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APHA Paint reining buckle program heads overseas

For the first time, APHA will offer custom awards to top Paint Horses at the 2017 NRHA European Derby, taking place November 1–5 in Lyon, France, during EquitaLyon. Handcrafted in the U.S.A., these uniquely-designed award buckles will be presented to the highest-scoring or high-point Paints in the following classes:

  • Non Pro – Level 4
  • Non Pro – Level 3
  • Non Pro – Level 2
  • Non Pro – Level 1

APHA Acting President Craig Wood and APHA Executive Director Billy Smith will be on hand to present the award buckles at the historic event.

“European members make up about 10 percent of our total membership,” Billy said. “Combined with the growing worldwide interest in reining and Paint reining horses, it’s only natural that we include the European Derby in our awards program. We’re excited to provide added recognition to Paint reiners at such a significant event.”

This marks the first time EquitaLyon is hosting the NRHA European Derby, Europe’s championship event for horses age 4–7. Approximately 130 horses are slated to compete for more than $120,000 in prize money. The event is expected to attract exhibitors from France, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland.

EquitaLyon is one of Europe’s premier equine fairs, attracting 3,500 horses and 158,000 visitors over five days, with 11 arenas and 130,000 square meters of exhibit space. In addition to reining, the Western hall features some of the best competition in Europe with barrel racing, cutting, an Extreme Cowboy Race and an APHA-approved four-judge show.

To be eligible to win a Paint reining buckle and other APHA awards and incentives, the horse must be registered with the APHA and both the owner and exhibitor must be current members. You can join and register your horse at the APHA booth at EquitaLyon, or visit apha.com today and click on “Register a Horse” at the top of the page.

This year, APHA also awarded buckles to the highest-placing Paint Horses at the National Reining Breeders Classic, Tulsa Reining Classic, High Roller Reining Classic and Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity. For more information, visit apha.com/reining. To learn more about the NRHA European Derby, visit nrhaeuropeanderby.com/news/.

 

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[Reprinting all of part of this story is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provide back to apha.com.]

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’s mission is to inspire, nurture, promote and provide meaningful experiences to generations interested in preserving the versatile Paint Horse.

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