Nearly 800 Appaloosas traveled to Jackson,
Miss. to compete for prestigious titles in the 61st National
Appaloosa Show and the World Championship Youth Show that
began June 23 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.
Hundreds of exhibitors and their Appaloosas competed throughout
the 13-day event in 221 classes; all of which allowed the
participants and their horses to demonstrate the excellent
disposition and versatility of the Appaloosa breed.
Exhibitors had the opportunity to compete in three different
divisions—Youth, Non-Pro and Open—and earn points for themselves
or their Appaloosas. Depending upon the class, exhibitors
and their horses were judged on specific criteria including
color, agility, conformation and ability.
The 61st National Appaloosa Show and the World Championship
Youth Show had a combined number of 2,949 entries.
Though the competition was exciting, there were also plenty
of activities to keep exhibitors, friends and family entertained.
The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls entertained the masses throughout
Youth week with their trick roping seminars and at their trick
riding exhibitions. Young local talent, Callaway, performed
a concert featuring cover songs of her favorite artists and
her own pieces.
National Appaloosa Show competitors and attendees were treated
to a catfish fry and enjoyed the musical stylings of blues
singer Grady Champion.
The Appaloosa Horse Club and its exhibitors appreciated the
hospitality extended by Mississippi, and we look forward to
returning year! Now the ApHC, exhibitors and their Appaloosas
are already preparing for the esteemed World Championship
Appaloosa Show that will take place Oct. 24-Nov. 1 in Fort
Worth, Texas.
For more information regarding the 61st National Appaloosa
Show and the 2008 World Championship Youth Show, please contact
the Appaloosa Horse Club’s Performance Department at (208)
882-5578 ext. 400 or visit www.appaloosa.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with
a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa
breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas,
which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence
and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely
versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline,
including racing, endurance riding or serving as reliable
family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered
in Moscow, Idaho; the heart of the Palouse region, the Appaloosa
breed’s namesake and point of origin
