America’s Horse Championships Air This Sunday on NBC Sports

Special Web Chat with World Champions Following Show

Amarillo, Texas, January 3, 2007  –American Quarter Horses take center stage for the America’s Horse Championships presented by Ford Trucks this Sunday, January 7, on NBC Sports Television at 1:30 p.m. Eastern/10:30 a.m. Pacific. The one-hour special is based on a portion of the FedEx Open competition at the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show and highlights the cutting and reining competitions along with other features. A special Web chat with the world champions also will be held following the show.
“We were so pleased with the response from viewers and NBC last year,” said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. “We enjoy having the chance to bring The World to viewers across the country and for Web users to have the opportunity to visit with our world champions.”

Two of the most popular and growing events – cutting and reining – will have a dominant presence in the show. Cutting, the two-and-one-half minute battle of horse versus cow will feature the junior competition for horses aged 5 years and younger. Reining, which has been compared to figure skating because of required maneuvers such as sliding stops, fast circles and precise spins, will highlight the senior competition for horses aged 6 years and older.

Viewers have the opportunity to visit with junior cutting world champion Phil Rapp and senior reining world champion Craig Schmersal during a special Web chat following the show at 2:30 p.m. Eastern/11:30 a.m. Pacific. Simply log on to NBCSports.com  and click the chat link that goes directly to the site.

The program includes veteran sports announcer Tim Ryan and former jockey-turned reporter Donna Brothers along with analyst AQHA Professional Horseman Robbie Boyce of Jacksboro, Texas.

Through an additional feature, viewers will be taken through a scenic trail ride in Virginia where the breed originated. Learn why the American Quarter Horse is such an important part of the western lifestyle for millions.

Also, NBC will take a look back at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. This special segment is presented by Fort Dodge. The World Equestrian Games will take place in the United States at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.
Check out aqha.com for special features about the American Quarter Horse lifestyle just for NBC viewers.