've had and are enjoying. A big "Thank you" to the following: Dr. Laura Harris, Dr. John Sparks, Dr. Ross Rich, Jeff Lovejoy, Teri Wares, Laurie Martin, Bob and Lisa Locke, Pat Gallahan, Todd Howes, Susan Shea Graham, Dan McConaughey, Leo Hansen, Sammy Hernanadez, Jackie Alkin, Shawn Getty, our dear friends who have stood by us through the good and not so good times, Marjorie Vilar, Sharleen VanBaalen, Barbara Diaz, Kevin and Rowena King. I'm certain I missed someone but you know who you are and the Thanks is heartfelt." Linda.

"We are heading to Scottsdale with 15 Red Vista and client horses. As always we are excited about the prospects of competing in one of the grandest shows of all. Our hopes are high for continued success as our hearts are full with love for these horses."

Red Vista is the home of stallion MFA Hullabaloo (Fame VF x Benrax Faantasy) and also stand Kharnelian Bey (Huckleberry Bey x Khemos Prefrance) and Sandy Creek Marksman (Hackney horse). For inquires about horses available for purchase or breeding to one of these fine stallions, please contact Linda Ackermann at 490-473-4915.