The 64th National Appaloosa Show and Youth World Championships included a few bonus opportunities such as the revival of a youth “champion of champions” competition, five sweepstakes classes with extra cash and prizes on the line and the inaugural Appaloosa National feature race at the adjacent Fair Meadows track. With an expanded trade show, a splashing good time at the water park for youth exhibitors and even an egg toss contest, the entertainment meter rose considerably.

We were delighted with all aspects of the show and we heard lots of positive comments from our exhibitors. There’s always something special about everyone working together to provide a proper stage for our great breed.

Today’s classes include Youth Hunter in Hand, stake races, Hunt Seat Equitation (the Novice clas had 70 pre-entries, so we know that one will be big) and Hunter Hack.

No matter where you are, it’s worth taking a minute to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and the wise and brave people who have made, and continue to make, them possible.

It’s a busy Saturday as most of the trade show vendors are moving in and finishing the set-up process. Horses are getting used to their temporary homes and exhibitors, especially the youth, are putting in some riding and practice time. Some of us are just happy that the ice cream stand is open for business!

Numbers are looking good. We may have mentioned somewhere that pre-entries for the youth, non-pro and open shows combined were 17% above last year. We’re also glad to report that three of our barns are sporting brand new stalls. The facility is ready to go and so are we. Stay tuned for updates.

For those of you on our email list, you’ll be getting more details. We can announce that we’ve been able to add an extra move-in day (Friday 7/1). You’ll have access to stalls, but not the indoor arenas.

Another reminder: you can check your entries online and find all the other information you should need. And, in case you hadn’t heard, we will be accepting post entries at $25 per class (as opposed to the 1 1/2 fee) and late stall fee of an additional $25.

And since we know you like to plan ahead, we want to remind you to make your room reservations by May 31 in order to get the best available rates. Visit www.appaloosa.com and click on the National Show link. You can find the Tulsa CVB housing bureau link and book your rooms on-line or by fax. Don’t forget that you must provide proof of lodging accommodations in order to pick up your exhibitor packet when you arrive at the show!

The Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau has offered a financial incentive package to assist the ApHC with costs associated with producing the show in Tulsa. In order to sustain their level of financial support, we must certify the number of hotel rooms used in the city during the show. The housing bureau that is staffed by the Tulsa CVB can not only help show attendees select hotels and book rooms during the show but will track hotel room usage in order to sustain the financial support they offer. That’s why it’s important to let them do the work for you!

And most importantly, incentive money offered by the host city helps the ApHC pay show-related costs, and helps avoid passing some of those costs on to exhibitors.

We have a wide variety of properties that offer rates starting at $49.99 per night and an impressive array of ammenities and award programs too! But to receive these great rates, you have to book through the housing bureau on the ApHC web site.

Click the link on the National Show page to review available hotel options in Tulsa. There’s sure to be one that will meet your needs! For best rates, book by May 31!

For more information about the 2011 National/World Youth Show please contact the ApHC at (208) 882-5578 or visit us online at www.appaloosa.com

The premium book, all entry forms and current information on the show can all be accessed from the ApHC Web site. It’s your best source for up-to-date information on the show! If you haven’t received your premium book yet, please go to www.appaloosa.com and click on the National Show logo on the front page to access all show information and download the forms you need.

Don’t forget, non-pro and youth exhibitors may enter 9 classes at regular price and may enter a 10th class for FREE! This option is available for pre-entries only! Non-pro and youth exhibitors may take advantage of this special regardless of the number of different horses they exhibit as it is based solely on the number of classes in which that non-pro or youth exhibitor enters. Entries for multiple horses MUST BE RECEIVED TOGETHER in order to credit the exhibitor for the free class. Once entries have been received, classes can not be substituted, scratched, added or changed in order to qualify for a class. After the pre-entry deadline, regular post-entry processes and fees apply to any changes or added classes. Equipment, cattle and NSBA charges must still be paid on all classes even if these are assessed in the class in which the non-pro or youth exhibitor does not have to pay the entry fee.

Stall reservations and payment must be received in the ApHC office on or before May 24th to request a preferred location.

You don’t want to miss this show! We have a great line-up of classes, sweepstakes events, youth activities and special performances that will make this an event to remember!

What are you waiting for? Download entry forms and stall reservation forms online at www.appaloosa.com by clicking on the National Show icon at the bottom of the page. Or, contact the ApHC Performance Department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 400 for more information.

See you in Tulsa!

Other forms include the advance bedding order and stall reservation form. And, of course, entry forms for ApHC open and youth classes, cutting and reining association classes, sweepstakes and NSBA. And, oh yes, the entire Premimum Book is also available for online viewing.

The first place winners of the following classes will be invited to compete in the Champion of Champions competition: bareback horsemanship (13 & under, 14-18), western horsemanship (12 & under, 13-15, 16-18), hunt seat equitation (12 & under, 13-15, 16-18) and saddle seat equitation (18 & under).

Contestants will have a maximum of 3 minutes to complete their self-designed pattern to music.
Judges will score maneuvers, degree of difficulty and artistic impression. Spectators get to participate by showing their appreciation and an applause meter score will be given to each exhibitor. All that added together determines the winner!

Awesome awards will be given to the overall winner and are sponsored by The Behind the Barn Gang!

See the premium book, Appaloosa Journal and www.appaloosa.com for more information!
Start practicing! We’d love to see you there.