You can feel the excitement in the air. Banners are hung in the arena. Vendors are set up. It’s show time for the 67th Appaloosa National and Youth World Show being held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Judges this year include Jennifer Baker, Shannon Baker, Mario Boisjoli, Clay Cavinder, Lori Gordon, Kevin Hood, Rick McLain, Todd Bailey, Charlene Carter, Mike Carter, Jan Dublin, Kennis Fairfax, Jim Isley, Sue Kapushion, Kathy Kilbane, Kathryn Kope and Cynthia Mergaert.

The Appaloosa National Show is the oldest single breed horse show in the country. People travel from as far west as California and from the East Coast to show at the Appaloosa National and Youth World Show. Two weeks of horse showing, spending time with family and friends, all in the heart of Texas: What more could a cowboy or cowgirl want?

It’s a jammed packed schedule from start to finish but the Appaloosa Horse Club knows how to keep the FUN going so throughout the two weeks of competition there are activities like an egg toss and dog races scheduled in which all exhibitors can participate. The show staff goes above and beyond to make sure all exhibitors are taken care of at all times and no matter when you walk in the office (day or night) someone always greets you with a smile and a “how can I help you?”

On Sunday night June, 22 the year end awards banquet was held at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum kicking the show off. It was a chance for all exhibitors to sit down, have a nice dinner and visit with friends before everyone started showing. Bringing home the big award was Lonnie Cruse of Santa Fe, Texas for Trainer of the Year. It is a very prestigious award in which trainers are nominated by their peers for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, a friendly attitude and for promoting the Appaloosa breed.

Monday morning bright and early the show started with a bang and bringing home the first 2014 Appaloosa National trophy in a Western Pleasure class was Chris Filippelli and his mare Laced By Chocolate in the 35 & Over Western pleasure. This is Filippelli’s first National title with Laced By Chocolate (aka Smokey), a 3-year-old mare by Chocolatey. Filippelli purchased Smokey a couple months ago from Danny Desmond and says he can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this young talented mare. Filippelli and Smokey will also compete in the Masters Western Pleasure on Thursday.

Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunter Hack are on the schedule for today. Check back daily for results and updates on the 2014 Appaloosa National and Youth World Show

Click Here To View Class Results 

Click Here to check out candids from the show