The Scottsdale Classic Delivers a Winning Combination

When it comes to blending the right amounts of fun, professionalism and prestige, the organizers of The Scottsdale Classic in Arizona have a winning formula. Throw in a liberal amount of great weather, stir it up at a world-class facility, and it is no wonder that exhibitors keep coming back for more.  Now entering it’s ninth year, The Classic will once again offer up an equine extravaganza of Quarter Horse shows, Futurities, Special Events, parties, shopping and of course, superb competition. Horses and riders from around the country, as well as from abroad, will compete for points, prizes and over $140,000 in cash awards during the seven days of competition. The show will be held at WestWorld, Sept. 29th – Oct. 5th,. This year’s dates work perfectly for those who want to show at the Classic, and still be able to compete at the Congress, which starts on Oct 7th.

Some exciting new additions join the list of favorite events this year. The Classic is thrilled to be one of six shows around the country to host NSBA Stallion Incentive Fund Classes. These classes are open to NSBA licensed horses sired by a stallion in the SIF program for 2011. Incentive Fund classes are the 2 Year Old Open Western Pleasure, 3 Year Old Open Hunter Under Saddle and 3 Year Old Non Pro Western Pleasure. They join a full slate of NSBA Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle futurities and maturities offered at the Classic. Added money sweetens the pot for the additional NSBA classes. You won’t want to miss the $5,000 added 2 Year Old Open Western Pleasure and the $7,500 3 Year Old Open Western Pleasure classes as they are expected to once again offer an exciting challenge. Additionally, saddles, buckles and trophies await the champions.

Last year, the Classic added a Special Event Trail and Western Riding day to the schedule. Its popularity ensured it a place on this year’s schedule, and will kick things off on Thursday September 29. Over in the Reining Arena, NRHA classes will get underway that day as well. Even if you are not a reiner or showing in the Special Event, you will want to get settled in on Thursday so that you can enjoy the Welcome Party that evening. Susie Johns & Family, Kathy & Jerry Tobin & Family, Jim & Deanna Searles graciously sponsor the inaugural event of the Classic’s Party schedule. All are welcome to enjoy some great food and the opportunity to catch-up with your friends. There will be plenty of party entertainment that evening as the Equidome will be turned over to the dogs for the popular Classic Dog Agility Sweepstakes. The agility event is a benefit for Vets and Their Pets, a local charity that assists homeless veterans in caring for the needs of their pets.

The full schedule of AQHA and NSBA classes, including the Youth divisions, starts on the 30th, with action in five arenas throughout the day. Things do not slow down when the sun goes down, as the Equine Chronicle Party gets underway with more great food and plenty of fun.

The Scottsdale Classic attracts an ever-growing number of reining enthusiasts. Offering AQHA and NRHA classes to fit every level of horse and rider, combined with perfectly groomed reining arenas, everyone from the greenest of green to reining celebrities love to kick up some dirt at the Classic. The payoffs are pretty nice too.  Trophies, saddles, buckles, prizes and a whole lot of cash reward the best runs. In addition to hosting the NRHA Southwestern Regional Affiliate Finals, The Classic is excited to be a part of the Reining Super Series for 2011. Four of the reining industry’s premier events have come together in this series to give Open and Non Pro exhibitors yet another chance to pocket some big money. Exhibitors who compete in the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, the High Roller Reining Classic, the Scottsdale Classic Reining Futurity and Horse Show and Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and Horse Show are eligible to win $10,000 in both the Open and Non Pro divisions.

Big checks are a big part of the reason exhibitors chose the Classic. The $50,000 Open Reining Futurity will be held Saturday Oct. 1, running concurrently with the $8,000 Intermediate Open and the $2,000 Limited Open. Expected to draw over 130 entries, the three divisions will provide a full afternoon and evening of exciting competition. As night falls, the crowd will be treated to the Rancho Oso Rio Reining Futurity Party. Jim and Pat Warren along with Fappani Performance Horses host the event.  Party-goers will also have the chance to bid on a wonderful array of jewelry, accessories, home décor and personal services at the Three Cowgirls and an Outlaw silent auction.  All money raised at the auction benefits America’s Horse Cares, a program designed to enrich the lives of special needs children through therapeutic riding.

In between all the activity in the arenas, exhibitors and spectators will be able to shop for horse and home. From practical to extravagant, you will find what you need to outfit yourself and hour horse from head to toe. Cumulatively, the 9th Scottsdale Classic is shaping up do what fans expect: deliver a great show along with a great time.  This winning combination has rightly earned it the reputation as the “Fun Show”. Join in the fun and join us in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Classic's Featured Charities

Horsemen have big hearts, and this year during the 9th Annual Scottsdale Classic, they will have plenty of opportunity to show their support for worthy animal related causes throughout the week long show September 29 - October 5 held at WestWorld. The Classic has expanded its involvement with several charitable organizations to provide them with both publicity and fund raising opportunities.

The Scottsdale Classic is pairing up with local animal organizations to promote rescue, adoption and assistance.  These vital services are in a crisis with shelters overflowing and contributions lacking from tough economic times.  In past years, the Classic has been a great venue for pairing animals with new, loving homes.. In an effort to bring attention to struggles Veterans and their pets have, the Scottsdale Classic Dog Agility Sweepstakes will be held Thursday evening, September 29, to benefit Vets & Their Pets . Held in the Equidome, the Sweepstakes is sponsored by SmartPak Canine and Contact Zonies agility club.  Come and watch these talented dogs fly over jumps, scramble up ramps and dash through obstacles.

Friday October 1st, The Scottsdale Classic and “Rein in Cancer” present “Think to Wear Pink” day, encouraging everyone to wear pink while they show. The Rein In Cancer campaign is a horse industry based program that raises money to aid the fight against cancer. Since its inception in 2007, Rein In Cancer has raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research and for supporting people with cancer. Rein In Cancer co-founder Cheryl Magoteaux explains, “If you or a member of your family or someone you love has been challenged by cancer, you know how important this fight is. Rein In Cancer exists to honor those who have fought or are still fighting this disease.” Friday’s pink theme will culminate with the Equine Chronicle Party Friday evening.

The fun continues Saturday night when Three Cowgirls and an Outlaw will host a Silent Auction to raise money for America's Horse Cares. Peggy Kimes and Becky Dunning, coordinators of the event, are masters at procuring interesting home décor, beautiful jewelry, unique gifts and more that will available for bidding. The America's Horse Cares program benefits therapeutic riding programs across the country. The programs foster special relationships between horses and people with special needs allowing them to overcome physical, psychological and emotional barriers, bringing newfound joy, and a sense of achievement. The Auction, paired with the evening’s Rancho Oso Rio Party and the NRHA Futurity Finals will make The Equidome the center of action Saturday night.

All these events are sure to put even more fun into the “Fun Show”, and are set against the backdrop of some of the best American Quarter Horse competition in the country. Competitors and horse enthusiast alike will be treated to an array of new competitive events, world class facilities and big added money classes.

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