Bright lights and big moments helped make special memories for Paint Horse exhibitors at the inaugural APHA Western National Championship, which took place October 17–19 at South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Debuting in 2019, the Eastern and Western National Championships are designed to bring more high-level show opportunities to new areas of the country.
“So many exhibitors were excited about the show even as they pulled their trailers into the facility; the National Championship was truly a destination event with plenty of potential to increase in size and fun in the future,” APHA Senior Director of Shows Holly Slaughter said.
The APHA Western National Championship drew 1,040 entries (plus 400 NSBA entries) with 240 horses in 13 divisions. The largest division was Amateur Walk-Trot.
Sponsored by APHA and managed by Southwest Show Management, the Western National Championship awarded trophies and medallions to first through 10th place, along with additional sponsored prizes, APHA points and national championship titles. When the dust settled, talented competitors rose to the top of the standings to claim the show’s all-around and high-point titles.
All-around champions receive trophy headstalls, courtesy Harris Leather & Silverworks, along with trophy prints courtesy Larry Williams Photography. High-point champions receive trophy spurs courtesy APHA and Gist Silversmiths and trophy prints courtesy Larry Williams Photography. Reserve all-around and high-point champions receive embroidered fleece coolers and gift certificates, courtesy of Schneider’s Saddlery. Reserve all-around winners also receive either a pair of boots, courtesy of Rod Patrick Bootmakers or a pair of chaps, courtesy of Woods Western. Reserve High-Point winners received embroidered fleece coolers, gift certificates, courtesy of Schneiders’ Saddlery and show blankets courtesy of Show-Off Designs.
Show halters sponsored by Kathy’s Show Equipment were also awarded to the champions in the WCHA Non-Pro Futurities, Amateur Performance Halter Mares & Geldings, Amateur Walk-Trot Showmanship and Novice Amateur Showmanship classes.
Congratulations to our Western National Championship High-Point and All-Around winners:
- All-Around Open: Wholly Smokalicious owned by Don & Vivian Beard
- All-Around Open Solid Paint-Bred: JL Gotmyleagueziptup owned by Theresa Fackrell
- All-Around Amateur: Christine Weiser Zimmerman & Coin Machine
- All-Around Masters Amateur: Kelli Foster & Alot To Offer
- All-Around Novice Amateur: Kelly Miller & Zip Is It
- All-Around Amateur Solid Paint-Bred: Caitlyn Malyk & Hes Lopin Spotless
- All-Around Youth 14–18: Lauren Hall & Alotta Vested Pine
- All-Around Youth 13 & Under: Melody Hackworth & JZA Jewelontherange
- All-Around Novice Youth: Melody Hackworth & JZA Jewelontherange
- All-Around Youth Solid Paint-Bred: Bella Fackrell & JL Gotmyleagueziptup
- High-Point Amateur Walk-Trot: Sabrina Seehafer & All That I Got
- High-Point Youth Walk-Trot: Colten Dulin & Kicken To Impress
- High-Point Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Walk-Trot: Maria Temple Jerome & Ambitious To A Te
The Eastern National Championship took place March 22–24 in Lexington, Virginia, kicking off the National Championship series with strong interest and enthusiasm. Dates for the 2020 series are not yet released. Strong turnout and positive reviews at both championships indicates that the championships fill a community need for a prestigious, championship-level event located closer to regional exhibitors, Holly says.
“APHA is optimistic about the future of the National Championships, and we will continue to seek ways to improve the events to ensure a top-level experience that both thrills our dedicated competitors and welcomes new or regional Paint owners into the fold,” Holly said.
Results will be posted at apha.com/western-national-show. Watch for additional show coverage in the January/February 2020 issue of the Paint Horse Journal; purchase, renew or extend your subscription today!
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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 promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.