Horse show gallops into Scottsdale

Horse lovers can put on their favorite Western gear and watch competitors of all ages from around the world at the sixth annual Scottsdale Classic Futurity and Quarter Horse Show.

SLIDESHOW: Quarter horse show hits Westworld

The show, which expects more than the 7,900 entries last year’s version attracted, continues through Wednesday at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road.

WestWorld general manager Brian Dygert, who has been with the horse show for two years, said it is a “great enhancement” to Scottsdale.

Local hotels have been benefitting from the Scottsdale Classic. Show spokeswoman Barbara Dietz said visitors have been coming in since Sept. 28, boosting spending in the city and surrounding areas, considering the majority of the competitors are from out of town.

There are upgrades and changes that competitors will get to experience at WestWorld, including three new show offices and construction of six permanent barns.

Karin Johnson of Phoenix, who owns six horses, is a vendor at the event. She explained the Scottsdale Classic has provided a dinner for the vendors and exhibitors every night of the event.

“I love the people and the environment,” Johnson said.

The Scottsdale Classic brings in equestrians, vendors and spectators from across the United States and Canada.

Felicia MacDonald, 14, of Aubrey, Texas, is competing for three days in the event. She said this is her first time at the Scottsdale Classic. She has been riding for more than two years.

Some showgoers have traded in their riding boots for a good seat in the stadium. Pat Blandford of Mesa has lived in Arizona for more than 40 years and has been riding for 21 years. Blandford, who has retired from competition, has friends riding in the event and said she wishes that there would be more shows offered throughout the year.

On Friday, the Scottsdale Classic and “Rein in Cancer” presented “Think to Wear Pink” day. The campaign is a horse industry-based program that raises money to aid the fight against cancer.

The pink theme was to have continued on through Friday night to support the campaign with the “Bridle-less Western Riding in Pink” competition, following the Graham Ranch and Equine Chronicle Party.

Barbara Dietz, with the Scottsdale Classic, said the “Think to Wear Pink” day was “our little way of trying to bring attention to it, especially in October.” This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Events will carry on throughout the week.

Today, Three Cowgirls and an Outlaw will host a silent auction to raise money for America’s Horse Cares program, which benefits therapeutic riding programs across the country.

The event is paired with the evening’s Rancho Oso Rio Party and the NRHA Futurity Finals.

For information on the show and its schedule, call (602) 919-2971.