News from the Classic

2009 Classic Another Success

The Arizona sunshine shone extra bright off all the sparkles, spangles, silver and from the immaculately groomed horses that filled WestWorld in October at the 7th Annual Scottsdale Classic Futurities and Quarter Horse Show.   Event planners and competitors alike couldn’t have asked for better weather. Facility construction at WestWorld was completely done and everyone enjoyed the new barns and show offices.  The facility’s arenas are always some of the best, and now with all the infrastructure improvements, WestWorld is a true World Class facility. The Classic kicked off WestWorld’s equestrian season with a bang. There were close to 6,800 entries this year, with people traveling from as far away as Canada, Florida and Connecticut. Over 2,200 AQHA points were earned, along with mountains of great prizes.

The addition of  Special Event Trail and Western Riding proved to be a huge success.  Both the format and the extra points were a big draw to competitors, and the scheduling made it work smoothly with the rest of the show.  NRHA entries increased once again as reining enthusiast make the Scottsdale Classic a must on their schedule.  The Classic hosted the NRHA South West Affiliate Finals where reiners slid their way to regional awards, and a chance to compete at the NRHA North American Affiliate Championship.

Scottsdale’s Reining Crown Jewel has been the $50,000 added NRHA 3 Year Old Open Futurity. The finals, held in the Equidome, where an exciting display of equine athleticism. It was a hometown win when Tinker With Guns, owned by Pat and Jim Warren and ridden by Randy Paul scored a 226 to take top honors.

Parties, Parties, Parties – again the fun activities that accompany the Classic are what make it so special. The Welcome To The Scottsdale Classic Party, sponsored by Susie Johns Family, G. W. Tobin Family, Jim & Deanna Searles, featured an unusual non-equestrian activity.  The  Equidome was turned over to the dogs with the First Dog Agility Sweepstakes.  Even some horse show exhibitors showed their versatility by competing with their dogs in this fun and entertaining event. Dogs large to small jumped, weaved and ran through the course, and in the process raised $645 to benefit the Animal Guardian Network and their mission to provide a lifeline for animals in need and disadvantaged pet guardians.

Friday was Wear Pink Cancer Awareness day, and WestWorld was awash in a rosy glow. Money was raised for Rein in Cancer through donations, pink bracelets and pink piggy banks. The Equine Chronicle hosted the day’s party with more great food, and Gordon’s “Tumbling Pig” became a celebrity for a day.

The Reining Futurity Party is always a huge success, thanks to sponsors Jim and Pat Warren & Xtreme Performance Horses/Randy and Andi Paul.  The partygoers enjoyed great food, and great excitement watching the $50,000 added 3-year-old Open Reining Futurity Finals.  During the evening, 3 Cowgirls and an Outlaw hosted a silent auction featuring a wide array of items. More than $3,100 was sent to Americas Horse Cares as a result of the bidding.

What more can we say about Arizona sunshine and an ice cream social? Sponsors Doug and Rita Semingson of Sweet Things served up the cool treats with their usual warm smiles. People were lined up out the door for the sweet and gooey concoctions.

There is always much to do outside the arena at the Classic. Dogs and horse people are always a perfect combination, so once again, the Classic brought together area rescue organizations to promote their efforts in animal welfare. Ten dogs were adopted during the “2nd Annual Horse Show Going to the Dogs Adoption”.   There were even more vendors, meaning shopping was better than ever this year.  Everything from new trailers, new show clothes, used show clothes, tack, jewelry, gifts and more was purchased by competitors and spectators alike.

Founder Jerry Kimmel continues with his original goals for The Scottsdale Classic.  His vision was to produce a great horse show where exhibitors can enjoy the premier equine facilities of WestWorld and have access to everything Scottsdale has to offer. Most of all, the goal was to provide the highest quality of competition while having fun. By all accounts, The Scottsdale Classic has succeeded.

2009 AQHA, NSBA and NRHA Class Results are On-Line
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Now bringing you the sights and sounds of the Classic. Watch the Dog Agility Sweepstakes, learn training techniques or check out the parties. Watch Now