More than 750 of the nation’s most colorful horses traveled to Jackson, MI, to compete for prestigious titles in the 62nd National Appaloosa Show & 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show, hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC). This premiere event ran June 22-July 4 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson.
Hundreds of exhibitors and their Appaloosas competed throughout the 13-day event in 217 classes, and demonstrated the excellent disposition and versatility of the breed.
Exhibitors had the opportunity to compete in three different divisions—Youth, Non-Pro and Open—and earn points for themselves or their Appaloosas. Depending upon the class, exhibitors and their horses were judged on specific criteria including color, agility, conformation and ability.
Entries at 62nd National Appaloosa Show & 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show numbered 2,894.
Though there was plenty of action in the show ring, there was a lot happening outside of the competition.
In addition to evening classes Friday, June 26, the ApHC hosted a fundraiser for the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. Donations were accepted as admittance to the evening performance with all proceeds given to the hospital—more than $1,100 was raised.
The 2009 Cowboy Way Trading Post hosted a plethora of vendors who offered everything from tack and grooming products to pepper jellies and cosmetics. The Moonlight Madness Sale featured vendor deals, The Wild West Band, door prizes and dancing.
The ApHC and its exhibitors appreciated the hospitality extended by Mississippi and look forward to returning next year. Now the ApHC, exhibitors and their Appaloosas are already preparing for the esteemed World Championship Appaloosa Show that will take place October 23-31 in Fort Worth, TX.
For more information regarding the ApHC or its events, please contact the ApHC Performance Department at (208) 882-5578, ext. 400, or visit www.appaloosa.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938 with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline, including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, ID, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.