KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Will Rogers Memorial Center Hosts the 2006 American Miniature Horse Association World Show

Known as the center for various Western Events, Fort Worth is also home to the American Miniature Horse Association’s (AMHA) annual World Championship Show which will be held September 29 through October 7, 2006 at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

The story of the American Miniature Horse, nearly 400 years in the making, is full of tales of adventure and the love of little horses. In 1978, a group of dedicated horsemen created the AMHA to promote the breeding, use, and perpetuation of the American Miniature horse breed, separate and apart from ponies and other small equines. Today, the AMHA still holds fast to its mission to set the standard of equine excellence in Miniature, and build upon its foundation. Miniature Horses registered with the AMHA must meet Association standards of perfection. The small equines cannot exceed 34 inches in height when measured to the last hairs of the mane.

With headquarters in Alvarado, Texas, the AMHA has over 10,000 active members and 160,000 registered horses from 36 countries. AMHA horses compete in halter classes where they are judged on conformation and in a variety of performance classes including pleasure and roadster driving, jumping, obstacle, showmanship, liberty, and costume. Members take part in more than 250 local events each year to qualify for Regional Championship Shows that are held in Reno, Nevada, Springfield, Ohio and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The goal for many owners and breeders is to qualify for the annual AMHA World Championship Show. In these shows, stalls are elaborately decorated, and many horses are for sale. The World Show is an excellent place to look, learn and shop! More than a thousand horses are expected to be in Fort Worth for the 2006 show, making it the largest event of Miniatures 34 inches in height and under.

American Miniature Horses are owned for as many reasons as there are people. Horse lovers, perhaps not as mobile as they once were and preferring not to manage a large horse, can enjoy the benefits of a Miniature Horse whether in competition, recreation or as an investment. Special-needs individuals find American Miniatures excellent companions, and AMHA horses have successfully participated in occupational therapy settings. Children intimidated by large horses often eagerly embrace an American Miniature, especially a gentle gelding or tiny foal. Adults also reap rewards. It’s not uncommon to see families from grandparent to grandchild caring for and showing their American Miniature Horses.

The AMHA World Show opens with a weekend of events especially for youths. Young children can show competitively in the ring. The AMHA sponsors judging, art, essay, and photo contests that will be on display at the World Show. AMHA Youth Members are also eligible to receive university education scholarships that are awarded at the World Show. After the youth events, the remaining classes of the World Show get under way.

For anyone who has ever owned a horse, wanted a horse, dreamed of a horse, wanted to touch, smell or hear a horse, it is never too little or too late to have an American Miniature Horse. Today’s American Miniature Horse offers a world of achievement, companionship, and a whole lot of fun. Come be a part of the 2006 American Miniature Horse Association’s World Championship Show. This will be an opportunity to get close to one of the most unique and fastest growing breeds in the equine industry.

Classes begin each day at 8 a.m. and run through mid-evening. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, please visit us online at www.amha.org or call 817-783-5600. Will Rogers Memorial Center is located at 3401 W. Lancaster, Fort Worth, Texas.

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