APHA Judges Seminar, Show Management School
set for April 29--May 2 near Munich, Germany

FORT WORTH, Texas-The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) will conduct a special seminar and school April 29---May 2, in Germany, to educate and qualify individuals to judge at APHA-approved horse shows in Europe. This will include a three-day judges' seminar, along with a one-day course to help show managers and secretaries plan and carry out successful horse shows. Seminars will be held at the Hotel "Hölzerbräu" in Ebersberg, Germany, and live judging will take place at the Reitsportanlage Vaterstetten, a horse facility in Vaterstetten, Germany.

The association conducts these seminars every other year in response to the growing interest in Paint Horse shows in Europe and the continued need for qualified judges.

APHA Director of Shows Tina Anderson, Ph.D., explained that the APHA Judges Seminar and Show Management School will begin with helpful discussions for show managers and secretaries on a variety of topics. The next day will be dedicated to an overview of APHA, an introduction to judging, and classroom instruction. The final two days will consist of testing and live judging.

"This is an excellent opportunity for potential judges and others interested in managing shows in Europe to grow professionally," said Anderson.

"There is a great need for qualified APHA judges in Europe, especially when you consider the tremendous growth we've seen in the number of shows over the past several years. The number of APHA-approved shows in Europe has more than quadrupled during the past 10 years, growing from only 18 shows in 1993 to 77 shows last year.

"In recent years, we have also seen a growing trend in the number of judges being recruited from the United States to officiate at European horse shows. For obvious reasons, it would involve a lot less expense if more European judges were available to work at these shows.

"Also, due to popular demand and a growing interest in Western events," said Anderson, "we will focus our efforts on educating judges and show managers in these areas as well."

Veteran APHA judges Butch Carse and Joe Carter will conduct the seminars, with assistance from APHA Division Manager of Performance and Racing Lex Smurthwaite and Anderson.

People interested in attending the seminar and school can obtain qualification rules, a registration form and a judge's application form by visiting http://apha.com/judges.

There is no charge to attend the Show Management School. The cost of registration for the APHA Judges Seminar is $100 (U.S.). Registration is due by April 1 to the address listed on the form.

To speak directly with an APHA representative and to obtain registration information, contact Markus Rensing, APHA director of European affairs, in Nordenau, Germany, at (49) 2975-80096, or fax (49) 2975-80097. He can be reached by e-mail at 100777.227@compuserve.com.

More information about APHA
Since its founding 42 years ago, APHA has registered more than 760,000 horses-with about 70 percent of those horses receiving registration certificates within the past 10 years. The association serves about 105,000 members, who are located in 41 nations around the world.

APHA employs 155 people and has an operating budget of $15 million for activities worldwide. Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable are their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.