Popular show continues to be competitive, entertaining and educational

World Championship Paint Horse Show set for two-week run, June 23-July 6, in Fort Worth, Texas

FORT WORTH, Texas- The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) will host approximately 2,000 horses and tens of thousands of visitors from locations throughout North America during its 2002 World Championship Paint Horse Show, to be held June 23-July 6 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Steer Stopping is a popular cattle class at the World Championship Paint Horse Show. Matt Beresford, of Oak Point, Texas, earned a World Championship in Steer Stopping 18 & Under at the World Show in 2001. He is shown here in action with his horse CRS Wambli Wakan. (APHA photo by Ross Hecox). Hirez JPEG (1.11 mb) Hirez TIFF (8.24 mb)

The show is the largest single-breed horse show held in the Lone Star State, based on the number of horses exhibited. In addition, it attracts thousands of contestants and spectators each year who are fascinated by the talent and beauty of the American Paint Horse. Last year's World Show attendance totaled more than 144,000 visitors.

Activities are held in the three major arenas and in other facilities throughout the sprawling 85-acre Will Rogers Memorial Center, which is located in the heart of Fort Worth's cultural district.

An annual non-qualifying event open to all APHA Regular Registry horses and Breeding Stock halter mares, this year's World Show will include 166 classes, five challenge series classes, three sweepstakes events, three select horse sales, horsemanship clinics, a trade show and many other special activities.

Alazulenas Flyer earned a World Championship with Carlos Banuelos of Jacksboro, Texas in Cutting at the 2001 APHA World Show. When it comes to out-thinking and out-maneuvering cattle, few events demonstrate these abilities in a Paint like cutting. (APHA photo by Ross Hecox). Hirez JPEG (1.95 mb) Hirez TIFF (9.89 mb)

The popular show features talented equestrians who, with their American Paint Horses, vie for more than $264,000 in prize money and prestigious World Championship titles. Last year, APHA logged more than 4,600 entries during the two-week show, and anticipates another strong turnout of competitors this year.

APHA will expand its educational outreach this year with four different horsemanship clinics conducted by some of the most successful trainers in the world. The association will also feature musical entertainment for exhibitors and others in attendance.

There is no charge for those who would like to attend the show, or participate in the clinics and enjoy the entertainment.

Reining competition is popular at the APHA World Show. Pictured here, Lindsey McCutcheon, of Whitesboro, Texas, won a 2001 World Championship on The Texas Tornado in Youth Reining for ages 14-18. (Photo by K.C. Montgomery).

A history of show success
APHA has hosted a World Championship Paint Horse Show-featuring Youth, Amateur and Open events all at one show-since 1989. That year, 866 horses participated. APHA has seen an increase of 116 percent in the number of horses involved in World Show competition since that time and a 171 percent increase in entries logged.

Speed events, such as pole bending, put the athletic abilities of Paints to the test at the APHA World Show each year. In 2001, Tiny Who Too won a World Championship in Pole Bending with Jodi Bryant of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, in the saddle. (Photo by K.C. Montgomery) .

Bronze viewing and APHA open house
In addition to the World Show's competition and special events, APHA will open its doors June 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., at its world headquarters at 2800 Meacham Boulevard in Fort Worth. At that time, guests will be welcome to tour APHA's facilities and view the association's new larger-than-life Legacy of Color bronze statue.

The magnificent work of art, depicting a stallion, two mares and foal loping through a field, is scheduled to be unveiled May 30. The bronze horses stand 20 hands (nearly seven feet) at the withers and are 125 percent life-size. Each horse in the display weighs about 1,500 pounds and is cast in bronze.

The entire collection of four horses spans 36 feet.

The colossal Legacy of Color project has been three years in the making and commemorates APHA's 40th anniversary. Since 1962, the association has grown from a concept to one of the fastest-growing breed registries in the world. Over the past 40 years, the association has issued registration certificates for more than 650,000 American Paint Horses around the world. The Fort Worth-based association, which employs 160 people and has an operating budget of $15 million, has processed and currently stores records on all those horses.

Visitors will be able view the operation and learn more about APHA first-hand during the open house. The event will also feature live entertainment, and refreshments will be served.

Three free horsemanship seminars from the pros
As a special service for anyone interested in learning more about training, riding and caring for horses, APHA will team up with Horse & Rider magazine to present its sixth annual seminar series in the Watt Arena at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Three accomplished trainers will demonstrate and share their knowledge on a variety of topics at that venue.

On Friday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m., Cleve Wells presents "Make it a Pleasure." The focus of this 90-minute presentation will be Western Pleasure riding-an event that both highlights the Paint Horse's grace and athletic abilities, and challenges exhibitors. The trainer will share his techniques for developing natural, free-flowing and balanced movement in Western Pleasure events. Wells, of Burleson, Texas, is noted for helping riders of all ages improve in the show ring and is a proven performer himself, with several World Championship and Reserve World Championship titles to his credit.

Also on Friday, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., Todd Crawford shares his insight on the working cow horse event from the judge's viewpoint. Teamwork between horse and rider is critical during the working cow horse event, and each must rely on strength, stamina and cow-savvy to perform well. Crawford will demonstrate cow-control methods that he has used to achieve success over the years. Not only has Crawford earned World Championship and Reserve World Championship titles with APHA and the National Reined Cow Horse Association, but he won both gold and silver medals in reining at the Cosequin United States Equestrian Team Festival of Champions in Gladstone, N.J., in 2000.

On Saturday, June 29, at 9 a.m., Craig Cameron leads a three-hour session titled "Start 'em Off Right," at which he will demonstrate his gentle step-by-step process for starting a young horse under saddle and "tuning-up" a seasoned mount. Cameron's training methods are designed to build a trusting relationship with a horse, whether in the show ring or out on the trail. A resident of Bluff Dale, Texas, Cameron is making a return appearance to the World Show. He has captured worldwide attention with his common-sense, confidence-building approach to horse training.

Original Gold Reining Horse Clinic experts share advice
APHA's free educational outreach program for its members and guests doesn't end with demonstrations on effective horse training, Pleasure riding and cow control. This year, clinicians from the Original Gold Reining Horse Clinic will come to town Saturday, July 6, from 1-5 p.m., at the Watt Arena.

Conducted by the first-ever Nation's Cup Gold Medal Reining Team, the clinic, adapted specially for the World Show, will offer spectators an opportunity to see some of the best reining pros in action as they demonstrate their personal training techniques. The Original Gold team will offer lessons for every level of rider. Clinicians include Dell Hendricks, Bill Horn, Craig Johnson and Scott McCutcheon.

Top-quality Paints to be sold
Those looking for some of the best Paint Horses on the market will have the opportunity to purchase them at the World Showcase Sales, which will be held June 29 and 30 in conjunction with the World Show. Traditionally, the weekend of the Showcase Sale draws the largest number of people to the show, with approximately 8,000 people visiting the Will Rogers Memorial Center and viewing the horses at this premier auction each day.

Three sessions will be held this year - one exclusively for geldings, one for mares and stallions, and another for yearlings.

The sales begin June 29, at noon, when 50 of the finest performance-bred geldings of all ages will be offered. Following that sale, the Elite 25 Yearling Sale will be held. At that session, 25 outstanding show prospects will be offered. The Elite 25 Yearling Sale debuted last year and returns this year by popular demand.

The showcase of beautiful Paints continues on June 30, when a sale limited to 100 of the highest-quality mares and stallions will be held.

Equine shopping at its finest
Another popular attraction for World Show for exhibitors, spectators and local visitors is the Colors of the West trade show, held daily in the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall. Trade show visitors have the chance to see and purchase the horse industry's latest fashions and innovative products. Large-equipment exhibitors will display their products along the sidewalks throughout the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

More than 100 commercial enterprises will display and sell Western and English apparel, tack, art, equine products, furniture, barns, trucks and trailers, to name only a few of the items featured. The trade show will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., June 23 - July 6.

A show that's educational and entertaining
To further ensure an enjoyable experience for horse owners, riders, spectators and all those attending the show, APHA will feature music and other entertainment that will be a sure hit with its equestrian audience.

"This is a time we always look forward to," said Jim Kelley, APHA executive secretary. "Our World Show has always been one of the highlights of the year for APHA and the people associated with our organization.

"As we continue to add classes, improve the quality of competition and help people realize their full potential with their Paint Horses, we want to make it educational, entertaining and fun as well.

"All our events are free and open to the public, and that includes the exhibitions, the horsemanship clinics, the premier horse sales, the featured entertainment and the musical performances. We charge no admission and parking is free," Kelley continued.

"It's our way to help showcase the beauty of the American Paint Horse, enhance people's enjoyment of their horses and treat everyone to a fantastic time.

"We want everyone to know about the great breed we represent. And, particularly this year, we want people to be a part of our celebration of the success and accomplishments of American Paint Horses over the past 40 years."

Partnerships add value to show
To add even more incentives for a successful World Show, APHA has partnered with a select group of companies who are teaming up with the association to offer a total cash and product package valued at more than $400,000 for contestants. Those sponsoring partners include the following. Corporate sponsors: BMB Tack, Barnmaster, Inc., Gist Silversmiths, First USA, Hart Trailer Manufacturing, Markel Insurance Company and Pfizer Animal Health. World Show sponsors: Boulet Western Boots, Circle Y of Yoakum, Metro Golf Cars, Pro Stepps, and Stubben, North America. Associate sponsors: Hodges Badge Company, Inc., Cowboys & Indians magazine, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and Russell Feed.

More about the World Championship Paint Horse Show
For more information on the World Championship Paint Horse Show, including a complete show schedule, accommodations, entry details and more, please visit http://www.aphaworldshow.com.

More information about APHA and American Paint Horses
Of the more than 650,000 horses registered in 43 nations by APHA since 1962, 450,000 of them, about 69 percent, have received their registration certificates in the last 10 years alone. The Paint Horse enthusiasts who drive those numbers have helped make APHA one of the fastest-growing horse breed registries in the world.

Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA's Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of about 57,000 horses each year. The association serves nearly 100,000 members, who are located 36 nations, including every U.S. state.

Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable to so many people are their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.