In case you missed the AQHA Convention in Las Vegas, AQHA President Peter J Cofrancesco, III provided GoHorseShow with a transcript of his farewell speech during the General Membership meeting on Saturday. It was a highlight of the convention, and we would like to thank him for his service to AQHA. We are proud of you Peter!
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Good morning…Thanks Don, I would like to start this morning by telling you a story…..
A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said, “I would like to buy some cyanide.” The pharmacist asked, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?” The lady replied, “I need it to poison my husband.” The pharmacist’s eyes got big and he exclaimed, “Lord have mercy! I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband. That’s against the law! I’ll lose my license! They’ll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!” The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, “Well now, that’s different. You didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”
It’s been said that a life lived without passion…or a life lived without dreams…really isn’t a life lived at all. I don’t say that lightly, but I hope if I leave you with one thing today – that it’s the courage to live your passion and fulfill your dreams. After this previous year and certainly during my time on the executive committee, I’ve realized more than ever that life is short and can change in an instant. It gives me great joy to say – it’s great to be here today; standing before you and concluding my term as President of the American Quarter Horse Association.
It has been an incredible journey that takes you places you never thought you would go and along that journey, you meet and make many lasting friendships. Many of my friends are here today, and they – along with the experiences I have gained – have had a profound impact on my life…
I owe so much of what I have done and who I am to the American Quarter Horse, but even more to my mother and father. Since I was very young, it has been a lifestyle our family embraced together and since his untimely passing ten years ago, it has been my mother who has kept our family moving forward.
I told you last year when I accepted the Presidency that I had always thought it would be my father standing here today. For better or for worse, life has a way of sometimes taking a path we never truly expect. I only hope that I have lived and measured up, and made you as proud as I know my father would have been.
My life started like any horse crazy kid, I started with a pony, then my parents bought me my first horse, Fred Riker and that began my competitive life with horses. We started showing some of the 4H and open shows and then moved on to some of the AQHA shows in the northeast. I often said that he was more human than horse, and like any good horse, he taught me as well as my brothers and sister how to ride. I showed Fred Riker in all of the western events…I would have even shown him English but let’s just say the clothes just didn’t suit me!
If there was one horse I’d clone – (sorry Chad but) – it would have been him, and I’d have one of him made for every one of my kids, nieces and nephews…
After showing around home several years with a couple geldings, Sporty Phil, and Dr. Apple we purchased from Mike Hughes, we purchased a halter gelding from Wayne Poole, named Rock Star Bandit, and he enabled me to be competitive at some of the larger shows, winning the halter and the youth pleasure at the same show. And as the saying goes, the rest is history.
I remember my first Youth World Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1986. Jeffrey loaded the horses and I up and headed south, I didn’t have my license at the time, and he wasn’t stopping, so occasionally he allowed me to slip behind the wheel for a bit on the highway so he could rest. Sorry mom! At this time, there were very few kids from the northeast attending the youth world show, and none from New Jersey, so, I knew no one, not a single person– and to say I was a nervous is a huge understatement. When we finally pulled into the fairgrounds, my nerves got the best of me, and I figured I would just stay in the truck. After being parked for 15 minutes in 100 degree heat, I decided to get out, everywhere I looked there were kids, and mostly girls, at last I found heaven on earth. On the short walk to my stalls, a girl peddled her bike over to me and introduced herself, she was from Florida, and she seemed to know a few people–and after visiting for a few minutes, she invited me to the Florida stalls that night for a little gathering of friends, so I continued to my stalls a lot more comfortable and happy that I made my first friend in Tulsa. After 26 years she is still one of my good friends, her name is Robin Griggs. When I arrived on that same Tulsa fairgrounds the next year, I knew every single person there. So thank you Robin!
One of the next people I met was a beautiful girl from Elkhorn, Nebraska, Jenny Frid. Because of that show and my life with American Quarter Horses, Jenny – and her husband Robin, the luckiest man I know – have become some of the best friends I could have ever hoped to make.
This past year when I got sick, I received an outpouring of love, support and encouragement from so many people, it was overwhelming to me. Many of you are in this room, and your cards, and messages were a tremendous help to me as I recovered. There aren’t words to describe my gratitude.
During my 72 day stay in the hospital, there were several weeks where I would have not known if the Pope came to see me, however, when I started to feel a bit better, I was able to let my family know that I didn’t want to see anyone. I have to say my brothers are good like that, I am sure they threatened every nurse and aid on my floor that if anyone got in, there would be a big problem. One afternoon Carmen came into my room, and seemed a bit upset, after convincing her to tell me, she says, “Someone is coming to see you.” I said, “NO WAY, I don’t want to see anyone like this, I have on my hospital gown, and wires and stuff everywhere. She started crying and said, “She was sorry but, it was too bad, she will be here tomorrow and please don’t tell your brothers.”
Anyway, tomorrow came, and in she walked, after flying from Dallas to New Jersey, she made her way into my hospital room – probably stretching the truth about who she was, pushing aside two nurses, there was Jenny…I couldn’t have been happier to see her, and we talked for several hours, and shared a great conversation.
Jenny, I love you and thank you for your friendship! Jenny is now helping me design a line of hospital gowns that split up the side instead of the back!
Showing American Quarter Horses gave me the confidence I needed to ultimately decide to run for office with the American Junior Quarter Horse Association and in 1990, I became President of our Youth Association, fulfilling a dream I had during my teenage years. I am especially proud of the friends I have made over my many years – as youth and now as an adult. It gives me great pleasure to reflect on those friendships and to have had many of those friends here with us in Las Vegas for our first ever “Tulsa time” reunion.
The horse might have brought us together but the love and friendships we share with each other keeps us bound in a way I wish all of you could experience. I am blessed by the friends I have made…because of our horse.
After serving as President of AJQHA and continuing to stay involved, and ultimately becoming an AQHA Director, I remember thinking that, I could become President of AQHA. That trip to today started more than 26 years ago and while time does go by in the blink of an eye, I am honored to have accomplished these goals and humbled to know that without so many of you – I would not be standing here today. For your confidence and the trust you placed in me – you have my most sincere thanks. You have helped me live my life’s passion.
Before I leave the topic of our youth – and I have to tell you I am excited about what lies ahead for our youth program – I want to recognize someone else who is very important in my life. In fact, she is the current AQHYA President, Abigail Pait, I couldn’t be prouder of you and your accomplishments within AQHYA. You have so much promise, and I know you will go far in whatever you do.
Showing brought its fair share of fate into my life…but none so greater than in 1996 at The All American Quarter Horse Congress. We’d been there a lot over the years, but this year would be different. That was the year that a girl – not a horse caught my eye – and I met the person who would become my wife.
I think most of you know her but I’d like to ask Carmen to stand…Thank you for everything, I love you, and I’m looking forward to the many years that lie ahead for us.
Carmen was involved in showing horses in AQHA and NRHA competition and actually showed in college as well on the IHSA English team. I’m a lucky man to get to share a love of horses with my wife.
Most of you know we have three children – Ireland (11), Peter (8) and Emma (6)…they are the best kids a man could hope to have and when they heard there was a bowling alley and movie theater here at South Point, they all wanted to come.
(Roll video – Montage of Kids – VIDEO ROLLS)
Just as my parents gave me the opportunity to be involved with horses, Carmen and I are providing every opportunity we can to give Ireland, Peter and Emma the same opportunity.
When my father passed in 2000, my siblings and I assumed various leadership roles at the concrete manufacturing, waste and recycling company my parents founded, known as the Grinnell Companies.
I can tell you that my family’s success, both in and out of the show ring has been earned – not given to us, and I’m very proud of that.
My parents were born and raised in Paterson New Jersey, the third largest city in New Jersey in a pretty tough part of town. When I was growing up, we lived on a second floor of a two family house, and shared a small bedroom with my sister and brother. With only 100 sq. feet of grass, this was not the usual surroundings that typical horse people were raised. I remember asking my mom, what was the Congress like when you were younger, and who was stalled in the Gilligan barn then? She was quick to say, that when she and my father attended the Congress, they never went to the Gilligan, cause they didn’t know anyone, and they went to all the seminars to take notes. We have been very fortunate over the years to breed and show some great horses, but when my parents started they would hope there were only six horses in a class so they would be assured a ribbon. These stories are very humbling to me. Through hard work, setting their sights on building a good business and a good horse operation…they both provided us with a path that we might not otherwise have.
And, they raised some great kids … Daria, Jason, Jarrod…have done a lot for me and, I could not have asked for more supportive brothers and sister.
In my remarks to the board of directors last year, there were some things I wanted to see happen which I shared with you.
- Maintain a balanced budget – you will hear Trent’s report and will continue to keep a watchful eye on the Association’s finances, even in turbulent conditions.
- Leveling…Well underway! With one pilot show completed and another set to take place this week, I am excited about the advances we are making as it relates to showing American Quarter Horses…
- Rejuvenate Incentive Fund…we made some bold changes to the fund, and I hope all of you will support these changes. It is the benchmark that others have copied in one way or another, and we need to keep it financially solid.
- Develop engaging and creative programs and earmark appropriate manpower and funds to attract young people active with American Quarter Horses…Digital Oats will be great and I hope those of you who have talked to us about our youth will now help us support this endeavor.
- Fully explore a “for profit” entity that would seek business opportunities outside the AQHA structure…again, we are well underway…Awards and Recognition Concepts debuted this year – you heard about it and our work for outside associations continues to gain traction.
- Through contacts and working with members reach out and attract non-traditional sponsors to AQHA…this remains a challenging environment but I have confidence we will make inroads and attract sponsors who want to reach our members and owners who are loyal to those who support their passion…
- Explore the possibility of returning American Quarter Horse racing to parts of the northeast…this is a project I will continue with as we seek new opportunities for the world’s fastest horse.
I am pleased that so much was accomplished last year. Throughout this convention you’ve heard about many of these priorities…These weren’t just my personal priorities, they were in concert with what you as committee members and directors had previously established. My goal was just to focus on them and see that progress was made.
I owe a lot to my fellow Executive Committee members…and as I step down as president, I know I am leaving one of the best teams a person could have ever served with. . .
George Phillips…you and Nicole are visible…listening to and helping our members where you can. I know you will both enjoy your time on the Executive Committee, and I hope your travels are productive and rewarding…George Phillips and his wife Nicole.
Johnny Trotter… You’ve challenged us to do better…you’ve been a voice of reason, I look forward to our next adventure together. ..Johnny Trotter and his wife Jana, who is never without a smile or her camera…she is our official historian…and she always lights up the room with her personality. . .
Johne Dobbs…what can I say…you have known me since I was a child, and my summers in Tuscola…and I know it’s been hard for you NOT to call me “Little Peter” in our executive committee meetings…you have been like a mother but more important than anything you and your family have included us as part of your family, and I am grateful for that. You also represent so many of our everyday members with your style, knowledge and kindness…the first mother to become president of AQHA – Johne Dobbs…
Gene – you and Barbara are great ambassadors of the horse and the Association. Your ability to meet people and immediately put them at ease is inspiring…thank you for filling in for me this past summer…your next AQHA President Gene Graves and his wife Barbara…Thank you for all you have done for me.
I also need to recognize one other person who was really supposed to be here this year. I think nearly all of you knew Dick Monahan – one of the greatest people I have ever had the chance to meet. Dick lost his battle to cancer but I can tell you in no uncertain terms that he and Brenda would have ranked among the best presidents and first ladies ever to have served AQHA. I know Dick continues to watch over us, and we are lucky to have Brenda with us here today…Brenda your enthusiasm was always infectious – and we all miss our friend Dick.
Two other family members are here today I’d like to introduce and thank are my favorite cousin Dana, and Carmen’s sister Dawn.
A few other people I need to recognize are people who gave me confidence and instilled their trust in me by helping me make it to where I am today. . .
Jim Barton…shortly I will join you as a past president from “our neck of the woods.” Thank you for believing in me and reaching out to me when you thought I was ready to be part of AQHA’s Executive Committee. You and Doris will always be very special people in my life. . .
…And while she hasn’t been here the last few years but she was always a champion of the horse…a champion of this Association…and she championed me by telling me for many, many years that she truly believed I could become President of AQHA. I’m speaking of OUR friend Mildred Janowitz. She will forever be one of the most influential supporters I have known and I know it has been sad to her that she hasn’t been able to be active with AQHA these past few years…
Lastly, Merle Wood… Like many of you, especially those who grew up through AQHA, Merle touched my life in profound ways. He was on the Youth Activities Committee when I was President of AJQHA and like Mildred, he encouraged me and supported me in ways that only Merle could.
Well, as I become a Past President, many people have asked me what I plan on doing? I can tell you that I plan on doing a lot of the same things I have always done, I know you’ll be seeing me around – and I can also tell you that my family and I are looking forward to showing more regularly now that my time on the executive committee has come to a close. It is something we have missed over these last few years. .
I would also like to recognize a guy who has been part of our family for 26 years. In my opinion he is one of the best horseman in the industry, he epitomizes the word professional, you met his daughter earlier, Jeffrey Pait and his wife Bronwyn, we have traveled many miles together, thank you for all you do for us, I love you both.
I would also like to thank Chris Thompson who has helped us for many years, I truly appreciate her kindness, and ability. We have had a lot of good times, especially the couple years I ventured into the pleasure driving. She got all my children started in a saddle and is one of the prettiest people I know – inside and out.
Of course, I also want to thank the staff at AQHA – many of whom – past and present – have become close friends to Carmen and I. I know you’ve heard it before, but your staff at AQHA works hard and they care about our Association. They are dedicated and want to do well, and I appreciate each of them and cherish the friends in Amarillo that I have made. I especially want to thank Don Treadway and his wife Robbyn. Don has had a busy run since becoming AQHA’s Executive Vice President and he has handled this challenge and steered AQHA well as we move through this decade.
Don, thank you – and Robbyn thank you for your hospitality and grace…and for allowing me to ransack your kitchen in January for a dinner and an evening that was unforgettable!
To says it’s been a great ride is an understatement…
I’ve saved thanking a very special person in my life to the end, and I think all of you know who I’m talking about. She is the matriarch of our family and has held us together through the best of times…and through the worst of times…it’s been said that no influence is so powerful as that of the mother…and each day of my adult life, my mother continues to influence me, the direction I take and the decisions I make…she has passed on her love of this industry to me and her grandchildren…because of the love of a mother, I am a better and more fortunate man…I’d like to ask my mother, Peggy to please stand and be recognized…
As I recently said, it’s still strange to me to think I have served as President of AQHA. If you look at my life, you might have thought horses weren’t meant to be a part of it…It’s not exactly like New Jersey is in the heart of American Quarter Horse country…and it can certainly be said that the concrete jungle of Paterson, New Jersey, where I was originally from, is a long, long way from the rolling pastures and sprawling ranches that many people think of when they think of this solidly western breed of horse…
Just like my friends in New Jersey, you cared enough to support a guy like me…and you ride – or lead – a horse like the American Quarter Horse…we are all part an industry and lifestyle that is unlike any other …Yes, I am blessed – and so are each of you in this room today!
…A talk about dreams and wishes…passion and inspiration…wouldn’t be complete without telling you what at an amazing corner we’re turning in our Association and in our world…how incredible a time it is when a movie about a horse…tested by battle…and touched by kindness… would be nominated for the motion picture world’s most prestigious award – Best Picture…
…it just underscores that the power of a horse – even today as we become more urban than ever– has the ability to touch us all in ways we could never imagine…proving still today that hope survives..!
ROLL VIDEO CLIP Montage of War Horse
I hope you’ll go out, enjoy your American Quarter Horses, and I hope to get to see more of you – my friends – as I find a little extra time to spend with my horses.
Without dreams, life would be dull and hopeless…without dreams and without passion, we might never “get off the ground…” and the best parts in life are those times when we do take flight, reach our goals, and our wishes surprise us by coming true…
. . .thank you for all you have done for me…
