America’s Horse Championships on NBC Reaches 5.8 Million Viewers

Ratings up 30 Percent from 2006

Amarillo, Texas, January 18, 2007 – It’s not often that equestrian events featuring real-life cowboys are highlighted on national television networks. However, on January 7 more than 5.8 million viewers got a ringside seat to learn more about the American Quarter Horse lifestyle through the America’s Horse Championships on NBC Sports.
Ratings for the special program increased 30 percent from the debut show in 2006.

“We are extremely pleased with our show and the increase in ratings,” said Bill Brewer, American Quarter Horse Association Executive Vice President. “Horse activities continue to increase in popularity as evidenced by the ratings increase, and we’re glad to have the chance to present the American Quarter Horse to a nationwide audience.”
The America’s Horse Championships presented by Ford Trucks drew a 1.3 Nielsen rating during a weekend that featured National Football League playoff games on two other major television networks.

The America’s Horse Championships featured the reining and cutting events during the FedEx open competition at the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City in November. Other features included an introduction to recreational riding and a report presented by Fort Dodge from the reining competition at the 2006 World Equestrian Games from Aachen, Germany. The World Equestrian Games will take place in the United States at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.

“We know that more people worldwide are discovering the benefits of horse involvement,” said Brewer. “The America’s Horse Championships presented by Ford is a great way for the American Quarter Horse to reach people who enjoy equine activities.”

Viewers also had the opportunity to visit with cutting world champion Phil Rapp and reining world champion Craig Schmersal during a special Web chat presented by The American Quarter Horse Journal following the show.

For more information about the American Quarter Horse or AQHA programs, visit aqha.com.