OCT. 30–NOV.2
HEBER VALLEY WESTERN MUSIC AND COWBOY POETRY GATHERING
Heber City, Utah
435-654-3666, hebercitycowboypoetry.com
With concerts, Western entertainment, a buckaroo fair, mountain man trader’s camp, dances, and horse events, the Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering has something for everyone! In the past, big-name performers have included Waddie Mitchell and Baxter Black, Ian Tyson, Riders in the Sky, and Joey and Rory.
5–15
APHA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW
Ft. Worth, Texas
817-834-2742, aphaworldshow.com
With World Championship classes, Breeder’s Futurity, and Slot classes, the APHA World Championship Show is the world’s biggest Paint Horse show. Don’t miss the Colors of Season Gift Show, where vendors offer the finest in tack, apparel, art, and furniture.
[EDITOR’S PICK]
6–9
WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo
Amarillo, Texas
806-374-9722, wrca.org
Teams of working ranchers compete for World Champion honors in traditional events such as bronc riding, penning, team branding, and wild cow milking. Make sure to take in the rest of the rodeo’s events such as Cowboy Trade & Trapping Show, the Senior Ranch Horse Show, cowboy poetry and music, and the Cowboy Church & Christian Cowboy Gathering. The WRCA provides scholarship assistance to ranching families as well as financial aid to working cowboys in need.
“I go nearly every year and from the horse show to the rodeo to the trade show, this is where working cowboys gather. “ —Bob
7–22
AQHA WORLD SHOW
Oklahoma City, Okla.
806-376-4811, aqha.com/worldshow
The pinnacle event for Quarter Horse owners and exhibitors around the world, the AQHA World Show attracts more than 3,000 entrants from 10 countries. In addition to the events inside the arena, there are also special demonstrations and a massive trade show.
12–16
WESTERN MUSIC ASSOC. SHOWCASE & AWARDS SHOW
Albuquerque, N.M.
505-563-0673, westernmusic.com
This annual awards show from the Western Music Association recognizes groups and individuals who have exemplified cowboy and Western music and poetry. Don’t miss the live performances by award winners.
Nov. 20–Dec. 13
NCHA FUTURITY
Oklahoma City, Okla.
817-244-6188, nchacutting.com
See the finest young cutting horses prove their worth. Legends such as High Brow Cat, Doc O’Lena, and Peppy San Badger have won here. Want your own cutting horse star? Make sure to attend the five-day Western Bloodstock sale.
Nov. 27–Dec. 6
NRHA FUTURITY
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-946-7400, nrhafuturity.com
This event showcases some the best reining talent! If you’re attending during Thanksgiving, enjoy the feast at the Reining Horse Sports Foundation Thanksgiving dinner. There are also trade and gift shows, colt starting demonstrations, auctions, and more.
