Horse lovers throughout the Southwest gathered at the Pima County Fairgrounds last weekend for the annual Southern Arizona Quarter Horse Association Shamrock Show.
Riders of various ages and skills competed in jumping, barrel racing, roping and pole-bending events Thursday through Sunday, said show manager Jeanne Paquette.
The Shamrock show is the primary fundraiser for the non-profit association, which has about 80 members in Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Pinal, Graham and Greenlee counties, said co-organizer Carol Whittaker.
This year's competition drew about 150 riders with more than 200 horses — a bigger turnout than last year. Paquette credits this year's higher numbers to the show's growing reputation and its unique, low-key atmosphere. The laid-back event is less daunting for newer competitors and younger riders — some younger than age 13.
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Participants competed for 14 cash prizes and other awards or points, which go toward qualifying for the world championship quarter horse show.
Paquette said the bigger reward, however, is the prestige of winning and the accompanying "bragging rights," as well as the enjoyment of gathering with other quarter horse enthusiasts.
"Most people who show are passionate about horses and coming to an event where they get to ride their horse, show off their horse and spend time with other people who are crazy about horses," Whittaker said.
