2007 AQHA World Show Begins

J.B. Rutherford rode Holidoc Mate to the 2006 world championship title in amateur cutting.

The American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show, which runs Nov. 2 – 17 at the recently renovated State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, is the richest in history with more than $2.6 million in cash and prizes awaiting competitors from 48 states and six countries.

This year, there are more than 3,300 entries and more than 2,000 horses competing at the event. Combined entries total 3,303 for the show, compared to 2,817 last year. The classes featuring the biggest purses this year are: ranch sorting at $89,748; senior cutting at $81,717; 2-year-old western pleasure at $66,991; junior cutting at $65,901; and senior heeling at $59,716.

Two new competitions have been added to the 2007 World Show: open and amateur divisions of performance halter and ranch sorting. In the amateur ranch sorting, 98 American Quarter Horse, or 49 teams, will be competing. In open ranch sorting, 158 American Quarter Horses, or 79 teams, entered.

In addition to seeing the best American Quarter Horses compete for world championships, there will be plenty of other activities at the World Show. The Team Wrangler Showdown takes place Nov. 14 – 17 during evening performances. Team Wrangler members will compete in a head-to-head competition in classes that aren’t the member’s specialty. These Professional Horsemen will show that good horsemanship skills can payoff whether you’re a roper competing in hunter hack or a halter exhibitor showing in western riding.

This year, the World Show also wants to bring awareness about breast cancer research, patient care and preventative measures. Saddle Up for the Cure is a day-long celebration of life and hope at the World Show. On Nov. 17, exhibitors, owners and spectators are encouraged to wear pink. During that evening’s final performance, there will be a tribute to cancer survivors and horses. Proceeds will benefit the University of Oklahoma Cancer Institute and the Oklahoma State Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. 

The complete AQHA World Championship Show schedule with working orders can be found at the AQHA website.