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Horse shows find a warm welcome in OklahomaThe American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show recently wrapped at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. This 15-day event attracted participants from 49 states and nine countries. Every year Oklahoma plays host to more than 40 major horse shows, competitions and rodeos like the AQHA World Show. In addition to creating jobs, these events account for over $400 million of annual spending in ag-related tourism events. Gov.Mary Fallin and Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese recently sat down with horse industry officials to thank them for their continued patronage to Oklahoma. "Oklahoma offers the horse industry commitment, community, top rate facilities a central location and hospitality," Reese said. Oklahoma is consistently selected as the site for major horse events; oftentimes beating out other states with competing offers. State Fair Park and the Tulsa Fairgrounds in Tulsa have invested $160 million in infrastructure, buildings and arenas to continue to draw shows to the state. In addition to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, major national shows and rodeos operate throughout Oklahoma's rural communities including Shawnee's International Finals Youth Rodeo, Chickasha's National Paso Fino Show and National Roping Contests at Guthrie's Lazy E Arena. HORSE SHOW--Mary Fallin meets with Kaleena Weakly of Shelbyville, Ill, and her AQHA All Around High Point Horse "Hours Yours and Mine." Fallin visited the AQHA World Championship Show mid-November in Oklahoma City. (Courtesy photo.) Date: 12/17/2012
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