For additional information:
Jill Dunkel
stockhorsetexas@att.net
855-846-7468
RECORD-BREAKING STOCK HORSE WORLD AND DERBY SHOW KICKS OFF
October 22, 2021 – Riders from 13 states will come together in Abilene, Texas, to determine who will go home as Stock Horse All Around World Champions at the Western Horseman Stock Horse World Show held the last week of October. The show is the culmination of a year’s worth of competition with Stock Horse of Texas (SHTX).
“After an amazing year of shows – three of which were our largest ever in the 25-year history of the organization – this year’s World Show takes the cake in terms of entries and prizes offered,” said Stock Horse of Texas President William Lewis.
Riders will compete in Cow Work, Reining, Stock Horse Trail and Stock Horse Pleasure in a two go-round format to determine the Stock Horse World Champions. Titles will be awarded in nine divisions ranging from Open to Novice for adults, as well as two Youth divisions. Three collegiate individual champions will also be crowned, as well as Division I and Division II Collegiate World Champion Teams.
“One of the most exciting events this year is the Ordner Insurance / American Reliable Insurance Stock Horse Derby,” said Lewis. “We are excited to partner with these businesses to offer $10,000 added to an event that showcases the versatility of four-, five- and six-year-old horses.”
The World Show and Derby will combine to offer more than $92,000 in prizes and cash awarded over five days.
The championship event comes on the heels of announcing a strategic marketing alliance with the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA). As part of that alliance, top riders from the Stock Horse World Show will receive invitations to compete at NRCHA’s Celebration of Champions in February.
“It’s an exciting time to be in the horse industry,” said Jill Dunkel, SHTX executive director. “Entries for our World Show are up 60%. People want to enjoy their horses and the camaraderie that comes with it. Our organization prides itself in promoting a friendly and welcoming environment. The Stock Horse World Show is a great venue to bring everyone together for an affordable, world championship event.”
Great partnerships make the event possible. SHTX is proud to work with Arena Werks, who is one of the top ground specialists in the nation, as well as Classic Equine and Martin Saddlery. With their help, the event is a must-do for ranch and stock horse enthusiasts.
The World Show and Derby are free to the public with all events held at the Taylor County Expo Center. Live scoring is available at HorseShowTracker.com. For additional information, visit www.StockHorseTexas.org.
Stock Horse of Texas is the oldest versatile stock horse association in the country. Designed for riders of all experience levels, the association offers educational clinics and competitions throughout the year to fulfill their mission of “Helping People Ride a Better Horse.” For more information, visit www.StockHorseTexas.org
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photo: Stefani Wagley earned the Stock Horse Derby title as well as the Non Pro World Championship aboard Precious Metalz at the 2020 Stock Horse World Show.
