The Iowa Quarter Horse Association has announced the much talked about Breeders Cup Halter Futurity and the new World Conformation Horse Association (WCHA) Halter Futurity have both joined with the Iowa Quarter Horse Association’s Futurity Extravaganza, slated for September 22-25, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. The addition of these new halter futurities enhances one of the most successful state breed futurities in the country today.
The Iowa Quarter Horse Association welcomes the new Breeders Cup Futurity to their Extravaganza, offering 4 classes in this first year for foals by the stallions enrolled in their program. In addition to the Breeders Cup, the WCHA has begun a new futurity and saw the opportunity for them to also join the established IQHA futurity. WCHA will offer 5 classes at the 2011 show.
“We look for this to be a win-win-win for the three groups,” said IQHA President Bill Horton. “I see this as a destination show, with the potential of entering several futurities held together in one central location. IQHA is pleased to be the host of these exciting new futurities and their opportunities for our industry. “
The Iowa Quarter Horse Association’s first weanling halter futurity was held in 1960. The performance futurity was added in 1967, with western pleasure and reining. In 1974, the association held its first Breeders Stallion Auction that included divisions for both halter and racing stallions, with the first futurity held the following year. In the late 1980’s, the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association was formed and they began operating their own futurity program. The IQHA Futurity Extravaganza has topped the Equi-Stat charts for several consecutive years, with their Breeders, Open and Non Pro Futurity. The AQHA affiliate marks their 60th anniversary in 2011.
The 2011 IQHA Breeders Futurity Stallion Auction will be held Sunday, January 16 in Des Moines. Currently 129 stallions have been enrolled for this closed futurity. Phone-in bids may be placed with prior arrangements. The IQHA Open and Non Pro Futurity is open for entries, with a single payment schedule available until September. Entries postmarked by February 1 can enter any open or non pro futurity class for just $75.
For further information visit www.iowaquarterhorse.com or call the association office at 641-343-7252.
