“It is especially important to recognize these up-and-coming exhibitors to encourage their accomplishments separate from the more experienced riders,” Jennifer said. “The skills learned both in and out of the arena help provide a foundation for success in many facets of life for these Youth and hopefully encouraging their passion for the Paint Horse will create a life-long Paint enthusiast. For a Novice exhibitor, a special buckle represents a reward which they can wear proudly to commemorate their arena success.”

The National Snaffle Bit Association is proud to announce the creation of the Color Breeders Championship Futurity, which will be held in conjunction with the NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity beginning in 2018.

It doesn’t always mean the difference between a win and a loss, but it does mean those four teams have one less meet to win in the quest for a National Championship. A spot in the semifinals on Saturday is on the line, so there is sure to be a lot of drama as usual.

To be eligible for the high-point awards, exhibitors must earn at least one point in each of APHA’s four ranch horse events: ranch trail, ranch pleasure, ranch reining and ranch cow work. Open points were based on the horse, while Amateur, Novice Amateur and Youth points were based on each horse-and rider-combination. Each high-point award winner will be awarded a ranch horse trophy saddle provided by Elite Custom Saddles.

The journey to the top is long, and no two individuals take the same path to success.

When Arno Honstetter (with Gunnafoolya) tied his assistant trainer, Daniel Schloemer (Dun Spooked Us) with a 226, the crowd went wild. Then, a stunning stallion named Inferno 66 walked into the pen…

For 12 teams, the dream for a National Championship is still alive. However, by the end of the day on Saturday, only one team will remain. The 2017 NCEA National Championships begins on Thursday with the first round, and features four meets. The winners of each will advance to take on one of the four top seeds who received a bye to Friday’s quarterfinals.

“I just love Trail. Trail always presents different patterns and obstacles. It makes me really think about how Mater and I are going to ride through the pattern. I like that Trail makes me think about where I should go and how I’m always striving for the great pattern.”

EQSportsNet’s live video feed will be free for the NCEA National Championship. A new viewer is asked to subscribe by registering his/her email and then creating a password to access the live player.