AQHA Region Nine exhibitors are preparing for the 2014 Merial AQHA Region Nine Championship Show, which is less than two weeks away. The show, slated for June 6-8 at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center in Jackson, Mississippi, provides American Quarter Horse enthusiasts a chance to test their horse-showing skills.

This regional championship features three days packed with a variety of classes, starting with trail at noon on June 6. AQHA Professional Horsemen Carla Wennberg, Ryan Kail, Tom Robertson and John Pipkin will judge the event.

“Our goal with the regional championships is to offer our members another opportunity to gain experience in the show ring with their American Quarter Horses,” said Charlie Hemphill, AQHA senior director of shows and new events.“This also gives our members a chance to network and ride with other talented riders across their regions.”

Exhibitors at this regional championship have the opportunity to partake in more than typical show classes. With trail practice and an exhibitor party, show attendees are bound to enjoy themselves.

Additionally, placing in the top 10 as a Level 1 exhibitor qualifies the rider on that horse for the2014 AQHA Level 1 (Novice) Championships. The exception to this is halter, where Level 1-eligible halter exhibitors may compete in corresponding youth and amateur classes to qualify for the Level 1 championships. See www.aqha.com/novicequalifying for more details.

“We just want all of our exhibitors to have a positive and fun horse-showing experience with their Quarter Horses,” Hemphill added. “And if some exhibitors qualify for the Level 1 championships, that’s icing on the cake.”

 For a full show itinerary, visit www.mqha.org/Region%209.html.

Regions 2, 6 and 8 will also hold 2014 Merial AQHA Regional Championship shows. Exhibitors from every region are invited to attend a regional championship show. Visitwww.aqha.com/regionalchampionships for more information on each show.

As an official AQHA animal health care partner, Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Whether you care for pleasure horses, racehorses, performance horses or working horses, Merial offers you products to protect them. Learn more about Merial’s official AQHA products.

News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter, watch the AQHA Newscast and visitwww.aqha.com/news.