The Texas Classic bills itself as “Not Just Another Horse Show” and never has that been more true for the mammoth event than in 2008. With over 11,000 entries expected and half a dozen different discipline specific association co-approvals, the event is much more than your everyday American Quarter Horse Association event

Slated for May 23 - June 1, the Texas Quarter Horse Association’s signature show expands in 2008 to include its first-ever World Conformation Horse Association events. According to WCHA Officials, Executive Committee member and Chairman of the Judges Committee, Tim Finkenbinder initiated discussions about holding WCHA classes at the Texas Classic. Region 3 Directors Jason Smith helped with the negotiations, along with Dick Donnelly, Chairman of the WCHA Executive Committee and Jodi Sullivan, also an Executive Committee member.

Val Clark, Show Manager for the Texas Classic, is enthusiastic about the World Conformation Horse having a presence at the show. “I’m thrilled that the Texas Classic can host the WCHA clinic and classes!  We look forward to supporting and promoting the vision and goals of the WCHA and I know that this first show is just the beginning of a very bright future for the new Association. It’s an honor to be a part of it.”

WCHA Professionals, including Mike McMillian, Jason Smith, Ted Turner, and Dewey Smith, will conduct a special clinic on Saturday, May 31, in conjunction with the Texas Classic Greenhand halter program. The clinic, led by McMillian, culminates with one-on-one help for people who want to try their hand at halter but don’t have the know-how, is free for anyone entered in the show and will cover grooming, attire and other showing topics. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about the World Conformation Horse Association.

WCHA Executive Committee member Tim Finkenbinder will serve as the judge for the WCHA Amateur classes and Youth classes which will be held Sunday, June 1, following the AQHA halter classes.  In both classes the exhibitor or horse cannot have been in the top ten in the AQHA World Show or at the Congress and both owner and exhibitor must be a WCHA member. The WCHA classes are open to all western performance breeds with presentation of a copy of the horse’s registration papers being a requirement for entry. For the $25 entry fee, exhibitors will win $250, $100 and $50 for first, second and third in each class. 

The Texas Classic, which is held at the prestigious Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, is the largest AQHA approved show in Texas and ranks as one of the top show destinations in the nation. This ten-day event features NCHA/AQHA cutting, NRCHA/AQHA Cow Horse, NRHA/AQHA Reining and a full slate of AQHA & NSBA classes. Professional staff, fun activities and philanthropic goals will take the 2008 Classic to a greater level of exposure & quality than it has ever experienced before. For information on the Texas Classic, visit the web site at www.texas-classic.com.

The World Conformation Horse Association is dedicated to the belief that correct conformation is the foundation of the horse’s ability to successfully perform in any discipline. The organization was created to encourage interest in and competitive opportunities for conformation horse enthusiasts and its members are committed to preserving, protecting and promoting the conformation standard of the horse. For information on the World Conformation Horse Association visit the web site at  www.conformationhorse.com  or contact the office at 580-759-3959, M-F from 8 am to 6 pm CST.