By American Quarter Horse Association
The American Quarter Horse is one of the oldest recognized breeds of horses in the United States, and since 1976, Oklahoma City has been home to the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show. But the event got its start two years before – in 1974 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary from November 1 to 20, 2024, at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, the AQHA World Championship Show looks back at 10 iconic moments.
Moment #1
It’s 1974 in Louisville, Kentucky, and exhibitors from more than 40 states have gathered for what would become the pinnacle event for American Quarter Horse owners – the AQHA World Championship Show. The show was the brainchild of an AQHA committee and the board of directors of Ponderosa Steakhouse. It lasted just four days, but saw more than 690 entries.
Moment #2
At the first AQHA World Show in 1974, Earl Gregory played the organ for every performance. Today, announcers manage playlists with everything from rock to country and pop to blues.
Moment #3
One thing that hasn’t changed about the AQHA World Show is that the mornings come early and the nights can be late, so horsemen catch a nap whenever they can. Growing up with plow horses, Denny Hassett didn’t catch the horse bug until later in life and was delighted to be at the first AQHA World Show. We caught up with Denny who shared that he also fell asleep at the All American Quarter Horse Congress that year. With 23 AQHA world championships under his belt, maybe the secret to success is a good nap.
Moment #4
The first AQHA Superhorse title was awarded to Vickie Lee Pine in 1978. Owned by Howard Pitzer, the 4-year-old bay mare was shown by his 19-year-old grandson Jim Brinkman. The pair captured points in junior heading, junior heeling and aged mares to secure the win. Both horse and rider went on to success, Jim is currently the second vice president on the AQHA Executive Committee.
Moment #5
In the early years of the AQHA World Show, stall assignments were first-come, first-served. In this picture from 1979, more than 100 vehicles were lined up before dawn to grab a stall.
Moment #6
In 1983, a new title was established and awarded for the first time. Lu Ann Paul, riding Melody Zipper, was crowned the inaugural All-Around Amateur, an award that recognized the versatility of a non-professional exhibitor and their horse competing in multiple disciplines. The pair entered five amateur classes, never placing below third. They were reserve champion in horsemanship and hunter under saddle, and placed third in western pleasure, hunt seat equitation and hunter hack.
Moment #7
As The American Quarter Horse Journal explained in its coverage of the 1975 AQHA World Show, “This docile creature was tied near the gate in the trail class.” We think he’s pretty cute, but a live animal is not allowed by today’s AQHA rules.
Moment #8
In the early years of the AQHA World Show, dealerships provided trucks as seating for the judges in the cutting classes. This tradition continues to this day at some events!
Moment #9
The star of this moment needs little introduction. During his show career, Rugged Lark won two AQHA Superhorse titles at the AQHA World Championship Show, one in 1985 and the second in 1987.He also sired two Superhorses. Trainer Lynn Palm rode Lark bridleless in 1987 during the Superhorse awards ceremony. The duo received a standing ovation. Rugged Lark died in 2004 and was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2006.
Moment #10
Many stars have performed at the AQHA World Show throughout the years, but the early years brought performers who have turned into legends in their own right, including Waylon Jennings, Barbara Mandrell, Charley Pride, Marty Robbins and Red Steagall.
Join us for the 50th Anniversary of the AQHA World Championship Show! The pinnacle event for American Quarter Horses is November 1-20 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
