Oklahoma City, situated in the middle of the United States and at the confluence of three major interstate highways, long has been an inviting home to equine events, enough so that some in that industry refer to the city as the Horse Show Capital of the World.

With 15 major events scheduled at State Fair Park during the next year while buildings there undergo major renovations, the city is trying hard to live up to that title as competition for top shows increases. The Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show were held at the park last week.

“That’s the state of the industry now,” said Steve Collier, the vice president for strategic event development of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone has to improve their facilities and product in order to stay ahead of their competitors.”

In Lexington, Ky., where the Kentucky Horse Park will play host to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, a $35 million covered arena–financed by the state–soon will be built, along with a privately developed hotel. Down Interstate 64, Louisville has the World’s Championship Horse Show, the most important event of the year for those on the Saddlebred horse circuit, at Freedom Hall