Spring in the Shenandoah Valley brings new hope to the Shenandoah Blue Ridge Appaloosa Association’s Lee Jackson Classic. With rising costs at show facilities the ApHC affiliate has joined forces with the Virginia Paint Horse Club to combine the two shows.

“Show numbers have been falling off lately,” said Karen Pennington, show manager for the SBRAA, “Combining the two shows offers better opportunities for everyone involved. Everyone seems to be happy with the combination show.”

The Lee Jackson Classic, a long standing tradition has been going on annually since the 1980s. Debbie MacDonald, President of the North Carolina Paint Horse Club, and Virginia Paint Horse Club board member shares the same reflection,

“We have received positive feedback so far,” MacDonald said “We are optimistic for the future of this first time partnership. This show is also host to our 2017 Region 7 (Northeast Paint Horse Championship) Championship classes.”

Classes began at 7:30 am on both Saturday and Sunday, showing a full slate of both ApHC and APHA classes, beginning with ApHC and alternating throughout the day with the APHA classes. Saturday’s events included Halter, Showmanship, Over Fences, Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, Saddle Seat and Trail. Sunday classes include Halter, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Horsemanship, Reining and Ranch Classes. ApHC exhibitors showed to three judges, while APHA exhibitors will show to two judges. Judges for weekend will be Goose Ballard (ApHC & APHA), Terri Rakosky (ApHC) and Deborah White (ApHC & APHA).