The Dixie National Livestock Show offers a wide range of activities, of which the two biggest draws are the rodeo and the Dixie National Quarter Horse show, sponsored by the Mississippi Quarter Horse Association.
On February 6-7, 2018 the 20th annual Equestrians with Disability show takes place in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center. This is the largest Quarter Horse EWD show in the country! AND this year we are offering 4 sets of AQHA Points, 4 sets of NSBA Points and 4 Sets of PHBA points. There are no entry fees or stall fees for exhibitors. All fees are paid by the Mississippi Quarter Horse Youth Association, and all four judges are donating their services for the event.
Emily Wasson, Immediate Past President of the Mississippi Quarter Horse Youth Association, said, “I have been involved with the Equestrians with Disabilities show for four years, going on my fifth. There is something about seeing these riders’ faces light up when they are given a ribbon or other award. The riders are so appreciative and love being in the show atmosphere. Whenever I attend the show, I always learn something new from these guys and gals, whether it be a new joke or just to hear their story and their perspective in the show ring. This show is a favorite for all of our youth association members; we love being able to see how well everyone shows, and how excited all the riders are to get ribbons and other awards.”
On February 13-14, 2018 are the roping events, finishing with the Watson Quality Ford Roping Challenge on February 14, with added money. Reining and ranch riding are on the schedule for Thursday February 15 in the Equine Center, with halter classes and western riding in the Farnam Coliseum.
On Friday February 16 a full day of Trail classes managed by Tim “The Trail Man” Kimura will take place in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center, while the Farnam Coliseum hosts the Amateur showmanship and horsemanship classes.
The highlight is Friday night’s Freestyle reining in the Farnam Coliseum sponsored by FARNAM with $10,000 added money. In this class, horse and rider perform reining maneuvers to music, and the combination of the two makes for a spectacular show. Approximately 6,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the Free style reining event, making this truly a crowd favorite. Tickets are $5 available at the door or in advance at the Trade Mart all week. Doors open at 6pm.
Saturday will be the youth halter classes and youth western pleasure classes in the Kirk Fordice equine Center. At the Farnam Coliseum will be the over Fences classes and the adult western Pleasure classes.
Sunday will wrap up the show with english classes in the Farnam Coliseum and speed events in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center.
From February 13 through February 18, the Dixie National Equine Expo, the official Trade show, will be open in the Trade Mart. Free seminars will also be offered in the equine expo at the Trade mart on such topics as nutrition and horse care. Saturday at 1:00pm will be a presentation on the ELD Mandates and how it affects traveling with your horses.
For more information visit, www.mqha.org and Facebook: Dixie National Quarter horse show.
