The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 3, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show is coming to State Fair Park in Oklahoma City November 6-21. There are 94 world championships up for grabs as American Quarter Horses from across the country and the world come to compete. With all the exciting competition also come some special events and demonstrations you won’t want to miss!

The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, an AQHA alliance partner, will present a demonstration on Saturday, November 7, during the evening finals that begin at 6 p.m. You can experience the excitement of this growing event as riders gallop their American Quarter Horses through a pattern while shooting at targets.

For the third year, AQHA is honoring cancer survivors with Saddle Up For Life. On Friday, November 13, all spectators and exhibitors are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. A survivor ride will take place during the evening finals to pay tribute to those who have fought the cancer battle and won. Anyone interested in participating in the ride should sign up at Shorty’s Caboy Hattery booth in the trade show.

Bring your favorite – or most obnoxious – Hawaiian shirt for a luau on November 14. The American Quarter Horse Journal and Brown Printing Co. are hosting a barn party! Food, live music and camaraderie will be in the Super Barn from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Dress for the theme, and see if you can win the wildest Hawaiian shirt contest.

Two trade show receptions will be held during the show. AQHA Members Plus is hosting a reception on Friday, November 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Cox Pavilion. Tractor Supply Co. and Nutrena are teaming up to host a reception in the Travel & Transportation building on Friday, November 20 from 5-6:30 p.m.

New to the World Show in 2009 is the Built Ford Tough Club. Located inside State Fair Arena in section 300, the club has a great view above the entrance alleyway into the coliseum. The Built Ford Tough Club will have a cash bar with light hors d’oeuvres available each evening. Access to the club is by membership only. A one-week membership can be purchased for $50; this membership is in addition to tickets and badges for the show. Space is limited, so purchase your membership early at the AQHA booth, horse show office or media office.

The World Show will pay tribute to the World Equestrian Games, which is coming to America for the first time in 2010. During the evening finals on November 20, AQHA will salute the Games by showcasing the eight disciplines included in competition. World Show spectators and exhibitors also will have the opportunity to win two free event tickets to see American Quarter Horses compete in reining at the Games, which will take place next fall at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park. AQHA is the Official Reining Breed Sponsor of WEG.

The 2009 World Show is set to be a memorable time with tough competition as well as fun and exciting special events. Be sure to purchase a World Show program at the show so you’ll know all about what’s happening and have a chance to win great prizes. New this year, the World Show program will feature working orders for all preliminary classes and halter finals. Also, visit www.aqha.com for more information, news and updates.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.