The Scottsdale Classic Celebrates 10 Years

The Scottsdale Classic Futurity and Quarter Horse Show quickly established itself as one of the premier events on the national schedule of AQHA, NSBA and NRHA events.
The Classic will celebrate its milestone 10th anniversary with more of what everyone loves, and several new events that keep the show current with the needs of the industry. There will be six full AQHA shows with numerous dual-approved NSBA classes, a Special Event Trail & Western Riding day, a full slate of NRHA ancillary classes, as well as a large selection of futurities, maturities and derbies. Whether a veteran, a first time exhibitor, or a spectator, everyone will enjoy the show and activities held September 27th through October 3rd at the WestWorld equestrian facilities in Arizona.

Several new awards and events have been added to this year’s line-up. In conjunction with AQHA, Novice competitors can ride for the Road Warrior Trophy. To be eligible for the Road Warrior trophy in the West, the exhibitor must have competed in Novice classes at the September 27 - October 3 Scottsdale Classic in Arizona. The exhibitor must then compete at the SmartPak West Novice Championship in Las Vegas. Scottsdale Classic show management will provide AQHA with a list of the top 10 Novice high-point competitors from the Arizona event, and the Road Warrior trophy in the West will be presented during the awards ceremony on October 7 at the Novice championship.

Speed is the key on Saturday September 29 when the dirt will be flying in the barrels, poles and stakes races. This is the first time speed classes have been offered at the Classic. There will be Open, Amateur and Youth divisions, with 10th Anniversary Circuit awards for every class.
From its inception, The Classic has been a big draw for reiners, offering both NRHA and AQHA classes along with big money futurities. New this year, The Classic is expanding its NRHA offerings to include competitions for Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. There will be a NRHA 4-5 year old Open and Non-Pro Reining Futurity, and NRHA Arab/Half-Arab Open, Non-Pro and Youth classes.

The stakes are high in the returning favorite NRHA Reining Futurities, notably with the Mister Nicadual $60,000 added 3 year old Open Reining Futurity, and the Dun Gotta Gun $17,000 added 3 year old Non Pro Reining Futurity. There will also be an Open and Non-Pro Derby.

The Scottsdale Classic has the reputation for having the highest paying futurities in the West with both awards and money. Western Pleasure exhibitors will jog their way to a sizable payday in the $5,000 2 year old Futurity, the $7,500 3 year old Futurity, $2,000 3 year old Non Pro Futurity or Western Pleasure Maturity. Hunter Under Saddle riders can expect to collect cash and prizes for besting the competition in the $1,500 3 year old Futurity. There will also be awards for NSBA Stallion Incentive Fund participants in the $1,000 added Two Year Old Open, a $500 added Three Year Old Non-Pro and $1,000 added Three Year Old Hunter Under Saddle.
The ongoing upgrades to the WestWorld facilities are on everyone’s mind. Already regarded as a premier equestrian center, WestWorld will be undergoing a 3-year, $42 million expansion. The Equidome will be enclosed and south side covered by the start of The Classic, and a new paddock and warm up are will be in use on the east side. WestWorld General Manager Brian Dygert is working closely with The Classic to ensure there will be no negative impact on the show due to construction. As part of the master plan, the entire Equidome will be enclosed and climate controlled, and there will be the addition of more stalls, exhibition space and new buildings.

The show wouldn’t be “Classic” without the parties, thanks to generous and committed sponsors. You can bet that “celebration” will be the theme of all of this year’s soirees. Everyone is invited to enjoy great food and catch up with friends while watching some great action in the arena.

The Scottsdale Classic chairman and co-founder Jerry Kimmel is rightfully proud of the success of the horse show he and his good friend Ray Roles started ten years ago. He set out to produce the kind of show in which he would want to compete. It has become that and so much more. That is why Jerry personally extends an invitation to exhibitors, their friends and family, the vendors, sponsors and spectators to join him this year to celebrate in Classic Style.
Details and schedules are available on www.thescottsdaleclassic.com.