Morton, IL – More than 1,500 of the best and brightest small equine competitors from across the U.S. and Canada competed at the 2011 American Miniature Horse Registry National Championship show. This prestigious event was held at Expo Square in Tulsa, OK, September 8 –18.

Miniature Horses competed for cash and prizes in classes such as halter, driving, jumping, costume, obstacle and more. There were special offerings for youth and amateur exhibitors in addition to breeders’ classes and open competition. With 1,539 Miniatures accounting for more than 6,100 entries in 370-plus classes, the 2011 AMHR National Show is the largest show of its kind in the world.

“We had a fantastic National Championship again this year,” said AMHR Marketing Chair and Miniature exhibitor Lisa Caldwell of Arkansas. “We’re especially proud of the live feed we offered and the outstanding coverage the show received in the local community. We had both television and newspaper coverage of this great show and our wonderful horses.”

Prizes were abundant for the 2011 winners. There were trophies and medallions for the youth, trophies for champions, silver trays for reserve champions, specialty blankets for supreme, stake & grand winners, special awards for exhibitors, prize give-aways and more. Competitors also won premiums exceeding $60,000 via class paybacks, incentives, jackpots and breeders’ futurities.

In addition to the prizes for equine entrants, the 2011 AMHR National Show offered a bevy of special awards and recognition for the people who participated as well. Youth competed for more than three dozen special awards ranging from high point winners to junior judging & quiz bowl champions to sportsmanship honors. One lucky youth wrote an essay to win her own new Miniature Horse donated by a participating stable. Top amateur exhibitors in halter and performance received special recognition. New this year, overall top amateur exhibitors were recognized for the first time. At this year’s AMHR national show, there were also awards for other efforts such as stall decorations and sportsmanship. A number of beautiful memorials and specialty trophies were presented in several classes as well.

Every youth exhibiting a Miniature at the National Championship was given a SuperMask® Miniature Horse Fly Mask from Farnam Companies, Inc.

“All of our kids appreciated receiving fly masks for their Minis so we thank Farnam for standing behind our small breeds,” said Larry Parnell, Chairperson of the AMHR committee and long-time national show competitor.

The live video stream of this year’s AMHR National Championship was extremely popular. Over the course of the eleven-day event, the show was viewed live more than 66,000 times. Viewers tuned in from the United States as well as 22 other countries around the world.

“Since we were unable to attend this year’s Nationals, we were able to watch our gelding show via the webcast. For us personally, the live stream made what could have been a depressing time a great situation instead where we could see our horse and our friends at the show. Having the live feed has to be about the best promotional tool the AMHR registry has available,” said Lavonne Parks, an AMHR member from Iowa.

In addition to hundreds of classes and a full complement of awards, the 2011 national show featured a vendor-filled Mini Mall for the shopping pleasure of exhibitors and spectators. Participants also enjoyed several special events held in conjunction with the show including a pizza party and chariot races. Most poignant of the events was a special ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11/2001. This anniversary held special significance for many in the AMHR family. Ten years again, the 2001 national championship kicked off just three days after the attacks. Although participants that year faced some difficulties in just attending, the show went on as scheduled and was especially emotionally charged for everyone involved. This year’s tribute was equally as touching.