Exhibitors chase buckles, ribbons at Pinto World Championship in Tulsa

The race for ribbons and buckles is on as the Pinto World Championship heads into its last few days of competition. The show at the Tulsa fairgrounds is the largest gathering of Pinto horses, ponies, and miniatures in the region.

Pursuit of Prizes

The Pinto Horse Association of America caters to all levels and ages, including youth, amateur, novice, and open divisions. This year's show features over 700 classes. Prizes include buckles, ribbons, chairs, rose garlands, and saddles are awarded to world champions, reserve world champions, and high point winners.

CEO Darrell Bilke said, "A world champion adds probably another $20,000 value to that horse."

35 Years in Tulsa

This is the 35th year that Tulsa has hosted the Pinto World Championship. It is always held at the Tulsa fairgrounds, making use of its various arenas and barns.

Bilke said there are about 1,600 horses and 9,000 entries this year. "We, the equine people, think Tulsa is our home away from home," he continued, saying, "We consider this the horse capital of the world for us."

The Future of the Event

The Pinto Horse Association of America is in talks with the city and Expo Square to extend its contract to keep the Pinto World Championship in Tulsa another 5 years. Bilke said the event gets a lot of support because it is estimated to have a $25 million economic impact.

"Each horse, on an average, will bring 5 to 6 people with them," he said. "They are here for 2 weeks, so the restaurants, buying groceries, hotel, we put a lot of heads on pillows."