The Upper Peninsula Quarter Horse Association believes that horse shows are supposed to be fun! This past weekend wrapped up the final set of the Summerfest Series in Escanaba, Michigan. The show offered eight judges with weekend flat fees and all-around awards, circuit champion awards and random prizes.
On top of running a great horse show, the UPQHA hosted multiple exhibitor parties and events including dog races, a groom showmanship jackpot class, a bean bag tournament and a drawing for a Roth Show Halter. There was also an ice cream social sponsored by Superior Quarter Horses and a ‘Booyah’ exhibitor party hosted by New Era (booyah is a type of soup). Escanaba offers an array of superb restaurants to enjoy after a fun day of showing, a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan to relax and a fun park to mini golf or go-cart race! It was no surprise the official hash tag of the horse show quickly became #iloveescanaba.
“The Upper Peninsula Quarter Horse Association’s Summerfest Series is one of the best shows I have worked with,” Janelle Rymer, the show manager says. “We may not be the biggest show, but we definitely are the most fun and welcoming. Our exhibitors comment that coming to the show is like a vacation with a horse show. With the setting in beautiful Escanaba, Michigan, it’s easy to see why.”
Rymer continues, “The facility continues to make improvements, recently replacing footing in the indoor and the outdoor arenas. Many exhibitors commented that this is the best footing they have shown in all year. Our goal is to make the show low stress, so people can actually enjoy showing, and new exhibitors do not feel inhibited by coming and showing. I do believe we have accomplished that. When our exhibitors comment, ‘this is the best show we have been to all year’, we know we have succeeded in that goal. But for me, the best part is to see the camaraderie between all the exhibitors and the friendships being made and strengthened.”
Rymer adds, “The show offers a lot of different functions where this is able to happen. People really feel a part of the group, evidenced by people ready and willing to help with whatever needs to be done and participating in the functions after the show day. If you haven’t joined us in the U.P., you should. We know you will not be disappointed. I do caution you, though, once you come, you will be hooked!”
UPQHA’s Treasurer and exhibitor Gayle Lampinen says, “UPQHA’s goal is to promote the American Quarter Horse by holding shows for all exhibitors and especially promoting classes for Rookie and Novice exhibitors.”
Zoe Miller, the UPQHA’s Secretary brings her clients every year, “There is a unique camaraderie in Escanaba that doesn’t exist at other shows. Everyone there wants to see these last AQHA shows in the U.P. succeed and stay in the U.P. Both the serious competitor and the newcomer have a place in the pen. It is a smaller show that gets over early enough in the day to allow everyone to socialize. We never fail to have lots of fun at Summerfest!”
View the candids here provided by UPQHA and Paige Cavadeas and sponsored by The Rock Stallion. For more information on the UPQHA check out their website at www.upqha.net.
