Ranch horse competitions continue
to showcase practical talents of Paints

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) hosted its second working ranch horse competition on September 11 at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska.

The competition, which showcases the versatile talents of American Paint Horses, was one of seven working ranch horse events held during the first year of the event’s recognition by APHA.

Exhibitors competed in four different categories in several different divisions.

The four categories included:
• Stock Horse Pleasure—horses were required to walk, jog and lope smoothly and efficiently on a designated course.
• Stock Horse Versatility—horses performed some of the many tasks required of them in the course of actual ranch work or in a natural environment. Exhibitors crossed a creek, maneuvered around natural brush and hauled buckets, among other obstacles.
• Working Stock Horse—horses demonstrated the skill and athleticism necessary to move cattle to specific areas. Roping was allowed in this class.
• Stock Horse Reining—horses showed they could be guided and ridden willingly, without resistance, in specific patterns.

Regina Joe Downey of Limon, Colorado, competed on two Paint Horses—Tag Along Rosie in the Open Regular Registry and Ole Que Kid in the Open Breeding Stock division. Downey won both of those divisions.

“I like the versatility of this type of competition,” Downey said. “It shows that one horse can do a lot of different things. It also provides a place for people to get out and show what their [Breeding Stock Registry horses] can do and for them to market their horses.”

In the Amateur Regular Registry division, Claude Adams of Berthould, Colorado, was the winner, riding Theres A Nu King. Second place went to Steve Lewallen of Cottonwood, California, on Dixies Rockn Robin and third to Maren Manuello of Sterling, Colorado, on The Contessa.

Winners of each of the divisions received a custom-made Gist belt buckle. Winners of the individual categories earned cash prizes. The event was sponsored by both Gist and The Kent Group.

APHA is planning a Paint Ranch Horse Round Up for May 7, 2005, in Stephenville, Texas, and another in conjunction with the Fort Robinson Trail Ride for September 10.

About APHA and Paints
Since its founding 42 years ago, APHA has registered more than 802,000 horses. The association serves more than 108,600 members around the world.

Paint Horses are recognized for their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.