“These shows are the best way for exhibitors to get their feet wet in AQHA championship shows,” said Charlie Hemphill, AQHA senior director of shows and new events. “The shows also give Level 1 exhibitors who place in the top 10 in a Level 1 class the opportunity to qualify for the AQHA Level 1 Championships in 2017.”

“It’s critically important to the future of the horse community to focus on welcoming new participants,” Time to Ride Spokesperson Patti Colbert said. “The Challenge gives rewards and recognition to hardworking horse professionals who are doing the valuable work of teaching new people the very basics and giving them a path to grow into lifelong equestrians.”

Four Paints ended up in the Top 10 of the prestigious Open Classic Finals with impressive scores exceeding 226.5. According to show management, approximately one-third of all horses showing this year were Paint-bred, most of which were already registered through APHA.

Horses inducted in the Hall of Fame were the famed Olympic champion, Nautical, and the legendary AQHA/PHBA stallion, Mr. Yella Fella. Attendees were honored to have Debbie Jones speak of her mother’s early training days of Nautical and Gary and Linda Gordon who owned Mr. Yella Fella.

Some of the most anticipated events at this innovative show are the scheduled, free seminars slated to focus on topics like judging, training, breeding, sports medicine, shoeing and nutrition, conducted by experts like NRHA Professional and 4-Million Dollar rider, Andrea Fappani; NRHA Judges’ Committee Chairman, Jody Brainard, and top veterinarian and equine athlete expert, Dr. Khris Crowe.

That includes at least $1,300 worth of scholarships awarded in each world championship class in 2016—more in some cases, thanks to generous sponsors—as well as special scholarship awards for our all-around winners, high-point horse judgers, sportsmanship winner and more.

Saturday, April 23, 2016, Lexington, Kentucky — Featured in today’s show was the “Parade of Teams,” where each of the competing IEA Teams marched through the arena displaying their unbelievable spirit.  During the ceremony, the IEA announced the winners of the Horseman’s Knowledge Test, the Holy Innocents’ Horsemanship Test (both presented by the United States Pony […]

Aside from earning points to nationally qualify, you might be able to qualify through your state or provincial affiliate. Contact information is listed at www.aqha.com/affiliates.

Riders, age 11-19, competed individually in Hunt Seat on the Flat, Western Reining and Western Horsemanship classes. IEA’s format requires each rider to draw a horse on the day of the competition and, with no opportunity to familiarize himself or herself with the horse, step into the show ring.