Lazy E Arena to host 2014 American Horsewoman’s Challenge

SEATTLE, Wash.– NWNHC Productions has announced that Greater Oklahoma City and the Lazy E Arena have been selected to host the 2014 American Horsewoman’s Challenge competition and celebration of the “Year of the Horse Woman,” on October 3 – 5, 2014.

The Challenge is a continent-wide equestrian competition showcasing some of the best women horse trainers in the United States and Canada. This six-month competition requires horsewomen to train a young horse in Ranch & Trail Versatility, Cowboy Dressage and Liberty and bring it to the Finals to compete head-to-head for bragging rights as North America’s best female trainer. Competing in the Challenge are several world-class horsewomen including Mary Miller-Jordan, featured on National Geographic’s Mustang Millionaire television series, 2014 Road to the Horse Wild Card runner-up, Mary Kitzmiller, 2013 Road to the Horse competitor Obbie Schlom and more than 45 of the top women trainers in North America.

Competitors and fans from across North America will converge on Greater Oklahoma City to share the excitement of the competition and celebrate the Year of the Horsewoman. As many as 4,000 spectators will cheer on their favorites, learn from demonstrations by competitors and featured clinicians, and shop the booths of equine retailers and service providers. The excitement kicks off with an Opening Ceremony on Friday, October 3rd featuring a performance by Nashville singer/songwriter Templeton Thompson, as well as other equine entertainers and clinicians.

“We selected Oklahoma City because of its experience hosting equestrian events, its central location and its reputation as one of America’s most friendly and vibrant cities,” said Jim “Hutch” Hutchins, event producer. “The Challenge will also be a great opportunity for residents of Oklahoma City to see some of the best horsewomen in North America,” Hutchins said.

The Challenge Finals will culminate, with an exciting Freestyle event demonstrating the horse-human partnership, lightness, music interpretation and creativity. A panel of celebrity judges will critique and score the freestyle performances in front of the live audience.

Fans and competitors will be staying and dining throughout the area, while the competition takes place at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. It is anticipated the American Horsewoman’s Challenge will contribute an estimated $5.1 million to local businesses. Tickets to the event go on sale later this month through Ticketmaster.

For more information about the competition visit http://www.horsewomanschallenge.com.