A new arrangement between two of the nation’s largest equine breeds will present many ways for young equestrians and their families to interact this summer in Fort Worth, Texas. This summer, the AjPHA Youth World Show and the World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show will be held simultaneously at Will Rogers Memorial Center. In addition to enjoying the feel of a larger show with more vendors and activity on the entire facility, the overlap also means that social activities will be more “social.”

Beginning June 28, youth from the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) will kick things off with a Boot Camp. Professional trainers volunteer their day to help prepare and polish newcomers from both associations. Hart Trailers will provide a $500 scholarship to one participant. At the conclusion of Boot Camp, APHA Director of Judges Dave Dellin will host a “Ride the Pattern” session open to all exhibitors who wish to have insight from the judges about what they will be looking for during the patterned classes at the AjPHA Youth World Show.

The associations have planned a number of social activities to let the young people enjoy each other’s company. An egg toss, sponsored by Dennard’s Western Wear, will kick off the fun. Other planned activities include a boot scramble, ice cream social, dog races, a horse judging contest, and a stick horse class.

Fun classes will let the group of young equestrians demonstrate their abilities on and off of their horse. The classes open to all are Freestyle Shankless Showmanship, Ride-A-Buck Bareback Western Equitation and the Youth Versatility Challenge.

Paint exhibitors will be incorporated into an ApHC favorite, Champion of Champions class. 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.

The Challenged Riders’ Leadline is a class for riders with disabilities. The class is open to participants of all ages and exhibitors may show Western or English. There is not an entry fee.

The Hopes & Dreams Sweepstakes classes offer a cash payout to top finishers in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. Qualifying is not required for the sweepstakes classes.

“We hope the youth and families of both organizations capitalize upon this unique dual event. We envision a community feel, with fun, with friendly rivalries, with new camaraderie along a spirit of cooperation in a world-class atmosphere,” explains APHA Senior Director of Show and Contest Holly Slaughter.

Learn more
Full details, tentative class schedule, Premium Books and class entry forms are available online at ywcs.apha.com. Pre-enter by the May 15 deadline for the best pricing, stall location and RV spaces. Entries are accepted until 5 p.m. the day prior to the class.

Beginning in 2012, World Show participation qualification is required for every horse shown in World Championship classes at the AjPHA Youth World Show. Participation at four different APHA-approved show events with a minimum of 8 judges is the key. At no time will the number of points or lack thereof be considered for qualification. To verify if your horse has qualified, check the Qualifiers link on the Youth World Show website, ywcs.apha.com.

About the American Paint Horse Association
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is the world’s second largest equine breed association. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its global mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves more than 55,000 active youth and adult members around the world. For more information about the American Paint Horse Association, visitapha.com or connect with Paint Horse fans globally at facebook.com/americanpainthorseor on Twitter @APHANews and @WorldShow.