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Show i i A Champion Ladies Toni & Triton Easter Dolly Iff he name Triton Easter Dolly does not sound familiar, it should. She is a local resident, and one of the top ten show horses in the U.S. which is not bad for a mere three-year-old who hasn't even reached her prime yet. Dolly is owned by Toni and Bob Hughes of Snyderville. The Hughes recently returned from Oklahoma City, where they participated in the Fourth Grand National Morgan Horse Show, a prestigious event in which celebrated horses from all over the country competed. Only four horses from Salt Lake qualified to attend. "We worked all winter in the ice and snow," Toni said, "but we were determined to be ready for that show." They must have been ready. Dolly hot only qualified, but, ridden by Toni, placed in the top ten in the English Plealsure category. The Hughes' two-year-old stallion, Adonais Chief, also entered the show. "Morgans can do just about anything," said Toni, explaining that Morgans are called the "bi-centennial horse" because of its genuine American heritage. "But it's very challenging to try to control a spirited 'hot' horse, because there's always the risk of such a horse becoming loose, even crazy." "Most farms hire two or three trainers," said Bob Hughes proudly, "but on ours, Toni does all the training herself." The Hughes own seven other horses besides Triton Easter Dolly, including four ponies. "I've always been crazy about horses," Toni reminisced. "As a child, I even used to pretend I was a horse." Now that show season is over, Toni plans to let Triton Easter Dolly rest awhile, but not too long. The season begins again in April, and there will be shows to attend twice a month. "I don't want to pay somebody to train and ride my horse," said Toni. "When somebody else does it for you, you don't have the same sense of accomplishment." The Hughes' children, 12-year-old Chad, 11-year-old Racquel, and 5-year-old Nicole, are also involved with horses, and have ridden in numerous shows. The family's sense of accomplishment seems more than justified when one sees the countless ribbons, certificates and other awards for excellence that their horses have won during the past eight years. "1 only wish there was an indoor arena in Park City," said Bob, "especially for working out during the coldest months. Indoor arenas in other areas have proven to be both practical and self-supporting. I feel sure enough horse owners around here would use it to make it self-supporting." Besides fees charged for use of an indoor arena, stalls are normally rented out year-around to pay for the building and initial operating costs. Local residents who are interested might share ideas with the Hughes and certainly, one could expect support from Triton Easter Dolly. Toni Hughes with her celebrat ed mare, Triton Easter Dolly. |