Tulsa, Okla., June 11-23, 2012 – Colorful Pinto horses, ponies and miniatures vied to be champions at the 2012 Pinto World Championship on June 11-23. Traveling from across the United States and Canada, exhibitors and their Pintos shared success as they earned a multitude of prizes, awards and friendships.
Tulsa’s Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square provided the venue for tough competition for over 2,000 exhibitors and more than almost 30,000 judged class entries. Produced by the Pinto Horse Association of America Inc., the Pinto World Championship showcased many disciplines including jumping, reining, driving, pleasure and halter.
Belt buckles by Gist Silversmiths and rosette ribbons were just the beginning of the approximate $250,000 in prizes awarded during the 13-day show. High point awards varied from Dale Chavez custom trophy saddles, Jerald Sulky carts, Kensington protective products and jackets from Tioga Territory.
“We could not have put this show on without our generous sponsors,” said Darrell Bilke, PtHA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We were able to give great prizes this year to many of our participating Pintos at the show.”
Philanthropy is always at the heart of the Pinto family. This year the PWC included several events that support their affections for charity work, including the Charity Walk/Trot class in which all prize money goes to the charity of the winner’s choice. Additionally, the Pink Your Pinto parade is always an emotional tribute. The parade supports the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Institute.
The Challenged Rider’s Leadline class boasted exhibitors from across the nation. Sponsored by Ford Farms, the class gave challenged riders a chance to win a world champion buckle in front of their family and friends. A turnout of 23 proud world champions walked away with this year’s shiniest buckle from Gist Silversmiths.
Evening competitions kept spectators entertained as Pintos competed for prestigious titles. The Invitational Celebrity walk/trot was a great opportunity to see several local, state and national dignitaries compete against each other on horseback. In addition to the celebrities, the youth, amateur, miniature and the open versatility events showcased Pintos at their best.
Proving the Pinto World Championship isn’t all about equine competition, many special family-friendly activities were held during the two weeks in Tulsa. These included the PWC Welcome Party with free food and drinks, the Youth and Amateur Ice Cream Social, the PWC Dog Show and the Horses for Heroes walk/trot class. This class allowed active military, veterans and their families to participate in the world show and receive due recognition for their continuous dedication to our country.
Incorporated in 1956, the Pinto Horse Association of America was formed to encourage the promotion of quality horses, ponies and miniatures with color and to establish a registry for maintaining their show records and pedigrees. Currently, the association serves approximately 12,000 members and boasts more than 145,000 registered Pintos.
For more information about the 2012 Pinto World Championship and for complete results, please visit www.pintoworld.com. To learn more about the Association, visit www.pinto.org or call the PtHA headquarters (405) 491-0111.
