Press Releases:

Utah Quarter Horse Association Plans Fun and Activities for All Members of the Family

Salt Lake City, Utah (May 20, 2005) - Horse racing isn't just your parents' sport anymore. This year's Utah Quarter Horse Association (UQHA) 2005 racing season includes two dates with fun and educational activities specifically for the next generation of racing fans. Along with witnessing the fastest sport on earth, young race fans will have the opportunity to participate in exciting race day activities and learn about the sport directly from the people involved.

Kids Day, the first family focused date in this year's race season, will be held on May 21st. Designed to entertain even the youngest members of the racing crowd, Kids Day activities will include stick horse racing, an inflatable "bounce house", face painting, and a coloring contest. All activities will be free to attendees and prizes will be provided.

The main event of Kids Day is the stick horse races where kids will be outfitted with "silks", goggles, and a whip. Participants will have their names included in the race program and the track announcer will call the races using the kids' names. In addition, all participants will have the opportunity to have their picture taken in the Winner's Circle. To sign up for the stick races, interested race fans will need to contact UQHA Secretary Amy Hall by e-mail at uqhaamy@msn.com or by phone at (801) 518-1562.

The second date in the racing season that has been created with the younger generation of fans in mind is Youth Day. Designed for 7-15 year old UQHA fans, Youth Day will take place on June 4th and will feature educational tours where participants can learn about prepping and saddling the horses, and walking them to the starting gates. Participants will also be able to discuss riding tips with the jockeys, visit the Steward's quarters (the racecourse official) and vet barn, and take the race announcer tour.

The groups of participants for Youth Day will come from various local organizations such as the Shriner's Hospital, the Make A Wish Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America. Each group will be paired with a horse that they will follow throughout the course of the day. The group that is paired with the winning horse will be invited to have a professional photo taken with the winning horse and the jockey. In addition, the money won from the race will be donated to the winning organization.

"We have worked hard to create an environment of fun and excitement for fans of all ages," said Billy Peterson, UQHA Director. It is exciting to see how many new fans are able to make it to and enjoy the races. And with the cooperation that we have received from the owners and trainers, we will be able to give something back to the community."

The popularity of horse racing has increased significantly over the past several years. It is now one of the most widely attended spectator sports in the United States. Especially popular in the southwestern United States, Quarter Horse racing takes place at tracks, county fairs, and rodeos. As the name implies, Quarter Horses compete at distances of generally 440 yards (0.4 km), in sprints that last approximately 20 seconds.

The UQHA Horse Races will be held at the Laurel Brown Equestrian Park in South Jordan, located at 10800 South 2200 West. General Admission is $4. Children four and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. The Utah Quarter Horse Association (UQHA) 2005 season includes five race days in Utah, running April 30th - June 18th.

2005 UQHA Race Schedule - Utah:
Gates open - 10:30 a.m., Post Time: 12:00 noon
April 30th, 2005
May 7th, 2005
May 21st, 2005
June 4th, 2005
June 18th, 2005

The UQHA is currently offering race sponsorships to companies looking to assist the racing community and reap the benefits of race day exposure. Sponsorship contact: Amy Hall, 801-518-1562.

About the Utah Quarter Horse Association (UQHA) The purpose of the UQHA is to develop positive participation in Quarter Horse activities in Utah with cooperation from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). The UQHA’s goal is to promote and stimulate the racing events, shows, youth activities, trail rides, sales and ownership of Quarter Horses. The Utah Quarter Horse Association encourages sportsmanship and family values in all activities. For ticket information please call 801-518-1562 or email Amy Hall at uqhaamy@msn.com or visit www.uqhra.com.

Existing UQHRA Members

Join the UQHRA Today Get involved with Utah Quarterhorse Racing Association. Become a member and see the benefits. Learn more about Membership

UQHRA Race Schedule The Utah Quarterhorse Racing Association has a great line up of races for the 2008 season. View the list of the upcoming races, payment schedules, and conditions. Get involved in the Utah Racing Circuit. View Race Schedule