The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo began Dec. 4 and American Quarter Horses is an integral part of the excitement. To highlight these four-legged stars, the American Quarter Horse Association teamed with its corporate partner to present the Fort Dodge Champion American Quarter Horses at this year’s 50th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, held Dec. 4-13.

In conjunction with Fort Dodge Animal Health and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), AQHA will conduct a fan-voted award program recognizing American Quarter Horses and the competitors who ride them at this year’s WNFR.

Fort Dodge Animal Health is providing $2,500 in prize money to the horse’s owner and $2,500 to the competitor who receives the most votes in each of the following events:

• Steer Wrestling
  
• Tie-Down Roping
  
• Heading
  
• Heeling
  
• Barrel Racing

Horse enthusiasts and rodeo fans can cast their vote by visiting PRCA’s Web site and choosing their favorite run in the listed events from each go-round of the first eight performances of the WNFR. Voting will be conducted online only at www.ProRodeo.com. At the completion of the 2008 Wrangler National Finals, all votes will be tallied to reveal the champion American Quarter Horse and the champion competitor for each event.

“For 50 years, the WNFR has recognized rodeo’s greatest athletes. At AQHA, we’re proud to highlight the athleticism and intelligence of American Quarter Horses and the professional cowboys and cowgirls who compete at this prestigious event,” AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer said. “Thanks to the generosity of our partner Fort Dodge Animal Health, rodeo fans can reward their favorite American Quarter Horses.”

“This program allows all rodeo fans to get more involved in the exciting competition at the 50th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” PRCA’s Deanna Holderith said.

Only those contestants riding registered American Quarter Horses and the owners of those horses will be eligible to win the added money. If competing on a horse they own, a contestant could win $5,000 by receiving the horse and competitor award with the most votes in a specific event.

At the end of the finals, the competitor and horse in each event receiving the most votes in all go-rounds will be awarded the money. Results will be available each night, and final results will be posted at www.prorodeo.com after completion of all performances.