2017 Keystone Showdown Recap With Kelly Rauschenbach

EC Blog by: Kelly Rauschenbach

The 2017 Keystone Showdown, held in beautiful Centre Hall, PA, has come to a close. The show continued to impress with its large classes and great prizes. Among the largest of the AQHA classes were the Amateur Showmanship with 40 entries and the Youth and Novice Showmanship classes with over 30 entries.

The weather provided a challenge, making the outdoor rings a bit muddy, but exhibitors showed their determination and stamina and showed outside for the Trail and other Western events. Show management and judges kept the show running smoothly and did an excellent job of accommodating all exhibitors.

On Wednesday evening, after the novice show, the Mike Whitmore Memorial Non-Pro Walk Trot was held. Over 50 exhibitors entered the ring for the opportunity to be among the few to receive a cash payout and a chance to win a Skeeter work saddle in a random drawing. This class was among the most competitive of the entire show. Exhibitors of all ages tried to impress the judges, but small fry rider Addyson Chafin impressed the best.

The Keystone Showdown also offered a $500 added Open and Non-Pro Trail Jackpot where the competition did not lack. Over 30 exhibitors entered the ring to compete for the top prize. Sarah Bernatowicz riding Check This Machine won the Open Trail and Shannon Thrower with Invited To A Goodbar won the Non-Pro Trail. The winners were awarded a unique trophy as well as a neck ribbon.

Several random drawings were held, including two Blue Ribbon Headstalls donated by Colton LaSusa, show pads donated by Just Peachy, $50 gift cards for Kelly Herd Jewelry, and a Yeti cooler. The Keystone Showdown incentivized exhibitors to enter the Amateur and Open Performance Mares and Geldings by offering money bag classes where hundreds of dollars and gift cards were passed out.

The Keystone Showdown awarded circuit champions with collapsible barrel coolers and High Point winners were awarded wooden cowhide directors chairs, 20X Felt Hats donated by Billie’s Western Hats, and trophies. Some of the High Point winners include Kelsey McArthur for the Youth 14-18 division, April Souwand for Amateur Select, Kelly Rauschenbach for Amateur, and Madeline Rippeon for Small Fry.

Scroll below to view more fun photos from the horse show.

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