AMARILLO, Texas - For the more than 3,500 exhibitors at the 2001 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show it was back to the basics where owner recognition, team participation and camaraderie were what mattered.

American Quarter Horse owners proudly displayed "Wish Me Luck I Am An Owner" stickers and for the 90 AQHA World Championships won-owners were asked to stand and be recognized.

"For an American Quarter Horse owner, there is no greater success than winning an AQHA World Championship," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "We are increasing owner recognition with hopes to raise awareness about the vital role owners within the American Quarter Horse Association."

For many, the AQHA World Championship Show-and horse shows in general-are a family business. This was evident during the first-ever Greatest Groom contest, sponsored by Giovanni Camuso of Kailua, Hawaii. The competition contest raised more than $7,000 for the American Quarter Horse Foundation and included a $1 per vote segment and a "Groom-Off" contest, where contestants were lined up and asked to groom a horse in 30 mintues. Of the nine contestants nominated, three were "officially" listed as family but one nominator was quoted saying, "our groom is part of the family." Winners in the Greatest Groom contest were: Halter: Alex Ramos, nominated by Jack Brizendine; Performance: Gabriel Gonzales, nominated by Carol Rose; English: Sergio Gomez, nominated by Show Sports.

Prize money for the event approached the $2 million mark with a total of $1.9 available in cash and awards. An additional prize award-a $100 gift certificate to Quarter Horse Outfitters-was given to the highest-placing Amateur Select exhibitor in each class during amateur week. Of the 270 Amateur Select exhibitors, 34 walked away with a gift certificate.

More than $1 million dollars alone came from exhibitor entry fees. AQHA
Corporate Partners added money totalling $250,000 and the total value of
awards for exhibitors amounted to $687,800.

2001 AQHA World Championship Show Quick Facts
ENTRIES: 3,526
Amateur 1,445
Amateur Select 270
Open 2,081

LARGEST CLASSES:
Largest amateur halter class - weanling fillies - 45
Largest amateur performance class - team penning - 48 teams
Largest open halter class - yearling mares - 45
Largest open performance class - team penning - 66 teams
NUMBER OF HORSES: 2,248
TOTAL PURSE: $1,943,843

Acadamosby Award Claims Third Sooner Trailer Superhorse Award Since the Sooner Trailer Superhorse Award was created in 1978 only three horses have earned the title more than once. Itchin Easy claimed back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993; and Rugged Lark claimed it in 1985 and 1987. But this year, Acadamosby Award, a 1990 bay gelding, made history becoming the first American Quarter Horse to capture his third Sooner Trailer Superhorse Award. Capturing world championship titles in senior hunter hack and senior pleasure driving, Acadamosby Award also earned a reserve world championship title in senior working hunter. Acadamosby Award is owned by Chelsea Knox of San Clemente, California.

For the 12th consecutive year, Sooner Trailer Manufacturing has presented a trailer to the AQHA World Championship Show Superhorse. The 2000 Superhorse was presented a Sooner three-horse gooseneck trailer, valued at more than $20,000.

Capturing the Sooner Trailer Reserve Superhorse title was Sweet Movin Artie, a 1994 bay gelding, and owner Christine Sue Hexter of Lodi, Ohio. Hexter received a $2,500 check and a silver bowl, courtesy of AQHA. Third through fifth place received $1,000 and are as follows: Hickorys Holly Cee came from behind-after winning a world championship title in senior reining, the 1994 bay mare stole third place in the Sooner Trailer Superhorse race. Hickorys Holly Cee is owned by Arcese Enterprises of Clemente, California. Fourth place was Gifted Circle, a 1997 bay gelding owned by Karen Evans Mundy of Gallatin, Tennessee and fifth place went to Knot Shiney, a 1997 sorrel gelding owned by Carol Rose of Gainesville, Texas.

Heather Leigh Keller Named Sooner Trailer All-Around Amateur A new face to the Sooner Trailer All-Around Amateur competition, Heather Leigh Keller of El Reno, Oklahoma and her 1996 chestnut gelding Two Timin Fred captured the 2001 title. Exhibiting in four classes and taking home a reserve world championship title in showmanship at halter and hunt seat equitation and placing fourth in western horsemanship, Keller surprised herself by capturing this prestigious award. Showing horses competitively since the age of 13, this dental hygienist bred, raised and trained her 5-year-old gelding. Her first world championship was won on Two Timin Fred's mother Ima Bid in 1994. AQHA Corporate Partner Sooner Trailer Manufacturing of Duncan, Oklahoma, presented Keller with a three-horse Legacy gooseneck trailer valued at more than $20,000. She also received a specially-commissioned bronze and commemorative cooler.

The Reserve Sooner Trailer All-Around Amateur winner was a competitor on the 2000 AQHYA World Cup Team--Ryan Read and Pebo Little Princess, a 1994 sorrel mare. Competing in three events, Ryan claimed the top spot, world champion in showmanship at halter and the reserve world championship title in western horsemanship. The 2001 Reserve Sooner Trailer All-Around Amateur claimed a prize of $2,500 and a commemorative silver bowl trophy. Third through fifth place each received a $1,000 check courtesy of AQHA. Capturing third place in the Sooner Trailer All-Around Amateur Race is a former AQHYA competitor Stephanie Pullin and Frosty Impluse of Conroe, Texas; fourth place was Tina McElroy and her 1997 bay gelding Sky Blue Yonder of Rome, Ohio; placing fifth was a familiar face - Nancy Murfin-Moxley of Wichita, Kansas and Zip Along Montana, a 1990 bay gelding. 2001 Professional's Choice Leading Exhibitor-Jason Martin

The 2001 Professional's Choice Leading Exhibitor award was decided early on-securing his victory with 59 points was Jason Martin of Pilot Point, Texas. Martin earned world championship titles in junior western riding, senior hunter hack and senior pleasure driving. He has made numerous appearances at the AQHA World Championship Show, earning this very same award in 1999. As the Professional's Choice Leading Exhibitor, Lewis was awarded a $7,500 prize package, including a $5,000 check, an original Lisa Perry bronze and a $1,000 Professional's Choice gift certificate. Serving as the 2001 Professional's Choice Leading Exhibitor runner-up was the 2000 winner of this award-Bobby Lewis of Clovis, New Mexico. Lewis claimed seven top-10 placings at this year's show while exhibiting in dally team roping-heading, pole bending, calf roping and aged mares. Lewis received a $2,500 check and a $500 Professional's Choice gift certificate. Peter Cofrancesco Jr. Named 2001 OKC Leading Owner

Each year, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce presents the OKC Leading Owner award to symbolize its appreciation to all of the owners at the AQHA World Championship Show. The OKC Leading Owner Award is presented to the ownership with the most horses entered and shown in the show. Points are accumulated and tabulated according to the horse's placings. It's been a challenging year for the family of the 2001 OKC Leading Owner. Earlier this year, Peter J. Cofrancesco Jr., a well-known horseman, businessman and AQHA Director-died suddenly. A moment of silence represented a lifetime of dedication to the American Quarter Horse as the Peter J. Cofrancesco Jr. family of Sparta, New Jersey, stepped to center ring to accept this prestigious award November 17 in Oklahoma City. Represented by family matriarch Peggy Cofrancesco along with sons Peter J. Cofrancesco III and Jarrod Cofrancesco, the Peter J. Cofrancesco Jr. Estate ownership captured 63 points to take the award this year. This is the third time the Cofrancesco family has earned this award-the first was in 1989 and the second last year in 2000.

The 2001 OKC Reserve Leading Owner was Rita Crundwell of Dixon, Illinois, who earned 48 points.

AQHA World Championship Show Sale The 2001 AQHA World Championship Show Sale, managed by Professional Auction Services of Leesburg, Virginia, was held November 15-17. The average price for 2001 was $8,344. Total head for gross sales was 390 with gross sales surpassing $3.2 million.

This year's sale topper was Zippos After Shock, a 1993 bay stallion by Zippo Pine Bar out of Sassy Hotrodder. He was purchased by Dr. Cyril Gaum of Boston, Massachusettes for $100,000.

Presentation of Team Wrangler
The presentation of Team Wrangler, on November 15, included the introduction of each team captain and its members. Team Wrangler is anticipated as one of the most exciting concept ever for race and show professionals and anyone interested in thrilling competition. Through a join effort of AQHA and AQHA Corporate Partner, Wrangler, Team Wrangler is a year-long competition featuring Members of the AQHA Professional Horsemen's Association.

The AQHA Professional Horsemen who were chosen to compete on Team Wrangler hail from both racing and show disciplines within the American Quarter Horse industry. Team Captains are Clay Farrell of Palmetto, Florida for Team 20X; Melissa Wallace of Derby, Kansas for Team Riata; and Jack Brizendine of Lincoln, California for Team Cowboy Cut. For a complete list of Team Wrangler participants see AQHA's World Show coverage at http://www.aqha.com/new/teamwrangler.html.

Silvers Two Face Wins MD Barns Silvers Silver Spur Announced
For Silvers Two Face, a 1980 sorrel gelding, his first victory was against a devastating neurological disease-EPM-his second was capturing the 2001 MD Barns Silver Spur Award.

Awarded on November 16, during an emotional and action-packed ceremony, Silvers Two Face's owners Bobby and Teri Collins of Salado, Texas graciously accepted the award. Without knowledge of the win, the Collins had already planned to present MD Barns with a framed portrait of the horse-in appreciation for saving Silvers Two Face's life. "Us coming here, I think, saved his life," Teri Collins said joined by her two children Cassie and Tyler. Two Face was a finalist for last year's Silver Spur award, and when he staggered into the arena, suffering from the effects of his disease, AQHA Corporate Partner Bayer Corp. decided to donate life-saving treatments to him. Other AQHA members came out of the stands, offering advice on preservative-free feed and other treatment options.

Teri couldn't say enough about the importance of the Silver Spur award. "I like showing horses. I show horses for a living," she said, "but this award affects people's lives deep - to the heart of it. I really feel privileged to have been part of it for two years - and I'll be back next year."

Silvers Two Face wasn't able to accept his award in person because his owners, the Collins family, feared the trip to Oklahoma City would set back his recovery. Stress can aggravate the symptoms of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, an illness in which protozoan invade a horse's spinal column. So, instead of a personal appearance, fans were treated to a video of Two Face going back to work at Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children near Youngsport, Texas.

The award is given annually to American Quarter Horses who have made a significant impact on the lives of others or have created a favorable perception of the breed.

Those qualities perfectly describe first runner-up Heza Exclusive Man, a.k.a. "Duke," who is owned by Jerry and Glenda Long of Capitan, New Mexico. Jerry is legally blind due to complications from diabetes, but he can still use Duke to team rope. Bells are tied on the steer, and with Jerry's acute hearing and Duke's steady performances, they're able to successfully head steers.

The pair stole the show during the awards presentation by roping four successive steers with the help of four-time timed-event championship winner K.C. Jones at the heel end. Jerry made it look easy. The crowd roared with applause each time and gave them a standing ovation when it was over.

"My heart kinda skipped a beat," Jerry said. "It was an ending of all endings." After the performance, several members of the audience approached Jerry to tell him how inspired they were.

Jerry also uses Duke in a therapy program called Horses And Hearts. The program was started about a year and a half ago to help blind children overcome their disability. Now it includes at-risk children as well. Jerry is also a motivational speaker, spreading the message that whatever your hardship, "you can survive."

Second runner-up was Stars Parr Money, or "Bullet," who is one of the mascots for Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. The brown gelding and his "spirit rider," Dan Bomhoff, ride on to the football field after each touchdown at home games. They also ride in parades and at the Oklahoma Special Olympics.

"Bullet has given a lot to our school by representing us at different events," Dan said. "It means a lot for him to be recognized, especially being in the Top 3 out of 150 horses."

Bullet, who is 19, has been the OSU spirit horse since 1988. For their second- and third-place finishes, Duke and Bullet received a $5,000 gift certificate from MD Barns, as well as custom belt buckles from Montana Silversmiths. Two Face received a belt buckle and a $20,000 certificate from MD Barns.

Collegiate Horse Judging Contest Results
The 23rd annual AQHA World Championship Show Collegiate Horse Judging Contest drew teams from colleges and universities across the United States to compete for more than $8,000 in grants and awards.

AQHA awarded a $2,000 scholarship to the first-place teams in both junior and senior divisions, with a $1,250 scholarship going to the second-place teams and $750 to the third-place teams. Special embroidered jackets were presented to members of the high-point teams and high-point individuals. These winners also received Montana Silversmiths' belt buckles commemorating their win.

Division One Overall Team Placings
First Place: Clarendon College
Bobbie Skelton, Coach Mark Russell, Nicole Stebbins, Melissa Becking, Christy Hefner
Second Place: Black Hawk College East Team A
Aaron Callahan, Coach
Mary Dunphy, Lisa O'Brien, Breck Oldenburger, Haylee Pare
Third Place: Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Team A
Clay Cavinder, Coach Robbie Carpino, Kyla Hollister, Nikki Watkins, Jessica Wolf

Division Two Overall Team Placings
First Place: West Texas A&M University Team A
John Pipkin and Trent Tyson, Coaches Heather Domme, Jolene Hambley, Hailey Honstain, Kim Honstein, JJ Wright
Second Place: Oklahoma State University Team A
Steven Cooper and Meagan Hall, Coaches
Shannon Richmond, Jason Wright, Brian Bendele, Rodne Roden, Kelsey Nordyke
Third Place: Texas A&M University Team A
Dr Gary D Potter, Coach Alicia Bowman, Matthew Martin, Trina McCollom, Laura Morgan, Megan Sherman

AQHA World Show Sponsors
The 2000 AQHA World Championship Show was sponsored by Bayer Corporation, Centaur HTP® Fencing, GMC Sierra, Justin Boot Company, Markel Insurance, MBNA America®, MCI, MD Barns, Montana Silversmiths, Nutrena, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Professional's Choice, Sooner Trailer, State Fair of Oklahoma, Tex Tan, Wrangler and The American Quarter Horse Journal. These sponsors provided financial support and products for World Show exhibitors.

Results from the 2001 AQHA World Championship Show can be found on AQHA's Web site on the Internet at www.aqha.com. Winning runs and interviews for each world champion can be viewed through the Web site. For additional World Show information, contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811 or write to P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, Texas 79168.