All Roads Led to PQHA Mid-Summer Madness For Big Numbers, Great Prizes

By: Rita McMullen

The Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association just completed another successful show, The Mid-Summer Madness at the Centre County Grange Equine Park in Centre Hall, PA. The show kicked off with the All-Novice Show on Wednesday with over 525 entries.

“Show entries increased over 10% from 2015,” says Brenda Campbell, PQHA Novice Show Chairman. “Exhibitors appreciated an earlier finish time, thanks to adding two judges and two arenas this year. The show offered Rookie, Level 1 Youth, Amateur, Walk Trot, and EWD Classes, including a very large Level 1 Youth Showmanship class with 40 entries. The show also provided circuit awards in each class and eight High Point awards, which were a hit with exhibitors.”

The four-day, six-judge show that was held July 14-17 had over 6,700 entries and over 600 stalls. Many classes had over 30-40 exhibitors per class. There were many activities offered to the exhibitors and there was over $36,000 in cash, prizes and special treats, thanks to the generosity of our many sponsors.

“We do our best to make this show exhibitor friendly,” says Ed Campbell, PQHA Show Manager. “We reconfigured the entrance to the outdoor arena, which worked out very well to get exhibitors in and out of the arena. Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers for their help to keep things moving smoothly. Thanks also to Patti Carter, who was very impressed with the quality of horses and the well run show.”

AQHA Director of Shows Patti Carter was in attendance at the show, greeted exhibitors, and answered questions during a Free Pizza Party. “I’m very impressed by the fact that this show is run very smoothly by our affiliate, PQHA,” Carter says. “It’s wonderful to see the participation of the exhibitors in the classes, and we’re encouraged by the numbers in the Rookie and Level 1 classes. This show was #11 in the nation with over 6,500 entries in 2015.”

Royalty was also in attendance in the form of Lauren Harrington, Quarter Horse Congress Queen, from Fairview, PA. PQHA was proud to host Lauren at the show. She actively met and greeted exhibitors and assisted with awards. Many youth were thrilled to have their pictures taken with Lauren.

“PQHA was honored to have Lauren join us at our show; her enthusiastic attitude and love of horses is a great example to all of our exhibitors and she was a great help with all of our awards,” says Carla Weaver, PQHA President. Lauren was also assisted by PQHA Queen Aubrey Braham from Grove City, PA, who will compete and represent PQHA at the Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio in October.

PA State and Centre County officials were given a tour of the facility and the show on Thursday. Centre County Grange Equine Park is looking at future expansion including plans to cover the outdoor arenas and possibility more barns. “It all computes to economic development for Centre County and equine growth in Pennsylvania,” says Darlene Confer, General Manager of Centre County Grange Park. “Our equine facility is booked almost every weekend from April through October, and we want to be able to grow and offer a quality facility.”

One of the youngest spectators in attendance was Charlotte Rose Miller from Reidsville, North Carolina. Charlotte is six weeks old and  already attending her third horse show. She was joined by her father, Keith, and mother, Sydney Miller. This was Mom’s first time exhibiting since Charlotte’s birth. “We love coming back home to this show and PA. “We brought nine horses that will show this week. The facility, management, and class numbers are a draw to this show,” says Keith Miller.

PQHA believes in giving to horse show families in need and has named a Family of Hope for the past several years. This year’s Family of Hope is that of Connor Rider. Connor is the son of Randy and Amanda Rider of Centre Hall, Pa. Exhibitors were encouraged to donate at the show office and PQHA also makes a donation to the fund. A very touching donation presentation was made to the Rider family by the Marschand family in memory of daughter, Kiley Marschand of Atlanta, Indiana. Kiley and her sister Emily were avid horse show exhibitors and attended the PQHA shows in the last few years with their family and trainer, Brian Craig. Kiley’s final wish was to help other families in need. PQHA and the Rider family were overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness of everyone who donated to this fund.

In addition to the horse show, many fun activities took place, including fundraisers for the youth, free food treats, and even a Birthday celebration for the Gate Guru, John Ackerman. John was serenaded and treated to cake ringside where he has spent many hours for PQHA.

“Thanks for putting on a great show with huge numbers and excellent show management.”

“Great show, thanks for the free water and treats.”

“Everyone is so helpful and friendly here.”

“PQHA always looks for ways to improve their shows.”

These are just a few of the comments received from exhibitors.

Complete show results and awards can be found on the PQHA website, www.pqha.org.

Exhibitors are encouraged to attend the upcoming PQHA Nittany Classic & Futurities September 2-4th at the Centre County Grange Equine Park. PQHA Series Champions will also be named at this show for Ranch Riding classes, Junior Western Pleasure, and Junior Hunter Under Saddle classes from the three show circuits. Stall reservations, details and show bills can be found at www.pqha.org.

Click here to view a full gallery of fun photos from the show.