Rain Doesn’t Deter Exhibitors From Coming Out in Droves For PQHA Mid-Summer Madness

By: Rita McMullen

“PQHA is so grateful to have our indoor arena at the Centre County Grange Equine Park,” says Carla Weaver, PQHA President. Rightfully so, with over two inches of rain falling on Thursday for the start of the PQHA Mid-Summer Madness Show at the Centre County Grange Equine Park in Centre Hall, PA.

“Our entries did not suffer due to the rain, thanks to the cooperation of our determined exhibitors,” says Ed Campbell, PQHA Show Manager. “We were able to make adjustments to our show schedule to accommodate the entire day’s showbill inside the covered arena. We realized there would be conflicts, but thanks to our capable show management and facility staff working together with our exhibitors, we were able to complete the day inside out of the rain and mud and still end the show at a reasonable time. Our judges were very impressed with our facility and our show management to work through a tough weather situation.”

Many of the classes and disciplines were four point or more, per judge. PQHA was able to provide Free Pizza to exhibitors on Thursday evening thanks to the generous sponsorship of The Equine Chronicle.

Jennifer Johnson of Aylmer, Ontario, Canada was a first time exhibitor at the PQHA Mid-Summer Madness Show. “My trainer, Glen Patterson, encouraged me to attend as he knew the exhibitor numbers are always great and the facility is beautiful. He was right, I love it here. I’m impressed with the show management, and everyone is so helpful.” Johnson shows in Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, and Showmanship. She shows in Canada and the United States and says she would return to the PQHA shows again. There was also a record number of Canadian exhibitors attending the PQHA show and they said they were attracted due to the reputation of a great facility. They also commented that it was a very affordable show circuit for them to attend.

AQHA Professional Horseman Christa Baldwin of Stanton, Michigan, brought seven horses and her customers to PQHA for the first time. “I judged at PQHA several years ago and just loved the people and the beautiful facility and decided to bring our customers to this year’s show. Everyone loves everything about the show: the numbers in the classes; the indoor, which was an added bonus with the rain; and the extra treats and added money, which we were able to take advantage of was greatly appreciated too.” Her customers also stated they would return for other PQHA events.

April Souwand of Branchton, Ontario, Canada was a repeat exhibitor at PQHA. “I have been coming to the PQHA shows for approximately four years. They have a beautiful facility, a friendly environment for exhibitors, a well-managed show, and great prizes. I love it here,” says Souwand. Souwand was the winner of a beautiful saddle pad donated by another generous sponsor, Sullivan Quarter Horses. “I’m working on my Ranch Riding Superior award and PQHA always boasts great numbers in this event.” There were over 40 entries of Ranch Riding in five divisions on both days the events were offered. All five of these divisions are part of the PQHA Series Championship Award with $250. Cash and trophies are awarded at the September show. To be eligible, exhibitors must show to all 14 judges at the three PQHA sponsored events. There are also four other disciplines with Series Championship awards as well. Complete details are available on the PQHA website.

PQHA makes exhibitors their number one concern at each of their shows. Thanks to the generous sponsors, PQHA was able to provide special treats for exhibitors each day of the show, which included free water, free coffee and donuts, $1.00 coupons to use at any of the food vendors, free pizza and free cookies. The exhibitors were all appreciative of these extra touches at the show. Added money, circuit awards, Series Championship Awards, Hi-Point and All-Around Awards were also added benefits to exhibitors which all totaled over $30,000. Thanks to the many sponsors.

PQHA will hold their final show of the season, The PQHA Nittany Classic & Futurities on September 1-3, 2017 at the Centre County Grange Equine Park. All show results and show details for all the PQHA events can be found at www.pqha.org.

Click here to view more fun photos from the Mid Summer Madness.