Entries due May 15
American Junior Paint Horse Association
hosts several special contests for youth

The American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) is offering several opportunities this year for youth everywhere to become more involved in the world of horses.

Made up of nearly 7,000 members, AjPHA welcomes all youth to join its organization. Dedicated to promoting youth involvement with Paint Horses worldwide, AjPHA also helps form future leaders of the horse industry.

If you become a member of the AjPHA, or if you are currently involved with the group, be sure to take note of the many contests being planned.

Deadline for these contests is May 15 and you don’t have to own a horse to participate. Specific details are available at http://www.ajpha.com/contest.html

Great Paint Brush Off
This international art contest allows youth members to show off their talents with personal artwork featuring an American Paint Horse. Awards are given for first through third places in three divisions: ages 9 and under, 10 to14 and 15 to 18.

First-place winners in each age group receive gift certificates to APHA’s General Store, with a $100 certificate awarded for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

Artwork from these winners will be on display for a full year at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. Also, each winner will receive a special award ribbon from the association.

Acceptable mediums are limited to pen and ink, pencil, crayon, watercolor, oil, colored pencil or charcoal.

Judging Contest
This contest is designed for youth interested in participating in and learning more about horse show judging. Whether they own a horse or not, youth participating in the annual AjPHA Judging Contest may compete for individual or team awards by analyzing halter and performance classes, evaluating the horses and justifying their decisions to professional judges.

Participants may compete as individuals or on a team that includes as many as four participants. The contest includes a junior division for youth 13 and under, as well as a senior divisions for persons 14 to 19 years of age.

Awards ranging from trophy buckles to plaques will be given to the top finishers.

The AjPHA Judging Contest is sponsored by Hart Trailers.

From the Heart Award
The purpose of this special award is to encourage AjPHA members to reach out to their community through educational and service projects.

This year’s theme is “The Gifts of Life.” AjPHA project organizers this year asked members to donate their time and talent to assist animal shelters and humane societies in their communities.

A special award will be given to an AjPHA regional club with the highest level of dedication, effort and caring attitude toward helping these animal shelters survive. The prize, a $500 cash award sponsored by Markel Insurance, will be presented at the 2005 World Championship Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas, held June 26–July 9.

Youth Member of the Year
This award recognizes a well-rounded individual who exemplifies community involvement, volunteer work, scholarship and leadership.

Nomination forms are available on-line at the AjPHA Web site.

In addition to the honor of receiving this special designation, the winner will receive a custom-made belt buckle courtesy of Gist Silversmiths.

More about AjPHA and American Paint Horses
AjPHA members receive a membership card, an AJPHA pin, an AjPHA member decal, the Generation j member newsletter, special Paint Horse Journal subscription rates, preferred rates for registrations and transfers of Paint Horses, and a current rule book. They are also eligible to participate in APHA programs and may hold office and vote in youth elections. The greatest benefit, however, is the opportunity to participate in a group of similar-minded people who have a passion for American Paint Horses and a desire to get involved with the remarkable breed.

More than 811,000 American Paint Horses have been registered since APHA was formed 43 years ago. The AjPHA was launched later and is now in its 31st year. Many of APHA current leaders were once AjPHA members.

APHA dedicates a full week of its World Championship Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth every year to youth competition. Approximately 1,850 American Paint Horses compete at the show annually.