Montell Cliff-Hanger

George McGraw (georgem@ctinc.com)
Thu, 3 Apr 1997 11:10:44 -0600 


Montell Cliff- Hanger
Montell, TX - March, 1997

The second jewel in the South Texas Triple Crown proved to be a shinning
success. Ride entries were up 32% from the 1996 event. Most riders
would rate this terrain as toughest of the three-ride series, but the
beautiful weather coupled with the unsurpassed scenery made this a most
enjoyable ride.

The thirty mile limited-distance ride started with 47 horses and ended
with 46 (one rider decided to call it a day). Where else but Texas would
you find a horse called Bubba [ridden by Tony Cruz] as the first horse
to reach criteria in a time of 2:53. Bab Razzmatazz, ridden by Earl
James, was judged Best Condition and also received the highest
veterinary score. Jennifer Abshire, riding Buttercup, was the first
junior to reach criteria. Looks like Jennifer and Buttercup are going
for their own triple crown as they were also the first Juniors at the
Loma De Blanca 25 mike ride earlier in the month.

Ride manager, Barbara Sondock, sent 24 riders out on the 50 mile
trails. Darolyn Butler, riding her fine mare Albanet, took first place
honors with a time of 4:02. While Darolyn was 26 minutes ahead of the
next two riders, Chris Lewis and CeCi Butler had a belly to the ground
race going for second place. Azab Azeze, ridden by Chris, edged out CeCi
by a nostril for second. Mary Fields posted the first top ten finish of
her career placing fifth on Christiansen. Mike Campbell, Jan Wright,
Bobbie Barber, Rose Cadena, Bob Byrns and "Quarter Horse" Sue Phillips
rounded out the top ten. Albanet, ridden by Middleweight Darolyn Butler,
received Best Condition with a score of 710. Albanet also had the
highest veterinary score as recorded by Head Veterinary Gail Conway. 

There was a 100% completion by the three starters of the 100 mile ride.
Featherweight Betsy Reeves, riding Karazanns Karisma, finished first
with a time of 17:16 and was judged Best Condition with a score of 710.
Jerry Hamilton, on SSA CSEA Dream, was second in 17:17. Mike Jaffe
placed third completing his first hundred on Lokwyn Khanalib in 17:17.

This ride was sanctioned by AERC and sponsored by TERA. Don't miss your
chance for your third jewel and ride the Dry Creek Cattle Call April
19th. Call Paulette Brehob at 9210) 216-4273 for details.