FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
For more information, contact: Kevin Hardcastle, President, Oklahoma Paint Horse Club
Cell phone: (918) 906-2447 • E-mail: kevin@simmonshomes.com
 
Over 2,000 entries expected for growing horse show
More than 300 American Paint Horses
in town for Oklahoma City’s “Holiday Classic”
 
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Approximately 350 beautiful and talented American Paint Horses from throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states will be in town for the “Oklahoma Holiday Classic,” horse show, Dec. 29 through Jan. 2, at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, located at 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd.
     Sponsored by the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club, the Holiday Classic ranks as one of the most popular shows in the world for spotlighting the attributes of the American Paint Horse breed. Over 2,000 horse show entries are expected for the competition, which has been experiencing steady growth in Oklahoma City over the past four years.
      The Sooner State ranks among the top in the nation for most members in the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), most horses registered and most dedicated involvement. In fact, the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club is noted by the global organization as one of its select “Clubs of Distinction.”
Holiday Classic events this season include a variety of competition, including Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and other timed events, Western Pleasure, English “Over Fences” classes, Halter demonstrations, and much more. A total of 447 different equine events, including many classes for youth riders, are on the horse extravaganza’s show bill.
     Challenged Rider Class benefits therapeutic riding. A highlight of the show will include a “Challenged Rider” class, to be held at approximately 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Super Barn, adjacent to the Coliseum at the Fairgrounds. The Challenged Rider class will be followed by a chili cook-off, chili sampling and a benefit auction. All proceeds will support therapeutic riding at local centers as well as the American Paint Horse Foundation’s therapeutic riding initiative.
     The Holiday Classic Challenged Rider competition will spotlight the talents of some very special horses and riders. This year’s riders will represent various therapeutic riding centers in the area, including the Oklahoma University Medical Research Hospital, New Harvest Riding Academy and others. Oklahoma Paint Horse Club members and area therapeutic riding centers will donate horses to be used for the event. Trophies and awards will be presented to all riders for their accomplishments.
    Therapeutic riding has proven to improve circulation, balance, muscle control and helps with fine motor skills development. Added benefits include the peace of mind, sense of accomplishment and self-confidence that comes from riding horses.
As a strong supporter of therapeutic riding for many years, the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club has been instrumental in establishing the APHA Foundation’s first-ever “Therapeutic Riding Endowment Fund” to help students and riding centers. The club’s president, Kevin Hardcastle, serves as chairman of the APHA Foundation’s therapeutic riding committee.
     As a result of the work of the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club, approximately $30,000 has been raised for therapeutic riding centers and students. In addition, $4,000 has been donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“Horses have such a profound impact on people’s lives,” said Hardcastle. “We really witness that when we see the young people riding our horses during the challenged rider competition. Physically and mentally challenged children are literally rehabilitated and their lives improve through their involvement with horses. This is one way that the members of the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club feel they can give back to their communities and improve lives. There is a healing power in horses and that’s what our mission in this endeavor is all about.”
All events for the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club’s Holiday Classic are free and open to the public. For details, please visit the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club’s Web site at http://www.oklahomaphc.com. Or call (918) 906-2447.