2024 USDF All-Breed Awards: Paint Horses bring chrome to the dressage ring
Four Paints adding chrome to the dressage court at U.S. Dressage Federation events were recently honored by APHA as part of the 2024 USDF All-Breed Awards.
- Graffiti Style, a 2007 chestnut overo mare by C Spot Run N x Country Graffiti, owned by Lynn M. Van Voris of Elizabeth, Colorado
- Hesa Rowdy Sonny Bar, a 2006 bay tobiano gelding by Sunnys Imagemaker x Lucky Sevens Doll, owned by Shannon Odenwelder of Parkton, North Carolina
- The Black Tie Affair, a 2003 black tobiano gelding by Emphs Seven Eleven x Sheza Dizzy Dude (QH), owned by Susan Omran of Brooksville, Florida
- Too Tall Treasure, a 2000 sorrel solid gelding by Treasured Too x Aggressive Choice (QH), owned by Tamara C. McCrea of Oregon City, Oregon
APHA sponsors the champion and reserve champion Paint Horses in the Open, Junior/Young Rider, Adult Amateur and Vintage Cup divisions from Training Level through Grand Prix. To be eligible for this award, the horse must be APHA registered, meet USDF’s requirements, and the owner and exhibitor must be a current APHA member. A median score of at least 60 percent is required.
Shannon and Hesa Rowdy Sonny Bar (pictured above) won the Open and Adult Amateur awards at Training Level. They also compete in APHA-recognized dressage classes and participate in the Paint Alternative Competition program.
“Competing in dressage with my Paint Horse, ‘Rowdy,’ has been a journey of growth and discovery,” Shannon said. “I’m deeply thankful for the opportunities to showcase our partnership and proud of Rowdy for every stride we take as we continue this journey together. The recognition by the APHA and PAC is a testament to our patience, persistent hard work and dedication. It inspires me to continue learning and improving in dressage. Each competition brings new challenges and joys, moments spent with my versatile Paint Horse, Rowdy, are cherished as we pursue excellence in this beautiful sport.”
Congratulations to these APHA connections for their 2024 USDF All-Breed Awards:
| Division | Level | Rank | Horse | Rider | Median Score |
| Adult Amateur | Training Level | 1 | Hesa Rowdy Sonny Bar | Shannon Odenwelder | 68.535 |
| Adult Amateur | Training Level | 2 | The Black Tie Affair | Michele Omran | 64.3 |
| Adult Amateur | First Level | 1 | Too Tall Treasure | Tamara McCrea | 63.636 |
| Junior/Young Rider | First Level | 1 | Graffiti Style | Katy Carpenter | 62.569 |
| Open | Training Level | 1 | Hesa Rowdy Sonny Bar | Shannon Odenwelder | 68.535 |
| Open | Training Level | 2 | The Black Tie Affair | Michele Omran | 64.3 |
| Open | First Level | 1 | Too Tall Treasure | Tamara McCrea | 63.636 |
| Open | First Level | 2 | Graffiti Style | Katy Carpenter | 62.569 |
Photo by Liz Crawley Photography, courtesy Shannon Odenwelder
[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 international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.