Amarillo, Texas – The American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show will be moving to Oklahoma City beginning in 2008. The announcement was made today by the group’s parent organization, the American Quarter Horse Association.
The first AQHYA World Championship Show was slated for 1971; however, due to an outbreak of Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE) the show was cancelled. It was held in Amarillo, Texas, in 1972 and 1973. In 1974, the Youth World moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it remained until 1991. In 1992, it moved to Fort Worth, where it remains through 2007.

“Youth are a vital part of AQHA’s future and ensuring our top youth competitors have a first-rate facility in which to compete is important to that part of the industry,” said AQHA President Walter Fletcher. “With the improved facilities at State Fair Park and a move to Oklahoma City, we are looking forward to a great new era for the Ford Youth World. As we move on, we also want to thank our friends and fans in Fort Worth who have done a great job of making the show the premier event for youth equine competition in the world.”

The AQHYA World Championship Show is the world’s largest single-breed championship show for youth. It annually attracts more than 900 youth and more than 1,200 horses vying for one of 32 championship titles in 30 classes. In 2006, Ford became title sponsor of the eight-day event, which pumps more than $10 million directly into the host city’s economy. The Ford Youth World annually attracts nearly 32,000 visitors who come to watch the competition, shop the trade show and take part in events surrounding the show.
“Oklahoma City is proud to welcome the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show to town,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. “We have enjoyed a long history with AQHA’s World Championship Show, so it makes perfect sense that the youth show be held here, too. I see this as the beginning of another great relationship.”

“This is an exciting time for us at State Fair Park as we are in the process of building a state-of-the-art, 21st century equine complex that will be second to none,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the board of Oklahoma State Fair Inc.  “It is extremely gratifying to us that AQHA recognizes our vision and is willing to invest in the future with us by bringing this tremendous youth-oriented event to Oklahoma City.”
Under the terms of the agreement with State Fair Park and Oklahoma City, the Ford Youth World will be held in the city for three years (2008-2010) with an option for a two-year renewal (2011-2012).

The American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show, currently underway, has been held in Oklahoma City for 31 consecutive years. The AQHA World Championship Show, which comprises Bank of America Amateur week and FedEx Open week, renewed its contract with Oklahoma City in 2005. Under that agreement, the AQHA World Show will remain in Oklahoma City through 2015. The $2.5 million, 15-day AQHA World Show with nearly 1,300 exhibitors and 1,800 horses pumps $23.6 million into the Oklahoma City economy. Nearly 90,000 spectators will visit during the course of the show.
For additional information on the AQHYA or AQHA World Shows, contact AQHA Senior Director of Marketing Tom Persechino at (806) 378-4359.
This news and information release is provided by The American Quarter Horse Journal, an official business publication of the American Quarter Horse Association.
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Originated: Scheduled for 1971 in Amarillo, Texas (first year’s show cancelled due to Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) outbreak).
Host Locations:
Amarillo, Texas            1972-1973
Tulsa, Oklahoma          1974-1991
Fort Worth, Texas        1992-2007
Oklahoma City              2008-2010 (with two year option)
Economic Impact:                  $10,565,646 direct into economy (based on 2005 study, Grotta Marketing Research)
Number of Days:                   Eight
Number of Classes:               30 (32 titles)
Number of exhibitors:            More than 900
Number of horses:                 More than 1,100
Supplemental events:            Parade of Teams
Awards Banquet
Judging Contest
Speech Contest
Horse Bowl
Stall Decorating Contest
Scrapbook Contest
Talent Show
College Fair

The American Quarter Horse Youth Association is the largest single-breed equine youth association in the world and provides a variety of programs to youth 18-and-under that encourage participation with the American Quarter Horse breed. The Association continues to be the leader in youth developmental programs, as evidenced by other breed associations that have taken these same concepts and made them available to young people in other organizations. AQHYA recently launched its most comprehensive educational initiative – Junior Master Horseman – a multi-leveled, interactive educational program that uses the horse as a teaching tool.
Founded:         1970
Members:       31,197 (2005)
Programs:
Ford Youth World Championship Show is the largest single-breed youth world championship show offering 32 championship titles in 30 classes. Continuously held since 1972

Youth Racing Experience provides youth the opportunity for hands-on experience with racing American Quarter Horses. Participants learn about the ownership, training and racing aspects of American Quarter Horse involvement

Youth Excellence Seminar (YES) and AQHYA Convention offers youth the chance to gather to take part in officer elections, leadership activities and listen to keynote speakers.
Scholarships – The American Quarter Horse Foundation provides scholarships based on academic merit, equine involvement and financial need. Since the inception of the program, the Foundation has awarded more than $6.7 million in scholarships to students.
The American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup is an education-based event for youth members from across the globe that culminates in friendly competition. The event is held every other year.