The summer heat will be cooling down but the competition will be getting hot when the 19th annual Alabama Open Horseman’s Association State Championship Horse Show comes to Montgomery, Alabama and the grounds of Garrett Coliseum on September 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Reflecting our extensive southeastern regional draw, exhibitors will be coming from all over Alabama and portions of Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Mississippi to enter into hot competition for championship, reserve and top ten titles in the fifty-nine classes. Exhibitors compete for coveted trophy saddles, belt buckles, plaques and trophies but all leave with the satisfaction of representing themselves and their home clubs in the big show. Spectators share in satisfaction as they come away with that found in watching the excitement, amazement and drama taking place at the second largest horse show east of the Mississippi River. Events and classes will range from all manner of timed events and pleasure, gaited classes and halter with all breeds of horse and pony going through the gate. In each class the exhibitors and horses show off their conformation, agility, athleticism and ability for the three judges and hundreds of spectators. Entries in 2005 numbered a staggering 2,361 and the number of exhibitors and visitors on the grounds over the three days were near 15,000 persons. There is no reason to doubt that another spectacular show will take place over the Labor Day weekend of 2006. Entrants compete all year in their local AOHA affiliated shows to earn the right to enter and compete at the AOHA State Championship Show. Only the top fifteen horses of each event from the local associations may enter the competition and thus our declaration that at the State Show we feature only the best of the best. A special sight and crowd pleasing favorite found at the State Show is the children’s costume leadline class where the children, parents and horses are decorated and disguised in spectacular and outlandish costumes in their attempt to impress and influence the judges decision and spectators favor. At our Show you will find the timed events are fast, the pleasure events disciplined, the halter horses stunning, the gaited classes spectacular and the children’s classes heartwarming and special.

The exhibitors and spectators alike always enjoy shopping and eyeing the abundance of vendor merchandise and services found at the State Show. Always present are a wide range of goods such as trucks and trailers, clothing, food, general equine supplies, jewelry and interesting novelties and services. Each year we welcome new and exciting vendors, merchandise and/or services that join the many who have been with us for years. Vendors interested in becoming part of our Show, please call 205-221-2802.

Designated by the Legislature as the only official horse show of Alabama, the AOHA State Championship Show will walk, lope and gallop into non-stop heart racing action and suspense at Garrett Coliseum on Friday, September 1st at 5 pm and then resume at 8 am Saturday and Sunday the 2nd and 3rd. Parking is abundant and free and admission is still a bargain at only $2 for adult and $1 for children under the age of 12.

We pride ourselves in the fact that there is something for everyone to enjoy at the AOHA State Championship Horse Show. Whether you love to show horses or just love horses; you will find beauty, suspense, fun and excitement at the 2006 AOHA State Championship Horse Show. Garrett Coliseum is found in Montgomery, Alabama on Coliseum Boulevard, just off the northern by pass and Federal Drive.

For further information you may call 256-234-2925; 205-221-2802 or visit our web site of www.showaoha.org.