Paint horse show riding high in Oklahoma City

More than 300 horses will show this week, said Kevin Hardcastle, president of the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club.

The six-day show began Monday and continues through Saturday at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd.

Events begin at 7 a.m. daily. Admission is free.

Entries and stall rentals have risen 30 percent from last year, Hardcastle said. The event last year was the 15th-largest paint horse show in the country, and it’s the fastest-growing paint show in the country, he said. Horse owners like the quality of fair park’s facilities, and the show is run well, he said.

Rough economic times have changed the way some riders choose what shows to attend, he said.

Many riders are spending travel budgets on larger shows that offer more judges. The more judges, the more possible points to earn for yearlong competitions, he said.

To cater to the demand, Hardcastle said the Oklahoma City show has 12 judges this year, compared to eight last year.

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