American Quarter Horses take center stage Sunday, January 7, on NBC Sports Television at 1:30 p.m. Eastern/10:30 a.m. Pacific for the America’s Horse Championships presented by Ford Trucks. The one-hour special is based at a portion of the FedEx Open competition at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Show in Oklahoma City and highlights the reining and cutting competitions along with other features.

“We were so pleased with the response from viewers and NBC last year,” said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. “The show reached more than five million viewers and we anticipate another great program from this year’s event. We enjoy having the chance to bring The World—including great reining—to viewers across the country.”

Two of the most popular and growing events—reining and cutting—will have a dominant presence in the show. Reining, which has been compared to figure skating because of required maneuvers, will highlight the senior competition for horses ages six years and older.

Top riders featured include: up-and-coming trainer Jay McLaughlin, former AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year Carol Metcalf and Craig Schmersal, a member of the Gold-medal winning Team USA at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games.

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, TX.

Through an additional feature, viewers will be taken through a scenic trail ride in Virginia where the American Quarter Horse breed originated. Learn why the American Quarter Horse is such an important part of the western lifestyle for millions.
Also, NBC will bring viewers an update on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will take place in the United States at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010. This special segment is presented by Fort Dodge.

Check out www.aqha.com after the show for information just for NBC viewers.


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