Youth World Show judges share tips for winning patterns

Remembering horse show patterns and making an impression on the judges is enough to make anyone nervous, especially in world-level competition. Exhibitors at the 2016 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show got the inside scoop straight from APHA World Show judge Dave Dennison on June 28 at APHA’s annual “Ride the Pattern”demonstration. Dave talked exhibitors through each showmanship, horsemanship and equitation pattern in detail and critiqued live demonstrations of the patterns by trainer and fellow APHA judge Dale Sullens.

“I kept two main things in mind when developing patterns for this year: forward and flow. You want to keep your horse forward with a smooth flow throughout the pattern,” Dave said.

Dave shared the following tips for success—valuable not only for this year’s Youth World Show patterns, but also for success in any pattern class:

Showmanship

• Departures and turns are key to flow of the pattern. Make sure your departures are smooth and immediate.
• Remember, the pattern is only a guide—it’s your responsibility to have a plan and set your targets to best show your horse. Give yourself enough room before cones to complete maneuvers and establish a good, solid gait.
• Don’t get hung up on specifics. Judges won’t dock points for backing four steps instead of five. If your horse backs well, add an extra step to show it off.
• For patterns with an extended trot, you must show a clear difference between gaits. Downward transitions should be smooth between trot and extended trot, and there should be a noticeable build into the extended trot.

 Horsemanship

• Don’t cheat your circles. Give yourself enough room to show off your horsemanship with a solid, consistent gait.
• If the pattern calls for a simple lead change, perform a simple change. You won’t impress the judges by doing a flying change when they asked for a simple change.
• Get off the rail. Prove you can ride with confidence out in the arena and collect and extend your horse without the rail’s guidance.
• Don’t let your horse anticipate maneuvers. Keep him between the bridle and waiting for your cues.

 Hunt-Seat Equitation

• Keep your horse forward and use big circles to show off extension and freedom of movement.
• If the pattern doesn’t specify what kind of lead change to perform, a flying change will always garner more points if you perform it well.
• Transitions to the sitting trot should be smooth and seamless.
• Practice riding in two-point position and without stirrups extensively at home. Judges work these skills into patterns for a reason—it’s an excellent way to gain extra points and show off your strength as a rider.
• The hand gallop is not a speed contest. Show you can open up your horse and lengthen his stride with control and easily come back to a canter.

“You can earn a lot of credit by making the small things look good,” David said. “The judges want to award a big score, so challenge your horse. Patterns are adjusted to the level of competition—the World Show is difficult, so you will be challenged.”

For more insight on performing a winning pattern, check out the Paint Horse Journal’s Game Plan series with advice from APHA judges, trainers and industry experts.

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 About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/youth-world-show-judges-share-tips-for-winning-patterns

Paints help special riders shine at the Youth World Show

Smiles were wide and laughter was contagious at the Stars & Stripes Summer Spectacular, which took place June 28 at the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show.  A new event to the 2016 Youth World Show schedule, the Summer Spectacular provided a venue for equestrians with disabilities to strut their stuff. Volunteers from the Chisholm Challenge at the Fort Worth Stock Show helped make the day an undeniable success.

“The joy of watching riders accomplish something on the back of a horse is amazing,” volunteer Amy Cozzi said. “I think it’s so great we had such a great turnout and to see everyone coming out and supporting the show. It’s been really great to work with APHA and the Appaloosa Horse Club to get more opportunities for these riders.”

Wee Painted Up Doc, a 1997 bay tovero gelding, added a splash of color to the ring with several riders from Stars and Strides Stables of Weatherford, Texas. Zhanna Linscombe piloted “Apache” in several independent-rider events: trail, para-reining and hunt-seat equitation. The 16-year-old from Weatherford has been riding for three years and shows regularly. Showing has helped Zhanna overcome nerves, especially when she’s paired with her painted partner.

“When I first started showing, I’d get kind of nervous,” Zhanna said. “I don’t like going out in front of people, but when I’m on Apache, I’m like, ‘OK, let’s do this!’ ”

Zhanna is hooked on the thrill of the spins and circles in reining and has high hopes of expanding her repertoire.

“Apache isn’t great at stopping, but reining is my favorite class because I love the turning,” Zhanna said. “I want to be a barrel racer.”

Apache’s kind demeanor and sweet nature has captured Zhanna’s heart. She formed an immediate bond with the gentle Paint when he arrived at Stars and Strides Stables in December. She spends several days a week out at the barn and enjoys riding and helping younger equestrians just as much as getting her hands dirty with barn work.

“Zhanna has enjoyed Apache ever since he came here. That’s who she always wants to ride,” Zhanna’s mother, Denise, said. “Coming out to the barn is her favorite time of the week, and she also helps out there. It’s been a nice opportunity for her to gain some responsibility and leadership.”

Zhanna was adopted from Russia at age 2 by the Linscombe family and diagnosed with a cognitive disorder due to fetal alcohol syndrome. Denise says riding has helped Zhanna achieve confidence both in and out of the saddle, and the mental stimulation has improved Zhanna’s memory.

“When she gets up there, it gives her confidence, and she’s with Apache out in the show ring, which helps,” Denise said. “Memory-wise, riding has been very helpful. Having something she can succeed at has helped her self-esteem. It’s really helped her find her niche.”

Programs such as Stars and Strides Stables offer opportunities for riders of all skill levels and ranges of disabilities, from physical to cognitive to developmental. Flashy Paint Horses are often found in equine therapy programs, and their patient willingness and colorful coats elicit smiles from young riders year after year at equestrians with disabilities events.

“It’s a great program for all kinds of riders. I never realized horse therapy programs were for independent riders also,” Denise said. “Zhanna’s disability is an invisible disability, so you don’t always see it. It’s eye-opening to know that there’s all kinds of disabilities riding can help with.”

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About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/paints-help-special-riders-shine-at-the-youth-world-show

Time to Ride Challenge offers APHA member incentives

Any Paint enthusiast can rattle off a myriad of reasons to get involved with the breed—after all, our Paint Horses are versatile, flashy, charismatic and the perfect partners. With the Time to Ride Challenge, APHA members can earn cash, prizes and APHA incentives just for introducing new people to horses and riding.

The Time to Ride Challenge is a nationwide contest designed to introduce people to horses by connecting newcomers with stables, clubs and equine businesses in their communities.  Developed by the American Horse Council in partnership with the Let’s Move! initiative and the United States Equestrian Federation, the program is in its third year and has received widespread support and involvement from equine organizations around the country, including APHA.

Participating equine businesses and trainers compete against each other for up to $10,000 in cash and prizes in three awards divisions—small, medium and large—based on number of new people introduced to riding. In addition, APHA members who sign up as a Time to Ride host will be entered into a drawing for a $250 gift card to the APHA General Store.

“Competing in the challenge is not only about winning or placing, although that was my goal at first,” said Jody Halladay, owner of 16 Acres Equine Educational Complex of Union Grove, Wisconsin, and 2015 medium division champion. “It turned out to be so much more than winning the prize money. It’s about getting us, as part of the horse industry, to look differently at how we advertise and promote ourselves. It’s about securing a future for the horse industry.”

The challenge began June 1 and runs through September 30 and is an excellent opportunity to showcase Paint Horses to those new to the horse industry. Although the contest is already underway, it’s not too late to throw your Paint Horse business’ hat in the ring and qualify for the APHA gift card drawing. Log on to the Time to Ride website to get listed as a host, access free marketing materials, get tips and ideas for events from previous Challenge winners and learn how Time to Ride can grow your equestrian business.

Host organizations from around the country have planned more than 350 beginner-friendly events for 2016, making horses easily accessible for anyone interested in saddling up. A list of riding opportunities, events and clubs for new riders can be found here.

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About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/time-to-ride-challenge-offers-apha-member-incentives

APHA and Tulsa Reining Classic provide big opportunities for Paint exhibitors

By Katie Kallevig and Blanche Schaefer, Paint Horse Journal

APHA is saddling up with the Tulsa Reining Classic again in 2016, giving APHA members the opportunity to earn extra awards along with credit toward qualifying for the APHA World Championship Show.

Top-finishing Paint Horse exhibitors will be awarded custom Gist Silversmiths buckles in the following classes:

• Open Derby
• Novice Horse Open Derby
• Non-Pro Derby
• Novice Horse Non-Pro Derby
• Non-Pro Futurity
• Developing Horse Open Futurity
• Open Futurity
• Open
• Non-Pro
• Rookie
• Youth

“We’re so pleased to welcome the American Paint Horse Association back on board for Tulsa,” said Cheryl Magoteaux Cody of the Tulsa Reining Classic management team.

The Tulsa Reining Classic, scheduled for August 29–September 4 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is in its third year of partnership with APHA, and it’s once again a 2017 APHA World Show-qualifying event. The continued partnership between APHA and the Tulsa Reining Classic provides exhibitors with a valuable opportunity to earn qualification credits.

“I hope Paint Horses, owners and exhibitors join us in Fort Worth in November for even more great prizes, cash and recognition at the APHA World Show,” Director of Youth and Amateur Activities and Awards Christine Henry said.

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[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/apha-and-tulsa-reining-classic-provide-big-opportunities-for-paint-exhibitors

Patterns released for 2016 AjPHA Youth World Show

Preparation begins months in advance for most AjPHA Youth World Championship Show exhibitors. Contestants can now begin narrowing their practice sessions and perfecting maneuvers for each class with the debut of the 2016 Youth World Show Pattern Book.

Be sure to stop by the Youth World Show’s free “Ride the Pattern” demonstration, which features live demonstrations of all horsemanship, equitation and showmanship patterns by a demonstration exhibitor and critiqued by one of our World Show judges—this is the perfect opportunity to see how the pattern will run in real life and get the scoop directly from a World Show judge. Ride the Pattern takes place June 28 from 2–5 p.m. in the John Justin Arena.

Click Here to View

Get additional help before the show with the Paint Horse Journal’s  Game Plan article series. Polish your patterns with insights from APHA judges, and top trainers in 12 of APHA’s most popular disciplines—including how the classes are judged and tips to prepare—before loading up for the Youth World Show, which takes place June 28–July 9. A schedule of events and online entry form can be found on the website.

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[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/patterns-released-for-2016-ajpha-youth-world-show

Zone 1 gears up for 2016 Northwest Paint Horse Championship

Zone 1 welcomes the Northwest Paint Horse Championship for the third year to Albany, Oregon. The Northwest Paint Horse Championship takes place in conjunction with the annual Zone 1 Show August 11–14 at the Linn County Fairgrounds.

Zone 1 will designate 15 classes as Northwest Paint Horse Championship events, in addition to a complete roster of regular Zone show classes. Exhibitors and horse owners wishing to enter Northwest Paint Horse Championship classes must reside in Zone 1: Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

APHA-sponsored awards for Northwest Paint Horse Championship classes include championship buckles by Gist Silversmith and medallions for second through sixth place.

The following Northwest Paint Horse Championship classes will be offered this year:

• Youth Halter Mares
• Youth Halter Geldings
• Amateur Halter Mares
• Amateur Halter Geldings
• Amateur Walk-Trot Horsemanship
• Amateur Walk-Trot Western Pleasure
• Classic Amateur Horsemanship
• Classic Amateur Hunter Under Saddle
• Classic Amateur Hunt-Seat Equitation
• Classic Amateur Showmanship
• Masters Amateur Showmanship
• Novice Amateur Showmanship
• Senior Western Riding
• Green Trail
• Senior Trail

In addition, exhibitors are encouraged to come early Aug. 10 for a valuable training opportunity.

“New this year, Robert Dehn is offering a trail clinic the day before our show starts,” Zone 1 Show Committee Member Shannon O’Dell said. “We’re excited about this opportunity for our Zone 1 exhibitors.”

For details about the 2016 Northwest Paint Horse Championship, visit zoneone-apha.com or contact Show Manager Tammie Whitt or Show Secretary Karen Lunan.

Since its 2014 pilot program and full launch in 2015, APHA’s Paint Horse Championships have provided a competitive avenue for APHA members who have not placed in the Top Five in halter classes or the Top 10 in respective performance classes at the APHA World Championship Show within the past five years. The program was designed to foster local competition and participation for exhibitors and their Paints outside of the World Show.

For more information about eligibility and the 2016 Paint Horse Championship events around the country, click here.

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[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/zone-1-gears-up-for-2016-northwest-paint-horse-championship

Stars prepare to shine at 2016 Northeast Paint Horse Championship

Paints and their exhibitors will compete for more than just Zone class wins at the Northeast Connection Zone 7 Show this year—they’ll also have the opportunity to score big in 15 select Northeast Paint Horse Championship classes, too. The third annual Northeast Paint Horse Championship takes place in conjunction with the Zone 7 Show August 6–7 in Logan Township, New Jersey.

Paint Horse Championships are designed to encourage local participation and provide a competitive event for APHA members who don’t compete at the world level. These select events, which take place around the country as part of APHA Zone shows, showcase exhibitors and Paints within their respective zones that have not placed in the Top Five in a halter class or the Top 10 in a performance class at an APHA World Championship Show within the last five years.

Exhibitors and owners of horses competing in the 2016 Northeast Paint Horse Championship must be current APHA members who reside in Zone 7, which spans Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

The following Northeast Paint Horse Championship classes are offered for 2016:

• Youth Halter Geldings
• Youth Halter Mares
• Amateur Halter Geldings
• Amateur Halter Mares
• Overo Color Class
• Tobiano Color Class
• Youth Showmanship
• Youth Trail
• Novice Amateur Hunter Under Saddle
• Novice Amateur Hunt-Seat Equitation
• Novice Amateur Trail
• Novice Amateur Western Horsemanship
• Amateur Trail
• Amateur Ranch Riding
• Open Hunter Under Saddle

Northeast Paint Horse Championship class winners receive Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles, and medallions are awarded for second through sixth place. These awards are sponsored by APHA, and participating Zone shows are also eligible for up to $3,500 in additional rebates from APHA for Zone class awards.

In addition, Zone 7 is spicing up the Championship classes with high-point awards in Youth, Novice Amateur and Amateur divisions. Two high-point gift cards of $300 and $200 will be awarded per division.

“We thought it would make the Championship classes a little more of a contest,” Zone 7 Show Secretary Dorothy Quirk said. “We hope it will encourage more people to enter who are on the line [about entering Championship classes] because you have the chance to win $200 or $300.”

For more information about eligibility and 2016 Paint Horse Championship shows around the country, click here.

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[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/stars-prepare-to-shine-at-2016-northeast-paint-horse-championship

APHA cards 10 new judges

APHA is excited to welcome 10 new approved judges; they are among the applicants to successfully complete the extensive two-day APHA Judge Applicant School from May 23–25 in Denton, Texas. The applicant exam included a closed rulebook exam, both live and video judging tests, and an interview with the APHA Judges Committee.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s group of new APHA judges,” APHA Director of Judges David Dellin said. “I have no doubt they will continue the tradition of excellence we are working to provide for our exhibitors. They are all extremely knowledgeable and have been through a very demanding test of those skills. I’m very proud to have them as part of the judges’ corps.”

Congratulations to our new judges:

Tony Burris

Summerfield, North Carolina

Tony brings more than 15 years of judging experience to APHA. He holds cards with the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Snaffle Bit Association and the Palomino Horse Breeders Association. He has judged more than 200 horse shows, including the AQHA World Show and All American Quarter Horse Congress. Tony is a horse trainer and has shown at the APHA World Championship Show.

Rick Christy

Reddick, Florida

Rick has judged nearly 350 horse shows and holds cards with AQHA and NSBA. He has been a judge with both associations since 2000 and has trained and shown world and congress champion hunters in addition to Honor Roll Western pleasure winners and high-point reiners. Rick has judged at both the AQHA and American Junior Quarter Horse Association world shows, All American Quarter Horse Congress, NSBA World Show and regional Quarter Horse shows.

Timothy Jedra

Auburn, New York

A member of the Empire State Paint Horse Club, Timothy brings a wide range of judging experience to APHA. He is actively carded with AQHA, PHBA, Pinto Horse Association, American Buckskin Registry Association and Pony of the Americas Club. A horse trainer and riding instructor, he has judged approximately 30 horse shows, including the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Bob Kail

Scottsdale, Arizona

Bob has more than 1,000 shows and 30 years of experience as a judge under his belt. He has judged All American Quarter Horse Congress multiple times, in addition to the NSBA and AQHA world shows and several reining futurities. He has trained multiple AQHA and PHBA champions and coached several Youth and Amateur riders to championships at major AQHA shows.

Stephanie McConnell

New Trenton, Indiana

Stephanie’s accomplishments as a judge, trainer, exhibitor and coach span a variety of breed associations: AQHA, NSBA, PtHA, PHBA, NSBA, ABRA, POA and International Buckskin Horse Association. She has judged more than 200 horse shows and currently breeds, trains and shows Quarter Horses, Paints and Thoroughbreds.

Teresa Pelton

Summerfield, Florida

An active member of the Florida Paint Horse Club, Teresa has been showing Paints since 1984 and has won multiple world and reserve world championships in a variety of events. She is an accomplished PtHA judge with more than 50 shows judged under her belt. She has attended both the APHA and PtHA judging academies and has coached two horse judging teams to top-five finishes at national FFA horse judging contests.

Richard Spinks

Cypress, Texas

Richard brings more than 30 years of experience to the table as a trainer, with multiple world championships in Western pleasure and reining. He’s judged approximately 45 AQHA shows and holds cards with AQHA and ABHA. Richard has judged abroad in Denmark and for several major regional AQHA shows, including the 2015 Fort Worth Stock Show.

Dale Sullens

Aubrey, Texas

Dale’s experience as a trainer and exhibitor span APHA, PHBA, PtHA , Appaloosa Horse Club and Arabian Horse Association, where he and his clients have earned multiple world and reserve world champions. Dale has attended both the 2013 and 2014 APHA Educational Judges Academy.

Walter Glenn Wells

Williamson, Georgia

Glenn’s accolades over the past 25 years include being named AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year in Georgia multiple times. He has trained, coached and shown several champion and reserve champions at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Glenn has judged approximately 60 horse shows, including futurities and the 2014 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show. Glenn is carded with NSBA, AQHA and PHBA and regularly attends AQHA and NSBA judge seminars.

Nicolas Perrin

Les Tanneurs, France

Nicolas received a European-only judge’s card; he is an accomplished judge in Europe for AQHA and ApHC and is a member of APHA, AQHA, ApHC and NSBA. An experienced trainer, Nicolas has several European and French champion titles to his credit and is an active member of the France Paint Horse Association.

A full list of APHA-approved judges, including contact information, can be found online at apha.com/association/judges.

To learn more about becoming a carded APHA judge, visit apha.com. 

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About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.

http://apha.com/news-landing/news-details/apha-cards-10-new-judges