Little Rock, Arkansas – The 60th anniversary Arkansas State Championship Horse Show was taking place in Barton Coliseum, and the horses were kicking up dust as spectators crowded the stands to support the competitors.
For nearly 50 years, Jerry Fuller has been competing.
“The first year I remember coming here was 1967,” Fuller said.
According to family, the show is now a family affair.
“Then I brought my kids in the early 90s, now I’m coming with my grandkids,” Fuller said.
His family competed in competitions all year to earn a spot on this show. To advance to this round, competitors must finish in the top five of an event held by their local horse association. Fuller claims that Arkansans hold their own when they travel outside of the state as well.
“People from Arkansas are very competitive when we go play on the national level,” Fuller said.
According to Jamie Busby with the championship horse show, attendees come from all around the natural state to this occasion.
“We have about 700 actual exhibitors showing making up that 1700 entries,” Busby said.
All of them are competing for bragging rights and the title of “best of the best,” but according to Fuller, it’s all in good fun.
“It’s just a great place to be, a great family environment,” Fuller said.