AMHA WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

COMING TO RENO, NEVADA - JULY 25-28

2001 Western Show Super Amateur Champion Dale Putman & Wood Canyons Merlot

(ALVARADO, TX) - Reno Bound. Preparations continue as competitors from around the Western region gear up for the upcoming American Miniature Horse Association Western Championship Show. One of a series of pinnacle championship events for the American Miniature Horse industry, the Association's best will vie for titles in a total of 142 classes. Competition begins July 25 and runs through July 28 in the Reno Livestock Events Center, Reno, NV.

Anything but Average. Standing 34 inches and under and weighing an average of 175 pounds, the athletes at this horse show are anything but average. The result of nearly 400 years of selective breeding, American Miniature Horses are "miniature" versions of well-balanced horses, possessing confirmation characteristics found in most equine breeds. Found in a rainbow of colors and types, the versatile American Miniature Horse excels in a variety of disciplines including jumping and driving.

Sizing up the competition. The four-day show kicks off Thursday, July 25 and runs through Sunday, July 28. Each day begins at 8 a.m. with classes running throughout the day. Halter, showmanship, driving, jumping, obstacle and costume divisions make up the days' divisions. Amateur, Open, Youth and Special Needs Individuals from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan will be attending. Trade show vendors will also be on hand offering fine jewelry, tack, clothing gifts and more.

Founded in 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association promotes the breeding, use and perpetuation of a standard of equine excellence in miniature. Horses registered with AMHA must meet the Association standards of perfection and cannot exceed 34 inches in height. Headquartered in Alvarado, Texas, AMHA is the world's leading American Miniature Horse registry with nearly 140,000 horses and 12,000 members in 26 countries and provinces. For more information contact AMHA at 817.783.5600 or log on to its website at www.amha.com.