The largest small equine competition, American Miniature Horse Registry National Show, will be held September 7th through the 17th, 2017, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This ten day extravaganza brings the best and brightest small equine from around the world competing for cash and prizes.
Miniature horses
The biggest little horse show in the world, the American Miniature Horse Registry National Show, will be held September 7-17, 2017, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
© 2017 by José Reynaldo da Fonseca
The 2017 AMHR National Championship event is possibly the biggest Miniature Horse show in the world, with more than 1600 horses, accounting for more than 6,200 entries. It will crown national champions in 435 different classes. Competition will range from beautiful halter to thrilling driving classes that highlight the versatility, grace, strength and beauty of the miniature horse.
“This is the biggest little horse show in the world,” states Dolores Williams, AMHR Committee Chair and long-time exhibitor. “Having been in the horse business since 1964 and owner of miniatures and ASPC/AMHR member since 1992, I have seen the quality of the horses improve tremendously over the years. Credit has to be given to the AMHR members, their breeding programs and dedication in keeping quality bloodlines.”
We invite the media to visit and speak with exhibitors from around the globe as well as film close to all the action – even from center ring!
Williams has seen the growth of AMHR as well. “Our registry has grown internationally, we welcome exhibitors from across the globe including Netherlands, Belgium and Australia. If I remember correctly, the first National show I attended was in 1994 held at Gifford, IL with 252 horses. Now we have grown to over 1500 horses and thousands of exhibitors, owners and trainers.”
Williams also knows what an exciting time it is to be involved in the world of miniature horses, the wonderful horse for all ages.
“My granddaughter started driving her horse when she was two years old and I know people that begin owning and showing horses in their 60’s. It’s a wonderful horse for the entire family and Nationals is the perfect family-friendly event to experience the very best of these small equine.”
Admission is free! Competition is held all day, every day, throughout this eleven day event. Spectators will enjoy the spectrum of miniature horse competition. Exciting driving, majestic teams, jumping & obstacle, music themed liberty, and creative costumes are all a part of the competition. There are also classes for those more focused on conformation. Halter classes for foal to senior are offered plus futurities award cash prizes to the elite winners.
In addition to hundreds of classes, the 2017 national show features a vendor-filled area for the shopping pleasure of exhibitors and spectators alike. Vendors offer everything from tack and grooming supplies to clothing, horse-related jewelry, gifts, and more. The event will also be streaming live, visit www.shetlandminiature.com for more information.
Awards, both new and historic, will be presented throughout the event. In addition to many memorial trophies in classes, there will be awards for youth, amateur, and COOL (Conquering Obstacles Overcoming Limitations) classes. Exhibitors will also vie for thousands of dollars in prize money in various futurity and sweepstakes classes.
For daily class schedule and more information about the 2017 AMHR National Show, visit www.shetlandminiature.com/shows-awards/amhr-nationals or visit iEquine.com for live streaming of the event.
The American Shetland Pony Club, American Miniature Horse Registry, and American Show Pony Registry are not-for-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of these small equine as well as further the education and enjoyment of these wonderful animals.
Recognized as the oldest and most versatile registry in the United States, the American Shetland Pony Club, Inc., offers a variety of programs for the American Shetland Pony and American Miniature Horse enthusiasts of all ages. For more information, visit www.shetlandminiature.com or 81-B East Queenwood Road, Morton, IL 61550.