The Keystone Showdown, AQHA’s 2014 and 2015 #1 Novice Show in the nation, was recently held June 15th to 19th in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. It is not just the number one novice show, this year it also had very large class sizes in the amateur, youth and open divisions. The Keystone Showdown, managed again this year by Craig Furguson, awarded over $40,000 in prizes and cash and offered five sets of points over four days and a flat rate fee for each judge.
“The show was huge!” says Amateur Ali Grusha, who contributed the candids for GoHorseShow from the show. “Most of the showmanship classes had over 30 entries and a lot of the rail classes were split. They had doggie trail, shankless showmanship and bridleless western pleasure Calcuttas, The Mike Whitmore Memorial Walk Trot class, and a great exhibitor dinner. The weather was great and the staff kept this large show moving along wonderfully. Lastly, the awards were beautiful. The high point winner received gorgeous trophies.”
Debbie Meltabarger Daughtery who shows in the Select Amateur Western Pleasure adds, “It was a fun show. They had a grab bag in at least two halter classes with money and gift certificates. They had a saddle give away Thursday night which I happened to win! It’s a beautiful facility with indoor and outdoor pens.”
The show gave away a flat screen television, 20X felt hat and added $500 in both the open trail shootout and the non-pro. “People came from everywhere and were so nice,” Daughtery states. “The Novice Amateur Western Pleasure had 37 one day. I loved the big classes, friendly people, nice facilities, good weather, and soft serve ice cream with pineapple toppings.”
The judges for the show included Bob Johnson, Jeff Greaves, Liz Baker, Beckey Schooler, Karen Watters, and Marilyn Randall.
CLICK HERE to view the candids taken by Ali Grusha Photography and sponsored by The Rock Stallion
