The American Quarter Horse JournalJune 29, 2012
The first day of competition kicked off today at Battle in the Saddle in Oklahoma City.
Battle in the Saddle competitors geared up for the first day of battle today in Oklahoma City. Competition kicked off at 8 a.m. with the Mercuria NCHA open and non-pro cutting and the AQHA senior and amateur cutting classes in the Jim Norick Arena. In the Performance Arena, the Ranch Sorting National Championships has started.
Exhibitors will compete in events including Versatility Ranch Horse competition, cutting, roping, cowboy mounted shooting, barrel racing, working cow horse, ranch sorting, ranch pleasure, a ranch remuda challenge and the third annual World’s Greatest Horseman Shootout. The 2012 Merial Ranch Sorting National Championships hosted by Battle in the Saddle is also taking place this week.
“We’ve been anticipating the arrival of Battle in the Saddle competition for months now, and we’re excited the great American western horse showdown has finally begun,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. “It’s sure to be an exciting week and there are a lot of great competitors and horses here that are ready to battle it out for part of the $300,000 estimated purse.”
Battle in the Saddle has a variety of events and activities for competitors, friends, family and spectators to attend this week. Come check out the “Red, White & Boom” concert and fireworks tonight at 8:30 p.m. in the Entertainment Plaza.
Other events throughout the week include:
Wednesday: Fourth of July Party from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. at the Sale Pavilion
Friday: “Outlaw Annie” mounted shooting demo and cowboy mounted shooting finals at 7 p.m. in the Jim Norick Arena
Saturday: Family Fun Day from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the State Fair Park Guy McLean Entertainment at 7 p.m. in the Jim Norick Arena followed by the roping finals
“Whether you’re a competitor, a family member, a fan, or just passing through, Battle in the Saddle has put together a week of events that provides entertainment for everyone,” said Treadway. “This is not only a week of competition, but also a week of celebrating, socializing, dancing and a chance to see some amazing performances and entertainment.”
Be sure to head to www.battleinthesaddle.com for information on the show schedule, special events and competitors resources. Also check out Battle in the Saddle’s Facebook and Twitter to be part of the action. Battle in the Saddle will be posting updates, pictures and special video clips of the competition throughout the week and invites everyone to join in on the conversation. Use the hash tag #BITS to see what’s trending now!
Battle in the Saddle, presented by RFD-TV, is owned by Oklahoma State Fair and managed by the American Quarter Horse Association. All breeds are welcome, but American Quarter Horses competing will receive AQHA points.
Battle in the Saddle is presented by RFD-TV. Other sponsors include: Ram Rodeo, Four Sixes Ranch, Professional’s Choice, Montana Silversmiths and The American Quarter Horse Journal.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA Publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or America’s Horse, visit AQHA Publications.
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