Despite the wind and snow, more than 115 teams were dauntless in their pursuit of a good time and ribbons at the recent Frost on the Pumpkin Pace of the Newtown Bridle Lands Association.

The morning crew arrived bright and early around 6 a.m., got coffee and donuts ready and the parking crew was set as the first big rig rolled in around 7:15. Landowner and sponsor turnout was off a bit due to the weather, but wine and champagne lunches were enjoyed by some.

Mr and Mrs. Herb Rosenthal appeared to enjoy themselves as they chatted with some of the landowners, including Christina Kennedy-Bockelman. Charlie Bockelman, always the gentleman, made sure that the water trough was always full.

The course was well laid out, there was no mud this year due to the dryness, and Halloween costumes abounded. Costumes ranged from politically-inspired Bush and Gore on elephant and donkey to Raggedy Ann and Andy, Indian Maidens, the Devil and Angel, to the bravest of hearts – Braveheart!

Down to the kilt and weapon, Eric Rook of Bethel, showed his “fortitude” and creativity to win that class!

Chick Trayford and Jan Perkins produced a thick Pace brochure which was supported well by advertisers and sponsors and Cindy Fogliano and her able staff of volunteers put in an inordinate amount of hours. Marcye Britt handled the timing chores with her usual aplomb.

The NBLA also held a 50/50 raffle and presented two distinctive awards. The annual Peanut Award went to Taylor Boles of Newtown while the Faithful Friend award (the oldest horse) went to Mistro, who is 31 years young. Mistro is owned my Mary Ehbrecht of Southbury, formerly of Newtown.

The NBLA wishes to thank ALL the folks who came together this year – sponsors, corporate sponsors, advertisers, merchants that donated their wares and others that did all that they could to have this event come off so well.

Pictures of the event can be seen at Cyberpix.com, which was in charge of the photography. Just enter event number 115-36 and see more than 80 photos of riders in their costumes.

Results:

Hunt Division

1. Dolly Ledingham & Joan Felice; 2. (tie) Aaron Arcaro & Shannon Halpin and Will Leinert & Joanne Leili; 4. Carole Nenkamm & Don Carniato; 5. Stephanie Fernandes & Kathleen Bivona; 6. Kris Brantley, Jess Thomas & Erik Heggland; 7. Jody Boles & Carol Lawrence; 8. Barbara Burian & Robin Gaar; 9. Wendy Hunt & Kathy Freitha; 10. Gail Yaeker-Dannis & Kim Tester.

Pleasure Division

1. Kim Nosek & Kim Bouza; 2. Sherri Sferra, & teammates; 3. Suaznne Muratore & Thumper Berizzi; 4. Sherri Marcuccio & Cheryl Cancelli; 5. April Harvey & Joy Clark; 6. Christina Kennedy & Ed Dayton; 7. Sue Wierzbicki & Sue DeRosa; 8. Sgt. Laura Razowski & Sgt. Karen DeFriesse; 9. Harper Braine & Sue Newbury; 10. Alex Oneschuk & Susanne Casanelli.

Western Division

1. Lawrence Mignone & Anthony Zumpano; 2. Kendra Iseppi & Pat Carlucci; 3. Lisa Topham & Sue Curtiss; 4. Michelle DeSalva & Steve Rogers; 5. Willie Jaret & John Matthews; 6. Matt Stack & Lynn Caniff; 7. Cheryl Mollica & Kris Kelso; 8. Cindy Miller & Missy Gregson; 9. Nicole Vetto & Edward Vetto; 10. Debbie Kahn, Howard Kahn and Jeanne Ruh.

Junior Division

1. Jennifer Camac & Krista Koch; 2. Melissa Mucci & Taylor Boles; 3. Gillian Pech, Rachel Pech & Wendy Garfinkel; 4. Ned Shankman & Alyssa Shankman; 5. Justin Judge & Jodi Axt; 6. Leslie & Alyssa Hudson-Tolles; 7. Stefanie Nishko, Kacy Foehrenbach & Ciara Simek; 8. Terry Foehrenbach, Claire McGill & Linda Chamia; 9. Laura Smith, Gail Smith & Kerry Dawyot; 10. Jill Stilson & Isabel Tannenbaum.

ABT Results

Overall Series – Howard Kahn and Jeanne Ruh; Hunt Champion – Dolly Ledingham (Reserve: Barbara Parks and Audra Eidel); Pleasure Champion – Betsy Wsterfield and Corrinne Houston (Reserve: Angela Morgan); Junior Champion – Rachel and Gillian Pech (Reserve: Wendy Garfinkel); Western Champion – Lawrence Mignone and Anthony Zumpano, Cindy Fogliano and Linda Souza (Reserve: Debbie Kahn).