AQHA REGIONAL EXPERIENCES KICK OFF WITH REGION EIGHT

Amarillo, Texas, April 21, 2006 – The American Quarter Horse Association’s Regional Experience season kicks off May 4 – 7 with the Region Eight Experience in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Region Eight, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico, is expecting hundreds of attendees at the event.

Created to encourage participation from exhibitors at all levels of ability in an event branded to the American Quarter Horse lifestyle, Regional Experiences open the doors for anyone who desires to learn more about American Quarter Horses. Regional Experiences blend competition, education and trade show commerce, as well as free test rides, to introduce more people to AQHA and invite previous exhibitors back to the Association.
A highlight of this year’s event is the educational clinics and seminars put on by AQHA clinician Curt Pate of Helena, Montana. Learn firsthand how to start your colt or filly while developing a better relationship with your horse. Pate will demonstrate how to become a partner with your horse, maximizing training techniques to develop a well-trained horse.
During the Region Eight Experience, participants can take advantage of the AQHA on-site services including registering and transferring American Quarter Horses as well as renewing memberships and Journal subscriptions.

Attendees won’t want to miss out on great American Quarter Horse competition in the arena with great prizes from AQHA Corporate Partners up for grabs. Exhibitors competing in the show portion of the Experience will receive awards based on their placing. In each region, a custom-designed Montana Silversmiths buckle will be awarded for first; a WeatherBeeta “Rug Sac” containing three unique blankets will be awarded for second; and third-place finishers will receive a pair of Justin Boots. Professional’s Choice accessories will be awarded to fourth-place finishers. Also, The American Quarter Horse Journal will award a grooming bag to fifth-place finishers. New in 2006, Tex Tan saddles, sponsored by Markel Insurance, will be awarded to novice youth, youth, novice amateur and amateur all-around high-point winners at each Regional Experience. In addition, Nutrena will award 250 pounds of feed to all high-point winners. Other awards will vary by region.

All Regional Experience attendees also will have the chance to win other prizes from AQHA and its team of Corporate Partners, including John Deere, WeatherBeeta, Nutrena, Farnam, Justin Boots and Fort Dodge.

Additionally, kick-start your summer shopping at the trade show that will feature a variety of vendors.

Read all about the Region Eight Experience by visiting http://www.aqha.com/association/experience/eight.html, and download a free event brochure while you’re reading all about what’s in store for this year’s event. Call AQHA at (806) 376-4888 for questions regarding the Region Eight Experience.

-30-