Each year a special horse is
recognized as the East Coast Championship's Virginia Horse of Distinction.
Horses that receive this honor meet the following criteria:
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They are registered American
Quarter Horses.
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They have made significant
contributions to the horse industry.
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They are retired, living in
Virginia, and owned by Virginians.
In 2007 the East Coast
Championship Show is proud to honor My Son Dee Night as the 2007
Virginia Horse of Distinction, and his owner Cory Balsis.
A Tribute to Son
By Cory Balsis
My Son Dee Night is a handsome
1992 AQHA gelding by Big Son Dee Night and out of the dam My Hannah. Son
joined his current and forever owner, Cory Balsis, in October of 1997.
Son knew a little about equitation, having done it with his previous owner,
but Cory's desire was to show in the all-around competitions. Trainer
Connie Christopher expanded the sorrel's knowledge, training both Son and Cory
in numerous events.
The pair went on to earn five
Superior awards: Amateur Trail, Amateur Horsemanship, Amateur Showmanship,
Amateur Equitation and Senior Trail. My Son Dee Night and Cory also
earned an AQHA Amateur Performance Championship. At the 2003 AQHA
Amateur Select World Championship Show, they earned a Reserve World
Championship in Equitation.
In 2000, Son won his very own
trailer, courtesy of Gore Trailers, by earning the Virginia Quarter Horse
Association's Open All Around Championship. The license plate bears his
name.
Son is famous for his ability to
drink Slurpees from a cup and then offer you a large, slurpy kiss in thanks.
In fact, he is willing to give you a big kiss for nearly any reason.
Just get close, and he can't resist.
Cory serves as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Virginia Quarter Horse Association, as the Treasurer
of the Virginia Amateur Quarter Horse Association and as the Treasurer of the
VQHA Breeders Incentive Program. Giving back to the horse industry is
something she believes in.
During 2005, Son sustained an
injury which requires long term recovery. Cory has decided to retire
him, and he now resides at her home as her most treasured friend. Cory
is beginning her search for a replacement for My Son Dee Night in the show
pen. That next horse will have some very big horseshoes to fill!
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