Martinganza Celebrates 20th Anniversary in 2021 With 6,000 Entry Show

By: Brittany Bevis

The 2021 Martinganza Quarter Horse Show and Futurity celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2021 over Easter weekend. The event had been a long time in the making for show staff, as the 2020 show was cancelled at the last minute due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luckily, the stars aligned for Show Secretary, Susan Daniels, and crew to welcome exhibitors to Williamston, North Carolina, April 1-4. Judges for the show were Jessica Gilliam, Kendra Weis, Brad Kearns, John Kunkle, Bennie Sargent, Daren Wright, Jennifer Leckey, Pam Scott, and Keith Longacre.

“We had a great show with typical North Carolina weather,” Susan laughs. “We wore short sleeved t-shirts on Monday to put out the shavings. A light jacket on Tuesday to break the wind. On Wednesday and Thursday, we had rain. Friday, we had a cold, windy day. Saturday was a lot better, and Sunday was absolutely gorgeous! We had a great turnout with over 400 stalls filled and over 6,000 entries. We would like to thank our exhibitors, trainers, families, and staff for supporting our 20th anniversary show.”

One special event held during the show was the first-ever WCHA Gene Parker Memorial Halter Futurity. Gene’s son, Kyle, and grandson, Trent, were in attendance to help honor Gene’s memory. Over $5,750 was awarded in the six classes that were held. The Best of the Best Champion was Thats Sole, a 2019 gelding, owned by Karen Evans Mundy and shown by Ronald Stratton.

Another big hit was the Easter Egg Hunt, which had a much larger turnout than expected. “We thought we would have 8-10 kids, so we had them sign up to make sure we had enough eggs,” Susan says. “Well, about 35 kids signed up, so we sent one of our helpers looking for fillable eggs at every store in Williamston, NC!  She found some at Food Lion! Special thanks to Charlene Lognion and Eric Armwood for taking care of the egg hunt with the aid of one of the moms.”

“Also, Carolyn Merritt donated a big bunny to decorate one of the fences for the Derby, but we didn’t know that’s what it was for. Well, the kids saw it and thought it was the prize for the most golden eggs found. Henlee Brittenham helped us with that, and it was awarded to Pressley May for finding the most golden eggs.”

Another fun event for show attendees was The Equine Chronicle Exhibitor Dinner, which served up traditional NC BBQ, fried chicken with all the trimmings, and the must-have banana pudding.

There were also plenty of awards presented during the show, in addition to random $20 bill drawings that surprised many competitors. In addition, A Bit More donated an English Hunt Coat, which was won by Claire Rogers of Virginia. Jean’s Custom Show Fashions donated a pair of Custom Chaps, which was won by Cindy Post of Connecticut. Sandy Forks Custom Creations donated a Double Hat Holder, which was won by Abi Buckwalter of Maryland. Sandy Forks Custom Creations donated a jewelry box, which was awarded to Caroline Vesely for her support of the show. Star H Equine Insurance donated a free stall, which was won by Rodney Sawyer of Tuckaway Quarter Horses, located in Maple, NC. Caroline Vesely, Crown Royal Farm, and Angelic Performance Horses donated an English Tack Box, which was won by Julie Griffin.

Circuit award choices were blankets, sheets, Miguel Aguilar reins and headstalls, bits, monogrammed halters, monogrammed vests and jackets, saddle racks, banding step stool boxes, monogrammed trunk organizers, and Husky Rolling Tack Trunks.

Congratulations to the All Around and High Point winners at the show.

All Around Winners:

• AQHA Sr Horse – Rickie Bryner/Lets Ride
• Amateur- Lisa Williams/Zippin Some Jack
• Amateur Select- Benjamin Matthews/Anotherdayinparadise
• Youth 13 & Under-Kenidee Thomas/Two Good To Be True
• Youth 14-18- Sara Lynn Sullivan/Good To Be Crimson

(All received a Martinganza Belt Buckle)

High Point Winners:

• VRH Open – Steve Meadows and Must Be The Wimpy for Lisa Meneely, RTIC Cooler
• VRH Amateur – Noel Meadows/One Cool Spook, RTIC Cooler
• VRH Youth – Bums Away/Delanie Paschal, Martinganza Belt Buckle
• L-1 Novice Amateur AQHA Walk/Trot – Kristen Trudell/VS Flat Outta Chips, Martinganza Belt Buckle
• L-1 Novice Youth AQHA Walk/Trot – Jillian Brown/Red Dee Suzie, Martinganza Belt Buckle
• L-1 Novice Amateur – Hannah Stanley/Dee Lighted Version, Martinganza Belt Buckle
• L-1 Novice Youth – Kenidee Thomas/Two Good To Be True, Martinganza Belt Buckle
• All Breed – Gillian Davis/VS Red Solo, Sandy Forks Creations Custom Double Belt Buckle Holder

Stay tuned for complete results coming from the show.

Click here for more fun photos from the show, courtesy of G-Man Easter Bunny.

If you would like to share horse show photos and results, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.