Best standardbred pleasure riders honored at local inn MILLSTONE - The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey held its annual awards banquet on Feb. 10 at the Clarksburg Inn. A total of 120 guests, double the amount in attendance at previous banquets, celebrated a year of competitive and pleasure riding at the event. Some of the competitors and award presenters at the banquet traveled from Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island and as far away as Kentucky to attend, according to Rob Pennington, the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization's point secretary. "The night was an extreme success with lots of smiles, laughs and good times had by all," Pennington said in a press release about the event. In the presence of some of the top names in the harness racing business, 120 recipients received trophies, plaques, championship ribbons and other awards such as coolers and saddle pads. Divisional honors for the National Championship Horse Show, which took place Sept. 15, were awarded. Those recognized were in-hand champions Jill Bryner and Specta Call, and fresh-off-thetrack champions Christine DePinto and Smoking Hawkeye. The United States Dressage Foundation (USDF)'s introductory level Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) champions were Jenny Melander and Treacherous Cat. The team was also recognized as USDF's training level SBOANJ champions. In the junior division, the champions were Linda Depinto and Armbro Christopher. In the English green/novice division the champions were Jacquie Ingrassia and Jambalayabarman. The English and western sector champions were Laura Harbour and Veruca Salt. This team was also recognized as adult equitation champions and hunter "Merrylegs Memorial" champions. The junior equitation champions were Taylor Ferguson and Star Lantern. The jumper "Added Incentive Memorial" champions were Christine DePinto and Smoking Hawkeye. The games champions were Lindsey McKee and Who's Your Buddy. The harness "William B. Weaver" champions were Kathleen Haak and Draken. The Ray Schnittker Sportsmanship Award went to Jenny Melaner and The David and Misty Miller Sportsmanship Award went to Nicole Domenico. Linda DePinto and Californias Dazzler earned high-point junior status. The Bob McNerney High Point Green Horse Award went toMeme Higgins and King Of The West. The Arden Homestead High Point Novice Horse Award went to Lola Raymis and Knockout Kris. The Eugene W. Landy High Point Senior Horse Award went to Laura Harbour and Veruca Salt. During the banquet, the 2007 Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization's year-end awards were also distributed. The in-hand champions were Rob Pennington and Treacherous Cat. The two gait green horse champions were Linda DePinto andArmbro Christopher. The two gait novice horse champions were Meryl Evangelisti and Maria D. The two gait senior horse champions were Helene Gregory and Taurmade and the three gait open champions were Helene Gregory and Taurmade. The equitation champions were Taylor Ferguson and Star Lantern. The driving open champions were Kathleen Haak and Draken. The dressage champions were Erin Hamer and From One To Sixty. The combined training champions were Elizabeth Tweksberry and Dreamy Starlet. The general champions were Judith Catchpole and Slam Dunk Lobell. The pleasure horse and rider champions were Sam Wimmer and Spring Delta. The versatility champions were Elizabeth Tweksberry and Dreamy Starlet. Barbara Evenson, Gina Fagliarone, Helene Gregory, Erin Hamer, Jenny Melander, Rob Pennington, Elizabeth Tweksbury and Sam Wimmer were also recognized for their participation in demos, expos, and parades. The 2007 national awards included recognition for high point junior exhibitor champion Linda DePinto, reserve champion Taylor Ferguson, third-place winner Emily Ann Martin, fourth-place winner Stephanie Smolen, fifth-place winner Leigha Miller, sixth-place winner Gina Fagliarone, seventh-place winner Gina Hawkins, and eighth-place winner Julia Hawkins. The event also honored high point rookie horse champions Taylor Ferguson and Star Lantern, reserve champions Meme Higgins and King Of The West and Clarksville's Barbara Evenson and Cosinera. High point standardbreds champions Elizabeth Tweksberry and Dreamy Starlet and reserve champions Erin Hamer and From One To Sixty were also recognized. Participants in the banquet also enjoyed a 50/50, a tricky tray and a DJ.