Racking Horse World Celebration announces dates and activities

The largest Racking Horse Show in the United States is set for September 20 through 27 at the Celebration Arena located at 67 Horse Center Road (off Highway 67 East) in Decatur.

Horses compete in more than 140 classes for children and adults, amateur and professional categories.

The celebration ends with the announcement of the new World Grand Champion.

Shows are held nightly at 6 p.m.

Show organizers extend an invitation to everyone to come and experience the excitement of selecting a new World Grand Champion.

The World Celebration is also full of other activities, which include a new and used tack sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 26, an open horse sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, a barn decorating contest, golf tournament, and activities for young riders such as skating parties and scavenger hunts.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, there will be a Fun Show with pole bending, an arena race, broom polo, a ribbon race and an egg and spoon race.

On Friday night prior to announcing the Grand Champion, children are invited to participate in the "Stick Horse" class.

This event allows children to bring their own stick horse for friendly competition in the arena.  Every participant receives a ribbon.

General admission is $5/person and ring side seats are $12/person each night September 20-25.

On September 26 and 27, general admission is $7/person and ring side seats are $15/person each night.

Parking pass is $3 per day.  For more information or a current show schedule on the Racking Horse World Celebration, call 256.353.7225.

With the formation of the Racking Horse Breeders Association of America (RHBAA) in 1971, the Racking Horse has grown in popularity.

Today, there are over 80,000 racking horses registered with the RHBAA, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Decatur, Alabama.

The Alabama Legislature proclaimed the racking horse as the "Official State Horse for the State of Alabama" on October 5, 1975.

The purpose of RHBAA is to collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Racking Horses, to publish a register or studbook, and other such matters pertaining to the breeding, exhibiting and sales of Racking Horses.

For additional information on the racking horse breed, contact the RHBAA at 256.353.7225 or visit its website at www.rackinghorse.com.