Paint
APHA CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
By
May 13, 2009, 15:15

Make the Digital “Connection”

Do you want to receive your next issue of APHA Connection sooner? If so, sign up to receive a digital issue!

APHA is pleased to offer a digital version of APHA Connection to our members beginning with the Summer 2009 issue. Make sure your current e-mail address is on file at APHA by logging on to aphaonline.com.

All current APHA members with valid e-mail addresses, who receive e-mail information from APHA now, will receive a digital version of this issue, but you'll have to opt-in to continue receiving the Connection
on-line.

If you sign up to receive the digital version instead of print, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a 1-year de-worming package, courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health. Watch the APHA Web site for more details and be sure to enter your e-mail address today.

Second Breeders' Futurity mare enrollment deadline approaching

Breeders Futurity Don't miss the opportunity to make your 2009 foals eligible for the Breeders' Futurity.

Your mare must have been bred to a Breeders' Trust nominated stallion in 2008. In order for her 2009 foal to be eligible for the Gold, Silver or Bronze divisions, the Mare Enrollment Form and fee of $200 (per foal) must be postmarked by May 10th.

For more information, call (817) 222-6441, email Steven Imhof, or visit apha.com/breedersfuturity.

Super sale at the General Store

General Store Save over 50 percent on our most popular down coats for him and her. The 80/20 goose down hip coat has American Paint Horse embroidery on the back, zippered pockets, elastic drawstring in bottom hem and button detail on sleeve. This is the perfect piece of outwear to keep you warm in the barn and stylish during the brisk mornings at Paint Horse shows.

Plus shop over 75 new or reduced sale items in our super sale and save big this spring at the APHA General Store—where you can wear our clothes for your life. Shop now for best selection or call (877) 460-6275 and place your order today.
Submit your Distinguished Service Award nominees today

DSAEach year, an outstanding APHA member is honored by fellow Paint enthusiasts with the Distinguished Service Award. Recipients are chosen to receive this honor in recognition of thier long-term commitments and contributions to the Association and the breed at the regional, state or national level. Requirements include:

* APHA membership in good standing for a minimum of 15 years.
* Must now own, or have previously owned, a Paint Horse.
* Involvement in regional association leadership.
* Service as a regional officer, director or committee member.
* Must have made a major contribution to a regional, state or national activity.
* Cannot be a past-president or immediate past-president.

To nominate a fellow APHA member, mail supporting information to:

Distinguished Service Award Committee
c/o Julie Haney, APHA
P.O. Box 961023
Fort Worth, Texas 76161

Nominations must be received by May 15.
Anticipated Workshop highlights

WorkshopFollowing is a brief overview of rule change proposals that will be introduced at Workshop. Keep in mind, however, that this is not a complete list, and rule change proposals may or may not come out of committee and be presented for further consideration.

* Creating a Breeding Appendix for AQHA and Jockey Club mares and stallions.

* Amending the color rule to allow more lenient reference points on the legs and/or head.

* Allowing owners to have results of HYPP, HERDA and/or OLWS tests on a horse's registration certificate at their request.

* Allowing two back-to-back, two-judge shows at the same location with certain provisions.

* Creating new classes; performance halter and hunter-in-hand (separate initiatives).

* Various proposals regarding changing the point requirements for Novice Amateur/Novice Youth classes.

* Allowing Youth to show horses owned by someone other than an immediate family member on a limited basis with a permit granted by the APHA.

* Allowing Amateurs and Youth to show leased horses.

Foundation Fundraiser

The ever-popular American Paint Horse Foundation dinner and benefit auction returns to the APHA Workshop on Friday, May 29. Proceeds benefit the many worthwhile projects supported by the Foundation, including youth scholarships, therapeutic riding and more. Join us for dinner and please bring an item for our silent or live auctions. You will be a part of improving our world through the power of Paint Horses.

For more information or to register for the upcoming Workshop, visit apha.com/workshop.

Summer Show update

June 24-July 4, 2009

World Show entries will be accepted up until 5 p.m. the day prior to when the class to be entered is scheduled.

The tentative Summer World Show schedule and forms are available on-line at aphaworldshow.com. Please note that there have been changes made since the schedule was first posted, see below.
Tuesday, June 23 Horses Move-in/Gift Show Move-in
8 a.m. Stall Office Opens
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Show Office Opens
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. ID Station Opens
3 p.m. - South Texas Room YTT Hippology
6 p.m. - Watt YTT Knowledge Relay

Wednesday, June 24 Horses Move-in
Noon - 6 p.m. - Brown Lupton Colors of the West Gift Show Opens
8:30 a.m. - John Justin APHF Hunter Under Saddle Paid Practice
9 a.m. - John Justin APHF Western Pleasure Paid Practice
10 a.m. - John Justin Youth Team Tournament (YTT)
YTT Showmanship
YTT Walk-Trot Pleasure
YTT Horsemanship
YTT Barrel Racing
YTT Hunt Seat Equitation
Break
YTT Parade of Teams & Awards
7:30 p.m. - Round Up Inn AjPHA Year-End Awards Banquet

Summer World Show Premium Books are available on-line.

Stay up-to-date with the Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show by visiting aphaworldshow.com.

09 buckle patronBecome a 2009 Buckle Patron

Now is the time to secure the class of your choice for the 2009 Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show hosting all youth and novice youth classes, plus cattle and reining classes for Open and Amateurs. Currently, 8 individuals have joined APHA in supporting the World and Reserve World Champions.

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 2009 Buckle Patrons.
Anne-Marie Fortenberry KC Montgomery Photography
C.R. Parr & Associates, P.C. Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller, LLP
Chelsea Bain The Equine Chronicle
Elka Daroga Wachovia Securities, Copeland-Gebbie-Gothard Wealth Management

Become a Champion of Champions by calling (817) 834-2742 and help make dreams come true.

warnupPaid warm-ups still available

Discover the advantage of allowing your horse to warm up to the sights, sounds and overall aura of the big arenas at the Summer World Championship Paint Horse Show this year.

Through the American Paint Horse Foundation's "warm-up" classes, you and your horse will have the advantage of riding in a competitive arena at World Show. And we will supply many of the sights and sounds you both will experience during your class. We'll have the scoreboard up and running, directions will be given over the public address system from the announcer's stand, mock judges will be in position, and we'll create the overall feel of your specific class.

The warm up classes will be limited to 25 horses per class at a cost of $50 per horse. These classes fill up fast and we often have a waiting list of people wishing to participate, so it is strongly advised that you sign up in advance. For more information call (817) 834-2742 or e-mail bjewell@apha.com.

Give a kid a leg up on life

leg upIf you have new or gently used riding boots in both children and adult sizes, we can put them to great use. The American Paint Horse Foundation will be collecting boots during the Summer World Show for the Fort Worth YMCA Camp Carter Equestrian Center.

This center saddles up thousands of children each year through their equestrian program and is hosting the Foundation's upcoming "Paint Horse Kids Day" this year. Please help the Foundation and the YMCA to "give kids a leg up on life" by donating a pair of boots.
Summer is just around the corner—"Find A Trainer" today

Find A TrainerDo something good for you and your horse this summer—find a trainer. Our list of dedicated trainers in the American Paint Horse Foundation's "Find A Trainer" program is filling up fast, but there are still opportunites available.

Our trainers have donated one month of training services so you can donate your fees directly to the American Paint Horse Foundation Youth Scholarship and Development program.

With a growing list of trainers specializing in everything from starting young horses to advanced cowhorse training offering their services, signing up is simple. Visit aphfoundation.org to find a list of trainers in the area of expertise that is right for you and your horse then send in your check or credit card information to the American Paint Horse Foundation.

To sign up, or for more information, visit aphfoundation.org or contact Brenda Jewell by phone (817) 222-6433 or e-mail bjewell@apha.com.
Be “In-The-Know” wherever you go

social networkingNow you can connect with APHA, other members and Paint Horse enthusiasts on your favorite online social networking sites! We'd love to be your “friend,” and hear about everything you do with your Paint!

* Find APHA's MySpace page at myspace.com/americanpainthorse.

* Get information sent directly to your phone or email through APHA's Twitter accounts: aphanews, aphashows, worldshow, ajpha and paintracing.

* APHA plans to use Twitter extensively during the Summer and Fall World Shows to post results and show-related announcements via the worldshow account.

* APHA's new Facebook page can be found at facebook.com

APHA Intercollegiate Horse Judging Spring Sweepstakes Results

Judging ContestThe APHA Intercollegiate Horse Judging Spring Sweepstakes returned to Fort Worth for another successful year with 118 senior college participants and 55 junior college participants.

Sponsored by Hart Trailers, the daylong competition, held on April 21 at the Will Rogers Memorial Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas, was open to accredited colleges, universities and junior colleges. Participants, divided into Junior and Senior divisions, judged twelve halter and performance classes, and were asked to give reasons in four classes.

Two $500 scholarships were awarded to the Overall High-Point winners in both the Junior and Senior College Divisions, courtesy of Hart Trailers.

The results of the contest were as follows:
Senior College High Team Overall Middle Tennessee State University
Senior College Reserve High Team Colorado State University
Junior College High Team Overall Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
Junior College Reserve High Team Overall Northwest College

Senior College High Individual Mercedes Sotelo, Colorado State University
Senior College Reserve High Individual Brittany Lehman, Middle Tennessee State University
Junior College High Individual Dalton Coberley, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
Junior College Reserve High Individual Alexis Cowan, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M

For complete results, visit apha.com
A new tree has taken root

The American Paint Horse Foundation has erected a new tree prominently on the wall of APHA's world headquarters in Fort Worth. This beautiful bronze tree is inscribed with the following text on its trunk:

This Heritage Tree is dedicated to
people with vision and horses with heart and talent
who have made APHA a world-class breed organization.

Foundation treeBe among the first to secure a leaf on this tree today. It will serve as an outstanding tribute and timeless reminder of the horses and people who have meant so much to us and our way of life. Leaves are only $500. All proceeds benefit the American Paint Horse Foundation. The Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving lives through interaction with horses and preserving our Paint Horse legacy.

For more information, and to help our tree grow, contact the American Paint Horse Foundation at (817) 834-2742.
Soar with the PAC

PACWith 1,200 Paint Alternative Competition (PAC) approved open horse shows, earning lifetime APHA performance credits is a breeze.

Call 817-834-2742, extension 249 or visit apha.com for complete information and application forms.

Fall Show update


SAVE THE DATE—November 5-14, 2009

There is still time to purchase 2009 Slots with no late fees!

$765,000 estimated payout in Slot Classes (minimum payout with 30 entries in each class).

Please visit aphaworldshow.com for 2009 Slot Criteria, applications and forms. Please mail or fax your new purchase slot applications to APHA office by May 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact APHA Show Events Coordinator DaLaine Stephens at 817-834-2742, ext. 360.

New classes!
Non-Pro 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure Sweepstakes—$1,000 added
3 & 4-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Western Pleasure Sweepstakes—$1,000 added
(held with a limited division—purse to be distributed 60% Open and 40% Limited)
Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Stallions (All Ages)
Solid Paint-Bred Pole Bending
Solid Paint-Bred Stake Race
Classic/Masters Amateur Hunter Hack (split)

Trail Ride Update Logo

APHA Trail RidesIf you're looking for the perfect opportunity to see some of America's most beautiful countryside from the back of your horse, you'll want to consider an adventure with the American Paint Horse Association in 2009.

Na Vyhlidce Ranch Trail Ride
Zlin, Czech Republic
May 16, 2009
Join the Czech Republic Paint Horse Association as they gather for a beautiful ride through woods and pastures. As one of the first dates on the association's calendar, members can enjoy the beautiful landscape and while enjoying refreshments.

Hay Creek Ranch
Nemo, South Dakota
June 12-14, 2009
Explore South Dakota's famous scenery from Hay Creek Ranch, which is surrounded on three sides by the Black Hills National Forest. This facility, which was built in 2006, offers cozy cabins for riders and pipe corrals for horses. Enjoy breath-taking mountain landscapes and new friends over a long weekend. Riders are welcome to arrive early or stay late as guests of the facility and explore nearby Deadwood and other area attractions.

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

For a complete listing of upcoming trail rides, updates and more information, visit apha.com, contact Cindy Grier by e–mail, or call (817) 222–6413.
Upcoming Shows

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

Pre-World Show practice
Economize your show travels in June and hit the road for two days, two shows and six judges in Gifford, Illinois, for a pre-World Show event. On June 6, polish your tack for the two-judge Illinois Paint Horse Association's (IPHA) End of Spring Show, and don your show clothes on June 7 for the four-judge IPHA Youth/Amateur Paint-O-Rama.

At the family-run, full-service establishment in Gifford—Gordyville USA—exhibitors can find everything under one roof. After leading your Paint from one of 532 stalls, head over to one of two indoor arenas attached to the barns for a quick warm-up or, if the day is nice, try the outdoor arena. For a mid-afternoon snack, check out the snack bar and vendor area on the north end of the facility.

More than 100 classes will be offered at the Saturday show, and the Youth/Amateur show on Sunday offers another 66. Buckles will be awarded to the weekend high-point winners for Novice Youth, Youth 13 & Under, Youth 14–18, Youth Walk-Trot, Novice Amateur and Amateur. Grand and reserve winners in the halter classes, as well as first through sixth place in each class, will receive ribbons.

The IPHA makes showing affordable with their $40 stall charge and $35 all-day fee, so contact show secretary Jerry Wyrick at (309) 826-3643 for more information. Or you can download the show bill and show schedule from the IPHA Web site .

It is easy to see that the 2009 show season is in full swing! There are 207 upcoming shows and events listed in the May issue of the Paint Horse Journal—too many to list in this e-news. For the complete listings, searchable by month, zone or state/province, click here.
PHJ News

Paint photos available on-line

ShutterflyLooking for photos taken at a recent APHA event? The Paint Horse Journal has added several new albums of photos to it Shutterfly Web site, including photos from the 2009 APHA Horse Haven Trail Rde and the 2009 Spring Sweepstakes Horse Judging Banquet.

Log on to apha.com to purchase your photos today.

Online news

Centered Riding's founder Sally Swift dies

Sally SwiftCentered Riding founder Sarah "Sally" Swift, of Brattleboro, Vermont, whose imaginative approach to equitation and rider biomechanics revolutionized the teaching of riding, died April 2, just a few weeks shy of her 96th birthday.

As a child, Swift was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Sessions with therapist Mabel Ellsworth Todd helped overcome the condition by teaching Swift how to use imagery and other mind-body techniques to access and move her muscles. Later, Swift, a lifelong equestrian, would apply Todd's teachings, the Alexander technique, and other methods in developing the "left-brained" principles that she called Centered Riding.

For the full story, visit thehorse.com.

www.bridleandbit.com