Past AQHA President Peter J Cofrancesco III, of Sparta, New Jersey, is glad to be back in the show arena at the 2012 AQHA World Show after a four year hiatus. Due to his commitments on the AQHA Executive Committee, Cofrancesco put his love for showing on hold to give back to an organization that has given his family so many opportunities and lasting memories.
“It’s great to be back showing,” Peter told GoHorseShow right after winning his first of two 2012 World Championship titles. “The last four years serving on the AQHA Executive Committee was a fantastic opportunity which I enjoyed very much, but I did miss the competition and the horses.”
Cofrancesco’s triumphant return to the show pen was with Inspirado, a homebred three year-old stallion. “Domenick” is by De Renzo and out of one of his favorite mares, Congress Open and Amateur Grand Champion mare and World Champion, MBJ Mini Obvious.
“I showed his mother to a World and Congress Championship during her show career, and this was her last foal,” Peter fondly says. “Domenick is beautiful and takes your breath away when he walks into the arena. He was born and raised at our farm, and we knew he was special from the day he was born. Amazingly, he never spent a night in the barn until April of this year.”
Cofrancesco adds, “We always knew we would keep Domenick (pictured left) until my commitment to AQHA was finished, and I am glad that I was finally able to show him and win a World Championship. It is always more special to win a World Championship with a horse my family bred and raised.”
Peter followed up his first win with another World Championship title in the Amateur Three Year-Old mares. This time he led
another homebred named Virtues. The multiple AQHA World Champion is by A Radiant Image and out of Sheza
Virtuous Lady, both horses whom Cofrancesco won World Championship titles with.
It was also fitting for Peter to have the privilege of accepting his championship trophy from current AQHA President Gene Graves. Graves took over the reins as President from Cofrancesco at the AQHA Convention that was held in Las Vegas earlier this year.
“It was a honor to accept my award from such a great friend and someone I have so much respect and admiration for,” Peter says. “Our President, Gene Graves, is a truly wonderful man whom I had the pleasure of serving with for several years and I love both him and his wife, Barbara.”
The Cofrancesco family has also made some recent changes. Legendary halter trainer, Ted Turner, will be showing and fitting the Cofrancesco family’s halter horses.
“Ted epitomizes the word professional!” Cofrancesco states. “He has been a very close family friend, whom I have known all of my life. My horses look great and I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with him. I look forward to the future.”
Though, Peter does have one slight issue with Turner. “I am not sure I look good in orange–I may have to continue wearing green, maybe with a splash of orange!” Peter says and laughs. (Cofrancesco and Turner are each known for their signature barn colors–green and orange, respectively.)
Cofrancesco would like to thank his mother, Peggy, his wife, Carmen, and the rest of his family for all of their help and support. “I appreciate them holding down the fort at home and dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy while I am in Oklahoma City,” Peter says, who recently just had power restored at his home in New Jersey. “I know they wish they could have all been here, but they were able to watch the webcast. I know they were happy to see me back in the show arena.”
