Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

If you were privileged to have seen Senator Crawford show, just even once, then you already know that no Road Horse book or article in general on Roadster Horses could possibly be complete without a tribute to this superb horse.

In every sport, in every breed there is one individual, one animal....who is outstanding, so memorable...that time does not diminish the remarkable picture in one's mind.  Senator Crawford was foaled in 1925. He was bred by A. J. Crawford and was named for his sire, "The Senator", and his owner.  He had a race record of 2:061/4, (they now time them in fifths) and was purchased by the colorful B. B. Tucker for George Brandeis of Omaha, Nebraska.  B.B. Tucker brought him out in the Roadster ring at the beautiful South Shore Country Club show in Chicago, Illinois, and thrilled the audience beyond belief.  he looked as though he might be seventeen hand tall and "laid into the turns" like a veteran.  He was long necked and as exquisitely fine as a saddle horse should be, with a great expressive eye and keen, eager ears.  a beautiful rich bay with just enough white to point him up; there has never been his equal- either in appearance or performance.  he was not a "one time flash", nor was he a delicate "hot house flower". As an example- at The Ohio State Fair, he won the Bike Class, The bike Stake, The Road Wagon Class, The Road Wagon Stake, and - The Roadster Under-Saddle.  the one and only Jimmy Lynch contributes a great deal to his conditioning and training.  He was later purchased by the famous Spindletop Farm and campaigned- undefeated- by the master R. C. "Doc" Flanery.  The record of this handsome individual, in no way belittles other Road Horses.  On the contrary; he was "one of a kind" with tremendous audience appeal.  He made a chill run up your spine- every inch a show horse with a great heart, he was - unforgettable!

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

In April of 1968, Lloyd Teater selected a road wagon mare for his client, R.W. Kuhne, feeling this mare offered great promise. Her name was Miss Dean Key, and the history she contributed to the ledger of champion Roadsters continues today.  Thrilling audiences at shows everywhere, Miss Dean Key  and Lloyd Teater delivered the World Crown to owner Bob Kuhne three times, winning in '69, '70, and '71, earning as well, victory of every qualifying class she was shown in during that period at Louisville, sweeping the boards in 1970's Wagon events.

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

So Lovely..... began her career as a trotting horse on the midwestern tracks where she consistently finished in the money.  Purchased off the track in late 1977 by Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cipra Jr., Denver Colorado, she was trained for the show ring by Charles Judd of Grandview, Missouri.  This beautiful solid black four-year-old mare is sired by Castlecliffe, out of Lovely Star.  Her debut as a show horse was made at the '78 Colorado Classic where she was immediately recognized as the most outstanding young road horse to the the tanbark in many seasons.  Winning the Open Bike Class at the Classic, she continued on to sweep Roadster to Bike divisions at both the Benefizoo in Albuquerque and the Northern Colorado Horse Show in Loveland.  Purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Schueler of Black Forest Farms, Elizabeth Colorado, So Lovely is now under the exclusive training and showing of Martin S. Cockriel at Cockriel and Sons Stable, Parker, Colorado.

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

Reared in Allensdale, Kentucky and later in Nashville, Tennessee amid a family of doctors and attorneys, David H. Neil attended The University of Kentucky to earn a degree in veterinary medicine which later he used extensively in his business.  He worked on two private jobs... Minton Hickory in Barbourville, Kentucky and Happy Valley Farms in Rossville, Georgia, here he met Betty Mayfield.  They later married and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to begin a successful career and life.  During the fifties he kept seven to ten Road Horses in his barn...training, selling and showing.  He could go anywhere and win... The Sunshine Circuit, Lexington, Indiana State Fair, Pin Oak, Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee State Fairs, The American Royal or Baton Rouge... it mattered not! Usually Blythewood Farms carried several and covered all divisions, beating such horses as Bob Up, Vicksburg, Shirley Temple, and J. P. Frisco.

His record of achievement stamps him "the mater of Horseman"... a breeder, a showman, an unequaled salesman and much sought after judge of Saddle and Road Horses. He was always on top of big sales! He was one of the few that would risk buying out entire breed or show operations... then turn and make money.. When he bought out Earl Ford of Canton, Ohio in 1957 there were fifty-three head of horses in the transaction.  Among then was King Coe. He so succeeded in promoting this stallion's colts, that within three years, he moved into The Sire Ratings as leading Aire of the Nation until his death.  David H. Neil was called upon to judge, and served at every major show in this country, Canada and South Africa.  His integrity brought about great popularity.  IN 1965... the last year of his life.... he judged eighteen shows including: California State Fair, Kentucky State Fair and North Carolina State Fair.  Although he accomplished many things, he was best know for making and showing Road horses.

Road Horses came from all points.  He seldom took a horse anyone else had had any success with, but prided himself in making a Roadster of a Standardbred off the track.  He had "spotters" on every track looking for a horse with Roadster qualities.  Many of his horses were shown to bike and wagon, as well as under -saddle.  He loved a pretty horse... but was most impressed with a horse that was geared to trot! He never made one overnight, but spent time getting his amateur and stake horses broke.  David Neil was often seen working his finished Road Horses, jogging one and leading two. His philosophy was... time is money!  Time well spent was money well spent, but once he made a nice horse, he kept them fresh and legged up, not honed or used up.  he was selective in the horse he felt with and the people he felt with, but was often heard saying "you are pulling at the heart strings of people when you're handling their money."

He treated every caretaker and every owner with respect and commanded theirs in return.  Because of his reputation as a gentleman and good businessman, his opinion was sought by Saddle and Road Horse enthusiasts, both as a judge and on an individual basis.  One of the most respected trainer, judges, and gentleman was the way most people remember him.  He lived life to the fullest, enjoying a good story and a good time as much as anyone.  But, David Neil had the best story and made the best time.

From the 1954 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom 

Every decade brings out a great horse and Blythe Spirit represents the peak of perfection in roadsters.  Her long list of championships were won by defeating every roadster she met in bloke classes and stakes.  This lovely mare defies comparison from her lovely chestnut coat to her big heart and flying heels.  She can trot a turn with the immortals of showing history and her beautiful conformation added to her thrilling speed, her perfect manners and gameness stamp her as supreme in her division.  She won outstandingly at major shows including Lexington, Kentucky State Fair, Illinois State Fair, National Celebration, Tennessee State Fair, American Royal, Chicago International and the Dixie Jubilee. She is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bunn, Springfield, Illinois, and trained and shown by David Neil.

Write up on done in an article from Roadhorse Magazine

John Nix Jr. actually showed his first Road Horse at the age of 11! If we'd been around when John was growing up, his first word probably would have been "jog" or " road gait". Road Horses in the Nix Family were simply a part of life, just as eating, sleeping or any other essentials. John helped his dad with their horses throughout his younger years, and probably is the youngest driver in history to enter the show ring for this division.

John now has become one of the masters.  Few can out-maneuver him in the ring, most don't even try.  Showmanship is the name of the game to John.  Thousands have been thrilled by that showmanship, and the cheering enthusiasm expressed by the crowds as John and Miss Dean Key would make their exciting entry to the show ring will be a lasting memory.

Among those famed show star John has handled are Shirley Temple, Miss America, Miss Realization, Champagne Flight, Big Commotion, High Chaparrel, Miss Dean Key, Stingray, Governor Wallace, Consort, and Rusty Russ. Showing these horses, John has won ten World Championships in both Bile and Wagon divisions, plus three Reserve World Championships.

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

Zero hour... and Dewey Henderson have been a familiar sight to Roadster arena's everywhere, winning at all the major shows including Lexington and Louisville.  Noted for his grand ability to trot the turns with blazing speed, Zero Hour is an unforgettable as his owner.  who will forget the sight of Dewey and Zero Hour at Greenville, South Caroline... winning The Bike Stake, and then, Dewey literally stood up in the bike, making a victory pass that was just as fast as the one it took to win...standing up!  the crowd went wild.  Who will forget the sight of Dewey and his friend "Bull" (the Bull Terrier), who, for an entire season tenaciously rode the wagon whenever Dewey showed.  The "Dewey Henderson" stories are like spelling Mississippi...where does lone stop?? His lifetime of showing good Roadsters include such names as : Eldorado, Carol Carter, Seacrest, Wild Turkey, Jet Steam, Artie Scott, Night Flight, Little Demon, Machete, Rip Tide, Starfire, Air Flight, Twilight Lady, Come-A-Russian, Lulu Ann (Miss Bonnie Brae), The Bishop, and, the latest, Julieann.

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

Charles Jenkins... and Cherokee presented one of the winningest teams for Roadster honors during the mid-sixities.  Currently, Jenkins was recipient of The Trainer's Award at both The 1978 Pompano Meet, and Lexington's Spring Meet at the Red Mile.  This award is presented to the trainer having the highest number of winners at a meet.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Jenkins meteoric rise to a top-rung position in the Standardbred racing world...he presently is trainer for Billy Houghton...began at an early age.  First associated with horses at sixteen, he began at the Sa-Hi stables in Savannah. His first management-training position was with Sunrise Acres, Miami, Florida, with positions during those years at John Crawford Stables, Larry Moore Stable, Jack Boyd Stable, and was Manager-Trainer of Polk County Riding Club Stables, Winter Haven, Florida, and General Manager of Patent Leather Farms, Inc., Wartrace, Tennessee.

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Snively Jr.. of Winter Haven owned Cherokee, which under Jennkins' direction became one of the best road mares showing.  Winning in Amateur Stakes with her owner, John Snively, and claiming such laurels as Lexington Junior League's victory in '64, and Reserve World Champion at Kentucky State Fair in '65, Cherokee is well remembered as one of the show ring's all- time great Roadster mares.

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

David Chestnut... began showing horses with his father Harvey, in 1955.  After graduating from Law School in '64, he started showing Road Horses with Mr. and Mrs Sam Crowe's, Green Oaks Farm, with Carol Greenwell as Trainer.  Shoeshine girl, an outstanding individual with wins at Lexington, Pin Oak, and major shows throughout the country, was David's first Road Horse.  Later he showed Heart's Desire to win the Open and Championship at Statesville, North Caroline in 1973 and the Amateur Stake at Tulsa, The Open Bike Stake at Atlanta, and many other good classes throughout the southeast.  Blazit, David's most outstanding prospect, has been retired to stud (due to a training injury) at Green Oak's under the direction of Tony White.  Blazit is breeding some of the finest standardbred colts you will ever see and many of his colts are on the track and winning.

Originally from Roadhorse Magazine circa 1970

Here is a World Champion Roadster Pair of the late forties and early fifties,. The Invader and Don Rogers, driven by Howard Huntoon, owner and operator of Ridgewood Farm, Sugar Grove, Illinois.  Howard and his brother Gerald ran the stable together during the forties, keeping two full strings of Road Horses showing simultaneously, with Gerald catching shown on the Northern Illinois Horse Show Association  Circuit, and Howard following the Southwest Circuit and State Fair shows, as well as many major shows in the eastern states.

Gerald left the Ridgewood Farm operation in the fifties to train for George Alexander's Chestnut Farm, where he still is Farm Manager and actively engaged in raiding standardbreds.

Howard continued the operation thru the early 1960's and for several years trained and showed exclusively Roadsters, many times taking a string of ten or twelve to a show.  He usually kept between thirty and forty in training and for sale at all times.  He sold a great many horses across the country and into Canada.  In the late fifties, he noted at one point, he had brought out and sold, each and every horse that placed that year in every Roadster class at The Cow Palace. 

Shown making his last public appearance at Delaware, Ohio, September 17, 1947, at the age of 15 R. C. Flanery driving.  

Mat S. Cohen won the 1909 Roadster to Bike World Grand Championship with Lady Pura.

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

He brought out the good roadster, Peter Royal, selling him to Doc Flanery at the Garden.  

Other Roadsters started, trained, or sold by Mr. Ogan: Reverie, Salina Hanover, and Lady in Silk

Was Officially inducted in to the Road Horse and Pony Hall of Fame at the World Championships in 1980.

Mr. Fain was one of the originally 35 members to join the newly form American Road Horse Association when it started on May 3, 1950

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Portrayed with his beautiful champion roadster Spencer Gay, Jr. is one of the leaders in business and sporting circles of the great state of Texas.  He is the owner of a fine stable of show horses at Longview, Texas, headed by his favorite, Spencer Gay, Jr., and is also owner of the Longview Texans, one of the leading ball clubs of the Lone Star League. 

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Champion road horse at Houston and Shreveport shows is the grand bay gelding portrayed above with his trainer, Ralph "Pistol" Peak.  He is owned by Mr. and MRs. Schilling, Boxwood Acres, Memphis, Tennessee, who have a grand stable of road horses ready to compete with the best on the big circuit.  Boxwood Rhythm is a finely turned bay gelding that has shown remarkable improvement and is now ate the peak of his career, trotting the turns in a sensational manner and marking passes across the side of the ring that thrill the audiences with their breath-taking speed and brilliance.  The Boxwood Acres horses will make the important shows, and Boxwood Rhythm will be supported by an all-star cast composed of Boxwood Waterloo, Boxwood Blueboy, and Boxwood Souvenir, all roadsters of high quality, great speed and ready to win.

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

The great brown son of Sir Laurel Guy has been the champion raster since 1945, winning open appointment and stake events at all major shows.  He is owned by Jacob L. Bunn, Jr., Springfield, Illinois, and shown by R. C. "Doc" Flanery.  Mr. Bunn is a prominent exhibitor of road horses and saddle horses and has shown such stars as Bloomtide, Ann Rutledge, Man of the Hour and many others.

Won the Roadster World Grand Championship in 1930 and 31 with Brunswick.

More Info coming soon!

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Arthur Van Ronzelen was one of the originally 35 members to join the newly form American Road Horse Association when it started on May 3, 1950.

He was also the editor and Publisher of Saddle and Bridle at the time.

W. J. "Bill" Cunningham was one of the originally 35 members to join the newly form American Road Horse Association when it started on May 3, 1950.

More info coming soon!

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

From the 1949 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

One of the top prospects for road horse honors is Bingen Hanover, driven by his young owner, "Bill" Runzel, Blue Top Farm, Norwood Park, ILL. Mr Runzel is one of the most promising young drivers of roadsters among exhibitors, and has displayed marvelous ability in driving in these classes.  Bingen Hanoover is one of the finest of the young trotters before the public and he and his owner have made some very good competition.  They were second and third in the bike events and third in the roadster stake at the Mary Bartleme Show.  They won the novice class at the Illinois State Fair and placed second in the bike stake.  Bill is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Runzel, owners of Blue Top Farm, Norwood Park, Ill.

Mr. Biederman was one of the originally 35 members to join the newly form American Road Horse Association when it started on May 3, 1950

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

One of the substantial business men of Huntington, W. VA.  Mr. Biederman is an ardent admirer of a beautiful horse and has owned and shown some of the best.  Some of the prominent champions to be developed under his ownership were Jane Eyre and Rita LeRose.  He is showing a grand string of top horses under the management of "Pete
DeAtley including the five-gaited champion gelding Master Genius, the Champion roadster J.P. Frisco, and the three-gaited champions Halleluia Knight and Hickory Maid.  Mr. Biederman also owns a grand band of broodmare on his farm near North Middletown headed by the great chestnut stallion Starheart Stonewall.  This horse is a some of the immortal Stonewall King and is one of the finest stallions in Kentucky.  Breeders who have seen him are loud in his praises and many have sent mares to his court, as he represents the type and blood lines that they admire.  Mr. Biederman is one of the most popular and sportsmanlike exhibitors and his entries are eagerly sour at all horse shows.  He is a liberal supporter of all worthy projects for the betterment of the sport and his vision, good judgement and good sportsmanship have been applauded by all of the fraternity.  

Mrs. Paul Davis's horse Paul D won the Roadster to Bike World Grand Championship in 1948, '49' and '50.

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Owner of champion road horse Paul D, Mrs. Davis is one of the greatest lovers of Standardbred horses.  Mrs. Davis was reared with trotters, as her father owned and raced Standardbred horses for many years.  It is reported that he never sold a horse and all his old racehorses were retired to his farms for a life of ease.  Mrs. Davis raced Paul D for several years on the half mile tracks where he earned a mark of 2:03 3/4.  She is shown here with her trainer R. C. Flanery who is delivering to her the trophies that he was won for her with her champion Paul D.  He has been undefeated in bike classes and stakes.

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

UNDEFEATED CHAMPION ROADSTER

Sire: Royal Harvester 2:07 3/4        Dam: Mattie W 2:15 1/4

The property of Mrs. Paul Davis, Henderson, Ill.

The beautiful black stallion has thrilled thousands of spectators at horse shows for several years with his thrilling bursts of speed and his beauty and refinement.  He represents years of breeding by Mrs. Davis' family who were noted breeder of Standardbred horses.  Her father, R. E. Davidson, and her grandfather, G. W. Davidson, bred and raced horses and Paul D is the last of the original stock bred by her father.  This imposing roadster won many stakes in 1950 including Houston, Texas, Illinois State Fair and Kentucky State Fair as well as many smaller events.  Before being converted to a show horse Paul D was a great race horse on half mile tracks earning a record of 2:03 3/4 with his gameness, speed and courage.  Opportunity in the stud has been very limited for Paul D but he has several that are showing great promise.  Colts in the 2:10 list are to his credit with Marcia D having a record of 2:03 3/4 and Del-Al-Stan a mark of 2:07 1/2.

From 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Champion Road Horse

1950 American Royal

A leading roadster champion recently sold by R.C. Flanery, St. Charles, Ill., to Jacob L. Bunn, Jr. Springfield, Ill., Leader of the Band has compiled a great record since being introduced to high society. In 1949 he won eleven firsts, three championships, and four trophies including championships at Lexington, Illinois State Fair, Chicago, Kentucky State Fair.  He has continued undefeated in 1950 winning at Houston, Texas, Lexington, Louisville, Illinois State Fair and other major shows.  Mr.  Bunn is one of the ardent sportsmen who love road horses and has owned some of the greatest.  He will derive great pleasure from owning and exhibiting Leader of the Band.

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

A champion roadster that has all the nice things that a great horse must have.  He is a beautiful type with smoothness and quality seldom found in a roadster with the pleasant manners necessary to learn to do.  His style and beauty remind one of Senator Crawford and his trot of Savage Sailor.  He has been a winner since his first appearance in the show ring and some of his winnings include the buggy class and roadster stake at Lincoln, Illinois, the buggy class at the Missouri State Fair and the open buggy class and the roadster stake at Peoria, Illinois. Boxwood Wayfarer is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Neil F. Schilling, Memphis, Tennessee, who have one of the strongest stables of roasters showing and are among the most popular and sporting exhibitors.  Their horses are trained and shown by Ralph Peak, who is one of the best road horse men in the history of the sport. Mr. Peak driving.

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

From the 1950 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

                      THE HOUGHTON SULKY COMPANY

Mr. W. H. Houghton, founder of the Houghton Sulky Company, was brought up in the buggy and carriage business, working as apprentice at Dalton, Ohio as a boy in the eighties.  He went to Marion, Ohio about 1900 and was a partner in the McMurray Fisher Sulky Company.  He sold his interest in 1903 and founded the Houghton Sulky Company the same year, building it up to the leader in the field of high grade buggies and horse equipment.  Mr. Houghton was a perfectionist and never satisfied unless he produced the best products possible. The reputation of the Houghton Sulky Company was jealously guarded and the business prospered accordingly. The growth of the company was phenomenal and soon the business of the Faber Sulky and McMurray Company was absorbed which added a large list of customers.  In 1910 Mr. Houghton secured the services of a young man in the person of Frank Foster.  This was a lucky break for Mr. Houghton as Frank Foster was a hustler, a good salesman and most popular with both the show horse people and the Standardbred fraternity.  He kept his eyes and ears open for possible improvements in their products and thus kept abreast of the needs of the time.  The road wagons and show buggies of the horse show exhibitors who wanted the best, invariably bought Houghtons and Frank Foster was usually around to service them.  He has traveled thousands of miles on the show circuit and the trotting tracks and is probably the best know man in the business.  The Houghton bikes and jogging carts a byword at all tracks and training stables.

 The Houghton Sulky Company received another shot in the arm in 1938 when "Bill" Foster went into the business after his graduation from college.  He was raised in the business and knew ever  single angle, however, he was received into the business with open arms to take over some of the traveling duties for his Dad.  The administrative end of the business had been handled by Mr. Houghton but advancing years had necessitated his curtailing his activities and more of the management duties were taken over by Mr. Foster.  Mr. Houghton passed to his reward in 1941 leaving it to the management of the Fosters, father and son.  "Bill" has been closely associated all this time except for his duty with the armed forces.  The  Houghton is in good hands and the same high ideals of the founders are being preserved.

More Info Coming Soon!

Ralph Peak was one of the original 35 members that joined the association formed in 1950.

More Info coming on this Family soon under the History of Roadsters

From the 1951 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

This remarkable photos was taken at Seattle in 1929 by the late Lester Rounds and shows The Arrow with every foot off the ground.  She was a winner in single roadster class and in pairs with her mate The Rocket.  They were owned and shown by Bridgeford Brothers, Joy, Illinois.

From the 1951 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Country Charm is a chestnut road mare owned and driven by Al Holt, Atlanta, GA.  She is one of the mist dashing road horses showing and her beauty and pleasing quality make her a popular entry in roaster events.  She has been successful in winning ribbons at Chicago, Atlanta, Lexington, Hendersonville, and many other shows.

Mr. Holt is one of the prominent realtors of Atlanta, Georgia, and is the president of the Holt Realty Company.  He is an enthusiastic road horse exhibitors and a capable amateur driver.

From the 1951 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

A hard hitting roadster champion owned by R. L. Thompson, Savannah, GA., driven by David Neil, Blythewood Farm, Cleveland, Tenn. This fine bay mare has extreme quality and a remarkable trot with the handiness required of a top roadster.  She has won many blues and championships this year.

From the 1951 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Champion bike horse is this great performing roadster owned by Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Schilling, Memphis, Tennessee.  He has been made and shown by Ralph Peak and has made a record that is most impressive at important shows.  In 1951 he won the open bike class and stake at the Tennessee State Fair, the stallion and gelding class and stake at Memphis, Tennessee; the bike stake at the Pin Oak Show, Houston, Texas; the open bike events at eh Missouri and Minnesota State Fairs where the Schilling Stables won the roadster stakes with their handsome Boxwood Wayfarer.  Mr. and Mrs. Schilling show their horses under the name of Boxwood Acres and are among the most popular exhibitors before the public and shows consider themselves fortunate to have these charming folks among their supporters. 

From the 1951 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Leon Kuhn, owner Texerkana, Arkansas, is shown driving the high stepping speedy roadster he showed to many ribbons this year.  This great brown gelding is one of the finest buggy horses in the country and has been handled by Howard Huntoon of Sugar Grove, Illinois.  Country Gentleman has contributed generously in making the Kuhn stable a formable one at the shows, and is driven in many amateur and stakes events by his owner.

From the 1953 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Desert Parade 

AHSA 11352 (USTA 74773)

Owned by the Polka Dot Stable of Atherton, California, Desert Parade is by Highland Scott out of a Peter Volo mare and has been one of the leading road horses on the Pacific Coast for the past three years.  He was raced successfully for several years on tracks all over the country, establishing his 2:06 1/5 record on a half-mile track.  In 1950 he was brought out as a road horse, climaxing that year at the Cow Palace with a blue in the Wagon Stake.  In 1951 he was champion at the California State Fair to wagon and bike and took the reserve championship to wagon at the Cow Palace.

In 1952 Desert Parade won the bike class at the Santa Barbara National, the Bike Stake at the Monterey County Fair, the bike and wagon stakes at the California State Fair, the bike event at the Cow Palace and was reserve champion in the Wagon Stake at the Cow Palace.  Desert Parade was fourth nationally in his division in 1952, according to his AHSA rating.  He is trained by Jim Roberston and shown by his amateur owner, Dr. Ernest H. Sultan.  Mrs. Sultan, who is also an enthusiastic exhibitor, and her husband are among the staunchest supporters of horse shows on the West Coast and are a pair of prominent exhibitors of who the sport may be indeed be proud.

From the 1953 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Don Rogers is a handsome bay gelding owned by Mr. A. H. Holt, Atlanta, Georgia, who shows him successfully in amateur roadster classes.  Mr. Holt is a prominent Realtor of the Peach Tree State who derives much relaxation and enjoyment from showing roadsters.  he is one of the leading fanciers showing amateur road horses, and has been largely responsible for the increased interest in sponsoring amateur classes at the shows.

Don Rogers is one of those rare horses with the ability of a stake horse, and manners of a gentleman.  He is a successful show horse and a dangerous competitor as his beauty, quality, and sensational ability to trot a ring, make him standout as a threat in any ring of champion roadsters.  Early in 1953 Don Rogers added more victories to his already illustrious record.  Driven by Jimmy Martin, he was reserve in the Stake, first in the combination, second under saddle and third in both the speed-only and open division at Miami.  At Ocala, with Mr. Martin again at the reins, he further proved his versatility with two more victories- these in the open and Roadster Stake.

From the 1953 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

One of truly sensational young prospects for top rating in the roadster to bike divisions for the shows of 1953 is the handsome bay gelding Bob Up, acquired late in 1952 by R. N. Trimble of Beaverdam, Virginia, from R. C. Flanery.  He was started on what appears to be a meteoric career.  At Lincoln, Illinois, he won the roadster to bike class and and the speed class, at the Menard County Fair he won the open and stake; at the Illinois State Fair he took the blue in the novice to bike class and the stallion or gelding to bike, and at the American Royal competing with the nation's best, placed third in the mare or gelding class and wound up the show by winning the Roadster to Bike Stake.  He is shown in photo with Bob Timble, Little Garden Farm, Beaverdam, Virginia, driving.

From the 1953 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

A hard hitting champion roadster owned and driven by her owner, R. L. Thompson, of Savannah, Georgia, in many of her classes.  She is a beautiful bay mare with the best of manners and sensational ability at trotting a ring.  Mr. Thompson drove her to win the roadster Stake at the Tampa Show as all as many other blues and championships.  She was made by David Neil who sold her to Mr. Thompson and who trains her.

1997 Inductee to the Hall of Fame

Won the Roadster to Bike World Grand Championship 4 time (1952-1955) with Blythe Spirit

From Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

One of the lardiest dealer in Saddle and road horses, Mr. Neil is also an active breeder and judge.  He probably sells as many horses every year as any man in the business and has sold many of the top horses showing.  He is owner of Blythewood Farms, Cleveland, Tennessee.

Winner of the Roadster to Bike World Grand Championship 13 times with 5 different horses Kitty Nique, Savage Sailor, Venture Up, Bombsight, and Night Flight

Was the first person inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

From the 1954 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

One of the nicest young roadsters before the public is Blythe Jaguar owned by L. S. Cellon, Alachua, Florida.  He has won novice and Amateur Stakes at such shows as the American Royal, the Kentucky and Indiana State Fairs, the Celebration and Chicago International.  His  owners shows him in all his classes and was undefeated on the Florida Circuit.  His latest win was the amateur class and stake at Orlando, Florida.  Mr. Cellon is a prominent and popular business man and most of the most capable drivers among the amateurs.

From the 1954 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

ob Up is a sensational roadster to bike horse that has been hard to defeat in these classes.  Bob Up is owned by Rumson Farm, Wartrace, Tennessee, and Cartersville, Georgia. 

From the 1954 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Winner of the A.H.S.A. High Score Award for Roadsters in 1954, Madam B. A. also won ten roadster bike stakes.  Owned and driven by Eddie Herr, Belly Acres, York, Pennsylvania, Madam B. A. earned the trophy that was presented to her owner by president Adrian Van Sinderen of the American Horse Show Association at its annual meeting at San Francisco.  Mr. and Mrs. Herr are popular exhibitors and Mr. Herr has proven himself to be one of the greatest of the amateur trainers and drivers.  He is a true sportsman that accepts victory or defeat with equal grace and enjoys every minute he bestows on his favorite sport. 

From the 1954 Who's Who and Where in Horsedom

Driven by Pistol Peak at Beverly Hills Horse Show in 1928.  George Howell judged the show.  He won the stake at the Illinois State Fair with his mare and he and Audrey were married that night after the show, August 25, 1927.  

Non Stop and Raymond Shively

Even a world champion team like Shining Brightly and Steve MacFarlane couldn't hold the spotlight on Saturday night in the Road Horse Championship.  Although they won, they were upstaged by a beagle names Arnold Hound.  All week during the horse show, whenever Arnold's best friend- Johnny Lucas, trainer at Whisperwind Farm of Clayton, N.C.- was in the ring, Arnold knew he should be there, too.  Arnold, being nothing if not horse show wise, took every crack in the in-gate as an opportunity to rectify matters.  Finally, things went to suit him and Johnny let Arnold ride in the bike with him after the class.  Happy at first, with tail wagging furiously, Arnold was awarded a blue ribbon and a big hand from the crowd.

Who is Arnold Lucas?
What is he doing at Whisperwind?

    Johnny and Sammy Lucas adopted Arnold, about eight years ago when he needed a good home.  Arnold’s version is that he adopted them because of his insatiable desire to train and drive Road Horses. Arnold loves to go to the horse shows, sometimes making appearances in the ring when he shouldn’t.  He seems to think if Johnny is in there, it’s okay for him to be in there too.
    In 1985, at the Raleigh Lions Club Show, Arnold was presented with his very own blue ribbon.  He was presented the ribbon during the roadster to bike championship.  Arnold came into the ring wearing one of his many bandanas and his exhibitor’s badge.  He sat up and when Johnny drove up to him, Arnold jumped up on the bike seat beside Johnny and away the sped.  This is a familiar place for Arnold, since, he rides with Johnny while he jogs horses at the farm.
    The announcer, Bill Carrington, told everyone about this special presentation to this special dog, Arnold Dog Lucas, Johnny’s assistant trainer at Whisperwind.  The crowd loved the presentation and Johnny and Sammy have Arnold’s blue ribbon proudly displayed in their living room.  Since then Arnold introduces Johnny to everyone and has truly found a food home at Whisperwind.
    Sometimes, when you pass Whisperwind in the early hours of the morning, rumor has it that you can hear hoofbeats beating out a fast rhythm in the silence of the morning and if you look real close it appears that a real diminutive figure with his bandana flying in the wind is barking out rapid commands.  Do you suppose? Do you maybe? Can it be? Ummmmmm.
    Out in California at the Del Mar Horse Show, Carter Ragsdale revealed to the spectators, during the trophy presentation of the roadster to bike class what many rumors speculated he was secretly doing for many months.  Yes, it is true that our own special Carter is training for the upcoming Olympics in Seoul.
    While jumping over the rail to help with the presentation, he recalled the Ragsdale flying double pump dive with a half twist.  The crowd thought was spectacular and proud that he chose this moment to reveal his maneuver to them.  What an ovation when Carter expressed hi joy to the crowd and took a much earned bow.
    Merrill Murray, who was judging at the time, revealed the the American Judge only gave Carter a 3.3, but the Russian Judge gave him a 9.6 for artistic merit.  Dr. Gene Scott, who Carter trains for, said “There is a world class jumping competition going on right now and a Grand Prix jumper Carter definitely is not.”  Much thanks to Carter for letting me share this with our readers.
    We are the excitement!!! We are the fun!!! We are the A.R.H.P.A. We want to share this with all of you.
    Your Friends,
    Bill Kuehl,
    President