After narrowing the field to 50 invited participants, the first American Horsewoman’s Challenge will include two APHA members: Nancy Faulconer and Annie Trice.
The competition aims to recognize top female trainers from the United States and Canada. Open to women trainers of any breed or discipline, the six-month challenge started at the beginning of April and concludes at the finals event in Oklahoma City on October 3–5, 2014.
The Horsewoman’s Challenge will be setting up blogs for each of the competitors to keep fans updates, so check the AHC website regularly for updates.
Meet Nancy Faulconer
Nancy, an APHA member from Eatonton, Georgia, started riding recreationally as a child and purchased her first registered Paint Horse, OA Rainmaker, in 2010.
“I was not looking for her, but she came to me for training, and I fell in love with her,” Nancy said. She now owns three Paints, whom she hopes to compete in Western dressage, competitive trail and obstacle challenges. “I continue to be impressed by the willing nature and fabulous disposition of the American Paint Horse.”
Nancy decided to apply for the American Horsewoman’s Challenge to have a part in celebrating women’s role in horse development.
“I love a challenge and the goal setting and taking steps to achieve that goal,” Nancy said.
For her challenge horse, Nancy plans to use a pinto gelding named Leo who came to her for training.
“When Leo came along, we knew exactly how old he was and that he had no hours under saddle, and he fit everything I was looking for,” she explained.
Nancy is a licenced Parelli Professional, and she operates Cloud9 Ranch, which offers boarding, training and sales services.
Keep in Touch: In addition to the AHC blog, Nancy will also be posting updates about her and Leo to the Cloud9 and her personal Facebook pages.
Meet Annie Trice
Annie Trice of Hurlock, Maryland, has been giving lessons and training horses professionally for 10 years after a life of loving them. A Pennsylvania native, she moved to Maryland and started Windy Way Horses, a lesson and therapeutic riding facility. Additionally, Annie is a equine sports massage therapist, which allows her to work hands on—literally—with a wide variety of horses in the area.
With a herd of Paints and Quarter Horses, Annie focuses on Western riding, and she specializes in bridleless trick training as well as retraining rescue horses in her area.
“They get rescued and healthy, but they have baggage,” Annie said. Working with horses with behavioral issues allows her to be a part of moving those horses into homes that will suit their specific needs.
Annie was shocked when she was told she was chosen for the challenge—application spots were open to the first 500 entrants, but only 50 were chosen to come to Oklahoma City this fall.
“I want to show you don’t have to be a big-time name,” she said. “It’s about the horse.”
For the challenge, Annie plans to use RCL Apollo (QH). “Apollo” came from Perryman Ranches in Arkansas, and she hopes to use him for versatility challenges, barrels and possibly mounted shooting when the challenge is done.
Keep in Touch: In addition to the AHC blog, Annie will post on her Facebook page with photos and updates.
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 creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.