Photos and Results From 10th Anniversary of March To The Arch!

By: Brittany Bevis

Despite the less than ideal winter weather plaguing the country this month, no one minded the chilly temperatures at the 10th anniversary of the March To The Arch. Instead, everyone’s attention was acutely focused on the stunning display of sequins, spandex, and strategically placed balloons that adorned the characters who participated in the “Ladies and Men’s” Western Pleasure.

The good-natured participants included “Nancy Sue Cox” (Brian Cox), “Michelle Newcomb” (Cal Gomes), “Cheryl Big Boobies Hawkins” (Reid Thomas), “Harriot Kitty” (Brent Garringer), “Swuzy Jeane” (Jay Southerland), “Andreya Semonah” (Jason Wanderer), “Clark Kent” (Shannon Vroegh), and “Hannah Casper” (Shane Rux).

Thanks to fun events like the Ladies and Men’s Western Pleasure, as well as the annual silent and live auction, the March To The Arch has donated a whopping $415,000 to charities that support cancer research over the past ten years. Since the event was founded by Doug Landon in 2006, the show has seen over 40,000 entries attend, firmly securing its place as the most widely attended 100% charitable event in the horse industry.

The 2015 MTTA wrapped up yesterday in Lake St. Louis with more than 1,100 entries per judge in all divisions, for six judges, all of whom donated their time and services for this entirely charitable cause.

Claiming the top spot in the Ladies and Men’s Western Pleasure was “Nancy Sue Cox” riding Mr Luke At Me, aka Brian Cox riding Classie Minute Man. Scroll below to view fabulous photos courtesy of Shane Rux Photography, results from the Ladies and Men’s Western Pleasure, and complete results from the horse show.

Ladies and Men’s Western Pleasure Results: 

* Those who inspired the characters for this class knew well in advance and many even helped write their doppelgängers’ bios.

Champion – “Nancy Sue Cox” riding Mr Luke At Me, aka Brian Cox riding Classie Minute Man, owned by Natalie Vargo. Nancy Sue’s preparation for the class- “I’m so superstitious that I always make sure my throat latch is on the second hole.” Her motto – “GET THE SLOW HORSES TO THE RAIL!”

Reserve Champion – “Michelle Newcomb” riding Obama Care, aka Cal Gomes riding Still Tha One, owned by Gayle Scharf. Michelle was wearing Bling, Bling Boutique brand clothing; her nails were done by Fingernail Frenzy; her belt was by BB Simon; her hair was styled by Joe Eber, and she was Shiney Like A Diamond. She did prepare for the class by having a spa day complete with hair extensions, a facial and a most-important body wrap. Her motto – “Just add crown to get your sparkle on!”

3rd place– (tie for second and winner of the Best Male Costume) – “Cheryl Big Boobies Hawkins” riding KM Boodylicious, aka Reid Thomas riding KM Boshotinvestment, owned by Juliana Carlisle. Cheryl obtained her outfit from Push Up by Paula’s Place. She waxed, washed, and bleached the day away to show her pony off! Her motto – “Don’t play with a girl’s heart – she only has one. Instead, play with her boobs – she has two of them.” She was encouraged to participate in this class by her plastic surgeon and her Facebook fans.

4th Place – “Harriot Kitty riding Takin Care of Kitty,” aka Brent Garringer riding Sheshere FortheParty, owned by Alyssa Justus. Harriot’s outfit was borrowed from Brian Ale and featured Hello Kitty attire with leather accents. To prepare for the class she drank a lot of Crown Royal. Her words of wisom – “Pitch those reins and pray.” She was encouraged to show by Brian Cox and David Pardue.

5th Place – “Swuzy Jeane” showing Hippo Pine Bar, aka Jay Southerland riding Ranges R Graceful Too. Swuzy’s outfit was styled by All That Show Clothing. Swuzy and her horse took a shower together, waxed together, used the same loofa and had a therapy session in order to be in the right mindset for the competition.

6th Place – “Andreya Semonah” riding Sensational Andrea, aka “Jason Wanderer riding Hes Pretty Good, owned by Kelly Birkenholtz. Andreya wore a fur coat from the Jill Newcomb collection, sported a purse from Louis Vuitton, and topped off the ensemble with a Shorty’s hat with the ultra rim. She tried to bribe the judges with free breedings to a leading APHA stallion.

7th place – “Clark Kent” riding Lois Lane, aka Shannon Vroegh riding Machine Made, owned by The Carr Family. Winner of the Best Female Costume. She prepared for the class by pumping steel, beating up Lex Luther, and saving the world. Her motto – “This is a job for Superman! Also Superman is really a WOMAN – they’re really the only ones who could save the world.” She is a first time participant.

8th place – “Hannah Casper” riding Long N Hard Loper, aka Shane Rux. Hannah was styled by Hannah Casper with Walmart Couture. She woke up this morning and thought “What would it be like to be Hannah Casper?” Her motto- “Live each day like it’s your last, and you can never have enough jewelry or makeup.”

A huge thank you goes out to every single exhibitor, judge, vendor, spectator, and member of the show staff and arena crew who banded together to host another incredible event for such a good cause. We can’t wait to see how much money was raised for charity this year!

“Loping and Leading for a Cure”

Visit Mark Harrell Horse Shows on Facebook to view video clips from the Ladies and Men’s Western Pleasure. Click on the links below to view results, courtesy of Mark Harrell Horse Shows.

Click here to view S/C 1 results.

Click here to view S/C 2 results.

Click here to view circuit awards.