Nearly 800 Appaloosas traveled to Jackson, Miss. to compete for prestigious titles in the 61st National Appaloosa Show and the World Championship Youth Show that began June 23 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

Hundreds of exhibitors and their Appaloosas competed throughout the 13-day event in 221 classes; all of which allowed the participants and their horses to demonstrate the excellent disposition and versatility of the Appaloosa breed.

Exhibitors had the opportunity to compete in three different divisions—Youth, Non-Pro and Open—and earn points for themselves or their Appaloosas. Depending upon the class, exhibitors and their horses were judged on specific criteria including color, agility, conformation and ability.

The 61st National Appaloosa Show and the World Championship Youth Show had a combined number of 2,949 entries.

Though the competition was exciting, there were also plenty of activities to keep exhibitors, friends and family entertained.

The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls entertained the masses throughout Youth week with their trick roping seminars and at their trick riding exhibitions. Young local talent, Callaway, may not have performed a concert featuring cover songs of her favorite artists and her own pieces.

National Appaloosa Show competitors and attendees were treated to a catfish fry and enjoyed the musical stylings of blues singer Grady Champion.

The Appaloosa Horse Club and its exhibitors appreciated the hospitality extended by Mississippi, and we look forward to returning year! Now the ApHC, exhibitors and their Appaloosas are already preparing for the esteemed World Championship Appaloosa Show that will take place Oct. 24-Nov. 1 in Fort Worth, Texas.

For more information regarding the 61st National Appaloosa Show and the 2008 World Championship Youth Show, please contact the Appaloosa Horse Club’s Performance Department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 400 or visit www.appaloosa.com.

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline, including racing, endurance riding or serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho; the heart of the Palouse region, the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.