TULSA – Pinto was not the only type of colored horse at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square this month as Buckskins and Palominos shared the spotlight in Tulsa, Okla., during the Color Breed Congress horse show on Nov. 3-7, 2010.
Almost 600 exhibitors from 27 states competed for cash and prizes during the inaugural event that held classes approved by the Pinto Horse Association, Palomino Horse Breeders of America, American Buckskin Registry Association and the International Buckskin Association. Presented by the Pinto Horse Association, the show also hosted classes that included Appaloosas and American Paint Horses.
“The basic idea of the event was really just four separate breed shows at the same time,” said Darrell Bilke, Show manager and PtHA Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. “Then, to add a little fun to the competition, we created the Color Breed Cash Challenge and the Champion of Champion classes that allowed all the breeds to show together. The exhibitors are showing the same horses the same way, but against different horses with a little more prestige. It was exciting to see all the breeds compete together!
The show started with halter and longe line classes, moved to English and driving classes with trail, gymkhana and western performance classes closing the schedule. Medallions and embroidered pullover jackets, Kensington luggage sets and high point belt buckles designed by Gist Silversmiths were included on the prize list but plenty of exhibitors took home a chunk of the $6,720 in prize money as well.
Dual approved National Snaffle Bit Association classes offered a chance at cash and statue trophies while the Color Breed Cash Challenge classes in several open division disciplines paid back entry fees to the top horses on a sliding scale.
Perhaps the most entertaining classes were the Champion of Champion events for youth, amateur and open competitors. Just by placing in the top three of their respective breeds’ classes, exhibitors were eligible to enter the finale events. With halter and performance classes on the list, it is no surprise that Pintos, Palominos and Buckskins earned more than $4,000 cash in these events.
In keeping with PtHA tradition, more than 100 lucky exhibitors had the opportunity to show off their moves in theHula Hoop Hoedown. Light-hearted smiles were also seen in abundance during the Congress Cookout when PtHA provided dinner for all the exhibitors and their families. Children and adults alike also participated pumpkin painting event that benefited the OU Cancer Institute.
For detailed results and more information about the 2010 Color Breed Congress, please visit www.colorbreedcongress.com. To learn more about the Association, visit www.pinto.org or call the PtHA Headquarters at (405) 491-0111.
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 pedigrees and records. Currently, the association serves approximately 12,000 members and boasts more than 140,000 registered Pintos.
