Youth judging teams from around the country gathered at the 2016 AjPHA/AYA Youth World Championship Show to put their knowledge and skills to the test July 2. Judging halter and performance classes, 25 senior teams and 13 junior teams defended their decisions in the reasons room as they vied for judging supremacy. The contest was jointly hosted by AjPHA and the Appaloosa Youth Association.
“The American Paint Horse Association and Appaloosa Horse Club recognize the importance of events like these for our Youth members,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. “It is an opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication to this sport and demonstrate what they have learned. It is important for even our youth to be educated on the rules of horse shows, as they are our future exhibitors, judges and leaders in our associations.”
The Top Five teams and Top 10 individuals were recognized in both the Junior and Senior divisions in four areas: halter, performance, reasons and overall. Prizes included ribbons, Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles and $500 scholarships awarded to the high-point individuals overall. Winners included:
Junior Division:
Halter High-Point Individual: Logan Larman
Halter High-Point Team: Williamson County 4-H
Performance High-Point Individual: Sierra Malone
Performance High-Point Team: Waller County 4-H
Reasons High-Point Individual: Connor Pell
Reasons High-Point Team: Choteau #1
Overall High-Point Individual: Luke Kester
Overall High-Point Team: Choteau #1: Connor Pell, Luke Kester, Emily Hokit, Karson Stamper
Senior Division:
Halter High-Point Individual: McKenna Lindsay
Halter High-Point Team: Illinois QH #1
Performance High-Point Individual: McKenna Lindsay
Performance High-Point Team: Illinois QH #1
Reasons High-Point Individual: Bridget Stanton
Reasons High-Point Team: Illinois QH #1
Overall High-Point Individual: McKenna Lindsay
Overall High-Point Team: Illinois QH #1
Special thanks to Contest Coordinator Lori Wunderlich, Reasons Room Coordinator Paul Roger, horse providers and exhibitors, as well as all the volunteers, officials and staff that made the contest possible.
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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.