Individual Awards   Sire Awards   Dam Awards  Owners/Breeders  Individual Awards of Excellence 

2005 INDIVIDUAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Rosehaven Tulip LOM/AOE

(*Sleight of Hand LOM/AOE/OD x Farnley Tenby)

     Rosehaven Tulip LOM/AOE (*Sleight of Hand LOM/AOE/OD x Farnley Tenby) had a remarkable show year in 2005 that gave her enough points to get her Award of Excellence just one year after getting her Legion of Merit.  In 2005 she excelled in numerous divisions and won the Timbercreek Morning Mist High Score Section B award. She also won the USEF National Welsh Adult Pleasure title for the third time. 

    This has been a fairy tale story for her owner, Sally Steinmetz, but it had a sad beginning. It started when Sally's favorite pony, Farnley Tenby, got Cushings disease and was severely foundered at the age of four. Sally desperately wanted offspring from Tenby and the only way to do this was through embryo transfer. Mary Chisholm kindly loaned a mare to use as a recipient and Sally and the vets diligently kept Tenby well enough to go through the process. With the help of Gail Thomson and Ruth Wilburn, Tenby was bred to Sleight of Hand.  The result of this breeding was the first Welsh AI/Embryo transfer foal and much to Sally's delight, a filly.  She was named Tulip - a 'T' for Tenby and the name 'Tulip' from a pony Sally admired in her childhood named Highfields Tulip. 

    There were many friends that helped Tulip win this award. Susie Weigand was always there to train, braid and help with Tulip. Junior rider Taylor Cox developed a special bond with Tulip and contributed greatly to her winnings. Trainer Amy Schwartz and Joanna Garbarino successfully brought Tulip out in the adult hunter division this year. Joanna even quickly filled in for Sally in the adult pleasure classes when Sally broke her ribs at NY State Fair.  It's thanks to these people and to a very special pony that Sally's fairy tale continues to be a happy one.