“The Invitational has a serious purpose behind it. We hope to produce a Finals worthy of the National PHA name. Our hope is to give members of local chapters a competition of a national caliber and whose proceeds will help fund educational scholarships, help needy horsemen and foster interest in our industry. We are already grateful to the competitors, trainers, sponsors, board and volunteers that have donated time and expertise to launch this event,” said Jody Moraski, National PHA.
“We're really excited to work with PHA to present this event, and doubly excited to know it has the support and involvement of the IHSA,” said Tim Cleary, Department Chair of Equine Studies at Centenary College. At the 41st annual IHSA National Horse Show last May in Harrisburg, PA, under IHSA coaches Michael Dowling and Heather Clark, Centenary College won its third Collegiate Cup High Point Hunter Seat Team Championship in six years (2009, 2011, 2014).
The First Annual National PHA Invitational will feature Medal classes for Pony, 2'6” Children's and Adult, 3' Children's and Adult, and 3'6” Junior PHA Medal Finals; Jumper classes from 2'6” to 3'6”; and Hunter classes/division including 2'6” Low/Pre-Children's Hunter Horse and Low Adult Hunter Horse, Children's Hunter and Adult Amateur Hunter, Small/Medium Children's Pony Hunter and Large Children's Pony Hunter.
About PHA
The Professional Horsemen's Association of America, Inc., otherwise known as the PHA, is a self-contained benevolent organization founded in Watertown, CT in 1936. As of 2014, PHA consists of 15 chapters throughout the U.S. with more than 900 professional members.