It is estimated that the World Championship Appaloosa Show contributes over $11 million to the local economy in direct and secondary spending. The Appaloosa Horse Club received word from the City of Fort Worth and the State of Texas that a tax incentive rebate of $99,586 will be returned to the ApHC following this year’s World Championship Show. Based on economic impact analyses and a long-term commitment to the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, the monies have been awarded by Texas State under S.B. 1523, a legislative act intended to generate economic development by attracting and hosting major sporting and athletic events.

The ApHC would like to thank the State of Texas and the City of Fort Worth for guiding the association through the process to earn this award. With assistance from officials at the Will Rogers facility and the City of Fort Worth, a series of annual applications for funding has been made on behalf of the Club. Because of recent changes in the process and persistence by all the cooperators involved, funds for 2008 were approved.

“The ongoing efforts of ApHC leadership and staff has paid off,” ApHC President Frank Larrabee said. “These funds help offset losses incurred at the 2007 World Championship Appaloosa Show, and certainly are helpful as we work to maintain a wide range of programs and services for ApHC members in the current economic climate,” he explained. “We sincerely appreciate the positive relationship with our friends in Fort Worth and look forward to a successful event in October.”

For more information regarding the Appaloosa Horse Club or the 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Show, visit www.appaloosa.com or call (208) 882-5578.