Chrome is thrilled to announce the Top 10 finalists for our 2017 APHA member model search. After careful consideration by a team of Chrome photographers and art directors, the field of nearly 70 entries was narrowed to our Top Five Cowgirls and Top Five Cowboys. Two lucky grand-prize winners will star in Chrome’s 2017 fashion shoot in Texas this summer.
“Narrowing down our field of incredible applicants is never easy,” APHA Director of Publications Jessica Hein said. “Our team of judges thoroughly considers each and every entry to select finalists as unique and diverse as the membership base they represent. APHA is filled with so many beautiful, incredible members, and we encourage everyone t0 apply or re-apply, even if they weren’t selected this year.”
All of our Top 10 finalists are APHA members, as unique as the Paint Horses they love. Meet our Top Five Cowgirls and Top Five Cowboys below, and vote for your favorite guy and girl by June 4 (one vote per computer/device). Grand-prize winners will be announced after voting has closed.
VOTE NOW
Meet our 2017 APHA Member Model Search finalists:
Amanda May, Aubrey, Texas
I spend my days in a lab coat working in a R&D diagnostics laboratory and my evenings with my horses. Every day I switch out of my lab coat and into my boots and spurs. I am not sure if this makes me unique in the horse world, but I certainly know it makes me unique in my office. At work I am “the girl who has horses,” a name that I’m perfectly fine with and proud of.
Brittany Russell, Chandler, AZ
Not only have I had a passion for horses for years, but I also have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives—even with something as simple as making people smile. I am always a little goofy and get a lot of satisfaction out of making people laugh. I’m especially good at making lip-syncing music videos!
Jennifer King, New Plymouth, ID
Being born with a cleft lip, I started out with a difficult hurdle to overcome. After several surgeries and countless teasing, I overcame. This “hurdle” allowed me to see the world through different eyes and the perseverance it takes to achieve life-long dreams and goals. It is also the reason I work with kids today and help them with their hurdles in life.
I have raised three of my five children to college age and have twin daughters left at home. During this time, I went back to school to achieve my goal of earning a doctorate of nursing practice while working full time and being a full-time mother and being fully involved in all the sports, FFA, 4-H and other functions my children participated in.
I started with my first Paint 23 years ago when I bought a weanling filly from a photo. From her, I have raised five more horses with one on the way. Although I used to show my Paints, now my time is spent doing gymkhana with my youngest daughter and helping the other twin with her Junior Queen title. To become the Chrome Model search winner for 2017 would be not only an honor, but a dream come true. Thank you for considering me to become this year’s winner.
Kelly Cummins, Tucson, AZ
I have ridden & shown horses since I was a little girl. I have done everything from hunter/jumper to western pleasure. I currently show APHA all-around with my gelding Finally Hes Charming; we finished in the Top 20 for 2016. I guess you could say what makes me unique is my strong, positive attitude. I have been told people love stalling with me at shows because I have a smile on my face every day. I love APHA and being involved in my state paint club.
Rayleigh Rowell, Bartlesville, OK
I am a biology major at West Texas A&M University and on the varsity equestrian team. The team has made such a difference in my life. I’ve learned that, no matter win or lose, to always support the ones you love. Besides loving and riding horses, I enjoy flying airplanes. I started flying during my senior year in high school, and now it is one of my favorite hobbies.
I hope you’ll vote for me because I really do live the life advertised. I get up early every morning to feed and ride. Being an equestrian is more then just riding horses; it’s loving every late night in the arena, the permanent smell of fly spray in the barn and the random shavings stuck to clothes. This is not a hobby, it is a lifestyle.
Brian Henry, Loma, CO
I was raised riding horses, and I am an active, current Paint Horse trainer and breeder. I live with my beautiful family in Western Colorado. I’ve never entered anything like this before, and I’m turning 30 this year and thought it would be kind fun!
Michael Davis, Seattle, WA
I grew up up on a 300-acre dairy farm, but we also had racehorses. The country life has always been a part of my life. I now live in Seattle. I like to keep my as life well rounded as possible. I train horse for a living but I also play competitive volleyball and softball. I also like hitting the slopes on my snowboard as much as possible. I love living the country life, but I also enjoy being in the city.
Roman Dinn, Gainesville, TX
I am a graduate of Texas A&M University, and I avidly compete in both APHA and AQHA horse shows in the ranch, halter and reining events. I’m a reserve world champion and NRHA money-earner. I love to have fun with my horse show friends!
Kevin Otterness, Colorado Springs, CO
Hi, I’m Kevin. I think of myself as a pretty average guy. I work full time in sales and marketing, and I’m also a horse trainer here in Colorado. It makes for really long days, but it’s worth it. A typical day for me is up by 4 a.m. for a morning ride, shower by 6 a.m.; work by 8 a.m.; back at the barn by 5:30 p.m. for more rides and lessons; and back home by 10 p.m. So some time off would be nice!
Scot Hull, Shelby, NC
I’m 50 years young and just now learning to ride our Paint Horse, Tilly. I am married to my wife, Amy, and we have a son named Zeb. I’m pretty good with horses, but much better with Border Collies, Beagles and Australian Shepherds. Our Border Collie, Lucy, goes everywhere with me, even on the tractor. I fix computers and networks in the daytime and work at the family farm in the evenings taking care of our horses, chickens and barn cats. I’m eager to learn new things and not afraid of a challenge.
I think people should vote for me because I’m friendly, adventurous, and strive to be an excellent role model for everyone. I believe in strong values and steadfast determination in achieving your life goals.
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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.