This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the APHA World Championship Show, and it’s just getting better with age. If you’re waffling about whether or not to attend the show, read on for some of our favorite things for the November 5–15 show, held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

1. New classes. APHA added tons of new classes for the 2014 show including the Amateur Walk-Trot division, PBRIP 4- & 5-Year-Old Barrel Racing Futurities, Ranch Horse Trail Sweepstakes, Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Yearling In-Hand Trail and more. See the show schedule for a full list of classes.

2. Cash. Lots and lots of cash. More than $500,000 in cash and prizeswill be awarded during the show, included added money in almost 30 classes, Gist Silversmiths buckles in 168 classes, five Blue Ribbon custom trophy saddles and the use of Hart trailer for one year to the All-Around Horse.

3. The parties never end. From happy hours and welcome parties almost every night to the Jeffrey Steele concert on Friday, November 7, there’s much more to the World Show than just the arena classes. Hang out with all your favorite Paint Horse friends and meet new people, too.

4. Deeper prizes. Not everyone can win every class, but with prizes given out through 10^th place in all Open, Amateur and Solid Paint-Bred approved world championship classes, you’re more likely to walk away with a souvenir from your trip into the arena.

5. Waived late fees and qualification requirements. Hold your horses, this is only for Amateur Ranch Horse Pleasure Sweepstakes, Ranch Horse Trail Sweepstakes, Non-Pro 3-Year-Old Sweepstakes, PBRIP futurity and new Amateur Solid Paint-Bred classes. Come and try out the World Show, even if you’ve never attended, and find out what it’s all about. In total, the APHA World Show offers 118 no-qualification-required classes—see the full list here.

6. Expanded Farnam Stakes Classes. The wait is over. If you’ve loved the Farnam 2-year-old Western pleasure and hunter under saddle classes, you’ll really like the new 3- & 4-year-old classes designed just for non-pro riders. Want to own a Farnam stakes-eligible Paint of your own? Trot on over to the Farnam Breeders’ Trust Select Saleon November 9 to bid on a top yearling eligible for this exclusive slate of big-money classes.

7. Fantastic shopping. From the APHA General Store to tack shops, clothing boutiques and class photos and videos, there’s no end to the treasure trove at the Colors of the Season Gift Show.

8. USTRC invasion. The United States Team Roping Championships Cowtown ShootOut is coming to the Will Rogers Coliseum November 14–16, and there are extra incentives and buckles for the top Paint Horses. Even if you’ve never thrown a rope in your life, wander across the street to check out the fast action of top ropers from around the country.

9. Gold Sale Seal program. If you’re offering your horse for consideration at the World Show, check out the new Gold Sale Seal program to make him stand out in the arena and let everyone know he’s for sale. For a $100 donation to the American Paint Horse Foundation, you’ll receive a gold seal to put on your horse’s number and free lamination of your number. Proceeds go toward Youth scholarships.

10. Pre-show preparation help. We want you to succeed! On Tuesday, November 4, APHA will host Amateur Boot Camp followed by Ride the Pattern. In Boot Camp, APHA professionals give hands-on instruction in equitation, horsemanship and showmanship. Auditing is welcome! Then stick around for Ride the Pattern to watch live demonstrations of the equitation, horsemanship and showmanship patterns with feedback and explanation from an APHA judge. This popular, FREE seminar is open to everyone, and there is ample opportunity to ask questions and get clarification from the judge.

Ready to enter? Download the entry forms at oawcs.apha.com. 

Not convinced yet? Keep in mind that entries are accepted until 5 p.m. the day before the class, so come to the Will Rogers Memorial Center and check out all the action at the World Show.

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.