WIN YOUR SUMMER VACATION AT THE QUARTERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA!

America’s Horse, April 27, 2009 – Got any summer vacation plans? You might if you attend the QuarterFest Extravaganza May 1 and 2 and win a trip to a Dude Ranchers’ of America dude ranch in Arizona or Colorad

The Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and Tarryall River Ranch in Lake George, Colorado, are just itchin’ to host the winners from the QuarterFest Extravaganza, www.aqha.com/quarterfest/allstar_extravaganza.html.

Nestled among the majestic natural beauty of the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest, the Tanque Verde dude ranch, in business since 1868, is set on 60,000 acres of unspoiled southwest landscape surrounding plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities and a diverse menu of daily rides and activities. Guests are invited to take part in a variety of horseback adventures, hit the trails on a mountain bike, or hike, fish, swim and just play at the Tanque Verde.

The winners of the Colorado dude ranch vacation will be welcomed to the Tarryall River Ranch by the Tesch family. At the Tarryall, you can fish, hike or spend the entire time horseback. You’ll appreciate the wranglers and the thorough instruction provided. Beginners will be made to feel comfortable on the most gentle of horses, while intermediate and advanced riders will be matched with a horse that will perfectly compliment their abilities. With the choice of half-day or all-day rides, you’ll also be able to chose the ride you want: touring beautiful spots, instructional rides to sharpen your skills, leisurely rides or more advanced rides in groups or with your family. An overnight pack trip is available, too. There is also opportunity to work in the arena, team-penning or practicing for the ranch rodeo.

The vacations, which must be used during the 2009 season, are both four-night packages for two people and are based upon availability. Airfare is not included, and some restrictions may apply. Again, one dude ranch vacation will be given away each night – May 1 and 2 – at the QuarterFest Extravaganza. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to win. Complete contest rules available at www.aqha.com/quarterfest/media/extravaganza_DR_Rules.pdf.
Roll together every equine exhibition you’ve ever experienced and you’ll feel the same exhilaration when you watch the QuarterFest Extravaganza, the evenings of May 1 and 2 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. AQHA is pulling out all of the stops to tell the story of the American Quarter Horse, and you’ll have to hold onto your seat because we’re going to rock your American Quarter Horse world!
You become part of the story of AQHA as Grandpa tells the tale of the American Quarter Horse to his granddaughter, Sarah, as the Extravaganza opens.

An Old West cattle drive turns into an all-out horse-on-cow brawl as nationally recognized working cow horse trainer Bob Avila and his horse persuade a cow that she’s better off with the herd than she is forging ahead on her own. And that’s not all. The Tennessee Miller Coliseum will be a colorful mixture of chariot races; a thundering six-horse stagecoach; laughter with equine extremist Tommie Turvey; stunning Mexican charro performances with Jerry and Staci Diaz; a special appearance by Keepin Charge, aka “Tuff,” the American Quarter Horse superstar from the award-winning motion picture “Appaloosa”; a tribute to the women of our industry by freestyle reining champion Heather Johnson; and a salute to our armed forces with the Sons of Tennessee and Miss Rodeo America you will not forget.

This two-hour riveting production is designed to reinforce your bond with the world’s favorite horse – the American Quarter Horse.

QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse Association’s 68th anniversary where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather May 1-3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – Tractor Supply, B&W Trailer Hitches, John Deere, Justin Boots, Merial, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Bank of America, Montana Silversmiths, Farnam and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.

Everyone is welcome – come for the fun and bring the family. Learn more about all the QuarterFest activities by visiting www.aqha.com/quarterfest. Hurry, tickets are going fast!
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.