Amarillo, Texas, June 21, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Association’s Region Two Experience June 2-4 in Rapid City, South Dakota, was all about family and fun. The Region Two Experience offered 130 classes, a trade show, educational clinics, test rides, AQHA on-site services and much more.

Region Two, comprising Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alberta and Saskatchewan, saw more than 150 exhibitors during the event.
“The volunteers and workers did a great job and worked very long days,” said Karen Cobb of Bozeman, Montana, who took the reserve title in novice amateur barrel racing. “The prizes my horse won were outstanding. I was thrilled to win the WeatherBeeta blankets, the Justin boots and the Professional’s Choice brush caddy and hay holder. A huge thank you to all the sponsors!”
More than 200 spectators enjoyed Team Wrangler members Teddy Johnson and Mark Wray as well as AQHA Professional Horseman Curt Pate as they conducted clinics covering cutting, roping and colt breaking.

A highlight of this year’s event was the Farnam Social event on June 3 following the competition. Exhibitors enjoyed free barbecue, a freestyle reining, karaoke and dancing.
“Thank you for the great time I had at the Region Two Experience!” said Marlene Voeltz of Howard, South Dakota, who won both amateur and open aged mares. “The AQHA staff did a great job making the show just like a mini-World Championship Show. The prizes were great, and it was plenty of fun. I would highly recommend anyone to go next year.”
During the event, volunteers assisted about 20 people with their very first ride on an American Quarter Horse during the free Nutrena Test Ride.

Participants also 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:
•     Donna Sagin from Swift Current, Saskatchewan: GETAWAY TO 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW AND JOHN DEERE GATOR FINALIST
•     Joan Caussyn from New Underwood, South Dakota: JUSTIN BOOTS

•     Mary Ann Westmon from Rapid City,  South Dakota: FARNAM GIFT BASKET

This year’s Region Two Markel Insurance All-Around Winners, receiving a TexTan western saddle are:

•     NOVICE YOUTH: Cowgirl Echo Cat, shown by Amanda Dikoff
•     YOUTH: Saturday Night Asset, shown by Mollee Wilson
•     NOVICE AMATEUR: Slippin On Smoke, shown by Colleen Fuhrman
•     AMATEUR: Hot Obsession, shown by Tracy Mills
•     SELECT AMATEUR: Just Got Socked, shown by Linda Johnson
•     OPEN: Decks First Winner, shown by Kevin Winter

Read more about the Region Two Experience at aqha.com/association/experience/two.html or call AQHA at (806) 376-4888 for more information on other AQHA Regional Experiences.