Excitement begins June 24 in Fort Worth, Texas
2001 World Championship Paint Horse Show features more days and more prize money

FORT WORTH-To accommodate the continued growth and popularity of its annual World Championship Paint Horse Show, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has expanded its annual extravaganza by two days. To be held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, June 24-July 7, the 2001 World Championship Paint Horse Show is expected to be the association's largest such show on record.

Last year, a record-setting 1,898 horses participated and 4,787 entries were logged. Participation and turnout are expected to increase this year.

Also, bigger paybacks than ever before will be awarded to participants at the 2001 World Show, with prize money totaling $100,000-$25,000 more than last year.

Youth show highlights APHA's promising future
The youth portion of the show, spanning five full days, from June 24-28, will feature Paint Horse-related events suited to every young equestrian's interests. In fact, youth will gather two days prior to the show for a wide range of activities. On June 22, American Junior Paint Horse Association (AJPHA) members will meet for their year-end awards banquet, honoring the top performers of 2000, and on June 23 they will get together for their national convention and Youth Team Tournament activities. A popular highlight of the Team Tournament is the Hippology Contest-an equine science quiz in which teams compete for honors.

On the opening day of the show, June 24, performance classes of the Team Tournament are planned. Tournament performance classes this year include: showmanship, walk-trot, equitation, horsemanship and barrel racing. Following an exciting day of competition, a parade of teams will take place, along with Team Tournament award presentations.

The youth show will feature improvements in several areas this year. Youth halter horses will now be shown by age, to include yearlings, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds and older. In past years, the horses were shown in two classes-junior and senior. The classes were restructured in support of a new rule change and the increase in halter entries.

In response to the large number of entries in 2000 walk-trot classes, both walk-trot equitation and walk-trot horsemanship classes have been added this year. With the addition of these classes, focus will shift from judging horses to judging exhibitors.

At the conclusion of the 2001 APHA World Championship Youth Show on June 28, exhibitors will have the opportunity to compete in the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Young Rider Qualifying Class. This is a new program in which youth can qualify for the USET Festival of Champions, to be held in Gladstone, New Jersey, in June of 2002.

Exciting line-up of amateur/open events
The World Show continues on June 29, with amateur and open classes. One day has been added to the show for these events to accommodate an increase in the number of entries and new additions to the schedule.

Also, to ensure participants are able to exhibit their horses to the best of their abilities, there will be more room in the show ring for all finals performance classes. No more than 16 horses will be shown in any finals performance class this year.

Along with more money, improvements in the show ring and more events on the schedule, APHA will continue the Challenge Series that debuted last year. Once again, the Series is slated to include the 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure Challenge, 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle Challenge, 3-Year-Old Reining Challenge, 3-Year-Old Cutting Challenge and 4-Year-Old Cutting Challenge. Exhibitors will compete for cash prizes in these events.

The Team Penning Sweepstakes will also be back by popular demand this year. In addition, the 2001 World Show will feature the Freestyle Reining Sweepstakes once again, as well as the Bridleless Western Pleasure Sweepstakes.

Free educational seminars
Three of the top horse trainers and coaches in the country will share their knowledge and skills with equestrians June 30 and July 1, during the 2001 World Show. The trainers will spend a total of six hours giving demonstrations and providing valuable tips on training, riding and showing horses.

Sponsored by the American Paint Horse Association and Horse & Rider magazine, the seminar series will be held in the Watt Arena at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center and is free and open to the general public.
Sessions include:

Saturday, June 30
9 a.m.--noon
Working with young horses
During this three-hour session, renowned horse trainer Craig Cameron will show his audience how to solve some common problems experienced when training young horses. Cameron will work with a young horse using animal psychology and his gentle training techniques. Through hands-on demonstrations, he will show how to develop a trusting, willing relationship with a horse.

Cameron's confidence-building, common-sense approach to training has captured the attention of horse people around the world.

Sunday, July 1
9--10:30 a.m.
Troubleshoot trail
This 90-minute demonstration will be given by Nancy Cahill of Madisonville, Texas. Cahill, an accomplished all-around trainer and coach, will discuss problems exhibitors might encounter on a Trail course.

One of the most popular events in Western arenas, the Trail class demands that riders know how to anticipate potential problems and come up with a plan to avoid them. Cahill will also share her strategies on improving performance and scores in Trail events.

Sunday, July 1
10:30 a.m.-noon
Mental training methods
World-class cutting trainer and clinician Barbra Schulte of Brenham, Texas, will be on hand to give this 90-minute presentation. Drawing on techniques from her "Mentally Tough Training for Riders" program, Schulte will show people how to control their thoughts and emotions to stay cool and focused during their rides.

In addition to these seminars, free educational presentations will be held daily at 11:30 a.m. in the West Sale Arena (except June 30 and July 1). This is a great opportunity for people to learn about everything from basic equine care to improving their scores in the show ring. A daily schedule will be posted in the arena.

Great market for high-quality horses
This year's World Showcase Sales, held in conjunction with the World Championship Paint Horse Show, will offer some of the highest-quality Paints on the market. Slated for June 30 and July 1 at the West Sale Arena, two separate sales will feature top performance-bred geldings of all ages and high-quality mares and stallions. This year, a third sale has been added for yearling colts, fillies and geldings.

Equine shoppers' paradise
In conjunction with the 2001 World Show, APHA will host the Colors of the West Trade Show. Equine-related items ranging from tack to trailers and fashion clothing to farm supplies will be available in the spacious Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall. Shoppers can also select from official APHA World Show merchandise that will be sold at the event.

For on-line information about these activities and more at the 2001 World Championship Paint Horse Show, including a complete show schedule, visit http://www.aphaworldshow.com