2008 Ford Youth World Show Biggest on Record

The American Quarter Horse Journal, July 31, 2008 – Members of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association are heading to Oklahoma City for the largest Ford Youth World Show ever. The excitement begins August 1 and will continue through August 9 at State Fair Park.

The 2008 Ford Youth World Show is bigger and better than ever before. Already the world’s largest single-breed show for youth, this year the show has increased by 38 percent with 2,748 entries. The Oklahoma City economy will get a $14.6 million boost during the show’s run. 

At the 2008 Ford Youth World Show, exhibitors from 47 states, four Canadian provinces, Brazil, Germany, Israel and Venezuela will be competing for a custom-designed trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, neck wreath, gold medallion, logoed Cripple Creek jacket, Professional’s Choice product, WeatherBeeta embroidered blanket and the honor of being named a youth world champion.

The 1,010 exhibitors will have plenty to see and do in Oklahoma City when not in the ring competing for world champion honors in the 33 equine events.

The trade show will feature some familiar favorites along with 30 new booths for those exhibitors who love to shop. The trade show will be located in the spacious Cox Pavilion. The trade show opens August 1 at noon and will be open until 7 p.m. that day. August 2-8, the trade show will operate 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. On the final Saturday of the show, the hours will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

On August 2, 5 and 8 at 4 p.m., free food and fun will be offered at the trade show. Take a break from the competition and mingle with your fellow AQHYA members. Other activities and games will be taking place in the trade show throughout the week. Watch for details, and get involved for your chance to win great prizes!

If you need a break from the Oklahoma summer heat, cool off at White Water Bay with a special rate just for AQHYA members. For $13 per person, you can kick off your boots and enjoy the water slides and pools. The water park is conveniently located near the fairgrounds, and tickets are valid through August 10. Tickets are almost 50 percent off the regular price and are only available at the AQHA booth.

Oklahoma City is home to the Red Hawks, a minor league baseball team. AQHYA members can spend Tuesday evening, August 5, enjoying America’s favorite pastime. A limited number of free tickets to the game at the stadium in Bricktown are available at the AQHA booth in the trade show. Beginning Saturday, August 2, tickets will be available while supplies last. Limit two tickets per person. The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

On Wednesday, August 6, AQHYA members will have a chance to mingle at a mixer beginning at 7 p.m. on the patio outside of the Café. Show off your dance moves to the sounds of Clint Osmus and the Bushmills.

With the change in venue from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City, the horses will enjoy the many recent improvements to State Fair Park. Within the last year, every stall has been replaced at the Oklahoma City facility. The Super Barn made its debut at the AQHA World Show in November to rave reviews, and Barn 6 has been given a facelift with new paint and lighting.

If you can’t be in Oklahoma City, don’t miss any of the action. The American Quarter Horse Journal will be providing extensive online coverage including special feature stories, interviews and photos of the world champions and all the latest news from the show. Watch all the action in the arena through the Fort Dodge Webcam and check out behind-the-scenes video from AQHA’s QJs Melissa Jesurun and Trish O’Connor, sponsored by Oklahoma’s State Fair Park. QJ videos will appear on You Tube and on the Ford Youth World Show Web site.  

To see the Ford Youth World Show schedule and all the online coverage, visit www.aqha.com/youthworld.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.