Amarillo, Texas, May 12, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Association’s Regional Experience season kicked off May 4-7 with the Region Eight Experience in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Region Eight, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico, drew more than 850 entries, up about 100 from last year. Despite heavy rainfall, more than 274 participants competed in 126 AQHA-approved classes.

Exhibitors throughout Region Eight enjoyed competing, learning and simply having fun with their American Quarter Horses.
“I really enjoyed my Region Eight Experience,” wrote Kay Burleson of Anadarko, Oklahoma. “The people and competitors were friendly and we had so much fun! We have been a part of AQHA for more than 40 years, thanks again for all the memories!”

A highlight of this year’s event was the educational clinics and seminars put on by AQHA clinician Curt Pate of Helena, Montana. Attendees learned firsthand how to start young horses while developing a better relationship with their animals. Pate demonstrated how to become a partner with your horse, maximizing training techniques to develop a well-trained horse. “Great advice,” said one person who attended Pate’s clinic. “Mr. Pate provides usable methods and suggestions.”
In addition to Pate’s clinics, showmanship and western pleasure clinics with Dan Trein were completely full! “Attending Dan Trein’s clinic made an absolute difference in my performance today. I appreciate AQHA for providing this opportunity on a local level,” one attendee said.

On Saturday, Region Eight volunteers assisted more than 75 people with their very first ride on an American Quarter Horse during the free Nutrena Test Ride.
During the Region Eight Experience, participants took advantage of the AQHA on-site services including registering and transferring American Quarter Horses as well as renewing memberships and Journal subscriptions.

Several attendees were winners of AQHA Corporate Partner giveaways. The lucky people are:

• Jennifer Goss from Tulsa, Oklahoma: GETAWAY TO 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW AND JOHN DEERE GATOR FINALIST

• Richard Arellano from Norman, Oklahoma: JUSTIN BOOTS

• Andrea Sprague from Tahlequah, Oklahoma: FORT DODGE INNOVATOR VESTS

• Kathy Tam from Jenks, Oklahoma: FORT DODGE INNOVATOR VESTS

• Barbara Brown from Catoosa, Oklahoma: FARNAM GIFT BASKET

This year’s Region Eight Markel Insurance All-Around Winners, receiving a Tex Tan western saddle are:

• NOVICE YOUTH: Smooth Inclination shown by Alyssa F. Hinchman

• YOUTH: Crystal Coyote shown by Kelsey Ketner

• NOVICE AMATEUR: Sterling Version shown by Dan Yeager

• AMATEUR: Mr Mito Step shown by Paige Nicole Jatzlan

• SELECT AMATEUR: Skip Town Tommy shown by Kathy Solomon

• OPEN: A Rare Reference owned by Greg and Christine Weaver

Read all about the Region Eight Experience by visiting http://www.aqha.com/association/experience/eight.html. Call AQHA at (806) 376-4888 for questions regarding the Region Eight Experience.

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