Standardbreds Shine at SPPHAWA’s Scorecard Showdown

Kings Meadow Polo Grounds was transformed on the weekend of March 8-9, with the Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of WA hosting their annual Scorecard Showdown.

Exclusive to Standardbreds, this event promotes Standardbreds in show horse homes through a competition to find the best example of the breed. With points given based on conformation, movement, correctness of gait and quality, the horse with the highest total is deemed the Champion.

With 23 Standardbreds entered, the competition was hotly contested at this exciting event.

The Best Presented classes are always a popular draw for entries. Beautiful grey gelding, Folsom Prison, handled by Kristie Morrone, secured the 2025 Best Presented award and title. This horse is an exceptional type and a real looker! Runner-Up was awarded to ‘ItsNotOva’, the stunning black gelding of Peta Bizzill and Tayla Reeves.

Led classes saw the introduction of a new ‘Maiden’ category, allowing those who have not won a blue sash at SPPHAWA events to compete against each other. This class was won by new duo, By Submission and April Reed, with Reserve going to Tex on Legs and Shana Dodge.

Champion Led Mare was won for the third year running by Aspasia, the stunning brown mare handled by Kristie Morrone. Aspasia has become quite the competitor throughout the years and continues to shine. Reserve Led Mare was won by Ravana Whitaker’s lovely mare, Ripley’s Courage.

Champion Led Gelding was won by ItsNotOva, a stunning black gelding who is really taking the show scene by storm. Handled by Tayla Reeves and owned by Peta Bizzill, this gelding is certainly one to watch out for. Reserve Led Gelding was secured by Best Presented winner, Folsom Prison.

ItsNotOva also secured the Supreme Led title, dazzling the judges with his well-balanced conformation and dark black coat. While the competition was hot between Aspasia and ItsNotOva for supreme with their scores tied, it was soon decided that the gelding would secure the supreme title.

With ten horses competing in the Walk/Trot ring, judge, Sue Ellen Kiesling, had a good collection of horses to choose from. All the horses progressed throughout the classes to produce lovely work. Champion Walk/Trot was secured by the lovely Tayteskruzin, ridden by Erena Barnes. Reserve was awarded to Hold Em Up and Jasmine Holligan.

The intermediate and open classes were judged by visiting judge, Belinda O’Conner. There were four lovely horses entered into the intermediate classes, stepping up to produce some canter work within the class. Champion was awarded to ItsNotOva in his first attempt at intermediate classes. Reserve was awarded to Kiwi Legend NZ, who has also only been at intermediate level for a short time. Both horses produced lovely work and continue to improve.

While small, the open classes showed off two lovely Standardbred mares. Reserve Open was awarded to Peregrine Lily and Rosie Atkins. This combination has established a lovely partnership which was showcased with their work. Champion Open was secured by Aspasia, setting the Supreme class up for another repeat contention between the mare and gelding, ItsNotOva.

After a lovely display from both beautiful horses, the event was then concluded with Aspasia securing the Supreme Ridden title.

We look forward to sponsoring the SPPHAWA Dual Code Spectacular and OTT Classic coming up. We’ve secured brand new trophy rugs and are eager to see them displayed on the winners.