Wickenburg to Host AQHA Ride

Wickenburg is known as "Arizona's Cowboy Town"

The Arizona Quarter Horse Association announced today that Arizona's annual AQHA Trail Ride will take place in Wickenburg on Ocober 19th. The Trail Ride, which is open to all breeds (including mules) will start at the Rodeo Grounds. (Note for blondes: AQHA is American Quarter Horse Association!!)

The Wickenburg Ride is one of many scheduled throughout the nation in 2002.

All rides are hosted at scenic, horse-friendly sites with either a day or an entire weekend of fun, food and activities. Each ride has a recipient charity or group as an added attraction. Proceeds from the Wickenburg Ride will go to the Roundup Foundation of Wickenburg which has the goal of "keeping Wickenburg Western and preserving our local heritage."

AQHA's national sponsor of the Ride Program, Sooner Trailer Manufacturing, has contributed to the program becoming bigger and better every year. The other major sponsor of the Ride is Ford Motor Company which is joined by Jones Ford of Wickenburg. Jones Ford is sponsoring the Saturday evening Steak-Fry for all participants.

Since its creation in 1997, more than 24,000 riders have saddled up to participate in nearly 325 rides around the world, contributing nearly $600,000 for the American Quarter Horse Foundation and other various charities. AQHA's Ride Program brings thousands of horse enthusiasts together and any breed of horse is welcome.

One of the goals of the Ride is to reaffirm Wickenburg's reputation as a bonafide "cowboy town."

Wickenburg is the home of World Champion Cowboy: Everett Bowman and World Champion Bull Rider: Cody Custer. Also, Wickenburg is reported to have more horses (and mules) per capita than sedans (of course, can't count anything here with 4-wheel drive). Wickenburg, formerly known as "Dude Ranch Capitol of the World," is currently the winter home to Team Ropers from more than 25 States, plus it is reported that there are more than 30 Roping Arenas in the Wickenburg area.

The ride fee is $40 per person or $75 per couple and includes a Continental Breakfast and lunch buffet on Saturday plus the evening Steak Fry and Dance. Anyone wishing to participate but can't "fork a horse," is welcome to register and come to the Steak Fry or pay the registration fee for a youth rider.

So, grab a horse, grab a friend, bring the entire family and saddle up and enjoy some good family fun.

For more information call J.J. Fletcher at (928)684-0202. Registration forms available at Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, Jones Ford, Ben's Saddlery and Double D.