NEWS RELEASE – for immediate release

The third annual Multi-State Stock Horse Invitational Championship is open to all stock horse-type show circuits, horse show associations, breed and/or color associations in areas around Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma or surrounding states. In its first two events in 2006 and 2007 the show averaged between 300-400 entries with over $10,000 paid out in paybacks and prizes. The Invitational will once again be held at Royal Oaks Arena, Carthage, MO as a two-day event on September 27-28, 2008. Halter and performance classes will be held on Saturday and all timed events will be held on Sunday. It is a two-judge system on Saturday with paybacks in all classes as well as many other prizes. Second chance tickets are awarded to non-placing horses for another chance drawing for prizes.

Exhibitors wanting to enter must first qualify through their association (such as saddle club associations, breed associations, paint, palomino, buckskin associations or stock horse show circuits) where they earn points for the show season. In order for their members to receive an invitation to compete, these Associations must become eligible to send qualifiers by submitting a "Letter of Intent to Participate" along with the $100.00 fee to: Multi-State Invitational Committee, c/o CRSHA, P O Box 67, Springfield, MO 65801-0061. The deadline for Letters of Intent to Participate  will be June 15th, 2008.

Each association will name their top five point earners as of August 29^th in each of their classes to receive an invitation to compete for "the best of the best." The exhibitor specified for the horse qualified must have been the exhibitor that acquired at least 50% of the points earned in the class named as of that date. No other exhibitor will be allowed to compete with that horse in that class. Invitations will be issued and forwarded to each association’s contact person for distribution. The association can choose to receive formal invitations to mail out or a list of qualifiers to notify.

While most of the classes offered at the two-day event require an invitation to enter, there are a number of "Jackpot" classes offered, including a "Showcase Weanling Division." Last year there was $500 added to both weanling mares and weanling stallions. This year we are hoping to add a "Showcase Western Pleasure" class with similar added money. These jackpot and showcase classes are "Open to the World" and do not require an invitation to compete.

The show is a fun event with stall decoration contests between the various association, and Friday night "not so formal" classes, pizza party and loud crowd participation when rooting for their association’s team of exhibitors. The friendly atmosphere and spirit between the various groups competing makes this show weekend an event you don’t want to miss.

Lee Rollins, Co-Chairman of the event says, "This is really a good opportunity for participating organizations, because it not only encourages attendance at their shows all year , it also increases membership by those trying to qualify for an invitation."

Class and event sponsors are needed and welcomed! If you have questions feel free to call Lee Rollins, 417-224-2611 or e-mail Lee and Judith Rollins at shadyrqtrs@netscape.net  , Sonya Anderson, Secretary at scout@showmehorses.com or Nancy McCowan, Records Management at admc@centurytel.net 

The Board of Directors of Cross Roads Stock Horse Association and members of the Invitational Committee decided to make this effort in order to create an event that continues to support the horse industry. Those whose lives are connected by horses must ensure that there will always be a place to go and a place to show! They hope you will join them!

 Invitational Information Sheet