Double The Horses, Double the Fun – AZ Fall Championship Sees Unprecedented Growth
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By Kristin Spinning
If you build it, they will come. Arizona Quarter Horse followed the call and doubled the size of its already popular AZ Fall Championship. In so doing, exhibitor dreams became reality.
After months of missing a slew of prestigious events, the horse show community converged at WestWorld in Scottsdale for the Cinch AZ Fall Championship and Pinnacle Circuit from September 25th – October 4th. They were presented with a top-notch experience full of fun, great competition, and a huge variety of classes. Over 1,000 horses were entered in classes that ranged from Jumping and Cow Horse to Reining and Rail. Adding the Pinnacle Circuit gave exhibitors a total of 10 AQHA shows over the 10 days, plus NSBA and NRCHA classes. Over $100,000 in added money was up for grabs along with saddles, trophies, circuit awards, Best of Show awards, All Around awards, and the ever-popular Prize patrol giveaways with thousands of dollars worth of product.
“I’m really thrilled to see that everybody got the opportunity to come out and enjoy all we have to offer in Arizona,” says Doug Huls, CEO of AzQHA and producer of the shows. “We have a lot of people here this year who have never experienced Sun Circuit or the Fall Championship.” While it was certainly warm in sunny Arizona, most classes were held in climate-controlled arenas or covered outdoor pens. “We’ve been pretty much showing inside and staying out of the sun. It’s such a unique facility to be able to accommodate four, indoor arenas plus indoor, warm-up areas.” There are always several practice arenas available, so there is no shortage of space at WestWorld.
AzQHA didn’t just add a second circuit; they expanded divisions as well. A large number of youth riders were present taking part in the Small Fry, 11 & Under, 12-14 and 15-18 divisions. When the Congress was cancelled, AzQHA committed to offering a large selection of NSBA futurities and maturities, too. Sponsors enthusiastically jumped on board with generous added money. Futurity exhibitors were grateful for the opportunity to show their young horses that were so carefully prepped for the Congress.
