MAY 1997 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 5/1/97; 10:00:00 AM.

Appaloosa Excellence to Celebrate 50 Golden Years

The weather isn't the only thing that is going to be hot as Appaloosas from all over the world converge at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 30 - July 12, 1997. This year's 50th National Appaloosa Horse Show will showcase some of the breeds hottest competitors.

Over 1,100 Appaloosa horses will compete for National titles in over 200 Open, Youth, and Non-Pro classes. From Halter and Games to Hunter Jumper and Western Pleasure, the action-packed 13 day show will offer something for every one of the 5,000-6,000 Appaloosa enthusiasts expected to attend.

The first seven days of the 50th National Appaloosa Show are dedicated to the 33rd National Youth Show. Because of the Appaloosa's versatility, 1,700 youth entrants will compete for champion honors in an average of four different events. Even the youngest riders travel to Oklahoma City to compete in the leadline and walk/trot events. Additional activities at the youth show include: stall decoration contest, little buckaroo dummy roping contest, and youth horse judging. The grand finale for the week is the awards presentation set to spotlights, music and roses to celebrate the youth high-point winners and champions. To kick off the weekend, a parade of the youth tournament teams takes place and is followed by the crowning of Miss Appaloosa America, the official traveling ambassador and representative for the breed.

The Open and Non-Pro competition completes the 2 week schedule and features a wide range of classes including Team Penning and Heritage. Also the Appaloosa is the only breed that runs speed events such as Barrel Racing as horse against horse horse contests rather than against the clock. Spectators especially enjoy watching these exciting classes that test the horse's speed and agility.

Aside from the arena, trade show vendors from across the country are ready to offer a diverse collection of western jewelry, clothing, tack, art, and accessories during the entire 13 day show. For those interested in buying an Appaloosa, the show will again include the National Appaloosa Sale. Quality broodmares, performance champions and prospects will sell before a capacity crowd. Last year's sale was a success with over 77 horses passing through the sals ring bringing an average price of ^$2,771 for horses sold.

The National Appaloosa Horse Show is the nation's oldest single breed championship event in the country. It was first held in 1948 in Lewiston, Idaho. The National Show will return to Oklahoma City through 1997 adding an estimated 5.3 million dollars to the city per year.

The Appaloosa Horse Club boasts 27,000 members in the United States and worldwide, with over 590,000 registered Appaloosas since the ApHC's founding in 1938. The club approves about 800 regional shows and 600 races annually, and will sponsor four trail rides across the United States this year.

The Appaloosa Journal is the official publication of the ApHC and is an award-winning, monthly publication dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the Appaloosa horse.

Exhibitors and spectators will not want to miss this year's 50th National Appaloosa Horse Show. Deadline for entries is May 20, 1997. Please contact the Appaloosa Horse Club Show Department at 208-882-5578 for more information.