How do you give a shot in the arm to dwindling halter class entries? After pondering this question a few years ago, a group of halter industry supporters took matters into their own hands, generating more than $30,000 in scholarships to help attract more participation in AjPHA Youth World Championship Show halter classes.
More than 30 APHA members contributed to the grassroots movement to generate scholarship funds to be awarded through sixth place in every Youth World Show halter class.
The inaugural halter scholarships—presented to each class’ world and reserve world champions—were awarded at the 2013 Youth World Show and totaled $15,000. While that was a great start, the scholarship supporters wanted to do more—they knew offering more scholarships would make an even bigger impact.
At the 2014 Youth World Show, Youth halter exhibitors had the opportunity to win a share of $31,500 in scholarships across 10 classes. In a new twist, scholarships were awarded through sixth place, giving more exhibitors a chance at the cash. In fact, more than 40 Youth earned halter-event scholarships at this year’s show. Overall halter class entries grew by about 20 percent in 2014 over last year’s numbers.
Nine-year-old Aubrey Schobel of Perris, California, was one of the day’s biggest winners, taking home $2,750 worth of scholarships for her efforts. Aubrey exhibited three horses to world titles: a world championship with Admire Me in Youth 2-Year-Old Geldings, a world championship with Far Too Glamorous in Youth Solid Paint-Bred Mares and a reserve world championship in Youth Yearling Geldings with Admire Me Too.
“I have never won that much before—I was surprised,” Aubrey said. “I’m going to have a lot of great scholarships for college.”
Inspired by the efforts of these generous halter industry supporters, the American Paint Horse Foundation has established a permanent scholarship endowment with a goal of ultimately providing scholarships for every Youth World Championship class in the future. To learn more or donate, visit apha.com/foundation or contact APHF Coordinator Jan Anderson at (817) 834-2742 or [email protected].
Special thanks to the halter industry supporters who helped make these scholarships possible.
- Donna Ashby
- Melissa Ashby
- Bobbie & Henry Atkinson
- Ray Barton Show Horses
- Joe & Nancy Berry
- Frank & Cyndee Bognar
- Richard Burns – Burns Skyview Ranch
- Ramona Caldwell
- Bob & Joyce Cassata – Double C Acres
- Fred Cole Family
- Tom Crowley
- Diamond 2M Show Horses
- Carolyn & Tim Dobbins – The Goldmine Circuit
- Judy & Tommy Ford
- Daranne Folino
- Maggie & Sally Griffin
- H & H Industries – Rick Howerton Family
- Dorothy & Lacy Harbor
- Stacy & Terry Kull
- LTD Ford
- Erin Matte
- Lisa & Butch Maxwell
- Rick McLain
- Ingrid McPherson & Fred Tabor
- Larry Morse & Robin Robinett
- RJN Farms – The Nightingales
- Laurie Roden
- Sasser Show Horses
- Annie & Walt Schobel
- Jackie & Dave Weatherman
- Priscilla & John T. Whalen
- Anita Wiescamp
- Bruce Wilson
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.