2014 SOQHA Turkey Circuit Concludes on a High Note With High Praise For Improved Arena
By: Brittany Bevis
While many equestrians took advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend to spend time with family and enjoy a delicious turkey feast, other die-hard competitors settled for turkey of another kind at the 2014 Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association’s Turkey Circuit. The triple judged, AQHA, SOQHA, and NSBA approved event hosted judges Mike Weaver, Tim Finkenbinder, and Daren Wright on November 29 and 30th at the newly improved Roberts Arena in Wilmington, Ohio.
In addition to a full schedule of classes, riders had the opportunity to compete for $5,000 in added money in classes like $1,000 Non Pro Trail, $1,000 Non Pro Horsemanship, $1,000 Novice Horse $1,000 Western Pleasure, $1,000 Non Pro Showmanship, and $1,000 Non Pro Equitation.
Show management recorded entries at nearly 600 per judge in all divisions with some nicely sized classes like 17 in L1 Youth Western Horsemanship, 13 in L1 Western Pleasure, 12 in L1 Youth Western Pleasure, 16 in L1 Amateur Showmanship, 17 in L1 Youth Showmanship, 15 in 14-18 Showmanship, 22 in L1 Youth Hunter Under Saddle, 17 in Youth Hunter Under Saddle 14-18, 14 in Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18, and 17 in L1 Youth Western Horsemanship.
A huge hit among exhibitors and the talk of the horse show were new improvements made to the Roberts Arena. In addition to new lighting, arena footing consisted of a special mix that was trucked in specially from Maryland. Show management confirms it took nearly 80 truckloads to fill the Lamar Arena. Currently, work is underway on the Bradley Arena, which will also include this special footing.
A new building is being completed that will measure in size at 625′ long with a finished width of 125′. It’s large circumference means that it will easily be able to contain two complete hunter courses. Even more exciting is that the new building will be done in time for the March Madness show in April!
Check out that incredible arena!
The Madness in March show will take place April 2-5 in Wilmington, Ohio. Stay tuned to MarkHarrellHorseShows.com for further updates about the show.
Click here to view complete results from the 2014 SOQHA Turkey Circuit.
Scroll below to view some fun candid photos courtesy of SOQHA.
