An estimated 650,000 total attendees will attend the Congress during October, channeling more than 2.5 million dollars into the Central Ohio market. Of the approximate 18,000 total entries, spanning worldwide, 735 are Ohio residents.

Judges for the Riders’ Cup will be Brett Clark, Rhonda Replogle, and Cindy Rucker.

“All points earned by all horses and all exhibitors in all classes at all AQHA shows in the past three years are tabulated to calculate the level point ranges. From there, commonly used statistical measurements – such as means and standard deviations – are applied to point-earning horses and exhibitors,” said Patti Carter, AQHA director of shows and Professional Horsemen. “The result is an objective handicapping system that assigns exhibitors and horses to competition levels.”

This is the second year the Midwest Paint Horse Championships have been held in conjunction with the Zone 5 show, and the new rewards continue to draw excited entries eager for some extra time in the spotlight.