Meet the amazing Youth who are running for a spot on the AjPHA Executive Committee. AjPHA National Directors can cast their votes online June 20–July 12; the Youth Executive Committee for 2017–2018 will be announced thereafter. Candidates will give their speeches at the AJPHA Youth Convention (June 28 at the Youth World Show in Fort Worth, Texas) and campaign during the show’s Ice Cream Party (July 3), too!

Bub Poplin of Fruita, CO made history in 2017 when he earned back-to-back wins in the $20,000 RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining on Smokin Custom Chrome. He also took home People’s Choice honors. The 2017 event included bridleless routines, coconut bras, zebras, Donald Trump and more!

Disciplines will include Trail, Showmanship, Horsemanship, and Equitation. Topics of discussion will include an introduction to lead changes, Western and English rail performance, how judges use score sheets, and much more.

Olin Parker and Lets Get Cozy took home first place and a check for $8,500 in the Solid Gold Futurity’s Maiden Yearling Fillies class. The 2016 solid Paint-bred filly is by Kids Coolsified (QH) and out of RH Imprints Playgirl; she was bred by Bruce and Beverly Baker of Kellogg, Minnesota, and is owned by Kenneth and Lisa Maxwell of Owasso, Oklahoma.

The Merial Region Five features a one-day event packed with a variety of classes, starting with showmanship at 8 a.m. on June 21. AQHA judge Sally Puzacke will judge the event. For a full show itinerary, visit www.njqha.com. (Note: Halter classes will not be offered at the Region Five Championships.)

The qualifying points have been announced for the 2018 Zoetis AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships, which will be held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The show is tentatively scheduled for June 14-17, 2018. Exhibitors are able to qualify to compete for the all-around Versatile Ranch Horse title or in the individual VRH classes at the 2018 Zoetis VRH World.

David Avery, Amarillo, Texas
Dolly Chayer, Sperry, Oklahoma
Jennifer Goss, Martinsville, Indiana
Keith M. McDonough, Palm Desert, California
Casey L. Orr, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Alisa Proefrock, New Albany, Ohio
Mark Sheridan, Cave Creek, Arizona
Amy D. Watkins, Canfield, Ohio

APHA Past President and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee Gregg Reisinger of Eldora, Iowa, was awarded the National Pedigreed Livestock Council’s Distinguished Service Award for his contributions stemming from a lifetime of breeding of Paint Horses and APHA involvement.