PQHA “Summer Kick-Off” Quarter Horse Show Exceeds Expectations With 75% Increase

By: Rita McMullen

“It was another amazing show weekend at PQHA at the best show facility in Pennsylvania,” said Frank Salopek, PQHA President. The PQHA Summer Kick-Off show was held at the home of all PQHA shows – The Equine Grange Park at the Centre County Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, PA.

“This is the little show that went big! Exhibitor participation made the show great, and we thank all who attended. First-timers to our shows and facilities always walk away impressed and come back. That means we’re doing something right. With the number of two, three, four, and five point classes we had in a four-judge split-combined show, why wouldn’t you come to a PQHA show?”

The PQHA Summer Kick-Off filled almost 400 stalls, showed close to 900 entries, and provided four judges over the two-day split combined event. “This is a 75% increase from the 2013 show,” said Brenda Campbell, PQHA Office Staff and Board Member.

Darlene Confer, General Manager of the Centre County Grange Fair and Equine Park, spoke about the approximate $250,000 in improvements that have been made to the facility to help draw competitors to Pennsylvania.

“Grange Park continues to improve our state-of-the-art equine facilities,” Confer said. “We have spent almost $250,000. Improvements so far in 2014  include a new shavings and storage building, improved footing in the outdoor arenas, new vinyl fencing around the three main arenas,  fencing around the former longing pen, which will now serve as the fourth outdoor arena, plus the existing indoor arena which can be used in all weather conditions.”

“95% of all equine revenue goes back into the Equine Park. Our next project will be a 156 stall barn and covered arena. We are hopeful that it could be completed by Spring of 2015. Our current facility is booked from mid-April through October with equine events. This year, we’ve had to turn away several dates due to our full schedule.”

Tammy Eichstadt, PQHA Show Manager, spoke about how the association strives to make each of their events very exhibitor-friendly.

“We offer, at this show, Rookie classes for the beginner exhibitors, but we also have the Novice, Youth, Amateur, and Open classes,” Eichstadt said. “We also promote our Fast Pass Registration, no wait time in the show office, Vendor Bucks for placings first through sixth, free water for exhibitors, and a friendly atmosphere. It was also important for Select qualifiers that AQHA approved that two of our four judges at this weekend’s show will count for this year’s Select World qualification.”

Trainers Lisa Mathews and Jesse Jerik of Jefferson, Ohio appreciate the extra effort PQHA staff puts into each show. This team made the 4.5 hour drive to the event and brought four customers. “We love the facility, four outdoor arenas, and an indoor for bad weather if needed,” Jerik said. “Friendly staff and friendly association members combined with quality judges and great numbers in the classes make it worthwhile for our customers. It was also a plus that PQHA offered four judges over a weekend, so exhibitors didn’t have to miss work or school. We will be back for the July circuit.”

These comments were repeated by several exhibitors at the show, which had 100 trail entries and over 150 hunter under saddle entries on the first day of competition. Day two had over 150 entries in both showmanship and horsemanship classes, not to mention the western pleasure classes that concluded at 10 PM on Sunday.

Brian Bernatowicz and Sarah Hinkel, trainers from Canal Winchester, Ohio, made the seven hour trip with five horses. “The draw for us is the great facility,” they said. “The entry numbers are great, and we have customers who want qualifying points. There are quality judges over two days, which would normally take a four-day circuit.”

Peter J. Cofrancesco, III (AQHA Past President) of Sparta, NJ and his family were in attendance at the show. “Showing horses is a family event for us,” Confrancesco said. He and his son, Peter IV, won the Grand Champion Gelding title with Vincenzo Zini in the Amateur, Youth, and Open Gelding Halter classes. His daughter, Ireland, was also showing her gelding, Shock after Shock, in the youth all-around events. “The four judges and points available were the attractions for us, and we love the facility.”

Chris Gray, owner of Chris Gray Performance Horses, lives only minutes from the horse show. He brought 24 horses and clients to the event. “It is so convenient for myself and clients with being close to home. We have been long-time supporters of PQHA. We love the arenas, including the indoor for showing in inclement weather, the large classes, and quality of judges.” Gray’s clients show in the all-around events, but trail and hunter under saddle classes are their favorites.

Newcomer to the PQHA show, 14-18 youth exhibitor, Madison Frutchey, and her show mom, Heidi, from New Philadelphia, Ohio were very impressed with the hospitality extended to them at the show. “We just recently moved from Boulder, Colorado, where we trained with Geoff Morris Quarter Horses. Our new trainer, Julie Majernik, has attended past PQHA shows and encouraged us to come to this show. We love the facility, the classes are huge, and everyone is so friendly and helpful. We will definitely return.”

“I love the vendor bucks!” said daughter Madison.

Brian Ale of Bridgeton, New Jersey is a familiar face at the PQHA shows. “My clients love coming here for the beautiful facilities, the points that are available in the all-around events, and to see old friends.” Ale drove approximately four hours to the PQHA Show.

PQHA Summer Kick-off complete show results can be found here.

PQHA will now prepare for our big show to be held on July 16-20 at the Centre County Grange Fair. Complete details can be found at www.pqha.org

Scroll below to view fun around the ring photos provided by Rita McMullen. Click here to view more candid photos courtesy of Jessica Wolf Hart.