Sherman, TX, October 29, 2007 - Exciting news! The Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) is joining forces with the Choctaw Nation Horseman's Association (CNHA) to hold an open horse show on Saturday, November 17 at the Choctaw Arena in Durant, OK. Registration for this show will open at 8am, and the first class will start at 9am.

CNHA is a new organization based at Choctaw Arena which was formed to promote and support horse owners and youth programs. This partnership show is the inaugural event of what is expected to become an annual show series at Choctaw Arena starting in 2008. Proceeds from previous HAT events have benefited our annual Youth Scholarship program, as well as support the group's many ongoing activities in providing learning opportunities for area horse owners. In partnering with CNHA, HAT looks to develop even more opportunities, with a special emphasis on youth education.

Linda Long from Indiana will be the judge for this show. Linda is carded with the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) in the United States, and with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the ApHC in Europe. A full show of Halter, Western, and English classes will be offered, as well as Reining and Pole Bending classes at the start of the day, and a special Gaited Horses exhibition class. A flyer and showbill with a complete class list are available on the HAT website, www.hat-texoma.org.

As an added convenience for competitors, stalls will be available for rent at the arena; for details and to make reservations, contact Choctaw Arena at (580) 931-8645.

Choctaw Arena is a large covered facility that opened in 2005 and has hosted a great number of events such as rodeos, team ropings, and barrel racings; this event will be the first time they have hosted an open horse show. The arena is part of the larger Choctaw Casino and Resort complex, which includes casinos, hotels, and a large Coliseum hosting major shows and other entertainment events throughout the year.

This event is sure to be fun for everyone! In addition to high point awards given in three age groups at the end of the show (12 and Under, 13-17, and 18 and Over), there are special prizes awarded to the winners of each show class. And not to be left out, spectators in the grandstands will also have the opportunity to win prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

Both HAT and CNHA are looking for additional sponsors and donors who are interested in supporting this event. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to increase their recognition/exposure at this initial show and for future shows, which are expected to grow in rider participation and audience attendance. Anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor may contact HAT or the Choctaw Arena.

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 www.hat-texoma.org.