Pleasure Show with Combined Test Day Show Highlights - FUN ~ 2025 ~ FOCUS
On July 24 competitors moved into the Ancaster Fairgrounds to participate in the seventh annual Great Lakes Carriage Classic (GLCC). The Friday Combined Test Day included 35 dressage tests from Training to FEI 3* level performed before judge Shelly Temple. The afternoon cones course, designed by Minta Winn, was in the words of one of our spectators “very challenging but ultimately do-able.” At the end of the day the Combined Test Day High Point Champion was Ruth Whiting and her pony Lily Lane, Carousel Surprize with Mac Born and his pony pair Melodie and Leo in Reserve.
The rest of the weekend was devoted to the Pleasure Portion of the show, Kacey Tipton-Fashik serving as the judge. The High Point Champion, based on 5 divisional classes, carriage dog and drive/ride placings, was Stacey H. and her pony Stilton, with Ammie Reid and Reidell Magic’s Thunderstruck in Reserve. The Concours d’Elegance and Heart of the GLCC (sportsmanship) trophies were presented to Lisa Krick Summerfield and her small pony Miracle Jack Bee Nimble. The Gentleman Reinsmanship Champion was Klaas Steenbeek, and the Lady Reinsmanship Champion was Jennifer McKeen. The Friesian award went to Vicki Cork and Alrik, the Welsh award to Ammie Reid and Reidell Magic’s Thunderstruck, and the VSE award to Dana Johnston and His Nibs.
A new division for this year was the Non-Driven with two classes: Harnessing and Long Lining. Competitors had to assemble a harness and then harness their equines, all within a time limit. The judge’s commentary on both segments of the class proved very educational to participants and spectators. The Long Lining class, open to all equine disciplines, had competitors complete a set pattern on the long line. The winner of the Non-Driven Award was Ali Carpenter and Liddle Lamzy Divey, with Ammie Reid and Reidell Magic’s Thunderstruck in reserve.
In the Hobby Horse Class competitors ranged from 2 to 40 years of age and fun was had by all. The Costume Class in 2025 was an In-Hand Class with up to three accompanying the equine. The creativity of the turnouts and the excitement on the young participants faces was a joy to see.
A Corn Roast and CT Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, a dinner and entertainment Saturday night and Pleasure Awards with a complimentary box lunch on Sunday afternoon. All enjoyed the food supplied by Shelly’s Family Dining and Catering for these events and throughout the show.
The GLCC Show Committee would like to thank our TD Jim Thomas, Announcer Debra McCarthy, Judges Shelly Temple and Kacy Tipton-Fashik, Photographer Jamie Lywood, Mark Wilson Farrier, Troy Equine Services, PJ and Tara Crowley, Ryan Smith and all the wonderful volunteers for the contribution of their time and support to the show. It is with appreciation that vendors give prizes to accompany competitor awards. Thank you to our sponsors for your kind assistance in having this 2025 GLCC success.
We look forward to seeing you all July 24 to 26, 2026 at the 8th annual Great Lakes Carriage Classic!
All photos are taken by Connie Smith Photography
Source: Great Lakes Carriage Classic
