Horse Illustrated Magazine

While equestrians in much of the United States are in the middle of the winter doldrums, Texans and their horses are celebrating this week at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

The FWSSR is a tradition dating back to 1896 when it was held in March and again in October to coincide with the National Livestock Exchange Convention meeting. The early years of the show featured some ranch work demonstrations, but it wasn’t until 1907 that the horse show was officially included with the stock show. The rodeo was added in 1918 and was immediately a popular event.

Today the FWSSR offers competitive opportunities for many different equestrian groups. Highlights include:

Paint Horse Show: The Paint show runs January 16-February 2. Classes are offered in halter, working cow horse, hunter under saddle, western pleasure and horsemanship, trail, cutting, team roping and speed events.

Quarter Horse Show: The Quarter Horse classes begin on January 16 and continue through the end of the show on February 7. Classes include working cow horse, cutting, roping, reining, speed events, trail, western riding, halter, western pleasure and hrosemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation and jumping.

Palomino Horse Show: The Palomino Horse Show runs January 29-30. Classes are available for showmanship, halter, hunter under saddle, western pleasure, trail and reining.

Additional Classes: The FWSSR also offers classes for Ponies of the Americas, miniature horses, donkeys and mules, Gypsy horses, as well as NCHA cutting and NRHA reining.

Another draw for horse enthusiasts is the sales that take place during the show. The AQHA Best of the Remuda Sale takes place on Saturay, January 16.  The 2010 Invitational Ranch Horse Show and Sale will take place on Sunday, January 17.

Get more information, including ticket purchasing info, at fwssr.com