Patriotic horse lovers can celebrate two of America’s original breeds over the next two weeks at the National Appaloosa Show and World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show, and the American Paint Horse Association Youth World Championships. Both shows take place through July 6 in Forth Worth, Texas.
Beyond the usual slate of breed classes from a variety of English and western disciplines, the Appaloosa National and Paint Youth World Championships offer several unique events:
- Horse-against-horse speed classes (Appaloosa): These include Camas Prairie stump race (barrel racing), Nez Perce stake race (pole bending), and rope race (similar to musical chairs). Instead of racing against the clock, as is done in other horse breeds, Appaloosas race head-to-head.
- Champion of Champions class (Paint): This competition will bring back first-place winners in horsemanship and equitation classes to compete against one another. Each participant creates their own pattern and they are encouraged to incorporate music.
- Stick-horse rodeo: Part of the activities lineup for youth, the stick-horse rodeo will be held
Wednesday July 3rd at 3:30 p.m. - Challenged Rider Leadline: Set for Monday July 1st, this heartwarming class is for special-needs
riders mounted on horses controlled by attendants. - Heritage (Appaloosa): This is a costume class in which contestants display authentic apparel and trappings appropriate to early-day users of Appaloosas-Native Americans, mountain men, etc.
- World of Color Gift Show: Vendors from across the nation will be selling their wares in the exhibit halls daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (June 24 – July 6, 2013)
- Judging Contest: Paint and Appaloosa youth competitors can compete for individuals and team awards in two age divisions (13 & Under and 14-19).
- Boot Camp: Youth exhibitors can receive hands-on instruction from industry professionals in preparation for their World Show experience. APHA & ApHC Professionals will assist youth participants with feedback and helpful hints for horsemanship, equitation, and showmanship. Space is Limited to the first 25 youth.
- Championship Dog Races: ApHC and APHA are putting their dogs to the test and showing off their
arena work. This spectator-friendly event will be held June 30 and July 3 in the John Justin Arena.
For more information, visit Appaloosa.com or ywcs.apha.com
Lots going on in one area. Sounds like alot of fun….and colorful, too.
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