Celebrating Seven Years of Classic Arizona Style

The Scottsdale Classic was founded in 2002, with a vision to make it the best place for American Quarter Horse owners to show. It's concentration on customer service, and a reputation for having a fun atmosphere, a dedicated staff, great parties and lots of points—over 2,850 in 2008—are all reasons exhibitors have cited for showing at the Classic.

For it’s sixth year in a row, the overall number of entries in 2008 increased, topping the 8,000 mark. Exhibitors come from all over the US and Canada. “With the economy, people will probably be choosier about which shows they go to. It’s clear they are choosing this one,” commented Barbara Dietz, Event Producer. Of course it doesn't hurt that Scottsdale is famous for its blue skies and perfect weather in October. Never content with relying on past success, the show’s organizers continually strive for improvement to keep competitors, vendors and spectators happy. “We also tried hard to keep exhibitors’ costs down by not raising stall fees, and not charging for parking, added Dietz.

Though entries are traditionally high in many classes, the biggest numbers are seen in reining, both for the NRHA and the AQHA classes. Always a popular show for the reiners, The Scottsdale Classic will be the host again for the NRHA South West Affiliate Finals in which the top 4 finishers in each Affiliate Class earned the right to compete at the Affiliate Championship in Oklahoma City. Saddles, trophies, prizes and generous added money will be awarded. The three year old reiners have a chance at a big pot in the $50,000 Added Open Reining Futurity, and the non pros will compete for a slice of the $10,000 added Non-Pro Futurity. In the NSBA Futurities and Maturities, horses will compete for thousands of dollars in cash, saddles, trophies and buckles, including the $8,000 added to both the Two and Three Year Old Western Pleasure Futurities. In all, over $200,000 in cash and prizesis expected to be paid out this year.

Known for its free parties with great food, the Scottsdale Classic continues the fun into the night with the opportunity to relax, mingle, and watch the special events. Everything for horse and home can tempt you with the offerings from a great line-up of vendors. There is always something going on, which makes the Scottsdale Classic the perfect show for spectators as well.

Outside the arenas, the Classic is committed to raising money and awareness for a number of charities, such as Rein In Cancer which encourages everyone to wear pink, America's Horse Cares and Guardian Animal Network.