WELCOME to the 2008 PHBA Youth World Championship Show and the PHBA Amateur and Open World Shows!  For most of my sixty years, when I think of summer, two things come to mind; county fairs and the PHBA World Show.  Having been a youth in the sixties, we did not have the world shows that today’s children have to chose from, but what we did have was the county fair.  This was the place where not only we could showcase our animals, but it was a week filled with fun times, renewing old friendships, sleeping on beds made with straw bales, and somewhere in between, we found time to exhibit our animals. 

 The PHBA Youth Committee, PHBA World Show Committee and the office staff here in Tulsa have worked especially hard to make this year’s event one that you will be proud of and one that you will be glad that you attended.  One common theme that kept occurring as all of these groups continued to meet and to work, was that we need to put some fun into this event. 

 Those old county fair days were filled with the sounds of people and children laughing and having fun, and somewhere in between all the fun and laughter we were able to exhibit our animals and enjoy a good old belly laugh somewhere along the way, and as we think back on many of those times, we still laugh out loud remembering some special event that gave us a reason to smile.

 During our World Shows there is no better time honor and support all of those generous sponsors that go out of their way to make this show a rewarding one.  Sundowner and Western Hauler will again have their Pro Staff on hand conducting clinics and showcasing their products.  On Saturday, July 19, don’t forget the Non Pro Versatility Challenge will again take place. And don’t forget about our second Annual Kid’s Dummy Roping Contest, if you didn’t see this last year, make it a point to come to the Mustang Arena and watch this very special event unfold.  It’s always dangerous trying to thank all the sponsors individually but I am going to attempt to do just that, because without them our shows would not be the event it is today.  We’d like to thank all of the following for their support:  Allen Ranch, AQHA, Arena Works, DAC, Drysdales, Equine Chronicle, Filly Tac, Four Winds Saddlery, Gist, Healthy Hair Care,  Jeff Kirkbride, Jim Norton Toyota, Marti’s Tack, McClellan’s Saddlery, Merial, NRHA, NSBA, Porta-Cool, Randy’s Gold Creations, Sundowner, Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Expo Center, Tulsa New Holland, Video Horse World, and Western Hauler. And the many, many individual class sponsors who have all helped make this one of the best World Shows ever.

 We will once again offer the web streaming so friends and family at home can tune in and watch their favorite contestants in action.  This year we will offer closed circuit TV’s located in the lower area of the Ford Truck Arena so not only the exhibitors and spectators can continue to enjoy the events while they shop the various booths, but the vendors will have access to what is happening in the arena as well.  The biggest news with regards to the 2008 World Show and Amateur World Show is that we will be awarding World Champion Buckles to the winner of each PHBA World Champion Class. We hope that you are as excited as we are to tell you this great news.  Visit the Gist booth while at the show to see this beautiful buckle on display. 

 Remember to bring your original paperwork, your PHBA registration papers and don’t forget to make your campsite reservations or your hotel reservations at one of our host hotels.  Contact the office if you need help with phone numbers or contact people. 

 We are so blessed to have such hard working office staff and World Show staff, we only have one wish and that is to not forget to come and have a great time while you are in Tulsa. If you have any questions or concerns while you are in Tulsa please feel confident that you can approach the Entry Office, staff or Executive Board and ask anyone for direction or clarification. 

No matter where your summer travels may take you, whether it’s to your county fair, or traveling those many miles to the World Show, we wish you the best of luck as you go into the Summer of 2008.

 Keep smilin’….

 Dutch