Zone 1 Prepares to Host Inaugural Northwest Paint Horse Championship

PHJ press release by: Jessica Hein

If you own a Paint Horse and live in the Pacific Northwest, take note: the inaugural Northwest Paint Horse Championship is where you’ll want to be August 14-17. Held in conjunction with the Zone 1 Zone-O-Rama in Albany, Oregon, the Northwest Paint Horse Championship features a slate of specially selected classes to recognize and reward new Paint Horse exhibitors within the Zone 1 area.

Designed with an emphasis of encouraging participation from new and local exhibitors, 13 regional champion classes—selected by Zone 1 representatives and designated as “Zone 1 Rookie” classes on the show bill—will be available with limited eligibility.

Regional champions will receive custom Gist Silversmiths trophy buckles, and medallions will be awarded to second- through tenth-place exhibitors. Awards are sponsored by APHA.

“We are excited to partner with Zone 1 to offer regional championship classes this year,” Senior Director of Shows Holly Slaughter said. “Coupled with a warm welcome from Zone 1 regional clubs’ members, the Northwest Paint Horse Championship might play a pivotal role in attracting new Paint Horse exhibitors to the region’s premier show and encourage them to remain part of the Zone 1 APHA family.”

Northwest Paint Horse Championship Eligibility Criteria

The Northwest Paint Horse Championship classes have limited eligibility, and exhibitors must meet the following requirements.

Exhibitors may not have competed previously at the Zone 1 show, and they must be a resident of Zone 1. Classes/exhibitors must follow APHA rules, and horses must be registered with APHA and follow exhibitor/ownership rules. Exhibitors must be members of APHA and qualify for the appropriate exhibitor card. No APHA points will be awarded for these classes.

Northwest Paint Horse Championship class exhibitors may cross enter into the Zone 1 ZOR classes. For more information about the Northwest Paint Horse Championship or the Zone 1 ZOR, visit the show’s website. Questions can be directed to Show Secretary Linda Wise at (504) 537-4386 or via email diamcp@aol.com.

The following Zone 1 Rookie classes will take place during the 2014 Northwest Paint Horse Championship:

• Amateur Halter Geldings
• Amateur Halter Mares
• Youth Halter Geldings
• Youth Halter Mares
• Amateur Western Pleasure
• Amateur Hunter Under Saddle
• Amateur Showmanship at Halter
• Amateur Solid Paint-Bred Western Pleasure
• Amateur Barrel Racing
• Youth Western Pleasure
• Youth Hunter Under Saddle
• Youth Showmanship at Halter
• Youth Barrel Racing