20th Anniversary of Martinganza Plans to Pull Out All the Stops
By: Brittany Bevis
Believe it or not, the 20th anniversary of the Martinganza Quarter Horse Show and Futurity is just a short, five weeks away! Show management plans to pull out all the stops to ensure that this special occasion lives up to its name.
Martinganza was founded in 2000 by Kenneth Johnson, a retired AQHA judge. The first show was held in February of 2001. Martinganza can thank Alvin Crandall for the event’s unique moniker. The show was held in Martin County, and everyone wanted it to be an extravaganza, hence the name.
The original planning board in 2000 consisted of Ken Johnson, Beth Tew, Alvin Crandall, Ken Ambrose, Carrie Kearney, Mary Conway, and Dick Richardson. In 2001, Pam Jackson, Steve Reams, Paul Thurston, and Linda Falls joined the team to help plan the NSBA portion of the Martinganza. Others instrumental in the show’s foundation include Tina Farmer, Gary and Diane Phelps, Jim and Susan Rouse, Lester and Sharon Kostrova, Connie Knight, Ken Johnson, Jr, and the students at Martin Community College, who helped to provide support staff for the show.
Susan Daniels of Martinganza show management explains that the show continued to evolve in 2008 when District IV NCQHA took over. “After the show was held in 2008, Ken approached District IV NCQHA about taking over the show to run it. He’s a member of District IV, and he wanted to retire. We gladly took him up on his offer. It was a huge undertaking to try to keep it the same successful show that Ken, his staff, and committee had made it into. Our goal is to keep the friendly atmosphere that the show was built on, to take care of the exhibitors, and to have a good time.”
One of the ways the show accomplishes this is with the Equine Chronicle Friday night Exhibitors Party complete with a mechanical bull. The traditional meal consists of North Carolina style BBQ, fried chicken with all the fixins’, and homemade banana pudding that’s served by Tim Roberson and the staff of the Filling Station Restaurant. “One year, we changed to something a little healthier and everyone wanted the BBQ and fried chicken back!” Susan says.
Another change to the show over the years was the shift in dates from February to April. “We battled snow and ice with our February dates, and we were finally able to move the date with AQHA and the facility to the first weekend in April of 2014,” Susan says. “Our exhibitors stuck with us through the snow and have helped us grow each year since moving to April. Our exhibitors are very important to us. We added two judges to make the show a six judge show, and we kept the fees as low as possible. Our prizes are well received as well.”
There are a number of giveaways in addition to the great awards. Allison and Susan Scott of A Bit More have donated a gift certificate for an English Hunt Coat or similar item. Jean’s Custom Show Fashions has donated a pair of custom made chaps. Crown Royal Farm has donated a silver show halter and a clipper set. Savannah Hill Farm has donated trophies for the WCHA classes.
Speaking of WCHA classes, a new addition to the show is a Yearling Halter Futurity that’s sanctioned by the World Conformation Halter Association. There is already $5,000 committed to the prize money for these classes. There are additional added money classes and a full slate of AQHA and NSBA classes on the schedule as well. Versatility Ranch classes will be offered on Saturday to three judges. Also on Saturday, all Halter and Showmanship classes will be held.
Every morning, enjoy coffee and doughnuts, courtesy of Debbie Williams, Caroline Veseley with Crown Royal Farm, Jessica Hendrickson and Todd Hulings of Shady Lane Farm, and Chris Byrd with 4-B Quarter Horses.
For more information about the Martinganza, visit www.martinganza.com. Stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com for results and photos from the show.
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