HISTORY OF THE VIRGINIA-CAROLINAS
MORGAN HORSE CLUB, INC.
The Virginia-Carolinas Morgan Horse Club was founded on November 12, 1966, at a meeting held at October Farm,
the home of James and Barbara Cole. Thirty-seven charter members initiated the activities of the meeting. The
following officers were elected: Ruth Mills (Kipp), President; J. Marion Burke, vice-president; Celeste Van Landingham,
Secretary-Treasurer; Janet Jantzen, Barbara Cole and Erwin Seago, Directors.
Our first full year saw four successful meetings. In January, 1967, the membership had grown to 57 and by-laws were
drawn up by Erwin Seago and accepted, as was the design for the club stationary. During the year, meetings were held
at Winston-Salem, Charlottesville, Raleigh, and Lynchburg.
In February, 1968, the following new officers were elected: Erwin Seago, President; Bill Aiken, vice-president; Celeste
Van Landingham, Secretary-Treasurer; Ruth Kipp, Janet Jantzen and Bob Schwartz were selected as new Directors.
During the year, meetings were held in Greensboro, Charleston, Raleigh and Williamsburg. Our distinguished speakers
included Marilyn Childs, who discussed showing Morgans and breed type at the Charleston meeting. Linda Champion
very capably prepared our first roster. Stallion and Mare High Point Awards were presented. Tragedy struck with the
unexpected death of our President, Mr. Erwin Seago; vice-president Bill Aiken served his unexpired term.
By April, the club membership had grown to 85 members. Only two meetings were held this year, but the April Field Day
at Tara Farm under the chairmanship of Barbara Cole proved to be the most successful meeting in the club’s history,
with more than 300 members and guests attending. Marilyn Childs was the judge for the Field Day Horse Show, which
also included a comparison of breeds as to type and conformation. A November meeting was held in Weaverville,
where a raffle was held to benefit the upcoming Southeastern All-Morgan Show. The Elmcrest Challenge Trophy was
established. Officers for 1970-71 were chosen as follows: V. M. Champion, President; James Cole, vice-president, Lynn
Eddy, Secretary; Donald Redman, Treasurer; Ken Moore, Felix Pollard and Mrs. R. J. Edsall were chosen directors.
In April, 1970, the club met at Wakefield, the Morgan breeding farm at George Washington’s birthplace. Plans were
made for the newly organized Southeastern Breeder’s Futurity and for the Southeastern Morgan Show, to be
sponsored jointly by our club and the Georgia club and held in Hickory in September. In July, the club met in Glasgow,
Virginia, to complete show plans. The first Southeastern Morgan Show, under the chairmanship of James Cole, was a
great success with approximately 100 Morgans from as far away as Maryland and Florida showing under Judge Dayton
Sumner. The year concluded with the November meeting at which the newly acquired award, the Pine Knoll Equitation
Trophy, was awarded.
The 1971 meetings were held once in Virginia and twice in Raleigh with Dr. C. D. Parks and Mr. Lawrence Appley as
two of the distinguished speakers. Officers elected were: V.M. Champion, President; James Cole, vice-president; Lynn
Eddy, Secretary; Ann Sikes, Treasurer; Bill Brown, Jed Davison, and Janet Jantzen, Directors. The second
Southeastern Morgan Show was held in Hickory and judged by Harold Childs.
In 1972, meetings were held in Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Lignum, Virginia. The most successful meeting of the year
was at Rapidan River Farm where more than one hundred members attended a very elegant buffet and heard a most
outstanding speaker, the Very Rev. Monsignor E. L. Melton. At the Winston-Salem meeting, after a discussion with the
Georgia club as to the future site of the show, our club and the Georgia club agreed to disagree and each hold it own
all-Morgan show in the future. The first Southern States Morgan Show was held in Dorton Arena in Raleigh and judged
by Doris Ryan. Tara Farm very graciously offered two junior horse awards this year: the Carolina Gypsy Perpetual
Trophy and the Tara’s Valentine Perpetual Trophy. Pam Shinn’s pleasure gelding, Reata’s Commander won three
AMHA national awards this year, a very outstanding performance for a junior exhibitor.
Meetings were held in Winston-Salem, Weaverville, Raleigh, and Glasgow, Virginia in 1973. The Virginia meeting was a
Field Day conducted by Anna Ela. The first North Carolina Horse Fair held in Greensboro in April had a good Morgan
display arranged by Leo LeFave. The Southern States Show was judged by Bill Brooks and attracted 160 entries from
12 states. Amateur classes for VCMHC HISTORY OF THE VIRGINIA-CAROLINAS
MORGAN HORSE CLUB, INC.
The Virginia-Carolinas Morgan Horse Club was founded on November 12, 1966, at a meeting held at October Farm,
the home of James and Barbara Cole. Thirty-seven charter members initiated the activities of the meeting. The
following officers were elected: Ruth Mills (Kipp), President; J. Marion Burke, vice-president; Celeste Van Landingham,
Secretary-Treasurer; Janet Jantzen, Barbara Cole and Erwin Seago, Directors.
Our first full year saw four successful meetings. In January, 1967, the membership had grown to 57 and by-laws were
drawn up by Erwin Seago and accepted, as was the design for the club stationary. During the year, meetings were held
at Winston-Salem, Charlottesville, Raleigh, and Lynchburg.
In February, 1968, the following new officers were elected: Erwin Seago, President; Bill Aiken, vice-president; Celeste
Van Landingham, Secretary-Treasurer; Ruth Kipp, Janet Jantzen and Bob Schwartz were selected as new Directors.
During the year, meetings were held in Greensboro, Charleston, Raleigh and Williamsburg. Our distinguished speakers
included Marilyn Childs, who discussed showing Morgans and breed type at the Charleston meeting. Linda Champion
very capably prepared our first roster. Stallion and Mare High Point Awards were presented. Tragedy struck with the
unexpected death of our President, Mr. Erwin Seago; vice-president Bill Aiken served his unexpired term.
By April, the club membership had grown to 85 members. Only two meetings were held this year, but the April Field Day
at Tara Farm under the chairmanship of Barbara Cole proved to be the most successful meeting in the club’s history,
with more than 300 members and guests attending. Marilyn Childs was the judge for the Field Day Horse Show, which
also included a comparison of breeds as to type and conformation. A November meeting was held in Weaverville,
where a raffle was held to benefit the upcoming Southeastern All-Morgan Show. The Elmcrest Challenge Trophy was
established. Officers for 1970-71 were chosen as follows: V. M. Champion, President; James Cole, vice-president, Lynn
Eddy, Secretary; Donald Redman, Treasurer; Ken Moore, Felix Pollard and Mrs. R. J. Edsall were chosen directors.
In April, 1970, the club met at Wakefield, the Morgan breeding farm at George Washington’s birthplace. Plans were
made for the newly organized Southeastern Breeder’s Futurity and for the Southeastern Morgan Show, to be
sponsored jointly by our club and the Georgia club and held in Hickory in September. In July, the club met in Glasgow,
Virginia, to complete show plans. The first Southeastern Morgan Show, under the chairmanship of James Cole, was a
great success with approximately 100 Morgans from as far away as Maryland and Florida showing under Judge Dayton
Sumner. The year concluded with the November meeting at which the newly acquired award, the Pine Knoll Equitation
Trophy, was awarded.
The 1971 meetings were held once in Virginia and twice in Raleigh with Dr. C. D. Parks and Mr. Lawrence Appley as
two of the distinguished speakers. Officers elected were: V.M. Champion, President; James Cole, vice-president; Lynn
Eddy, Secretary; Ann Sikes, Treasurer; Bill Brown, Jed Davison, and Janet Jantzen, Directors. The second
Southeastern Morgan Show was held in Hickory and judged by Harold Childs.
In 1972, meetings were held in Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Lignum, Virginia. The most successful meeting of the year
was at Rapidan River Farm where more than one hundred members attended a very elegant buffet and heard a most
outstanding speaker, the Very Rev. Monsignor E. L. Melton. At the Winston-Salem meeting, after a discussion with the
Georgia club as to the future site of the show, our club and the Georgia club agreed to disagree and each hold it own
all-Morgan show in the future. The first Southern States Morgan Show was held in Dorton Arena in Raleigh and judged
by Doris Ryan. Tara Farm very graciously offered two junior horse awards this year: the Carolina Gypsy Perpetual
Trophy and the Tara’s Valentine Perpetual Trophy. Pam Shinn’s pleasure gelding, Reata’s Commander won three
AMHA national awards this year, a very outstanding performance for a junior exhibitor.
Meetings were held in Winston-Salem, Weaverville, Raleigh, and Glasgow, Virginia in 1973. The Virginia meeting was a
Field Day conducted by Anna Ela. The first North Carolina Horse Fair held in Greensboro in April had a good Morgan
display arranged by Leo LeFave. The Southern States Show was judged by Bill Brooks and attracted 160 entries from
12 states. Amateur classes for VCMHC members were added this year; Patricia Breshears’ stallion Orcland Gay Knight
was English Pleasure Champion and Pam Shinn’s gelding Reata’s Commander was Western Pleasure Champion.
Officers elected for 1974-75 were: Pete Whitlock, President; Al Cole, vice-president; Jo Nell Harrison, Secretary; Keith
Bandy, Treasurer; Leo LeFave, Dr. J.W. Jenrette, and Russell Shinn, Directors.
Meetings were held in Raleigh and Winston-Salem in 1974. This year the bylaws were amended to include the state of
Tennessee. The Southern States Show was held at Dorton Arena with Bob Brooks judging 145 entries from the
Southeast.
In 1975, meetings were held in Raleigh, Blowing Rock and Winston-Salem. A trail ride at Blowing Rock was led by Paul
Blackburn and enjoyed by about 25 members. The Southern States Show was held in Raleigh with Miss Mabel Owen
judging 135 entries from 12 states and Canada, and was the first AMHA Regional Championship Show for the
southeast. Tennessee Valley Morgan Farm’s Shaker’s Nanuet was the high point horse of the show. With the aid of
NCDA’s Glenn Petty, the club was incorporated this year. For the first time, the North Carolina State Fair had a Horse
Country Exhibit in which the VCMHC participated by displaying a Morgan Horse booth. It was an outstanding exhibit
viewed by thousands; Betsy Buchanan designed and staffed the booth. This exhibit was presented with the Governor’s
Award as the most outstanding non-commercial exhibit. The Elmcrest Challenge Trophy was retired this year by Gwen
Hertzog, and graciously replaced with the Green Bay Challenge Trophy. The officers elected for 1976-77 were: James
Cole, President; Tom Harrison, vice-president; Linda Borden, Secretary; Jo Nell Harrison, Treasurer; and Graham
Jennings, Cindy LeFave, and Ralph Ritchie, Directors.
The year of 1976 was a very exciting and prosperous one for the VCMHC with meetings being held in Candor,
Kernersville, and Raleigh. The spring meeting featured a driving demonstration by Jim Borden, assisted by Linda
Borden and Pam Shinn. An auction of donated items was held to raise money for our Southern States Show, with Craig
Lawing as auctioneer. More than 70 members attended this sensational meeting. In July, the Southern States Show was
held at the N. C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh with Jim Anderson judging 100 entries. Townshend Melarry, the
outstanding pleasure stallion owned Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Kern, was the high point horse of the show with reserve going to
Tom Hilgenberg’s Neighknob Heather. At the annual November meeting, everyone enjoyed a well attended Awards
Banquet in Raleigh. Two new trophies were donated this year; the Granada Senior Perpetual Amateur Award by Tom
and Jo Nell Harrison, and the Reata’s Commander Perpetual Trophy by the Russell Shinn family.
The 1977 meetings were held in Knightdale and Raleigh. The spring meeting featured a demonstration of training
techniques by Monty Champion. More than 75 members and guests attended and enjoyed a cookout, picnic supper,
and an auction led by Champ and Ralph Breshears for the Southern States Morgan Horse Show. Our thanks went to
the Champions, the Breshears, and all the others who so generously made this a meeting to be remembered. The
Southern States Show was held in September during Labor Day weekend, with Mrs. Marsha Shephard judging 117
entries. Townshend Melarry was the high point horse of the show again this year with reserve going to Catskill Senator
Lad, the ultimate Western Pleasure and Pleasure Driving Stallion owned by Dr. and Mrs. V. Watson Pugh. Heidi
Hilgenberg of Newnan, Georgia, won the Youth High Point Award aboard her gelding Wil-O-Mor Go Cap. The Awards
Banquet in November was again held in Raleigh with two new challenge trophies offered: The Gralotte Challenge
Trophy, English under Saddle, by the Graham Jennings family; and the Idlewood Challenge Trophy, Western Pleasure,
by the Dr. Charles Francis family. Catskill Senator Lad won the Western Pleasure Championship at the 1977 Grand
National making him a four time Grand National Champion. The members of VCMHC were becoming quite competitive,
with 17 awards to compete for; not only healthy for the club and our Southern States Show, but also invigorating for the
members as well. The youth were very active this year both in showing and club activities. Officers elected for 1978-79
were: Graham Jennings, President; F. W. “Pete” Jaeger, Jr., Vice-president; Ruth Ritchie, Secretary; Jo Nell Harrison,
Treasurer; Fran Pugh, Tom Harrison, and Al Cole, Directors. The VCMHC was now well established with 166 members.
In 1978, the Spring Meeting was held at Tara Farm in Raleigh, with our annual auction featured. The Southern States
Show was in Dorton Arena in mid-July with the well known horseman John Lydon our judge. The very successful show
gelding Reata’s Commander was officially retired at this show. He was a truly versatile Morgan, winning both English
and Western Championships during his career, with the highlight being his title of Grand National Amateur English
Pleasure Champion.
In early 1979, Pat Breshears arranged for a meeting at Tanglewood at which a dinner and presentation of the movie
“The Artist’s Horse” was viewed and loved by all. Spring found us at Topa Farm where a delicious barbecue was
prepared by Scott Thacker’s father. Southern States was held again in July in Dorton Arena, with Bill Holtz judging the
show. We recorded the largest number of entries ever to be entered at Southern States and felt it was a good show.
Several new endeavors were embarked upon by the club in 1978 and 79. First was the purchase and stocking of a
Promotional Booth for the Morgan Horse breed. We purchased tall stall drapes with a Morgan head and the club’s
name on the valance. This was displayed from Danville, Virginia to the North Carolina State Fair as well as at other non-
horsy functions in order to familiarize the public with our horses. Material from AMHA was distributed and we found it
hard to keep up with the demand. The Club had also begun sponsoring Morgan classes at open shows such as
Chatham, Virginia, Danville, Oakridge and Pleasant Garden in order to support the growing number of Morgans
showing in open competition. In fact, for the past two years the National Open Competition English Pleasure Division of
AMHA had been won by horses from North Carolina - Waseeka’s Endeavor in 1978 and Willowrock Debutante in 1979.
The Youth Club had been selling “Heads up for Morgans” tee-shirts and included sweat shirts this year. The were
popular and sold well. The youth sponsored an Outstanding Youth Award to be presented at Southern States in
memory of the late Cynthia Epperson. This was to be awarded to the Junior Exhibitor demonstrating the best attitude
towards showing, their fellow exhibitors, care of their horse and behavior in and out of the show ring.
Officers for the 1979-80 term were elected at the Year End Awards Meeting in Raleigh: Betsy Buchanan, President;
Clarence Cozart, Vice-president; Pam Allen, Treasurer; and Carol Lee, Secretary. The monthly newsletter, Morgan
Horse Tails, was instituted by Barbara Cole, enabling the club to advise and communicate more effectively.
In 1980, the annual trail ride was held in Linville, with a general meeting and dinner following. The Southern States
Show was held in Raleigh with Karen Homer as our judge. Matthew Cole went to the Grand National as our first VCMHC
youth representative and won the oral phase of the Youth of the Year Contest. The 1980 year end awards meeting
was held in Charlotte at Bob and Carol Clyne’s restaurant. Our first stallion auction was conducted by Jim Hayes at this
meeting with ten stallion services offered. Betsy and Phil Buchanan hosted a Christmas party in December and
everyone enjoyed their hospitality at the off-season get-together.
In the Spring of 1981, we had a pig-picking at our meeting in Kernersville. The Southern States Show was held in July
at Little River Farm in Pinehurst, with Bob Robinson of Shelbyville, Kentucky, as our judge. Pam Allen and Gael Jaeger
held a youth camp at Topa Farm in July with ten youth attending. This was one of only two such camps to be held in
the country. The youths rode and worked on Horsemanship Badges. In August, a clinic was held at Scott Thacker’s in
Greensboro. There were demonstrations of all phases of training and showing ably conducted by Tommie Ann Driver,
Scott Thacker, Danny Freeland, and Dan Redman. Martha DuPont was our guest speaker and told us about the
Morgan Horse Breeder’s Association. A trail ride was held at Tanglewood Park with a spaghetti dinner cooked by the
Blackburn’s for the large group attending. The 1981 year end awards dinner was held in Greensboro with the election
of the following new officers: Claude Culp, President; Barbara Bodine, vice-president; Mary Daughtry, Secretary; Al
Cole, Treasurer. Our second stallion auction offered the services of sixteen horses and was an even greater success
than the previous year. C. J. Kern, for many years a member and supporter of VCMHC, was inducted as an honorary
member.
The year 1982 brought with it new ideas and much enthusiasm for we had an advertising display at the Greensboro
Airport with one planned for RDU. Doris Bimel did a super job on the layout and design for this project. In January, a
general meeting was held in Greensboro followed by a pot-luck dinner. In March, we met in Tarboro where there was a
large turnout. April’s meeting was held in Pinehurst in preparation for our Southern States Show. A second annual
youth camp was held in Climax, NC, during the summer with 12 campers attending. The Southern States Show was
held again at Little River Farm in Pinehurst.
In March of 1983, the VCMHC was host to the AMHA Judging Seminar held in Raleigh at the new Horse Complex
located on the NC State Fairgrounds. Club members donated the use of their horses for the seminar, which was
videotaped and used by AMHA nationally. There was a trail ride in conjunction with the April meeting in Troy. The July
meeting in Chapel Hill included a program and presentation on carriage driving. Little Bit Camp was held again at Topa
Farm, with Linda Shelhart of Canterbury Stables instructing. The Southern States Morgan Horse Show was held over
Labor Day weekend at the new Horse Complex with Lonnie Lavery judging. General elections were held at the
November meeting in Hillsborough with the election of the following new officers: Pete Jaeger, President; Russ Roberts,
vice-president; Betsy Buchanan, Secretary; Judy Roberts, Treasurer; Al Cole, Claude Culp, and Barbara Bodine,
Directors.
In February, 1984, a “hands on” driving clinic was held by Scott Thacker at his farm near Greensboro. Our March
meeting was held in Troy, NC, and featured a presentation by Mr. Bob Burnett, VP/Sales for the Rhulen Agency, on
“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Equine Insurance Options.” At the April meeting in Raleigh, members
were addressed by Dr. Malcolm Roberts of the NCSU School of Veterinary Medicine who spoke on “Neo-Natal Foal
Care.” A tour of the new facility was enjoyed by those members attending.
In July, Tara Farm hosted a picnic and open house. The fourth annual Little Bit Camp was held in August, with clinics
on equitation led by Ann Scussel. Our Southern States show became a charity show to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy
Association; 165 entries were judged by Bill Parker. The year-end awards dinner was held at the Grove Park Inn in
Asheville.
The 1985 year began with a February meeting in Chapel Hill hosted by Jim and Joyce Poitras. Other meetings were in
March at the Russell’s in Troy, and in June at the Palmer’s in Easley, SC. A youth clinic was hosted by Flintlock Farm in
May with a program on showing led by Matthew Cole. Little Bit Camp was held at Topa Farm with Cathy Pruett giving
superb instruction. The Southern States Charity Morgan Horse Show continued to grow with nearly 200 entries, and
two judges. Mary Cockriel and Garn Walker. The year-end meeting was at the Grove Park Inn once again, with new
officers elected: Rupert Ainsley, President; Sally Lawing, vice-president; Kristy Tinker, Secretary; Judy Roberts,
Treasurer; Fran Pugh, Jim Burnette and Russ Roberts, Directors.
Our first meeting of 1986 in Raleigh featured Jeanne Mellin Herrick speaking on Morgan “type” with many slides to
illustrate. A large crowd was present. In July, the Burnette’s hosted a meeting in Oak Ridge, with Jim Sharp of the
Virginia Department of Agriculture speaking on marketing. The Southern States show was again held at the Horse
Complex in Raleigh, and the year-end awards dinner and meeting in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn.
In 1987, we began with a meeting in Raleigh in March with Marilyn Childs making a presentation on “The Men Behind
the Morgan Horse”. She also instructed riders in a clinic held the same day. At a meeting hosted by Sally Lawing and
Joe Craig in Pleasant Garden, there was a program on stallion semen freezing procedures. The Bomars hosted a
meeting in South Carolina with a program on equine disease control management. The July meeting was held at the
Cole’s October Farm in Raleigh. The Southern States Show was held in August again in Raleigh. The year-end
meeting was held at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill with the following officers elected: Ann Williams, President; Gael
Jaeger, vice-president; Joy Leigh, Secretary; Sam Burnette, Treasurer; and Russ Roberts, Rupert Ainsley, Pete
Whitlock, and Al Cole selected as Directors.
The first meeting of 1988 was held in February at Apple Flat Farm in Monroe, NC. Southern States moved to Memorial
Day weekend in Raleigh. The summer meeting was held at Barbara Cole’s October Farm in Raleigh where a dressage
demonstration was enjoyed by all. The Little Bit Camp was held at Topa Farm in July. September saw a club meeting
at the Redman’s in Bahama. Members enjoyed a picnic and guest speaker Gene Rodeffer, DVM. The club sent Lynda
Leigh to the Grand National in OKC where she placed 6th in the nation.
The first meeting of 1989 was held at Apple Flat Farm in Monroe with Mabel Owens as the guest speaker. April saw a
club trail ride at Tanglewood Park near Winston-Salem. April also saw a Saddle Seat Equitation Clinic with Marilyn
Childs held at the Boody’s in Raleigh. Southern States was once again held in Raleigh on Memorial Day weekend.
The summer meeting was held at Pam Allen’s where a picnic was enjoyed by all. Little Bit Camp was once again held in
August.
Officers elected for 1990-91 were Ann Williams, President, Pete Jaeger, vice-president, Trish Amitrano, Secretary, and
Agnes Harvin, Treasurer. Board members elected were Joy Leigh, Ed Hester, Danny Freeland, and Richard Beidler.
The first meeting was held in March at Jim Isely’s near Greensboro. Members were treated to a horse telepathy
demonstration. Southern States was expanded to a four day show. A summer meeting was held in July. The fall
meeting in October was hosted by the Jaegers of Flintlock Farm and featured a Sport Horse demonstration. The year
end awards were held at Tanglewood.
Officers elected to serve the club in 1992-93 included: Ed Hester, President; Pete Jaeger, vice-president; Margaret
Thompson, Secretary; Carol Thebarge, Treasurer; Ann Williams, Carol Clyne, Jim Cole, Phil Buchanan, Directors.
Membership grew to 184 members. A survey was sent out to all club members in January, 1992, to enable the club’s
board to get a better feel for how to involve as many members as possible in club activities. The first club meeting was
held in March at the Colonial Inn in Hillsborough, NC. It featured Jeanne Mellin Herrick on the topic “Type and
Bloodlines”. Southern States was once again held in May with Bernard Parker and Terry Jones-Brennen judging 216
entries. The second club meeting was held in June at the NC State University Equine Teaching Facility in Raleigh. A
third club meeting was hosted by Pete and Gael Jaeger and featured two demonstrations. The first was by Valentina &
Patty Manimon of Equine Sports Massage. The second featured Wiebe Dragstra of Four Birches Royal Training
Center demonstrating pair driving. A pot luck supper followed. The year-end meeting was held in November at the
Colonial Inn in Hillsborough. Year-end awards were presented. Rapidan Jericho was the Overall High Point Horse.
Due to the resignation of Carol Thebarge a new treasurer, Spence Dickinson, was elected. Also elected were Jo Ann
Jones, Laura Lee and Phil Buchanan, Directors. Charles McPherson was the keynote speaker and updated the
members regarding news and actions of the AMHA.
1993 saw 161 paid members. The first meeting was hosted by Sherrie and Woody Davis at Collector Morgan Farm in
Southern Pines, NC. It featured a carriage driving demonstration by Alphonso Hargrove. Southern States was again
held in May at the Horse Complex in Raleigh. Jim Lowery and Lewis Eckerd judged. The club sponsored a Morgan
Field Day in November at Summerwinds Training Stable in Raleigh. The year-end meeting was held at the Colonial Inn
in Hillsborough. Keynote speaker was Spence Dickinson who spoke on “Promoting the Morgan Horse” and showed a
video on the Hearth Foundation. Year-end awards were handed out. Funquest Andora was the Overall High Point
Horse. Officers elected were: Ann Williams, President; Spence Dickinson, vice-president; Tricia Amitrano, Secretary;
Violet Vaill, Treasurer.
The first club meeting of 1994 was held at Tara Farm in April. A pig picking and auction were held and enjoyed by the
120 members attending. Southern States was again held at the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh. Harry Sebring and
Lloyd Crawford judged. A second meeting was held at the Barbecue Lodge in Raleigh in July. The third general
meeting was hosted by Pete & Gael Jaeger at Flintlock Farm in Chapel Hill. Greg Lee, President of the North Carolina
Horse Council, was the speaker. The year-end meeting was held at the Jefferson Inn in Pinehurst. Due to the
resignation of President Ann Williams, Jason Harrell was appointed to complete her term. Awards were presented.
Rapidan Jericho was once again Overall High Point Horse.
1995 saw the first club meeting being the Spring Gala at Tara Farm in Raleigh. In addition to the good food and
fellowship, a silent auction was held to raise funds for the exhibitor’s party and the Hunt breakfast at Southern States.
Southern States was held over Memorial Day weekend at the Horse Complex in Raleigh. 275 entries competed under
judges Sandy Sessink and Cliff Swanson. Due to the resignation of Spence Dickinson, June Davis was appointed to
complete his term as Vice-president. The next club meeting was held at the Barbecue Lodge in Raleigh in August. A
clinic featuring Bonnie Sogoloff of Cedar Spring Farm in Vermont was held at Woody and Sherrie Davis’ Sherwood
Downs in Southern Pines, NC, in November. It was followed by the year-end awards dinner at the Pinewild Country
Club in Pinehurst. Officers elected were: Jason Harrell, President; Cindy Shepard, Vice-president, Trish Amitrano,
Secretary; Tony Amitrano, Treasurer; Ruth Riddle, Sybil Bunn, Laura Lee, Pete Jaeger and Fran Pugh, Directors.
Year-end awards were presented. This year saw the creation of five new award divisions: Classic English Pleasure,
Classic Pleasure Driving, Hunter Pleasure, Non-Competitive, and Sport Horse. Overall High Point Horse was Funquest
Andora.
1996 started with the Spring Gala in April at Tara Farm in Raleigh. Members and guests enjoyed a stallion parade,
auction, raffle, fishing, socializing, as well a delicious meal prepared by the Tara Gang. Proceeds were used to help
fund hospitality activities at Southern States. Southern States was once again held Memorial Day Weekend in Raleigh.
A summer meeting was held in June at Hollybrook Farm in Lexington, NC, and featured a presentation on horse
photography by Suzy Lucine. The year end meeting and awards banquet was held at the Colonial Inn in Hillsborough,
NC. Overall High Point Horse was Hollybrook Parade
1997 started off with the sad news of the death of Mr. W. Dayton Sumner. Dayton was a well beloved friend of the
VCMHC as well as long time show manager of Southern States. He will be greatly missed. Club activities started off
once again in April with the Spring Gala at Tara Farm. It was a great opportunity for fun, fellowship, and fund raising.
The summer meeting was held in Southern Pines/Pinehurst and gave members the opportunity to visit Sherwood
Downs, Nelsen Stables, and Fox-Ridge Farm. The annual club trail ride was reestablished and held in November at
Tanglewood Park. The year end meeting and awards banquet was held at the Country Squire Restaurant in
Kenansville, NC. Officers elected for 1998-99: President– Ruth Riddle, VP- Nancy Warren, Secretary– Tricia Amitrano
and Treasurer-Tony Amitrano. Board members elected were Fran Pugh, Sybil Bunn, John Coppley, Pat Cowan, and
Pete Jaeger. Overall High Point Horse was Hollybrook Magic Man.
1998 VC year opened up once again with the Spring Gala at Tara Farm. The annual trail ride followed on May 2nd, at
Tanglewood. An enthusiastic group of riders took our Morgans and some even stayed overnight to ride together the
following day. Southern States Show was held May 21-24 with Tim O’Gorman and Helen Crawford, Nancy Sharpless
and Dana Bright Judging. Fern Bittner was welcomed aboard as the new show Manager. Two “Pot of Gold” classes
brought some out of state entries! On June 7, the membership enjoyed a T-Team Clinic at Leyland Farm, home of Sam
and Jim Burnett. The summer meeting was held at Summer Chase Farm in Union Mills, NC. Cam Brandon gave a
demonstration of different types of equine therapy. The Year End Awards banquet was held in Winston-Salem at
Tanglewood Park complete with a morning trail ride and afternoon golf tournaments for the serious and the ”just for
fun” golfers. Held in a covered pavilion, we had an uninvited guest at the banquet this year, but the young skunk was
polite and altogether inoffensive– just hair-raising and a great topic of conversation!. Members Pete and Gael Jaeger
chaired the Bi-Centennial AMHA Convention in St. Petersburg, Fla. Overall High Point Horse was Hollybrook Magic
Man.
1999 saw the club activities start off once again with fun, fellowship, and fundraising at the Spring Gala at Tara Farm in
April. This year a silent auction was added to the Gala festivities. A club trail ride organized by Trish Amitrano, was held
at Uwharrie State Park on May 1st. The Southern States show was held once again May 27-30. with Nancy Becker,
Laura Kinnick, Marcia Bryant and Susan Gilliland judged 235 entries– the number enhanced by the draw of the new
Pro-Am Jackpot, this year in English Pleasure. Bethanne Ridgeway was the recipient of the Cynthia Epperson award.
A general club meeting and horse bowl were held in High Point on July 17th. In August the club obtained it’s own URL-
“www.vacarmorgans.com”. The website was designed by members Betsy Buchanan and Pete Jaeger in 1996. The
year end meeting and awards banquet were held at the Plantation Inn in Raleigh on November 20th. This year it was
an extra special event, as the members and guests gathered to “Toast” club founder, Barbara Cole. Many people in
NC owe their Morgan introduction to Barbara and gratitude was plentiful. Special guests included Marilyn Childs and
Polly Quinn who traveled great distances to take part of this special occasion. Officers elected were; President: Nancy
Warren, VP: Pat Cowan, Secretary: Trish Amitrano, and Treasurer: Don Crotts. Board members elected were Pete
Jaeger, Fran Pugh, and Betsy Buchanan. Overall High Point Horse was Rose Valley Roman.
2000 was a great year for the club and it’s members with three meetings and a successful Southern States show. Our
first meeting found us at Tara Farm for our annual Spring Gala featuring a demonstration, the annual auction, and a
tasty barbecue. Leyland Farm with owners Sam and Jim Burnette hosted our July meeting. We were given an
informative demonstration of equine acupuncture and chiropractic after a picnic lunch. Our annual awards banquet in
November was held at Carolina Club in Chapel Hill. Rose Valley Roman again won the honors of high point horse.
Year 2001 again found us at our annual Spring Gala at Tara Farm with youth activities, our auction, and the always
delicious barbecue. Agnes Harvin was our hostess at Burnside Plantation in Henderson for the August meeting
featuring a NCHC/REINS presentation. Our awards banquet in November was held at the Crabtree Ramada in
Raleigh. Rose Valley Roman became high point horse for the third year in a row.
2002 Tara Farm was once again kind enough to host our Spring Gala featuring demonstrations, youth activities, the
auction, and the barbecue. Joyce Metters and John Coppley invited us to their Hollybrook Farm for the July meeting
with a tour around the farm and a super meal. The year end awards
President: Nancy Warren, VP: Betsy Buchanan, Secretary: Tricia Amitrano and Treasurer: Shannon DeMuinck. Board
of directors-Carole Clyne, Pete Jaeger and Frances Pugh.
2003 Starts with the now traditional Spring Gala April 12th at Tara farm. The day started with a fun trail ride enjoyed
by all. Southern States was held in May with 220 entries. The Summer meeting was held at the Davis’ farm in Southern
Pines. The Ed Bowling Sportsmanship award was established.
Nov brought the Year End Awards Banquet to Raleigh, NC The first Ed Bowling Sportsmanship was awarded to Pete
Whitlock. December brought a new event for the club. The club took part in the first annual Horse Expo in Raleigh, NC.
Gael Jaeger organized the horses and volunteers to man the Morgan Horse Booth.
President:Nancy Warren , VP: Betsy Buchanan , Secretary: Tricia Amitrano, and Treasurer: Kim Mercier
2004 Many of our members attended the National Convention in February, held in Boston Ma. Frances Pugh
purchased the naming rights for the Morgan “Virtual Horse” at the Kentucky Horse Parks new Morgan Horse Exhibit.
The Spring Gala and first club meeting was held at Tara Farm. Fabulous food and a very successful fund raising silent
auction took place The attendance was up with over 60 members taking part. Southern States Show held, May 26-29,
was again a very successful show with entries up to 250 horses! The Summer meeting was held at Flintlock Farm, good
food and good conversation was had by all. Gael gave us a wonderful tour of the farm and our meeting was held
outside under the trees. Many things were discussed during the meeting which included planning more trail rides and
group oriented activities like taking a bus trip to the Kentucky horse park. We e established the “Barbara B Cole
Service Award”. The Year End Banquet was held Nov 20th in Raleigh, NC. The first BCBSA was presented to Eleanor
Aurand. Avery special “Golden Spoke Award” was presented by the Southern States Committee to Billy Whitley, our
faithful ringmaster for many years. December once again included the club participation in the “Southern n Horse
Festival” in Raleigh, NC. Gael Jaeger once again stepped up to organize our Morgan participation.
President: Andree Vetrano, VP: Betsy Buchanan, Secretary: Tricia Amitrano and Treasurer: Kim Mercier.
2005 ushered in a productive year for the club. The first general meeting was held at Tara Farm’s “Pond Pavilion” on
April 3rd with 100 members in attendance. A great time was had buy all! Lot’s of new faces too. Excellent food and fun
provided by Tara.
The 33rd Annual Southern States show was held from May 25th-29TH. 224 horses participated with 800 entries from
26 states. This show was voted “Most Hospitable Show” for the 3rd year in a row. It was also voted as the UPHA “Show
of the Year”. The VCMHC sponsored a Sport Horse “In-hand” Clinic with Peter Hansen on April 9th at Harmony Sport
Morgans. 6 Morgans participated. The Summer meeting was held on July 10th at Harmony Sport Morgans with 42
members in attendance. It was a pig pic’n feast enjoyed buy all. In September the AMHA rallied to “Celebrate the
Morgan” by encouraging local farms to open their doors to the public for this national event to encourage Morgan
Horse awareness. Three large barns in our region participated, with Open house/barn tours. Tara farm in Raleigh,
Flintlock farm in Chapel Hill and Harmony Sport Morgans in Climax, NC. All three events were a huge success. The
Annual Club Trail ride was held at Tanglewood Park on Nov 5th. 7 Riders and their Morgans enjoyed a beautiful fall
ride. The awards banquet was held on November 19th at the beautiful Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh, NC. The
general meeting was held with 35 members in attendance. The meeting concluded with elections of the officer board
members. Their were 60 members in attendance for the Awards Banquet that followed.
President: Andree Vetrano, VP: Betsy Buchanan,
Secretary: Suzette Boisselle, Treasurer: Russell Vetrano.
2006 Brings us another busy year for the VCMHC. The year started with the VCMHC sponsoring a John Lyons certified,
natural horsemanship clinic with Jeff Holzer, hosted by Harmony Sport Morgans in Climax, NC. March 24-26th. 50
people attended and braved the frigid temperatures. 3 out of the 6 participants were Morgan horses. Thunder storms
and sheets of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of Morgan enthusiasts who gathered at Tara Farm in Raleigh, NC for the
annual Spring Gala on April, 22nd.. The food was wonderful as usual and the auctioneer was quite entertaining, doing
a great job of raising money from so few pockets. The Southern States Show was held May 24-27th. Attendance was
down but spirits were high. On June 24/25TH the club co-sponsored a “Teach your horse how to Drive” Beginners clinic
with Cece Green –Yelek of Green Tree Ranch, TX. 6 participants, all Morgans, hooked their horses for the first time. It
was a great clinic for all who attended. The Summer general meeting was held at Flintlock farm in Chapel Hill, August
19th. With 22 members and12 guests enjoyed incredible food and we felt honored to initiate their grand, new party
Pavilion. Many new members were in attendance. Not to be out done by last years “Celebrate the Morgan “ events.
Tara Farm and Flintlock Farm once again opened their doors to the public in September with open house/barn tours
and demonstrations of Morgan versatility. Both events were a huge success. The general meeting was held on
November 18th at the Briar Creek Country Club in Raleigh, NC. 67 members and guests attended the meeting and
Awards banquet that followed. General Membership: 122 members. President: Andree Vetrano, VP: Betsy Buchanan,
Secretary: Suzette Boisselle, Treasurer: Russell Vetrano
2007 was marked with more successful events. The club increased membership, welcoming several new families.
Former Board member, Julie Broadway, accepted the position of Executive Director of the AMHA. She and her husband
Tony moved to VT. We wish her the best of luck and will miss her enthusiasm. The By-laws were approved by the BOD
and the General membership to be included in the 2008 issue of the Roster. The Spring gala was held at Tara Farm in
Raleigh, NC on April 14th. Approximately 40 members attended and a surprising amount of money was raised for
functions at the Southern States Show. Mary Daughtry put together a very nice display board to use to promote the
VCMHC as well as the Southern States Show, at future shows and public events. The Southern States Show was held
May 23-26TH. Once again a wonderful turn out with 235 horses competing. We received, for the 5TH year in a row,
“The People’s Choice Award for Most Hospitable Horse Show.” The Summer meeting was held at Flintlock Farm on July
14TH. Once again many new faces and fabulous food! The club was well represented at OKC Grand Nationals this
year with several barns placing horses and riders in the top 10. 2 VCMHC Youth members: Hailey Garbee and Rebecca
Jones competed in the YOTY competition as well. The annual meeting was held once at the Briar Creek Country Club
in Raleigh on November 18th and was the most successful ever, over 100 members in attendance. The meeting was
followed by the election of officers. Following a delicious dinner, Andree and Russell Vetrano were recognized with
gratitude for dedicated service to the club during the past four years. General Membership: 165 members. President:
Pete Jaeger, VP: Suzette Boisselle, Secretary: Betsy Buchanan, Treasurer: Mitch Ehrlich.
Last updated 12/31/2007