Breeder’s Invitational Returns to Tulsa
The Breeder’s Invitational Derby, one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport of cutting today, returns May 15-29 to Expo Square in Tulsa.
Spectators are invited to witness hundreds of the top horse and rider teams in the country compete for more than $1.5 million in prize money and the coveted Breeder’s Invitational (BI) Championship titles. Western vendors will provide shopping galore during the 8th Annual event that has made Tulsa its home.
Cutting, now one of the fastest growing equine sports in the world, is a fast-action event that originated on the early cattle ranches – when a horse was considered a cowhand’s most important tool. Competitions soon arose across the country between the best cutting horses and riders and a sport was born in 1946 that today has grown to include prize money exceeding $40 million annually.
Cutting competition involves an action-packed 2 1?2 minute performance, when a horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a calf away from a cattle herd and keep it separated during the time allowed. The best cutting horses do this practically on their own and with astonishing savvy and style. Watching a top cutting horse in action is witnessing an amazing athlete completely in his element.
This year the BI is proud to also host one of the eight legs of the Mercuria / National Cutting Horse Association World Series of Cutting – an exciting series of eight championship shows held across North America that determine the qualifiers for the World Finals held in December. This contest draws many of cutting’s superstars, as well as up-and-coming contestants eager to join those ranks.
“We are thrilled to incorporate the World Series with our event,” reported Breeder’s Invitational Executive Director Bob O’Bannon. “This added dimension of competition will only enhance the intensity of what we bring here to Tulsa. Spectators will truly have the opportunity to witness the top cutting horse and rider teams in the world. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
The Breeder’s Invitational is a non-profit corporation formed to further promote and enhance the cutting horse industry by producing a major event that offers a very large purse and a top-notch venue. Since its first year in existence back in 2003, the BI has paid out more than $10 million to its champions and is ranked as one of the major events in the industry.
Oklahoma residents are invited to attend this year’s Breeder’s Invitational Derby at the Expo Square in the heart of Tulsa. Competition runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days during its 15-day run May 15-29. Complete with a Western trade show daily featuring top vendors of Western goods, the BI is a great outing for the entire family and shoppers and spectators are most welcome.
Admission and parking are free. The Expo Square is located at 4145 E. 21st Street in Tulsa (918) 744-1113. For more information and the show schedule, visit www.breedersinvitational.com
Updated 05-27-2010
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