2025 APHA Western National Show goes big in Vegas
Photos courtesy Ruehle Photographix
They say what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, but we can’t keep the news quiet. A total of 1,759 entries and 229 horses descended on Las Vegas, Nevada, October 30–November 2, 2025, for the 2025 APHA Western National Championship Show.
In addition to offering 125 national championship classes and awarding 16 all-around awards, the fan-favorite event featured its iconic costume contest, a $1,300 boot scramble, scavenger hunt, trick or treating, all-breed classes and more. More than $8,000 was paid out in International Ranch Horse Association classes. Markel/APHA Pro Horsemen Karen Banister, Sandi Morgan, Ted Proctor, Monica Webb, Kara Whitsell and Tammie Whitt provided pre-show clinics. Karen also provided pattern insight to exhibitors in APHA’s Ride the Pattern clinic.
Special thanks to Kimes Ranch for sponsoring two Novice Youth and Youth Walk-Trot entries for exhibitors, along with free lead line entries.
Save the Date
Tentative Dates: October 22–25, 2026, at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
More Than A Show
For exhibitor Randy Raykovich, the 2025 APHA Western National Championship was more than a show—it was a full circle moment back to living life to the fullest.
Randy has always loved horses; she tagged along to riding lessons with her sister, Toni, and has shown Paints for over 20 years with Toni and her own daughter, Spencer, under the guidance of Karen Qualls.
Less than a month after taking home a reserve world championship in Masters Amateur Trail at the 2024 APHA World Championship Show, Randy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy every three weeks during her recovery.
An avid walker, Randy watched as the miles she once completed with ease diminished. Her family supported her throughout her journey—including her barn family—and Randy even continued to show her horse. She remembers attending a regional show in California where everyone complimented her bald head.
“Fun fact—without hair your hat doesn’t fit,” Randy said. “Throughout my journey, the entire APHA family has been so kind. Many have shared their own stories and battles with cancer.”
Randy’s final treatment occurred last December. Now cancer-free, Randy was excited to tackle the 2025 Western National Championship with Goodnight Charlie, her 2007 sorrel overo gelding. There, they won the Master Amateur Trail title.
“This win at Nationals means so much to me,” Randy said. “It feels as if I have come full circle and am back to living life to the fullest. As we approach the one-year mark post-treatment, I want everyone to know that you are not alone—you can fight this.”
All-Around Champions: 2025 Western National Championship Show
Open Show Horse
Champion: Wake Up For Candy, a 2016 bay overo mare by VS Flatline (QH) x Too Sleepy For Candy; owned by Susan Juroe, Longmont, Colorado
Reserve Champion: Shes Hot To Go, a 2024 bay tobiano mare by One And Only Asset x Blazing Hot Tallent; owned by Naomi A. Clayton, Nampa, Idaho
Amateur
Champion: Christine WeiserZimmerman, Middleton, Idaho, & Coin Machine, a 2012 sorrel overo gelding by Fleet Machine x Ima Zippin Tiger (QH)
Reserve Champion: Maggie Griffin Book, The Woodlands, Texas, & Yeehaw Cowboy, a 2013 sorrel overo gelding by No Doubt Im Lazy (QH) x Huntin A Cowboy (QH)
Masters Amateur
Champion: Kristen Shaw, Beavercreek, Oregon, & Almost Too Tempting, a 2015 sorrel overo mare by Almost Too Fancy x Icelandic Meadow (TB)
Reserve Champion: Julie Nelson, North Logan, Utah, & Mr Verifiable, a 2009 sorrel overo gelding by Artistic Hot Pants x Sheza Classy Mr (QH)
Amateur English
Champion: Kristen Shaw, Beavercreek, Oregon, & Almost Too Tempting, a 2015 sorrel overo mare by Almost Too Fancy x Icelandic Meadow (TB)
Reserve Champion: Aubrey Videtich, Frisco, Texas, & Shethinksmyfactorsexy, a 2020 bay overo gelding by The Wow Factor x Fancy Impulse
Novice Amateur
Champion: Aubrey Videtich, Frisco, Texas, & Shethinksmyfactorsexy, a 2020 bay overo gelding by The Wow Factor x Fancy Impulse
Reserve Champion: Evenlyn Kronlage, Colorado Springs, Colorado, & Sensation All Lee, a 2017 sorrel overo mare by All Time Fancy x Sensational Chenille
Amateur Walk-Trot
Champion: Tarin Brascher, Lacey, Washington, & Pour Me Sum Tequila, a 2008 black tobiano mare by One Hot Krymsun (QH) x Sum Tequila
Reserve Champion: Amanda Boal-Bennett, Rhome, Texas, & One Lazy Cowboy, a 2013 bay overo gelding by Lazy Loper (QH) x Onesensationalcowgirl
Youth 13 & Under
Champion: Emilee Ledoux, Stanwood, Washington, & A Special Work Of Art, a 2015 sorrel tobiano gelding by Invite The Artist x IB A Fancy China Doll
Reserve Champion: Stella Grace Boyer, Olympia, Washington, & The Batt Boy, a 2016 chestnut overo gelding by Batt Man (QH) x Pep O Mint Kiss
Youth 14–18
Champion: Faith Perrine, Tacoma, Washington, & Shesa Hot Suggestion, a 2016 chestnut overo mare by Open For Suggestion (QH) x Simply Fluid (QH)
Reserve Champion: Annabelle Merina, Salem, Oregon, & Dont Invy My Bentley, a 2013 bay tobiano gelding by Invitation Only x MBF Ms Elegant Steper
Youth English Horse
Champion: Lauren Hunt, Silverdale, Washington, & Custom Compromise, a 2016 chestnut overo gelding by Never Compromise x Custom Ride (QH)
Reserve Champion: Harper Barina, Frisco, Texas, & You Bet Ima Hotrod, a 2015 chestnut overo mare by Hesa Special Hotrod x Skipthisyamiss
Novice Youth
Champion: Daphne Ries, Salem, Oregon, & Good Girl Gone Bad, a 2013 sorrel overo mare by CR Good Machine x Zippos Zipper Snipper
Reserve Champion: Faith Perrine, Tacoma, Washington, & Shesa Hot Suggestion, a 2016 chestnut overo mare by Open For Suggestion (QH) x Simply Fluid (QH)
Youth Walk-Trot 5–10
Champion: Kendall Bennett, Rhome, Texas, & One Lazy Cowboy, a 2013 bay overo gelding by Lazy Loper (QH) x Onesensationalcowgirl
Reserve Champion: Harper Barina, Frisco, Texas, & You Bet Ima Hotrod, a 2015 chestnut overo mare by Hesa Special Hotrod x Skipthisyamiss
Youth Walk-Trot 11–18
Champion: Lauren Hunt, Silverdale, Washington, & Custom Compromise, a 2016 chestnut overo gelding by Never Compromise x Custom Ride (QH)
Reserve Champion: Faith Fleeman, Three Rivers, California, & Just Call Me Steve, a 2014 chestnut overo gelding by A Sudden Star (QH) x Elizabeth Taylor
Open Ranch Horse
Champion: Smokin Jeans, a 2017 bay tovero mare by Mr Gallant Smoke x Ive Got Awesome Jeans; owned by Paula J. Wagner-Bellingham, Hermiston, Oregon
Reserve Champion: Flashback Wolf, a 2021 sorrel overo gelding by Palo Duro Cat (QH) x Lena With a Flash (QH); owned by Wolf Ranch LLC, Ballard, California
Amateur Ranch
Champion: Teresa Hanson, Scottsdale, Arizona, & Peptoes Prescription, a 2012 red roan overo gelding by Peptoes (QH) x Cadillac Dun It (QH)
Reserve Champion: Scott Cooper, Altadena, California, & Chipalicious Invite, a 2011 black overo gelding by Lopealicious x Pretty Chipped Cookie
Novice Amateur Ranch
Champion: Scott Cooper, Altadena, California, & Chipalicious Invite, a 2011 black overo gelding by Lopealicious x Pretty Chipped Cookie
Reserve Champion: Christine Manzella, Lakeside, California, & Hes Guaranteed, a 2013 bay tobiano gelding by Guaranteed x Sensationally Sinful
Youth Ranch
Champion: Kyrah Bowker, Moriarty, New Mexico, & Gunnin For The Gold, a 2014 palomino overo gelding by Pale Face Dunnit x Gorgeous Like A Star (QH)
Reserve Champion: Julieanne Beth Fisher, Ennis, Montana, & F W Spooks Shotgun, a 2019 bay solid gelding by Spooks Gotta Gun x Wimpys Chics Intown (QH)
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