Mark Harrell Horse Shows Takes Over Florida!
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by Loren Hitchcock
If you’re active in the horse industry and enjoy competing at some of the nation’s largest breed circuits, chances are you’ve attended a show put on by the team at Mark Harrell Horse Shows, which routinely handles more than 100,000 AQHA entries annually.
The MHHS team is comprised of six people with Mark Harrell at the helm as show manager, whose duties include running the gate and always providing a friendly face or word of encouragement to the exhibitors. Harrell’s partner, David Pardue, is always busy handling schedule conflicts, ring assignments, and many of the pre-show details in addition to serving as the show secretary. His mother, Julie Pardue, assists with show secretarial duties and accounting. Peggy Gander, in addition to her show secretary responsibilities, is an accomplished horse photographer. Kathy Avolt serves as the primary announcer and figures circuit and high point awards, handles pre-show prep including showbills and promotions, and follows up with results and a review of the show. Rounding out the team is Mark and David’s 7 year-old son, Michael David, or Mikey as he is affectionately called.
The MHHS show schedule is expansive. The team covers events all along the eastern seaboard that span to the central part of the country. Several of the country’s most successful shows are included in Harrell’s yearly schedule: the March to the Arch, SOQHA Madness, and Stars N Stripes and Big A shows. Most recently, in addition to the shows in Venice, Florida at the beginning of the year, Harrell’s team has added the Florida Gold Coast and Florida Gulf Coast.
“We were really excited to add these shows in addition to the show in Venice,” Harrell says. “Now, exhibitors have several destination horse shows in Florida. There is no better place to show in the winter than in Florida. Both of the facilities in Tampa and Venice are amazing. Exhibitors who stay for all three shows will have the opportunity to show to 18 judges.” Exhibitors can now take advantage of lower flat rates for the show. Florida Gold Coast and Florida Gulf Coast both have a flat rate of $599, which includes AQHA class fees and one stall for exhibitors showing in all-around events. The Venice show will have a flat rate of $649 for the ten days of the show. “We wanted to make the all-around the way it used to be. We want exhibitors to think it’s worth it to show in the all-around classes.” These rates average to roughly $100 per judge with the stall included. This is nearly unheard of in the industry.
When the exhibitors move to Venice, they will be offered a Trail Derby and a selection of Hunter Derbies, including the Hunter Final on January 7th. A draw party and welcome party for all will be held on January 6th. All three circuits are pleased to announce that Tim “The Trail Man” Kimura will be designing and managing all of the Trail classes during the shows. Prizes are always an exciting part of any horse show, and for the Florida events, Harrell’s team will be delivering. The show committees are finalizing awards but Mark Harrell Horse Shows is pleased to announce that each show will award prizes deeper than in past. The Florida Quarter Horse Association has been very helpful and very involved in our meetings. At the Fun in the Sun show, the committee is working towards nearly $50,000 in cash and prizes. Last year, exhibitors were pleased to receive their prize money as they were exiting the arena. Exhibitors don’t have to wait six months to get a check. All three organizing committees have been working cohesively to make this the must-attend event of the year. Circuit awards will also be given away for the Champion and Reserve Champions who show to all applicable judges. “Also, we want to thank all of the sponsors for their help. Sponsorships are still available, and we have different levels with different perks for anyone interested in becoming a sponsor,” Harrell says.
Previously, the show schedules interfered with many families ability to enjoy the holidays at home. This year, the Florida Gold Coast will not start until Monday December 28th. Also, in the past, New Year’s Day was a show day. However, this year, exhibitors and their families can also take part in the Exhibitors’ Party on New Year’s Eve, which is being sponsored by Florida Gold Coast and then enjoy an off day before starting the Florida Gulf Coast on January 2nd. The schedules have been created to allow everyone to plan for a few days off throughout the show to enjoy some of the other attractions Florida has to offer such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens, or Islands of Adventure along with great beaches and dining. “I think it’s important that people have a break. It gives them an opportunity to explore other things around the show,” Harrell says. Fox Lea Farm’s Winter Circuit will end on a Saturday allowing exhibitors Sunday and Monday, January 18th (the Martin Luther King Holiday) as travel days before having to return to work or school.
If you would like additional information about any of the Florida shows mentioned in this article, please visit Mark Harrell Horse Shows website at www.markharrellhorseshows.com. We’ll see you in Florida!
