Mark Pryor: “it is with pleasure that I rise today to honor the 50th Annual Arkansas State Championship Horse Show. In 1963, three…”

“it is with pleasure that I rise today to honor the 50th Annual Arkansas State Championship Horse Show. In 1963, three horse show associations in Arkansas joined efforts to hold a State equestrian championship. This championship show originated when the Hillbilly Horse Show Association, the Central Arkansas Horse Show Association, and the Northeast Central Arkansas Horse Show Association joined together to host a championship competition. Over the years, this partnership has expanded to include 12 horse show associations from across the great State of Arkansas. For the past 50 years, the top 5 contenders from each association compete to earn the honor of being named the Champion Rider of Arkansas. Arkansans have long enjoyed riding horses for sport and pleasure. Horse shows across the State attract fans seeking to witness the athleticism and agility of the sportsmen and the horses. While these riders make it look easy, horse riding requires a great deal of balance, coordination, and physical strength. Each rider must also exemplify self-discipline, responsibility, and patience with their horse. Horse riding is important to the people of my State, and I support keeping this heritage strong. At the 50th Annual Arkansas State Championship Horse Show later this summer, competitors will again showcase their talent by riding different breeds in a variety of equestrian disciplines.…”