Industry

More Than Horsin’ Around

Oklahoma’s equine industry booms.

According to Scott Munz, the senior VP of marketing and sales at OKC’s State Fair Park, Oklahoma hosts more national and international horse shows than anywhere else in the world. Photo by KC Montgomery Horses are Stoney Stamper’s bread and butter, and it’s been that way in his family since 1905. But climbing into the saddle is also a lot of fun.

“If you can spend a lot of time by yourself, out in nature, just you and your horse, that’s a pretty darned good day,” he says.

Oklahomans have a love a air with horses.

“Working with horses can really bring out the best in people,” says Stamper, 43, who lives in Blanchard. “Horses teach you patience and discipline. It’s been important to me for my children to be involved with horses and livestock for that reason.”

Tatum Keller of Yukon started showing quarter horses when she was eight years old. Now she’s 18 and a freshman at Texas Christian University, where she won a scholarship to ride for the equestrian team.

“Quarter horses are what I grew up

Oklahoma, An Equine Hub

Oklahoma hosts more national and international horse shows than anywhere in the world, says Scott Munz, senior vice president of marketing and sales for State Fair Park.

Among the 15 shows held every year in Oklahoma City are the American Quarter Horse Association world shows, the National Reining Horse Association futurity and derby, the Arabian Youth Nationals, the OKC Futurity barrel racing show and the Grand National World Championship and Morgan Horse Show.

“We have long-term contracts with all our major horse shows,” says Munz. “We are the envy of almost any city that is interested in horse shows.”

Since 2005, when Oklahoma City voters approved a hotel/ motel tax increase, the city has invested between $120 and $150 million in the equine complex at State Fair Park, says Munz. Upgrades include an enlarged barn complex, new stalls that are easier to clean, two outdoor covered exercise arenas and a total of seven show arenas.