SHERMAN, TX - Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) has announced its horse show schedule for 2008, which incorporates several format changes and offers a Year-End High Point buckle series.

For 2008, HAT will hold Open Horse Shows at the following dates and locations:

June 14 - Summer Open Show, Crossfire Ranch Arena, Calera OK

August 9 - Autumn Open Show, Choctaw Event Center, Durant OK

October 18 - Open Weanling/Yearling Futurity and Open Show, Crossfire Ranch Arena, Calera OK

All shows will open registration at 8am, with the first class showing at 9.

Showbills will be available at each show, in HAT's monthly newsletter and online at its website. HAT shows are open to all breeds of horses and all skill levels of riders.

HAT has made several format changes to its shows this year. These changes include:

- Age Divisions - there are three divisions: 12 & Under, 13-18, and 19 & Over. Previous years had only two age divisions.

- Reining and Pole Bending - Pole Bending has been brought back as an all-age class after having been dropped from HAT shows for several years.

Along with Reining (which has also changed to an all-age class), Pole Bending will now be offered at the beginning of each show.

- Showmanship - Showmanship will be counted as a Performance class and points toward High Point awards will be awarded for each class placing. In previous years, Showmanship had been counted as a Halter class, with no points being awarded for placing in the class.

- Hunter Hack - Hunter Hack has been removed due to low participation.

Also offered in 2008 is a Year-End High Point Buckle Series competition.

This competition will award custom silver buckles at the end of the season to the winners of each age division, and will award prizes to the Reserve Year-End High Point winners as well. A complete list of eligibility rules and requirements will be made available to participants at each show and on the HAT website.

HAT is actively seeking sponsors to help support its shows. A new sponsorship program introduced this year allows businesses and individuals to sponsor classes at HAT shows. Each level of sponsorship provides a number of incentives ranging from recognition announcements during each class to print and online advertising. Individuals or companies who are interested in becoming a sponsor may contact HAT for more information or a sponsorship application.

Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) is a not-for-profit, all-breed group of horse owners and enthusiasts in the Lake Texoma area of north Texas and southern Oklahoma. HAT members have interests in a wide variety of horse breeds, disciplines, and activities. HAT's purposes are to promote good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and fellowship among horse owners. HAT also works to promote the growth and ongoing development of the equine industry in the Texoma region.

For more information, please call (903) 819-3669 or visit the HAT website at http://www.hat-texoma.org/.