Jackpot classes in Open Hunter Under Saddle, Open Ranch Rail Pleasure and Open Western Pleasure are just some of the new classes being offered this year by the American Paint Horse Association Zone 7 Zone-A-Rama being held this weekend at the Dream Park in Swedesboro, New Jersey.

Organizers say entries and stall rentals remain steady over last year and this year they are featuring some new prizes, including medallions for circuit champions; neck ribbons for the jackpot classes and Lead Line exhibitors; buckles for high point awards, and monogrammed stall bags for reserve high point awards. 

There have also been a few classes added this year just for fun, including Freestyle Showmanship and a Jackpot Egg & Spoon Memorial Class.

Marissa Campbell, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, is competing here this year for the fifth time with her relatively new partner, Fancy Roses. The 2008 grey tobiano mare is by All Time Fancy and out of Lopin For The Roses and they have been showing together for about 18 months. Together they compete in Amateur All-Around events and their favorite class is Horsemanship. 

“I like coming to the Zone show because it’s a larger show and there are always fun classes to show in,” she said.

Zone show veteran, Karen Pumphrey, of Westminster, Maryland, has been competing at the Zone show for eight years now, six of them with her current show partner, Gotta Hot Invite, a 2009 bay tobiano gelding by Special Invitation out of Invested By Blaze. 

They most enjoy competing in Trail but what keeps Pumphrey coming back is the show’s six-judge format.

“It’s a well-run show at a very nice facility,” she said.

Professional trainers Brooke Dixon and her father, Marty, of Dixon Show Horses in Clayton, Delaware, brought 12 horses to the show for clients to compete mainly in youth and amateur classes.

Brooke said her favorite thing about the Zone show is the awards for circuit champions.

“Having that recognition really gives people a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

Brooke most enjoys showing in Hunter Under Saddle and Western Riding classes but this weekend she is focusing coaching her clients and helping them excel with their horses. 

Judges for this year’s show are: Kathryn Boggetta, of Michigan; Teresa Pelton, of Florida; Alisa Proefrock, of Wisconsin; Pam Scott, of Florida; Richard Spinks, of Texas, and Glenn Wells, of Georgia. 

Competition continues throughout Sunday. Check back for circuit champions and high-point awards which will be listed on InStride Edition later this week.