Paint
March 2008 APHA E-News - WS Update, American Idol, Judging Contest Scholarships
By
Mar 9, 2008, 11:31

World Show - June 21-July 5, 2008.

2008 Premium Books will be mailed this month.

The tentative World Show Schedule is available on-line at aphaworldshow.com. Please note that there have been changes made since the schedule was first posted.

New Classes offered in 2008
World Championship Classes
Youth Working Cow Horse
Amateur Western Riding, Classic 19-44/
Masters 45 & Over (split)
Amateur Jumping
Novice Amateur Cutting
Broodmares
Solid Paint-Bred 3-Year-Old & Older Mares
Solid Paint-Bred 2-Year-Old Stallions
Solid Paint-Bred 3-Year-Old & Older Stallions
Solid Paint-Bred 2-Year-Old Geldings
Solid Paint-Bred 3-Year-Old & Older Geldings Specialty Classes
*These classes are NOT World Championship classes but WILL receive APHA Points.
Novice Youth Showmanship
Novice Youth Hunt Seat Equitation
Novice Youth Hunter Under Saddle
Novice Youth Horsemanship
Novice Youth Western Pleasure

Specialty Classes
*These classes are NOT World Championship classes and WILL NOT receive APHA Points.
Tobiano 2-Year-Old Stallions
Tobiano 3-Year-Old & Older Stallions
Tobiano 2-Year-Old Geldings
Tobiano 3-Year-Old & Older Geldings
Tobiano 2-Year-Old Mares
Tobiano 3-Year-Old & Older Mares Challenge & Sweepstakes Classes
*These classes are NOT World Championship classes and WILL NOT receive APHA Points.
4 & 5-Year-Old Working Cow Horse Challenge
4 & 5-Year-Old Reining Challenge
Team Roping Sweepstakes

Classes moving from the World Show to the Fall Championship Show
November 6-15, 2008
The following classes will be moved from the World Championship Paint Horse Show to the APHA Fall Championship Show beginning in 2008: World Championship Classes
Weanling Halter - Stallions, Mares & Geldings (Open, Amateur & Solid Paint-Bred)
Yearling Halter - Stallions, Mares & Geldings (Open, Amateur & Solid Paint-Bred)
Yearling Longe Line (Open, Amateur & Solid Paint-Bred)
2-Year-Old Western Pleasure (Open)
2-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle (Open)

Challenge Classes
3-Year-Old Western Pleasure Challenge
3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle Challenge
3-Year-Old Reining Challenge




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2008 World Show Championship Hotel Reservations
Hurry and get a special discount by making your reservation through the participating hotels. Place your reservation by May 15th and be sure to request the special APHA rate.

The hotel list and rates are available on the 2008 World Show Web site. If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Frye at (817) 834-2742, extension 335.


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Want To Become a Champion of Champions Buckle Patron?

For the past 10 years, individuals, businesses, farms and ranches have been generous in their support of World Show classes through the Champion of Champions Buckle Patron Program.

This popular program, started in 1998, offers individuals and groups the opportunity to support an event and its exhibitors by funding the purchase of World and Reserve World Championship buckles for specific classes.

Buckle Patrons select the class(es) they wish to sponsor and are recognized in the World Show Program and on arena signs. The cost to sponsor both buckles in a class is $1,000.

Thank you to these members who have already committed to be 2008 Buckle Patrons:

C.R. Parr & Associates, P.C. Mary Ellen Stanley of High Point Farm
Dana & Haley Hall Mike and Gretchen Hachtel of Espuela Ranch
Elka Daroga Pacific First Corp.
Folino Family Triple F Ranch Painted Diamond Show Horses
Gist Silversmiths Ron and JoAnna Shelly
KC Montgomery Russell Feed and Supply
Kiser Products Sheri & Erica Lang
Lazy JN Ranch Susan Wilson
Linda and Monica Jesinghaus The Equine Chronicle
K Diamond K, Inc Video Horse World
Marissa Eddy Western Horseman
Markel Insurance
Christine Weiser, in memory of Whos Zippers Down
K Diamond K Paints in memory of Doodly Du
Ed & Kathy Thompson, E & K Farm
Simons Show Horses, in memory of Lynn Simon
Wachovia Securities, Copeland-Gebbie-Gothard Wealth Management

To become a Champion of Champions Buckle Patron please contact Special Events Coordinator, Jessica McGuirk, by e-mail , or (817) 834-2742, extension 331.


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Get involved with Paint World Games
As 2008 is an Olympic year, it is especially fitting that it also marks the third international Youth competition, the Paint World Games. This competition, to be held Saturday, June 28, will feature Youth representing their country in four divisions: trail, showmanship, horsemanship and reining.

Teams will be assigned horses at the show and have a limited, supervised amount of time to work with their horses before competition begins.

This program runs entirely off of donations from generous APHA members. If you would like to get involved in a worthwhile program that fosters good international relations at the Youth level, please let us know. Providing horses for the competition, donating money and offering free farm tours for the visiting teams are all ways to become involved.

For more information,visit aphaworldshow.com, or contact the Director of Youth Activities at (817) 834-2742, extension 248, or via e-mail.


Get ready for the Spring Show Season with APHA’s Big D product line!
Made especially for APHA, you can show your dedication to your favorite breed by using sheets, blankets, saddle covers, bridle, halter and arena bags all adorned with an APHA logo!

Get the quality you trust from Big D and show your APHA pride this season with the APHA Big D All-American show line!

Check out these great products at great prices, visit the APHA General Store and order on-line or call toll-free (877) 460-6275.



World Championship Classes

Halter
Weanlings
Weanling Stallions
Weanling Mares
Weanling Geldings
Amateur Weanling Stallions
Amateur Weanling Mares
Amateur Weanling Geldings
Solid Paint-Bred Weanling Stallions
Solid Paint-Bred Weanling Mares
Solid Paint-Bred Weanling Geldings

All Ages
Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Mares
Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Geldings Yearlings
Yearling Stallions
Yearling Mares
Yearling Geldings
Amateur Yearling Stallions
Amateur Yearling Mares
Amateur Yearling Geldings
Solid Paint-Bred Yearling Stallions
Solid Paint-Bred Yearling Mares
Solid Paint-Bred Yearling Geldings

Performance
Yearlings
Yearling Longe Line
Amateur Yearling Longe Line
Solid Paint-Bred Yearling Longe Line
Yearling In-Hand Trail
Solid Paint-Bred Yearling In-Hand Trail
Two-Year-Olds
2-Year-Old Western Pleasure
2-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle

In addition to the World Championship Classes, there will be many added money classes, sweepstakes and jackpot classes offered at the Fall Championship Show.

Watch for the schedule to be posted on-line in April.
The Fall Championship Show Premium Book will be available at World Show and mailed in July.

Slots

Slot Classes to Be Offered at the APHA Fall Championship Show:

Existing Slot classes:
Yearling Longe Line Slot – estimated $45,000 payout
Yearling Mares Slot – estimated $75,000 payout
Yearling Stallions Slot (split) – estimated $75,000 payout
Yearling Geldings Slot (split) – estimated $75,000 payout
3 & 4-Year-Old Novice Horse Western Pleasure Slot – estimated $75,000 payout
3 & 4-Year-Old Novice Horse Hunter Under Saddle Slot – estimated $75,000 payout
March 15, 2008 - Deadline for renewals and new purchases by current owners

New Slot Classes Introduced:
Weanling Mares Slot – estimated $45,000 payout
Weanling Stallions & Geldings Slot – estimated $45,000 payout
2-Year-Old Novice Horse Western Pleasure Slot – estimated $45,000 payout
2-Year-Old Novice Horse Hunter Under Saddle Slot – estimated $45,000 payout
April 15, 2008 - Deadline for all new applications

All slot classes will be held prior to the corresponding World Championship class(es) during this show.

New Slots: Current slot owners have the first option to purchase slots in the new 2008 slot classes.
After receiving previous slot owner renewals and new purchases, remaining available slots in all classes will be open to membership until April 15, 2008.
A maximum of 30 slots per class will be available. If demand exceeds supply, new slot applications will be drawn lottery style. All renewals are guaranteed.

Slot Classes criteria and applications are now available on our new Fall Championship Show Web site aphafallchampionship.com.


Zone High-Point Trophies
Once again, APHA will sponsor special Zone Show high-point trophies for the high-point winners at each APHA Zone Show. A trophy will be awarded in each of the following divisions: Open, Amateur, Youth and Solid Paint-Bred, and will be awarded according to the rules set forth by the Zone Show Management.

The exclusive trophy, designed by well-known artist Marrita McMillian, features three sculpted Paint Horse heads and a marble base. APHA will personalize the awards and mail them to the winners after the show.

For more information, contact the APHA Awards Coordinator by phone at (817) 834-2742, ext. 222, or by e-mail.



Donate on-line to win this new tractor

Have you tried your hand at winning a fully loaded tractor?

A total of 89 people have taken a chance on the 2008 New Holland Tractor and Loader package and only 750 tickets are available, so don't miss your chance to take home a tractor or one of the other great prizes. Now the Foundation has added even more great prizes!

Here's what you can win:
Grand Prize: 2008 Model T2210 New Holland Tractor/Loader Package ($25,000 value)
2nd Prize: APHA Wool Jacket ($140 value)
3rd Prize: APHA Halter, Bridle and Arena Travel Bag Set ($120 value)

Everyone is a winner in the program. If you donate by May 31, you will receive five free packs of limited-edition APHA trading cards.

Call us today at (817) 834-2742. Or donate on-line at aphfoundation.org. Only 750 donations will be accepted and eligible for the prize drawings.


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Check out this filly's moves

The new filly in the AjPHA and Foundation fundraiser was bred to be a champion. If seeing is believing, then check out Peppilenas Gaybar's video. While you're there, you can make an on-line donation.

If you have been looking for a colorful cow-savvy filly with impeccable bloodlines, don’t miss the chance to win this filly, to be given away soon by the American Junior Paint Horse Association and the American Paint Horse Foundation.

The Foundation will present Peppilenas Gaybar, a stunning weanling tovero filly, to her new owner on July 5, during the final night of the APHA World Championship Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas.

The pedigree of a champion
Take one look at Peppilenas Gaybar’s pedigree and it is easy to see she was bred to be a champion. Sired by Gay Bar Delta Doc and out of Gay Bars Peppilena, the filly is a descendant of Delta Flyer, who was the foundation of the Paint performance horse program at 6-J Paint Horses. The 1986 NCHA Super Stakes Open Champion and earner of $260,670, Delta Flyer can be seen on the filly’s sire and dam pedigrees. Delta Flyer is the only Paint Horse with both sire and dam in the NCHA Hall of Fame.

The filly’s champion bloodlines don’t stop there. Her pedigree also includes APHA World Champion and NCHA money earner Delta Olena, as well as APHA World and Reserve World Champion reining horse Gay Bar O Lena.

APHA would like to thank Floyd and MaryAnn Moore for their generous support. This is the fifth consecutive year that the Moores, owners of 6-J Paint Horses in Huntsville, Texas, have donated a filly to benefit AjPHA.

Donations for a chance to win the filly are only $10 and can be made on-line at aphfoundation.org.



Featured Show from the March issue of the Paint Horse Journal. Click here to subscribe.

Paint the Pacific
Get rid of those mid-winter blues with a spring trip to the Paint Horse Classic at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington, on March 14-16. Hosted by the Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Club (PNPHC), the show's theme this year is the Old Wild West.

Located 30 miles northwest of Seattle, the fairgrounds consist of 450 stalls in fully enclosed barns. Several arenas are available for warm-ups and showing, including an indoor arena barn, and uncovered and covered outdoor arenas. Designated longe line arenas will also be available for competitors.

Brad Jones of Ogden, Utah; Ann Jones of Flowery Branch, Georgia; Rodney Safty of Elk Grove, California; and Lori Gordon of Avella, Pennsylvania, will judge the three-day show.

Awards include saddles for nine high-point winners—including the Solid Paint-Bred winner—jackets for reserve high-point winners, headstalls for futurities and maturities, and coolers for high-point equitation winners.

In addition to regular classes, the Paint Horse Classic will offer Washington-bred and Solid Paint-Bred classes, as well as 28 National Snaffle Bit Association dual-approved classes. Outside the show-ring, the Pacific Northwest Junior Paint Horse Club will hold a sarsaparilla party Friday night, and Saturday night the PNPHC will host the third annual exhibitor and guest appreciation party.

For more information, contact Victoria Douwes at (360) 629-6385 or by e-mail, or Edie Hill by e-mail. Questions regarding stalls, Log on to the PNPHC Web site for complete information.

These shows and events are listed in the March issue of the Paint Horse Journal. For the latest listings, searchable by month, zone or state/province, click here.

More Shows and Events ...
March 6-9 Tulsa March Mania (Zone 4)
March 7-9 Arizona PHJ Winter Show (Zone 2)
March 7-9 Iowa Winter Wonderland (Zone 5)
March 7-9 Arizona PHC Winter Show (Zone 2)
March 8 Mississippi PHC Show (Zone 6)
March 8-9 Tulsa March Mania - Youth/Amateur Paint-O-Rama (Zone 4)
March 14-16 Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Classic (Zone 1)
March 14-15 Athens March Spring Fling (Zone 4)
March 15 Tulsa GOPHC Spring Show (Zone 4)
March 15 S.E. Flying Paints Special Event (Zone 9)
March 18-19 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (Zone 4)
March 22 Oklahoma City March Show (Zone 4)
March 22 Tennessee TPHC Colors of Spring Paint Horse Show (Zone 6)
March 22-23 Texas Wildflower Celebration (Zone 4)
March 28-30 PPHC Spring Warmup (Zone 9)
March 28-30 Malpensacavalli Paint Show (Zone 12)
March 29-30 Las Vegas SSPHC Spring Show (Zone 2)
April 3-6 Oregon Spring Extreme Challenge (Zone 1)
April 4 Bakersfield Spring Fling PHS (Zone 2)
April 5-6 Albuquerque Paint Horse Show (Zone 4)
April 5-6 RMPHC Youth Development Foundation Show (Zone 3)
April 5 Kentucky PHC Spring Paint-O-Rama (Zone 8)
April 11-13 Texas Paint Performance Horse Cattle Extravaganza (Zone 4)
April 11-13 West Monroe Azalea Classic (Zone 6)
April 11-13 Sweden SRHA Spring Break Show (Zone 12)
April 11-13 & 18-20 Arizona Spring Fling (Zone 2)
April 11-13 Iowa Winter Wonderland (Zone 5)
April 11-13 Utah Early Thaw #2 (Zone 2)
April 12 KPHA April Show (Zone 3)
April 12 Missouri PHC Paint Horse Show (Zone 5)
April 12-13 Del Mar Paint the Surf (Zone 2)
April 12-13 Tampa Spring Fling (Zone 9)
April 16-17 Katy National Reining Breeders Classic (Zone 4)
April 16-17 Rancho Murieta Paint-O-Rama (Zone 2)
April 17-18 Illinois International Livestock Paint Show (Zone 5)
April 18-20 Arden Dogwood Classic (Zone 9)
April 19 Permian Basin PHC April Show (Zone 4)
April 19 IPHA Spring Paint-O-Rama (Zone 5)
April 19 Ohio Paint Horse Youth Club Spring Fling (Zone 8)
April 19-20 Oklahoma City April Show (Zone 4)
April 25 Utah Early Thaw #1 (Zone 2)
April 25-27 Iowa Winter Wonderland (Zone 5)
April 25-27 2008 Buckeye Extravaganza (Zone 8)
April 26 Fremont NPHC Paint Show (Zone 3)
April 26-27 GSPHC Spring Paint-O-Rama (Zone 7)
April 26-27 Utah OHC Double Point Show (Zone 2)
April 26-27 Chilliwack Rainbow Classic Paint-O-Rama (Zone 1)


Rope some fun at Kids Day
Your buckaroo can have some high-riding action at the American Paint Horse Association’s upcoming Kids Day.

Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 29 at APHA headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, Kids Day is a community event guaranteed to be fun for your entire family.

In addition to horseback rides on beautiful, friendly American Paint Horses, children can experience a chuck wagon lunch and many free hands-on activities. Entertainment will include a team of trick riders, a trick roper, the local Cowtown Opry musical group and Paint Horse Pete, APHA’s mascot.

For more information about the upcoming APHA Kids Day, call (817) 834-2742 or visit apha.com.

APHA Headquarters is located at 2800 Meacham Blvd. near the intersection of I-35N and Loop 820 north of downtown Fort Worth.


Jump in and join PAC!
The Paint Alternative Competition (PAC) Program is a great opportunity for you as a rider to earn credits for shows you could possibly already be attending!

Join other Paint enthusiasts at open events, while gaining PAC lifetime performance credits on your horse. Once you are enrolled in PAC there is nothing stopping you from skyrocketing to number 1 in your favorite category. We offer great prizes such as Gist belt buckles. All credits go on your horse’s lifetime performance record.

The PAC program offers 32 categories and over 1,200 shows where credits can be awarded throughout the year. PAC participants can then compete for year-end awards.

PAC Enrollment Form


Join APHA in the fight against catastrophic childhood illness
Ride along with APHA at the upcoming Saddle Up! for St. Jude trail ride, set for May 3 at Benbrook Stables in Benbrook, Texas.

The 10-mile adventure will take riders along the trails surrounding beautiful Lake Benbrook. It will be a great way to enjoy the day with fellow horse enthusiasts while supporting an outstanding cause.

Upon returning to the stables, APHA and Benbrook Stables will host a chuck wagon cookout, the local Cowtown Opry musical group will entertain and a special benefit auction will be held.

Riders with any breed of horse are welcome to participate, and for their $35 donation, they will receive great gear, including a commemorative T-shirt.

Benbrook Stables will be hosting a benefit barrel race, also benefiting St. Jude, the evening before the trail ride.

To reserve a spot on the ride, contact APHA by April 1. A minimum $35 donation is requested for riders, who will receive a special “Saddle Up for St. Jude” T-shirt, lapel pin and other ride souvenirs. Call ride coordinator Brenda Jewell at (817) 222-6431, or send an e-mail, to make your pledge or join the ride.

If you can join APHA on the ride, the association welcomes your participation. If you can’t be there in person, please consider a donation to this worthy cause. All breeds of horses are welcome, as are non-APHA members.

For continual updates, visit apha.com.


Last call for summer internships at APHA
If you are a college student interested in getting some practical experience with an energetic breed association, Fort Worth, Texas, might be the place to spend your summer.

The four internships are:

Performance Department/World Show Internship (2 positions available) - The interns will work primarily in the Performance Department assisting staff and show management with various duties related to the Performance Department, the Youth World Show and World Show. These individuals will also have the opportunity to work with individuals in marketing, media and Paint Horse Journal.

Marketing/Public Relations Internship - The intern will have the opportunity to develop a portfolio of news clips resulting from various press releases. At the completion of the internship, the intern will have developed a list of contacts in the equine industry, as well as with local media. The individual will learn the various aspects of working in a breed association, and gain skills in marketing and promoting a non-profit organization.

Paint Horse Journal Internship - The intern will be responsible for assisting staff, writing and doing some photography for the Paint Horse Journal, APHA’s quarterly Connection publication and the Youth association’s Generation j, as well as assisting staff at the Youth World Show and World Show. The intern will also have the opportunity to work with individuals in marketing, media and other departments.

Special Events Department/World Show Internship - The Intern will work primarily in the Special Events Department and will also have the opportunity to work with individuals in marketing, Horse Show staff, and additional key departments in planning, advertising, and hosting special events during the show on and off the World Show grounds. The intern will assist with the Gift Show working with vendors and Gift Show staff to have a smooth, safe and successful show. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assist with General Store, meeting with Buckle Patrons, assist with Kid’s Day and coordination of events during the World Show
The internships are from mid-May to August or September and may be modified to fit the intern‘s school schedule. The intern is responsible for transportation, room and board. The APHA office is located in northeast Fort Worth and there is no public transportation.

To apply, submit a resume with cover letter stating why the student wants an internship with the APHA. Send all applications for review to APHA, Human Resource Dept., P.O. Box 961023, Fort Worth, TX 76161-0023 or fax to (817) 222-6419. Resumes will be accepted until April 1.

For more information on and requirements for APHA‘s 2008 summer internships, visit apha.com or contact Judy Mitchell at (817) 222-6443 or by e-mail.



Consider an adventure with the American Paint Horse Association in 2008. The first ride of the year is this month in California, don't miss the next one.

Horse Heaven Ranch
Talihina, Oklahoma
April 11-13, 2008
This riding ranch boasts striking scenery and quick access to miles upon miles of wilderness trails and logging roads. Here, pine trees scrape azure skies, balmy breezes stir crisp air, and clear streams cut across rolling hills alive with adventure. This spectacular area beckons you to explore its beauty. If your idea of paradise is riding peacefully amidst fragrant pines and clear streams on hundreds of miles of trails in the pristine forests of southeastern Oklahoma, then relaxing in a fully-equipped cabin or luxurious RV site while your horse rests safely in an adjacent Barnmaster barn or piped pen, you’ll love Horse Heaven Ranch.
Registration deadline – March 11, 2008

Northern Trail Ride
AOK Ranch
Makkinga, The Netherlands
April 13, 2008
This ride, hosted by the Dutch Paint Horse Club, travels though the forests and countryside of The Netherlands.

Weekend Ride: May 3
St. Jude's Benefit Trail Ride
Benbrook, Texas
This ride, hosted by APHA and Benbrook Stables features a 10-mile ride around beautiful Lake Benbrook, just south of Fort Worth. APHA’s goal is to raise several thousand dollars to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treat and discover cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.

East Fork Stables
Jamestown, Tennessee
May 9-11, 2008
With 12,000 acres of privately owned land it is located in middle Tennessee on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, which is illustrious for its unique beauty, spectacular back country to discover and takes in the amazing array of geographic features and wildlife.
Registration deadline – April 9, 2008

Black Hills Trail Ride
Custer, South Dakota
Sponsored by the South Dakota Paint Horse Club
July 11-13, 2008
This ride, hosted by the South Dakota Paint Horse Club, trails though peaceful country with fresh air, sparkling night stars, surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest.

Fort Robinson Ride
Crawford, Nebraska
September 1-6, 2008
The Fort Robinson ride offers breathtaking views and outstanding trails that pass through tall-grass prairies, breathtaking rock formations and Ponderosa forests. The area is rich in the history of the American West.

APHA trail rides are sponsored by Gist Silversmiths and Hart Trailers.

For updates and more information about 2008 APHA Trail Rides, visit apha.com, contact Cindy Grier by e–mail, or call (817) 222–6413.


2007 Ride America Zone Winners
Zone 1 Tina Wombles, Hermiston, OR 1,005 hours
Zone 2 Nicole Dawson, Crescent City, CA 900 hours
Zone 3 Christine Elizabeth Gordon, Evergreen, CO 775 hours
Zone 4 Chuck Stuart, Tuttle, OK 2,879 hours
Zone 5 Melissa R Wertz, Ionio, IA 1,159 hours
Zone 6 Gerard J Gervasi, Collierville, TN 1,066 hours
Zone 7 Laura Grube, Coopersburg, PA 848 hours
Zone 8 Connie Maynard, Willis, MI 1,502 hours
Zone 9 Joshua Rish, Aiken, SC 1,004 hours
Zone 10 Dorie St. Jean, East Selkirk, MB 427 hours
Zone 11 Lysane Cree, Kanesatake, QB 318 hours
Zone 12 Stephen Cox, Kildare, Ireland 701 hours
Zone 13 No Winner
Zone 14 Susan Maxwell, Burpengary, AU 87 hours


APHA president promotes Paints in Mexico
APHA President Carl Thurow, in cooperation with the Asociación Mexicana de Caballos Pintos, which is Mexico’s regional Paint Horse club, will be attending one of the country’s most well-known equine events this spring—the Exposición del Caballo y el Agave during the Feria Nacional de Aguascalientes.

This will be Thurow’s second trip to Mexico since his presidency began in 2007.

At the event, which begins in April and runs through mid-May, Thurow and a senior APHA staff member will personally answer the public’s questions about the American Paint Horse breed and help with paperwork, such as registrations and transfers.

To learn more, visit pintos.com.mx.


Hart to award four judging contest scholarships
The American Paint Horse Association and Hart Trailers recently renewed their long-standing partnership. As a result of the agreement, Hart Trailers—the official trailer of APHA—is offering four new $500 scholarships to aspiring young judges. In conjunction with Hart Trailers, APHA presents two judging contests each year: the AjPHA World Championship Judging Contest and the APHA Intercollegiate Horse Judging Spring Sweepstakes.

The Intercollegiate Horse Judging Spring Sweepstakes is open to accredited college, university, and junior college horse judging teams. Hart will present a $500 scholarship to both the high-point junior college competitor and the high-point senior college competitor at the contest, which is scheduled for April 22, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. Detailed contest information can be found on apha.com.

The AjPHA World Championship Judging Contest is open to all youth (including AjPHA, 4-H and FFA members) age 19 and under as of January 1st, 2008. Hart will present a $500 scholarship to both the high-point 13 & under competitor and the high-point 14-19 competitor. The contest will take place on June 27, 2008 in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. More information and entry forms can be found on aphaworldshow.com.


Paint Horse owner in American Idol Top 24
Horse trainer and barrel racer Kristy Lee Cook from Selma, Oregon, has made it yet another week on American Idol. Kristy tugged at America's heart strings when she told the tale of selling her great barrel horse to pay her way to Philadelphia to audition for American Idol. She made the show and wants to buy her barrel horse back.

She owns a registered Paint called Kid Elegant Too. If you are an American Idol fan and want to help an equestrienne succeed, tune in to the show and cast your vote!

American Idol is presented on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights at 8:00 PM Eastern/7:00 PM Central time on your local Fox station.



Reining Added to North American Junior/Young Rider Championships

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that Reining has been added as the fourth discipline to the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships

Reining, an incredibly popular sport throughout the U.S. and Canada, will make its debut at the 2008 CN North American Junior/Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) July 30-August 3, 2008.

Visit the United States Equestrian Federation Web site to read the full press release.


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Economic Stimulus Benefits Owners of Horse Businesses

At last, some positive horse industry news for a change.

The Economic Stimulus Act signed into law by President Bush on Feb. 13, 2008 includes two tax incentives that would allow a much bigger write-off for horses and other property purchased and placed in service during 2008, according to an advisory from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. The incentives, according to the NTRA, are:

Expense Allowance Increased
The first incentive would increase the expensing allowance for horses purchased and placed into service in 2008, from $128,000 to $250,000. This expensing allowance applies to farm equipment and most other depreciable property. Once total purchases of horses and other eligible depreciable property during 2008, reach $800,000, the expense allowance goes down one dollar for each dollar spent on eligible property over $800,000.

New Bonus Depreciation
The second incentive brings back 50% first-year bonus depreciation for horses and most other depreciable property purchased and placed in service during 2008. It does not apply to property that has a depreciation life of over 20 years. Also, as was the case when bonus depreciation was available in 2003 and 2004, the property must be new—the original use of the horse or other property must commence with the taxpayer. For horse to be eligible, it cannot have been used for any purpose before it is purchased.

Visit the The Horse.com Web site to read the full story.


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Senate Farm Bill needs your help

The American Horse Council (AHC) reported in December that the recently passed Senate Farm Bill includes several key provisions that would benefit the horse industry.

The $286 billion dollar bill, which passed the Senate on December 14 by a vote of 79 to 14, now includes the Equine Equity Act. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) offered this bill as an amendment to the Farm Bill and it was accepted without objection. This provision would: (1) shorten the capital gains holding period for horses from 24 months to 12 months; and (2) place all racehorses in the three-year category for depreciation purposes.

Additionally, the Senate Farm Bill includes two provisions that would make horse owners involved in production agriculture eligible for additional federal programs that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Senator McConnell and Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) were critical to the inclusion of horses in these two provisions.

The first provision would make horse breeders eligible for federal emergency loans for the first time by including “equine farmers and ranchers” within the class of eligible producers. The second provision institutes a permanent disaster relief fund that would provide payments to farmers and ranchers who suffer losses in areas that are declared disaster areas by USDA. This provision specifically includes “horses” within the definition of livestock eligible for the program.

The House bill does not include these provisions.

Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees will be meeting shortly to negotiate the differences between the two versions of the Farm Bill. The AHC is trying to get grassroots contacts into them asking them to support the horse provisions in the Senate Farm bill in the final bill which will be called the Conference Report. Check to see if your representative is a member of the Senate or House agricultural committee. Please contact your Representative or Senator if they are a member of one of these committees.

To identify your Representative’s or Senator’s fax number please call the AHC at 202-224-3121 or visit the House Web site or the Senate Web site .


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National Day of the Cowboy resolution introduced in both House and Senate
This impressive achievement is the result of the combined efforts of Wyoming's U.S. Senator, Mike Enzi, and Arizona's U.S. Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords.

Senator Enzi and Congresswoman Giffords now urgently need your participation in order to keep this momentum going. If you wish to support this quest for a permanent day of celebration and recognition for the cowboy and our western heritage, call or email your Senators and Representatives. Tell them you want them to support these two important resolutions either by co-sponsoring them or by making a commitment to vote for them.

This resolution declares Congress’ support for officially designating a day to honor working Cowboys and Cowgirls and their ongoing contributions to our communities.

The numbers for the 2008 resolution as introduced in our 110th Congress are House Resolution H.RES.984 and Senate Resolution S.RES.450. You may visit thomas.gov to view the bills online and get additional information.

Keep in mind that although the Senate resolution asks for July 26, 2008, as the 4th Annual National Day of the Cowboy, the House may not ask for a specific date.



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