The most EXCITING part of The International is that High Point awards in 14-18, 13 and under, Open, Amateur, Select, Novice Amateur, and Novice Youth divisions will be full page ads in The Equine Chronicle!

New for 2016, a single online form is your one-stop shop for all your application and eligibility needs; apply for your Amateur, Novice Amateur, and Walk-Trot cards via this easy form. Remember, to qualify to compete in Amateur Walk-Trot classes at the World Show, exhibitors must hold a current Amateur Walk-Trot card prior to July 31 of the World Show year.

NEW CLASSES: Para Reining, NRHA Novice Horse Open Level 1, NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1, NRHA Green Reiner Level 2, Congress Open Cutting Futurity, Congress Non Pro Cutting Futurity, Heroes on Horses Walk-Trot Supported, Heroes on Horses Walk-Trot Independent, EWD Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle Independent & NSBA, EWD Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation Independent & NSBA, Small Fry Hunter Under Saddle & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Horsemanship & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Western Pleasure & NSBA, NYATT Hunt Seat Equitation & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select, Hunt Seat Equitation & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Showmanship & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Hunder Under Saddle & NSBA, 4 & 5 Year Old Open Trail Stakes & NSBA, and 3 Year Old Open Trail Stakes & NSBA.

New Event: The very first Stars & Stripes Summer Spectacular will be held on Tuesday, June 28th. The Stars & Stripes Summer Spectacular is a specialty event featuring 22 classes specifically for equestrians with disabilities. This event is open to all breeds of horses. Exhibitors must be a member of either ApHC or APHA to compete. Those exhibitors wishing to compete for NSBA awards must also be NSBA members.

“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.