Top 11 Reasons You Need to Attend 2017 AQHA World Show

AQHA Publicity

As fall sets in, championship season is on the minds of horse enthusiasts worldwide. Since the first AQHA World Championship Show in 1974, the event has been a bucket-list item for exhibitors and fans alike. This year’s event is no different.

Sponsored by Lucas Oil, this year’s event runs November 2-18 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Here are 10 reasons you need to be there in person to enjoy it.

1. Watch your favorite events. Want to watch the world’s best cutting, ranch riding and working cow horses compete? Or are Quarter Horses soaring over fences more of your style? Similar classes are scheduled together, so in just a few days’ time, you can watch the world’s best compete in your favorite events. See the tentative schedule here.
2. Quality dining. Oklahoma City is home to a number of dining establishments touted by Forbes magazine, like Bellini’s Ristorante, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and The Coach House. You’ll also want to hit up cowboy favorites like the Ranch Steakhouse and Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, as well as exhibitor favorites Trapper’s and Chelinos.
3. Trade show. More than 120 vendors will line up in State Fair Park’s gorgeous new Bennett Event Center. The shopping mecca will feature several concession options, two cocktail bars and lots of entertainment.
4. Feel the thrill of riding a cutting horse. At the trade show, hop aboard the cutting-horse simulator. On the heart-stopping ride you experience the juke-and-jive skills that cutters dream of.
5. Special events. This year’s show will feature various demonstrations, a Team Wrangler versatility contest, mutton bustin’ competition, Veteran’s Day tribute, charro entertainment and more!
6. Millions will be paid out. In 2016 alone, competitors went home with $2.3 million. This year, more than $100,000 has been added to halter classes.
7. Ride the Pattern clinics. AQHA Professional Horsemen from around the country are teaming up with AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena to show audiences how they would complete a specific pattern from the show at these free clinics.
8. Superhorse. AQHA will award the most prestigious award of the show to the top Superhorse contender, who will also take home $25,000.
9. Nightlife for the over-21 crowd. You’ll find the best nightlife in iconic Bricktown, but the Oklahoma Rodeo Opry in the historic Stockyard City is also worth a visit.
10. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. If you have a love for the western lifestyle, visiting this iconic museum is a must.
11. World’s best horses. Many championship shows are open to any and all entries, but not the Lucas Oil AQHA World Championship Show. Horses and exhibitors must earn a predetermined number of points to secure a spot in each of the classes.

Ready to book your trip? Head over to www.aqha.com/worldshow. There you’ll find a list of host hotels, tentative scheduleand other handy resources to make this must-do trip to a reality.