2,300+ Entries and $30,000 in Prizes at PQHA’s Mid-Summer Madness

By: Rita McMullen

PQHA’s “Show With a New Name” continued its tradition of making the exhibitor number one at the Centre County Grange Equine Park in Centre Hall, PA last week. Exhibitors came from places like North Carolina, Canada, and Illinois to take advantage of the points available, a beautiful facility with a covered arena and three practice pens, added money classes, and exhibitor’s prizes that totaled over $30,000. With over 500 stalls sold and entries that exceeded 2,300 during the week, the  below normal temperatures were also an added benefit for the show. The average weekly temperature was 75 degrees; in the past, the temperatures have been known to be in the 90 degree range.

Wednesday kicked off the annual Novice show with over 300 entries. Tuesday evening, Professional Horseman and AQHA judge Jonathan Meilleur provided a free Trail clinic for exhibitors. Thursday through Sunday was a full AQHA show with 105 classes, and the judges were Jan Hoskin-Hay, Lynda Danielson, Kelly McDowall, Jeff Allen, Buddy Fisher, and Ronald Stratton.

“This show is still the primary fundraiser for the PQHA Youth,” says PQHA Youth Advisor Jessica McMullen. “The youth members help at the show and, in return, receive a split of the show profits. This income helps to provide for the AQHA YES Conference, World Show team, Congress team expenses, and youth year-end awards. We also had several opportunities for some fun activities, which included a Kid’s Craft table, Messy Twister, and Shankless Showmanship. It gives the youth a chance to have fun and fellowship, and many adults enjoy the extracurricular activities as well.”

“We also had our First Mega-Raffle which raised over $4,000 of income for the PQHYA. First prize was a John Deere Riding mower that was donated by John Deere/AQHA Members Plus. Second prize was a headstall donated by Wenger’s Saddlery. Third prize was a handmade Western Wine rack, donated by PQHA Board member and AQHA Director Rick Shiffler. Fourth prize was a Instahot Hot Water Heater, donated by Schneider’s Saddlery, and fifth prize was $100 cash. We genuinely thank these generous sponsors for their support of PQHA youth. Many thanks to PQHA for their support of the PQHYA and to the youth members for their hard work.”

PQHA also supported “Bring Help & Hope to Our Stars.” AJ Gray and Ruby Mae Shreffler are infants who both have incurred huge medical expenses. Both of their families are PQHA members, and PQHA agreed to match total contributions up to $500 for each family. All donations collected will be divided evenly among the two families. Fundraisers for the babies even included a lemonade stand, which was the idea of Rylin Loner, son of Garry and Macada Loner, who is also the PQHA Stall Secretary.

There were many first time exhibitors to PQHA. “This is my first time here, and I just love the facility. This whole area is just beautiful,” says Lori Stevenson from Concord, Ohio. Lori was the Amateur Pleasure Driving Circuit award winner and was thrilled to receive her award. “I plan to come again.”

“Many of the classes were two-three point classes and required two or more splits in the pen,” says Brenda Campbell, PQHA Show Staff.

The mother/daughter show team of Ursula and CeCe Hodgson of Surf City, New Jersey say, “We have attended all of the PQHA shows this year and many years past. We just love the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly PA hospitality of the PQHA members and show staff, and beautiful facility. It was so nice to be done showing each day and be able to enjoy dinner and relax and have some fun too.”

“The PQHA show ended each day at a normal hour due to the fact we had two show pens running simultaneously,” says Larry Jaymes, PQHA Show Manager. “We work with exhibitors to avoid any potential conflicts in both pens. I can’t say enough how great it is to have these PQHA youth members who are there to assist us whenever we call for help. PQHA has a great team of members and show staff who make these shows so exhibitor friendly and successful.”

PQHA Queen Sara Keas of Conneat Lake, PA was on hand to assist with class awards. Sara adds, ‘This is a great opportunity to meet the members and exhibitors. The Leadline and Small Fry exhibitors are so excited to get their prizes.” These tiny competitors were provided with a prize each day they showed, thanks to generous sponsors.

Justin and Joy Wheeler of Climax, North Carolina brought 10 horses and exhibitors to PQHA for the first time. “We heard lots of good things about this show, and we love the facility, great exhibitor numbers, and such a friendly group. We are glad we came.”

Kelly Jadin of Peotone, Illinois brought four horses to the PQHA Show. “This is the first time I have been here since the indoor arena was built. We love everything about the show, and it’s nice to take home some of the added money too!”

Complete show results can be found on the PQHA website, www.pqha.org. Next on the PQHA agenda is the Nittany Classic & Futurities at Centre County Grange Equine Park in Centre Hall, PA on August 30 and 31st. Stall and showbill information can be found on the PQHA website.

Click here to view our fun candid photo gallery from the show, courtesy of Rita McMullen.