SKOWHEGAN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Maine Quarter Horse Association (MeQHA) kicked off it's first horse show of the year with it's Pine Tree Classic today. But this year, things are running a bit differently than they have in the past.
The association normally holds three horse shows a year. One memorial day weekend, fourth of july weekend, and the last show during Labor Day weekend. According to MeQHA President, Lynne Wolf, the association had to cancel it's last two shows for 2012 to save money because a lack of funding and sponsorship. A position several other state Quarter Horse associations find themselves in. "We're not the only club who's struggling, many of them are and have kind of had to rethink how they do things," said Wolfe. "It's challenging, sometimes a little depressing, but it's an opportunity to grow."
In 2009 MeQHA's beginning balance was $18,574.96, compared to their beginning ballance this year of $537.24. The association plans on using this year as a growing year to get that budget back up to a stable number that will allow for it's annual three shows a year, as opposed to just one. Wolfe says that the turn out at this years Pine Tree Classic already gives hope to that possibilty. "It's really good this year," said Wolfe. "We had about 200 stalls booked, and that's way up from last year and the year before."
The Pine Tree Classic will be running it's show untill Monday the 28th at the Skowhegan Fair Grounds. Admission is free for anyone who would like to go watch.
NEWS CENTER