One Judge’s Breathtaking Moments at the 2024 U.S. Nationals,

by John Lambert

SA Chantal was one of the most exciting horses I've had the opportunity to judge. I was call-judge for the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity  class which always provides a unique and memorable experience when a "great one" comes in the ring. Victor Botha and SA Chantal came in relatively early before the class filled and truly put chills down my spine. I had heard there was a great one coming in the class and SA Chantal  fulfilled that prophecy. There is no doubt that her future is boundless, and she has all the potential to go into the history books. While I didn't have much time to watch this outstanding team, every time I did they were clearly in a class of their own. This is not to downplay the others, as I truly believe this class was filled with many future stars and was an exceptional class. SA Chantal is just that exceptional. She is a breeder's dream, an owner's dream, trainer’s dream, and certainly a horse I'll remember forever.

SA Chantal (Calloways Adamant x SA Gisele), bred and owned by Starline Arabians.

Jim Lowe showed an outstanding three-year-old colt in the purebred Futurity English Pleasure class. Unanimous National Champion, Conspiracy OHS (Barcelona BF x Oh Thyme to Dance) was expertly presented and exemplified everything a purebred English horse should be. This striking colt was balanced, and the perfect example of form to function. He is strong off his hind leg, able to lift his back, and raises up tall out of his withers and shoulders. His balance and form were impressive for his age and stage of development. The colt is a breath of fresh air, not extreme, but very correct, which is better. 

Conspiracy OHS (Barcelona BF x Oh Thyme to Dance) owned by Beth Jupp and ridden by Jim Lowe.

The most moving class was the purebred Arabian English Pleasure AAOTR 19-49 where we got to see Heirs Noble Love (Afires Heir x Noble Aphroditie) shown for the last time. In 2013 I was call judge when Joel Keisner presented Heirs Noble Love in the AEPA Purebred English class. When Joel and Heirs Noble Love entered the ring for their individual pattern portion of the class, I vividly remember her taking my breath away. Perfection is an understatement. The pair went on to be named unanimous National Champion and have won countess National Championships since. Moving to 2024, Heirs Noble Love came in the qualifier section and won. The second section had some great horses and were prepared to give her a run for the roses in the final. When the final came around, Heirs Noble Love and Emily Shippee showed up to win. The pair were perfectly prepared, both making the whole ride look easy, with little to no effort. Heirs Noble Love is a true gift to the breed, and she embodies perfection. Heirs Noble Love set the bar for what an Arabian English pleasure horse should be.

Heirs Noble Love (Afires Heir x Noble Aphrodite), bred and owned by Karlton Jackson and Emily Shippee, up.

It was an honor to be there as a judge in the beginning of her career and to be there as a judge for her English pleasure unanimous victory lap one last time.