Reprinted from Saddle and Bridle magazine:

"It seems that on the West Coast, the criteria for an exhibitor really liking a show and planning on returning next year, is how much fun he had at this year’s show. If this is true, then Jingle Bell had to be the most popular show on the planet. The atmosphere and the hospitality was second to none. The weather in the daytime was fabulous. No evening classes shielded you from the cold night air. Every single detail was attended to with such precision, it was almost magic. The picturesque Del Mar Horse Park, about a half hour north of San Diego, is nestled in a beautiful wooded valley just minutes from the ocean. It was again the venue for the 9th annual continuing saga of “how to present the perfect horse show.” This four day extravaganza was literally filled with irresistible fun things to do, to keep even the most blasé of types paying attention. Christmas carolers in period costumes roamed the show grounds, serenading everyone. Dozens of Christmas trees bejeweled in horse show ribbons decorated the grounds. All the stables tried to outdo each other decorating with beautiful trees and lights. It would have been really difficult not to realize that Christmas was really on its way.

Friday afternoon found everyone under the big white tent next to the arena for the Annual “Holiday High Tea and Tini party”.  This party has become a Jingle Bell tradition with Joan of Friesian Foccus greeting every guest and (her husband) Joe shaking holiday inspired martinis. Guests were treated to Holiday treats, live music and a singer whose rendition from Phantom of the Opera brought down the house. Saturday evening exhibitors and friends were on hand for the Pacific Coast Circuit Awards dinner. Year end award winners were treated to sculpted bronze trophies from popular equine artist Douwe Blumberg. Sunday morning exhibitors arrived to the grounds to barn pages for Jingle Brunch. Two chefs were on hand making breakfast to order while everyone nibbled pastry and sipped fresh squeezed mimosas. Brunch was a relaxed affair while guests and exhibitors had a bird’s eye view of the morning performance.

A collection of holiday favorites as well as upbeat current pop favorites, kept horses and spectators alike tapping their feet and riding to the beat. [Yes, a DJ spinning LOUD pop music blared from the large speakers in center ring, really making the atmosphere UPBEAT!] Ms. Joanne Weiner made the champion and reserve neck sashes possible for the winners. Over 42 stables from across the West attended the show. Susi Day of Versailles, Ky., judged the Saddlebred, Pony, Friesian, Morgan and equitation classes.

Janna and Ron Goldman’s Black Sterling Friesians were drowning in blue ribbons at Jingle Bell. Many time world champion, Ate Fan Bartleheim took the hunter pleasure class. Ate was back in the arena collecting blues in the dressage hack open and championship. Ate is trained by Janna. Hindrik K is a newcomer to the Goldman string, but nonetheless another champion. This time he starred in the walk/trot pleasure open and championship. Hindrick rounded out his show with two more blues in the walk/trot pleasure amateur open and championship. Marko took home blues in the amateur saddle seat pleasure championship and reserve in the open. All were presented by Janna."

Ate: Friesian Huntseat Pleasure Open Champion and Dressage Hack Open Champion and Dressage Hack Championship Champion

Chopper (Hindrik K): Amateur Walk and Trot Pleasure Champion, Amateur Walk and Trot Championship Champion, Open Walk and Trot Champion, Open Walk and Trot Pleasure Championship Champion

Marko: Amateur Saddleseat Pleasure Grand Champion

****Special thanks to the marvelous trainer, Rob Wallen, and helpers Kendall and Brandon.......without all of your help, these three Friesians would have NEVER been able to trot away with eight wins****

And last, but not least, thanks to my good friend, Liz, who flew down to stay with me---what a genuinely GREAT friend YOU are!

2009 Year End Highpoint Awards:

Pacific Coast Horse Show Circuit-

Majestic--Dressage Suitability Champion

Marko--Amateur Walk and Trot Champion,  with Julia Goldman

Ate--Reserve Huntseat Pleasure Champion

Marko--Reserve Am Saddleseat Pleasure Champion