First-time exhibitor Christy Rankin finds a home in APHA
Christy Rankin is somewhat new to the world of competitive showing, but the tenacious horsewoman hasn’t let a late start stand in her way. Eager to learn, Christy and her husband, Paul, jumped feet first into the world of Paint Horses. What they found was a community of new friends willing to lend a hand and help them learn more.
“I have always loved horses,” Christy said. “I wanted to show horses as a young child, but my parents were a no go with that. So now that I’m grown and have my own money, I am showing them now at almost 50. There’s just nothing prettier than a big, beautiful halter horse.”
But there’s a lot of work that goes into creating those living works of art. Veteran owners and trainers have balancing diets, minerals, exercise regiments and more down to a science, perfectly crafted to enhance their horse’s aesthetics, inside and out. That kind of cavernous knowledge takes years to develop, but everybody starts somewhere. Christy started asking questions. What she found was a community willing to open their playbooks and let her take a peek.
“Everybody is so willing to help. Even people you think [might be] unapproachable are absolutely approachable,” Christy said. “We have reached out to numerous trainers and not one time have we been ignored. Every one of them are more than willing to answer your questions. Their willingness and openness to help is astonishing—I think it’s above and beyond our expectations.”
That help—along with resources like social media and YouTube—has been a Godsend, especially living in an area without a wealth of professional trainers. They’re quick to thank friends like Jim McCarty and J.R. and Joni Wagner for taking them under their wings. The Rankins keep their Paints at home in Mendenhall, Mississippi, balancing horse care and fitting in between full-time jobs.
“We are learning by the school of hard knocks,” Christy said. “My husband and I both work full-time jobs. I run a large mechanical company, so I work a minimum of 60 hours a week. We come home and are working horses in the dark; we’re out in the barn until about 10 p.m. every night, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the biggest joys in my life is to be able to walk out to my barn and see them every day, so I choose to keep them at home. It takes a lot of work, but people really can do it on their own, if you want to.”
Lookie-Lou, Round Two
Last year, Christy and Paul traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, for the APHA/WCHA Halter Million. The experience reinforced the sense of community they’d found elsewhere in the Paint world.
“We had a great time and met people that we had gotten to know through Facebook,” Christy said. “Coming out here and just giving it a lookie-loo was absolutely worth it. We learned a lot and more of what to expect coming to such a big show. Everybody was just so nice, and that’s what sealed the deal. It made the decision a lot easier to come back.”
When the show rolled around this year, Christy didn’t hesitate to send in her entries. She brought two horses to the 2025 Halter Million: Cuz Shez Cute, a 2022 sorrel overo mare by Execute and out of Zieva (QH), and Tongue Tied, a 2023 sorrel solid mare by FG Speechless (QH) and out of Gotta Lotta Fancy.
“I just love my horses. They’re my big giant, broke best friends,” Christy said. “I just hope to get called off the wall one time.”
Christy thinks back to some of the sage advice she’s received and tries to pass it along to others.
“Just worry about what’s in your hand and have fun,” she said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie. We have met some of the best people in life at these horse shows. If you love horses, get involved, bring a horse and show it.”
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.