Farnam AZ. Fall Championship Announces New Novice Select Division, Ranch On the Rail, and More Cash and Prizes!

By: Kristin Spinning

The Arizona Quarter Horse Association has found an exquisite balance point with its Fall Championship show, which will run October 6-9 this year. It has crafted a showing venue that exceeds the expectations of the world’s best AQHA exhibitors, while simultaneously ensuring that even the newest exhibitors have a rewarding experience. Of course, the fact that it’s held at Scottsdale’s WestWorld equestrian complex in October is pretty nice too.

The fun show is well-known for its fantastic prizes, awards, and the ever-popular surprise giveaways. Event producer and AZQHA CEO Doug Huls knows how to capitalize on success and keeps current with the needs of the industry. He stresses the inclusion objectives upon which the show was built. “One of the best things about the Fall Championship is how the show serves every level of exhibitor,” Huks says. “Beginner exhibitors to the very advanced competitors have the opportunity for recognition and really nice awards. This year, Novice Selects will be offered their own classes in many divisions furthering our desire to encourage and welcome all exhibitors.”

Farnam has generously stepped up to be the Title Sponsor for 2016. Farnam has a long history of generously supporting both the Sun Circuit and the Fall Championship and has been a partner of the AzQHA since 2004. The Phoenix based company kicked off its 70th anniversary celebration at the Sun Circuit last January with loads of giveaways and will continue marking its milestone in Scottsdale this October. Every back number-holding competitor will receive a Farnam gift bag with an approximate retail value of $50. Additionally, everyone is invited to stop by the Farnam booth to register to win products and prizes.

Several very popular events will be returning to the 2016 show, and a few new classes and awards will be making their debut as well. Silver Sponsors, The Equine Chronicle and the City of Scottsdale, as well as all the sponsors who make this show possible have generously contributed to an enhanced awards program this year. Awards include a dazzling display of saddles, bronze trophies, custom hats, boots, clothing, and gear, along with plenty of added money.

Handsome bronze trophies, specific to each discipline, will once again be awarded to all Champions. New this year, bronze horse head trophies will be given to all Reserve Champions. Those placing third through fifth in all Championship classes will receive embroidered outerwear. Best of Show and All Around Award winners will receive a pair of Rod Patrick Boots, an Atwood Hat, and Cinch Jeans and Shirt certificates. The owner of the High Point Green Horse will be going home with a handsome buckle box.

As Ranch Riding continues to explode in popularity across the country, the Farnam Arizona Fall Championship has added new classes and awards for Ranch exhibitors. A new Non Pro Ranch on the Rail class will be offered for Novice Youth, Youth, Novice Amateur, and Amateur exhibitors. Additionally, Ranch Riders will battle it out for a new award: a beautiful custom crafted ring from Sami Fine Jewelry. The High Point Ranch Riding Champions in Junior, Senior, Amateur, and Novice Amateur divisions will be the lucky recipients of these stunning pieces of jewelry. Everyone likes a little cash, so there is $250 added in the Amateur and Senior Ranch Riding.

Saddle awards will be offered in Trail and Cow Horse classes. The High Score L2 Amateur or L2 Select Trail will receive a Scottsdale Performance Saddle, sponsored by Scottsdale Western World. Over in the cattle pen, the Amateur Boxing Spectacular champion will receive a Jeff Smith Saddle, sponsored by Bella Vista Ranch.

Cash awards are on the line in NSBA Trail, Western Pleasure, and Hunt Seat classes, and L1 riders have a shot at added money in several classes. The L2 and L3 Junior, Amateur, and Select Amateur Trail classes and Amateur Horsemanship will each have $250 in added money as well. All Breed Reining will be offered with $250 added to the Amateur and Novice Amateur.

The Farnam Arizona Fall Championship is proud to once again host a USTPC #13 Trail Challenge on Saturday Oct. 8th, following the AQHA Trail classes in The Equine Chronicle Arena. In this challenge, two riders pair up to form a team and each rides through an entire Trail pattern. Fans and exhibitors may recall the highly spirited challenge from 2015 that showcased the fun and camaraderie between all levels of Trail exhibitors. The event is sponsored by Chas Roberts Heating and Air Conditioning, and there is a guaranteed $1,000 payout to the winning team. Interested riders should contact Holly Hover. She will even help novice trail exhibitors find a perfect partner.

There is so much to win at the Farnam Arizona Fall Championship; it delivers a very good value for your showing time and dollars. Exhibitors can chose the All Show Fee option of $400 for as many AQHA classes (except Cutting) as they want. For those with a more limited schedule, they can opt for a per class entry fee.

This is one show that continues to grow in popularity and remain poised at the forefront of innovation. It’s definitely the place to be in October 2016.

Visit azfallchampionship.com for more details.