OMIQHA show a success!
By Natalie Hilty
A HUGE thank you to the Ohio Michigan Indiana Quarter Horse Association for hosting a certainly exciting show this past weekend (April 14-15) and to Eden Park Equestrian Center for providing the facility in which the exhibitors showed!
“The OMIQHA Warm Up Show” had every youth and amateur class, excluding open classes, available to exhibitors both Saturday and Sunday to make for a lengthy show that was definitely worth it as everyone had a chance to accumulate several points along the way. Class numbers were outstanding- around 20-30 entries per class and even over 40 entries in Novice Youth showmanship for both days.
Listed below are two questions answered by a few youth who showed in Sunbury at “The Warm Up Show”:
1.) What is your favorite class to show in and why?
Faith Dillilo- My favorite class to show in is horsemanship because it's the most challenging for me and I like how you can put your own style to it.
Matthew Siefker- Definitely showmanship. It has always been my strong suit and I think it takes a lot of talent, not just from the horse, but also from the exhibitor to make a good showmanship team.
Madison Burlett- My favorite class to show is the Hunter Under Saddle because I love the look and feel of being able to canter and trot a big Hunt-Seater. I also like having the freedom to maneuver the pen in a way you can’t in a class like the pleasure.
Maryn Klaus- My favorite class would have to be showmanship. I love the fact that you have to be in sync with your horse while doing different elements of a pattern at a precise time. When it all comes together, it is truly picture perfect.
Bella D’Onofrio- My favorite class is either Western Riding or Trail. I like these classes because they are challenging and require a lot of communication between the horse and rider. They push me to do my best.
2.) Which Ohio show are you most looking forward to in 2018?
Faith Dillilo- The Ohio show I’m looking forward to the most is the Quarter Horse Congress because of the atmosphere it provides when you’re showing, hanging out with friends, or shopping!
Matthew Siefker- I’m looking forward to the Quarter Horse Congress because this will be my first year showing there and I can’t wait to see how it goes.
Madison Burlett- I’m most looking forward to the Madness in May or the Buckeye in July!!
Maryn Klaus- I am most looking forward to the Congress. I love the atmosphere the Congress brings and showing against some of the best horses in the world. I truly look forward to it every year!
Bella D’Onofrio- The Ohio show I am most looking forward to in 2018 is the Congress. I like Congress because there is something so special about everything there, from the venders to seeing friends from all over the country. There really is something special in the air.
These youth are very much appreciated for their insight into some interesting questions highlighted by the media committee! We learned about a few different thoughts from favorite classes in the show pen to some favorite horse shows during the year. The Congress is definitely a favorite, but shows like the Madness and the Buckeye are always a huge hit as well!
The youth at OQHA would like to give a big thank you to the OMIQHA for setting up a tent where exhibitors could come pick their year-end awards! Unfortunately, the OMIQHA banquet was cancelled earlier in the year due to icy weather, but everyone was able to collect their well-deserved prizes from the OMIQHA tent set up this past weekend with help from their very own 2018 Queen, Fallyn Harkin!
Thank you OMIQHA and OQHA staff and friends for making this show possible! It was a fun-filled weekend with lots of points and prizes. Be sure to check in frequently with the OQHA Facebook page or check out the OQHA website for more information like this including youth interviews as more Ohio shows approach this season. Good luck to all exhibitors in 2018!
