By Irene Stamatelakys; Photos courtesy Avery Foglesong and Hagen Davis
True or false? You have to own a Paint and compete in APHA shows to join AjPHA.
If you answered “false,” you are absolutely right! Unfortunately, too many kids (and parents) believe AjPHA is only for Youth who own Paint Horses and show. The truth is there’s something for everyone who loves Paints and wants to be part of the AjPHA family of friends.
Just ask Avery Foglesong (right), a 10-year-old from Thornton, Colorado, who has been riding Paints since the tender age of 6. While Avery is young, she’s already deeply involved and passionate about the breed and the association.
“This year, I am so very excited as I am a national director for AjPHA,” Avery said. “My goal is to get all my barn friends to join AjPHA. It’s a great way to learn more about horses and meet really nice people.”
Hagen Davis, a 16-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colorado, also started riding when she was 6 and began competing in 4-H at 9 before joining AjPHA and showing at APHA shows.
“I have owned and leased many horses, all of which were Paints,” Hagen said. “Needless to say I am a big fan of Paint Horses and always had a love for the breed. And AjPHA has presented me with many opportunities.”
Showing is just one of the many programs and options available for you and your Paint. Check out all the exciting opportunities AjPHA has to offer!
- Express your creative side, by entering the Great Paint Brush Off art contest, the Photo Contest or the Short Story Contest.
- Trail ride or show outside of APHA-approved events, while still earning credits and great prizes with your Paint with the Paint Alternative Competition (“PAC”) program.
- Compete with teammates in AjPHA’s Horse Judging Contest, Team Tournament and Youth World Games
- Build your leadership skills, by attending the Youth Leadership Conference, becoming an AjPHA National Director and running for a spot on the AjPHA Executive Committee.
- And of course, if you want to show in APHA shows, we’ve got everything from lead line and walk-trot to our Novice Youth division all the way up to the AjPHA World Show.
Avery’s family leased a Paint for a couple of years before purchasing Elegant Reflection, a 16-year-old chestnut overo mare.
“I love showing at Paint shows!” Avery said. “Everyone is so nice to each other and encouraging. This year, I moved up from Walk-Trot to Youth. I do the English, Western, trail, showmanship classes and over-fences classes. I show with the Rocky Mountain Paint Horse Association and the High Plains Paint Horse Club. I also show in the Colorado Hunter-Jumper Association.”
Hagen (right) says her current equine partner, a 16-year-old sorrel overo gelding named Im A Charming Zippo, is an amazing animal with a unique personality and a love for peppermints.
“He has taught me so much about the art of horse riding and what it means to be a team,” she said. Together, they shine in showmanship and trail, their favorite events at APHA shows.
“AjPHA is a great club, and I encourage kids to get involved because it teaches many life lessons and helps one experience the ups and downs of being a competitor—dealing with wins and losses and the pressure of being watched and placed by judges,” Hagen said.
So what are you waiting for? Join today! AjPHA membership benefits include:
- A membership card
- AjPHA decal
- APHA Xtras program
- Preferred Paint Horse Journal subscription rates
- Preferred rates for registrations and transfers
- Eligibility to participate in AjPHA and APHA programs
- Voting privileges and eligibility to participate in Youth elections
Want to learn more?
Check out AjPHA’s website. Or contact the Youth Department at (817) 834-6436 or email [email protected] with your questions.
Ready to become part of AjPHA?
Do it online! With parental consent, anyone age 18 and younger is invited to join AjPHA. A one-year membership is $20, and a three-year membership is $40. Or, upgrade your membership to a j-Term membership for $100, valid until December 31 of your 18-year-old year.
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[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.