American Ranch Horse Association World Show Begins Today

Photo by Cool Shot! Photography

More than 500 horses and 3,600 entries are expected to pack the fifth annual American Ranch Horse Association World Show, to be held at Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tenn., June 22 to 27, 2009. Approximately $48,000 in awards is up for grabs, including cash awards, tack, equipment and trophy buckles. High-point champions in the three divisions—Open, Amateur and Youth—win a saddle from Reinsman and a custom Lone Star Silversmith trophy buckle; high-point reserve winners will receive a headstall from Reinsman and a custom Lone Star Silversmith buckle.

All ARHA-registered horses are eligible to compete in the 104 cattle work, performance and conformation classes at the World Show. The deadline for pre-entries and stall reservations is May 22.
 
New at the competition this year is a Select Ranch Riding class for riders 50 and older. The ARHA 3-Year-Old Ranch Horse Challenge carries a $1,000 added bonus, and the Ranch Riding and Reining Sweepstakes classes have a payback of 50 percent of entries plus $300; winners also receive a Cruisin’ Cooler from Tub’s Tack.
 
The ARHA Ranch Horse Versatility competition will be offered for Open, Amateur and Youth exhibitors who enter five classes: Conformation, Ranch Riding, Trail, Working Ranch Horse and Ranch Cutting. Each division winner will receive a custom Lone Star Silversmith trophy buckle and a show pad from Diamond Wool Saddle Pads; reserve winners will receive a custom Lone Star Silversmith buckle.
 
World Show judges are David Terrell, of Millington, Tenn.; Gene Ray Stewart, of Owenton, Ky.; Curt Summers, of Litchfield, Ill.; and Dennis Brown, of Booneville, Ind. Show sponsors include Co-Op, Reinsman, Segundo Insurance, Classic Equine, Rattler, Classic Ropes, Neogen, Diamond Wool Saddle Pads, Hoofbeats magazine, Tub’s Tack, Hallway Feeds, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Lazy K Farms and Lone Star Silversmith.
 
Spectators are welcome at the ARHA World Show at no charge. Activities for all to enjoy include the Western Trade Show with tack, art, clothing, trailers and more, plus social events each day, including an ice cream social sponsored by the Missouri Ranch Horse Association, a BBQ reception sponsored by the Volunteer Ranch Horse Association, a Get-Together Party sponsored by Kentucky-Tennessee Ranch Horse Association, a pizza party sponsored by Playguns Travelena, and a pancake breakfast and corn hole tournament sponsored by the South Kentucky Ranch Horse Association.
 
For youth, there will be a calf scramble with a $50 savings bond prize, dummy roping with rope bags and ropes given to winners in both age divisions, and a Dog N Suds Party sponsored by the Indiana Ranch Horse Association. Tickets to win a Quarter Horse filly donated by Lost Creek Cattle Company are available from now until June 26; the $10 donation supports the Youth Scholarship Fund.
 
Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes the abilities of the all-around versatile working horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year.
 
For more information about the ARHA World Show, visit www.americanranchhorse.net.