New Offerings Coming to Arizona Fall Championship
By: Kristin Spinning
The Arizona Fall Championship held in Scottsdale September 18-22 is known for its exhibitor-centric blend of extensive classes, thoughtful schedule, fun atmosphere and great prizes. Yet this premier show never stops innovating. This year, exhibitors have even more opportunities for dynamic competition and desirable awards.
Building on the popularity of Sun Circuit’s National Championship Tournaments last March, The AZ Fall Championship is debuting the Horsemanship West Bracket Tournament. Ranked horsemanship exhibitors from the 2019 National Championship summer rankings who are showing in the AQHA Horsemanship at the Arizona Fall Championship will be eligible. The top 4 scores in Youth, Amateur and Select horsemanship after the first set of AQHA judges will advance to The Four where they will compete in a tournament style head to head competition. The champion in each division will win $500 and a trophy buckle. The reserve will win $250 and a logo chair. The summer rankings list will be out in late July.
Ranch Riders are eligible for the new Ranch Horse Challenges with divisions for Open, L1 Open, Amateur and Select. Classes that can be counted for these high point awards include Halter, Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding and Ranch on the Rail. The champion in each division will be awarded a trophy buckle along with $500 while the reserve will take home a bronc halter and $400.
Exhibitors love the elegant bronze AZFC Circuit Award trophies that are uniquely styled for each discipline. Other circuit awards include logo outerwear and Vendor Bucks. There are also three High Point, non pro one horse/one exhibitor saddle awards for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 exhibitors.
Best of Show awards are back again this year. There is an All Around division for Open, Amateur, L1 Amateur, Select and Youth. Additionally, there is a Best of Show Reining & Cattle division for Open, Amateur and Youth. Champion awards include Rod Patrick boots, Cinch and SmartPak gift certificates. Reserve champs will receive Professionals Choice Bob Avila Collection gift certificates. There is also a High Point L1/Green Horse champion buckle up for grabs and a L1 Youth All Around award.
There will be NSBA Futurities held as well. Show your youngsters in the 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle, 3-Year-Old Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle, 2-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle, 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure, 3-Year-Old Non Pro Western Pleasure or the Trail futurity for 3 & 4-year-olds.
Cow Horse exhibitors can chase down some serious cash in several AzRCHA/NRCHA offerings with jackpots and added money. Some of the standouts include $10,000 added Heaven Sent Ranch Futurity, $5,000 Molina Fine Jewelers/Cre8tive Rentals Derby, $5,000 Open Bridle Spectacular, $2,500 Non-Pro Spectacular sponsored by Standlee and $2,500 Non-Pro Limited Spectacular sponsored by 4P Ranch and Design Space Modular Buildings.
It’s not just the big prizes that attract people to AZFC. The inviting atmosphere and excellent facilities are on everyone’s top ten list. Exhibitors stay cool and comfortable showing at AZFC. The majority of classes are held in the climate controlled Equidome and North Hall arenas and even outdoor classes benefit from covered arenas. This year, the Trail warm up gets a cool down by moving into the air conditioned South Hall.
The schedule of classes offers just about everything for the AQHA enthusiast, spanning jumping to cutting, rail to ranch, plus a whole day of VRH. The schedule allows exhibitors plenty of time to socialize and partake of Scottsdale’s legendary dining, shopping and activities. This is the destination that non-showing spouses love. Check out the azfallchampionship.com website for complete details, awards, schedules and a selection of hotels.
