AQHA recently announced that they are considering new facilities for the Select World Show. For the past few years, there has been discussion among many of the exhibitors that the show has outgrown Amarillo, and they are wanting their world show to move to a world class facility that adequately represents their accomplishments. Some people have also questioned the decision of putting a world show for older exhibitors in August which is one of the hottest months of the year. GoHorseShow talked to some select exhibitors and trainers about where and when they would like the show to be held. Check out their responses and let us know what you think by taking our poll!
Maggie Bellville (pictured right)—I
love the city of Amarillo, the staff, restaurants and hotels, but the
show grounds is not adequate for a world show. I think Fort Worth and
Oklahoma City would be a great place to move the World Show. Having the
show the week leading up to Labor Day also poses problems due to school,
vacations, and job that exhibitors have to schedule around. I think
adding the select amateurs to the AQHA World Show in November would
enrich the AQHA experience for everyone involved.
Debby Brehm–I think the Select World needs to be centrally located. Wichita, Kansas is building a facility similar to South Pointe and that could be a lot of fun–horse show and casino! Another location could be at the new American Royal facility in Kansas City. Another town with a great western heritage.
Anne Wilson–I have enjoyed the hospitality in Amarillo and visiting the AQHA headquarters. However, I would prefer showing in Oklahoma City, Fort Worth or Tulsa. Those facilities have more air conditioned arenas, more stalls, and barns with wider aisles. Last year, our show had to begin at 6 am and 7 am for some prelims. If we had more than one show arena, the schedule could be more “Select Friendly.”
Jim Searles–I would like to see the Select World in Las Vegas at the SouthPoint Equestrian Center. I know it is a little far for some, but I believe SouthPoint could help make it worth while to head to Vegas, like very good rates at their top rate hotel/casino, gas cards and dining discounts. Along with a many dining options and other activities, SouthPoint offers a top quality equestrian facility that would finally give our very important Select exhibitors an electric world show feel. Wherever or if it moves, the Select Exhibitors need a top notch first class place for their World Championship Show!
Dan Yeager— I would
like to see it in Oklahoma City along with the Amateur World Show that
is held in November. We show in nicer facilities all year long and then
we come to Amarillo where there is not a world show feel to the
fairgrounds. The accommodations are lacking; there is no warm up areas,
and there is not a trade show. The stalls are so narrow that no one puts
up their stall curtains or puts out their trophies. I think the select
exhibitors deserve a place to show that will adequately award their
efforts in the show pen.
Susie Johns–First of all let me say I totally see why AQHA has held the Select World in Amarillo. It’s been great getting to see what’s behind our association. And I feel every member should get to Amarillo to see the office and museum. But I must say I feel that the Select World should be held in a totally climate controlled facility with ideal footing and stabling. The weather is out of everyone’s control and if AQHA is looking at the same dates for Select World, I feel it needs to be in a place that the stalls and practice arenas are climate controlled. I’m not going to be partial as to a particular venue. Just air conditioned stalls and practice arenas and great footing in all arenas!
Kerry Papendick–The Select numbers are growing, and I feel we have outgrown the Amarillo facility. I would prefer to see the Select World show moved to one of the following venues; Fort Worth, OKlahoma City or Las Vegas. These facilities are larger than the facility in Amarillo with more riding areas for both showing and practicing, safer stalling barns with stalls that do not contain concrete partitions, the facilities have air conditioning in most of the arenas and especially in the restrooms, the areas surrounding the facilities seem safer and the grounds crews have experience working large horse shows.
Brister Shum–Oklahoma City would be the best location for the world show. There are many hotels nearby. There are many restaurants nearby. Oklahoma City already hosts other world shows and is familiar with the requirements necessary. The best case scenario would be to have it in conjunction with the amateur world show. After all, we are all amateurs!
Charlie Cole–I’d love to see the Select World move to Vegas. The facility there is top notch and there’s so much to do there at the casino. It would give it a World Show feel like the AQHA World Show.
Marilyn Masterson–My vote would be for Tunica, Mississippi. It is a great facility with everything under one roof. It is near fun activities, food, and the casinos as well as 45 minutes from Memphis. It is a centralized location where everyone could have a great time and not have to drive clear across the country to be able to attend.
Please be sure to tell us what you think by casting your vote below!
