6,500+ Entries Recorded at AZ. Fall Championship
Photo courtesy of Shane Rux Photography.
Arizona Fall Championship
The 2nd Arizona Fall Championship ushered in five days of high-level AQHA and NSBA competition at the WestWorld equestrian complex in Scottsdale. With its all-inclusive $375 fee, exhibitors took advantage of entering as many classes as they wanted. Over 6,500 AQHA entries were tallied and another 680 NBSA entries recorded. AQHA Leveling saw wide interest, with level 2 and 3 classes well attended.
Despite the numbers, the schedule worked out great with only one evening going until 9 pm. Otherwise, people were able to show and enjoy the company of friends. Huge numbers showed in Trail, but two courses were laid out in the arena so that different divisions could run simultaneously. Show management planned for an early wrap-up on Sunday, allowing exhibitors to be on the road by mid-afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Kili Crawford.
Arizona in September can be a little warm, so the air conditioning in WestWorld’s indoor Equidome was a welcome place to not only show but to hang out and shop the vendor booths. Outdoors, covered arenas provided plenty of shade for both exhibiting and warming up. Folks not accustomed to Arizona’s occasionally wacky monsoon weather got an eye-full (and a bucket-full) when a news-making thunderstorm drifted over. Rain and wind caused some excitement, but there was no damage done, and the show continued dry and under cover.
This is a championship show, so presentations were made in the center ring with a good deal of fanfare for most all of the classes. However, since Western Riding and Trail ran in blocks, those awards were announced at the end of the day. Show producer, Doug Huls, said they are already working on a system to alleviate that issue for next year.
All the champions were presented with an embroidered leather jacket and outerwear embossed with the Fall Championship logo was given to all those who placed 2nd through 5th. Vendor Bucks were distributed through 6th place for exhibitors to indulge themselves on items from the show’s vendors.
Photo courtesy of Shane Rux Photography.
The all around winners took home Full Quill Ostrich boots from Rod Patrick and Woods’ Western, a 20X Atwood hat from Barbara’s Custom Hats, a Cinch/Cruel Girl shirt, and Cinch/Cruel Girl jeans from Cinch. All totaled, $20,000 in cash was also distributed, requiring no additional entry fees or deadlines.
However, exhibitors didn’t have to place well in the ring in order to become a winner. Chris Jeter stepped out of his usual judge’s chair to serve as the show’s giveaway coordinator. He had great fun roaming the arenas initiating fun games, trivia contests, and even challenged the Select Amateur Western Pleasure riders to a dance competition for a pair of Woods’ Western chaps. Lucky winners took home prizes such as gift certificates from Kim’s Show Apparel, Western Styles, and Show Me Again, along with some Cave Creek Cowboy Jeans and a pair of Boulet boots.
Comments heard ‘round the rings and posted on social media praised the show for being well-run. If you’re looking for a fun show that offers great prizes in an ideal setting, the Arizona Fall Championship is probably one you should put on your calendar for next year.
A complete list of placings and championship winners can be found at www.azfallchampionship.com/results.html.
