American Quarter Horse Association World Championship

Oklahoma City opens it doors to the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship for the 34th year. The event begins November 6 at the Jim Norrick Arena on the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds and runs through November 21.
More than 2,000 horses will compete in Amateur and Open events including halter, roping, cutting, Western pleasure, jumping, team penning, and more.

The event pays back more than $2.5 million in money and prizes, with the top honor of “Superhorse” going to the horse who wins the most points in three different categories.

The 2008 Featherlite Superhorse award went to Roo Star, who beat out a field of more than 50 contenders. Roo Star, the World Champion heading horse, also received points in performance halter, heeling, and reining and working
cow horse.

The Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce estimates that this event brings more than $30 million into the city’s economy each year.

“The World Show is the cornerstone of our equestrian schedule,” says Steve Collier, Vice President of Marquee Event Development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. “The Quarter Horse people have been very good to shop in our stores and eat in our restaurants. The people of the city welcome them to town!”

Collier estimates that each horse comes with an entourage of 3.5 people, from trainers and participants to spectators. In answer to this and other large equine shows, the fairgrounds recently underwent a $55 million renovation.

“It’s a truly state-of-the-art facility,” Collier says.

All events are open to the public. Finals of performance classes begin with Amateur Speed Events on November 7. A complete working schedule (which is subject to change until the week of the show) can be found at AQHA.com.

Visitors to Oklahoma City can find out where to stay, things to do and places to eat by visiting www.okccvb.org.

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