|
For more than ten years, from the early ‘70s and into the mid-‘80s, the Chesebrough name was synonymous with top performance and youth horses. The names of many of the world and national champions they produced can be found in the pedigrees of today’s western riding, reining, and games horses. Anna Clare had a great love for children - her own and others. She spent many years in the administration of a unique school for Downs Syndrome children founded by John’s mother Florence Chesebrough. The Otsego School, Inc. provided special care and instruction for more than 50 children with special needs. Under Anna Clare’s supervision, the school became world-renowned for its excellence and innovation in teaching. Ponies became part of the school physical therapy program. The family chose POAs (Ponies Of The Americas) for their size and good disposition. These spotted ponies, which the family also showed on a national level, eventually led the Chesebroughs into Appaloosas. With the family now hitting the show circuit, the farm was expanded to include a new indoor arena and a resident trainer. Soon after, Anna Clare heard of a successful young trainer from Illinois who had already ridden three different horses to World Champion titles. She persuaded 24 year old Terry Thompson, his wife, Bonnie, and their young daughter, Terri Lynn, to move to New York in 1972. With Anna Clare’s dreams driving them, Terry and Anna Clare had soon put together one of the most influential performance horse breeding and training programs in the country, Rustler Charger and Absarokee bloodlines were used as a foundation to the Chesbrough breeding program Chuck-A-Luck Charge became herd sire for the fledgling breeding program. Chuck-A-Luck Charge turned out to be a wise investment producing World and National champions. Many of these champions also carried youth riders to National titles as well. Anna Clare not only surrounded herself with horses, but also with children. Many top youth riders and some of today’s top professionals passed through the doors of Chesbrough Stables. Such notable horsemen and women as Dave and Kim Moore, Mark Turner, Jackie and Bonnie Bargstedt, Richie Ruffles, Lenny Griffiths, Margaret Mayes, Wes Kryger, Matt Lance, Georgia (Rivers) Hainline, Gordon Downey, Brian Pittsley, Jane Lyons (wife of renowned clinician John Lyons), and many more came through the Chesebrough youth program The Chesebrough summer camp, under the guidance of head trainer Terry Thompson, drew youth from all over. Many life-long friendships, as well as show ring winners, were made at the farm. Along with the people, many other great horses also passed through the gates at Chesebrough Stables. Horses such as Two Eyed Jackie, 1976 World Champion Junior Reining and 1977 National Champion Junior Reining ; Van UP, 1974 World Champion Rope Race; miss Sand Pebbles, 1980 Reserve World Champion Senior Reining; Absarokee Finale, 1987 Res. National Champion Non-Pro Western Riding; Daiquiri Bars, 1974 National Grand Champion Mare; Spanish Eyes, a multiple National Champion in youth who helped carry Terri Lynn Thompson to her 1981 National High Point Overall Youth Award; Sweet Charga Sue, 1977 National Champion Camas Prairie Stumps; Western Pleasure and Lex Arco, multiple youth Western Riding Champion.
Performance Award
2003 Winner, Bright Windstar, owned by Peter & Tammy Severson, Bear Creek Appaloosas
|
|
Bright Windstar Win’s Ana Clare Chesebrough Memorial Award! |
|
Awards |
