The inaugural APHA Eastern National Championship brought big smiles, top prizes and strong numbers to Lexington, Virginia, March 22–24. Debuting in 2019, the Eastern and Western National Championships are designed to bring more high-level show opportunities to new areas of the country.
“By taking the excitement of a top-level event and bringing it closer to our Eastern Paint Horse exhibitors, we hoped to invite new faces to dream big and compete for these prestigious titles and awards,” Senior Director of APHA Events Holly Slaughter said. “We were thrilled to welcome several exhibitors competing with APHA for the first time, along with strong numbers in many divisions.”
The APHA Eastern National Championship drew 806 per-judge entries with 126 horses in 13 divisions. The show also featured full slates of solid Paint-bred classes in several divisions, which drew 163 per-judge entries.
Sponsored by APHA and managed by Kathy Avolt and An Equine Production, the Eastern 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. All-around and high-point reserve champions receive embroidered fleece coolers and gift certificates, courtesy of Schneider’s Saddlery.
Congratulations to our Eastern National Championship High-Point and All-Around winners:
All-Around Open: One Good Cowboy
All-Around Open Solid Paint-Bred: Too Tuff To Be Fancy
All-Around Amateur: Kylee Johns & Krymsunized
All-Around Masters Amateur: Sharon Rubin & Box Office Sensation
All-Around Novice Amateur: Samantha Reeves & Heza Custom HotRod
All-Around Amateur Solid Paint-Bred: Tabitha Thompson & Too Tuff To Be Fancy
All-Around Youth 14–18: Karlee Shiery & A Little Bit Fancy
All-Around Youth 13 & Under: Kinzie Cobbs & What Cha Expect
All-Around Novice Youth: Lauren Lauver & Sensational Bandita
All-Around Youth Solid Paint-Bred: Maryann Johnson & Zippos Sweet Te
High-Point Amateur Walk-Trot: Deborah Casaubon & One Good Cuervo
High-Point Youth Walk-Trot: Anna Overway & Eazy On My Assets
High-Point Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Walk-Trot: Ellen Hillyer & Zipped White By
Deborah Casaubon of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, clinched the High-Point Amateur Walk-Trot title with One Good Cuervo, her 2013 red roan overo mare; Deb says the addition of the National Championship added new excitement to the start of her show year.
“It was fun to have this as the first show of my year; I was looking forward to seeing what the National Show was all about,” she said. “I saw a lot of new people here, too, and I really enjoyed showing with them. ‘Rosie’ was great, too, especially in trail! She just loves it.”
The Western National Championship is set for October 16–19 in Las Vegas at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center. Southwest Show Management will manage the show, with trophies, medallions and high-point/all-around awards provided by APHA; find updates and additional details about the Western National Championship at apha.com/western-national-show.
The turnout and enthusiasm at the Eastern event indicate the growth potential for the National Championship series, APHA Executive Director Billy Smith says.
“The interest shown for both our 2019 National Championships indicates a gap existing within our horse show landscape,” Billy said. “These national shows fulfill a need for regional exhibitors seeking the thrill of a prestigious championship-level event located a little closer to home. We’re optimistic about this series and look forward to growing them further in the future.”
Find class results, results by judge, scribe sheets and complete high-point and all-around placings via An Equine Production. Watch for additional show coverage in an upcoming issue of the Paint Horse Journal; purchase, renew or extend your subscription today!
##
[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]
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.