KEY Magazine Fort Worth

THE AMERICAN PAINT HORSE ASSOCIATION'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Will Rogers Memorial Center hosts the American Paint Horse Association's (APHA) 2002 World Championship Paint Horse Show from June 23 to July 6. With approximately 2000 horses to be exhibited, APHA is the largest single-breed horse show held in the Lone Star State. Thousands of participants and visitors from across the USA, who appreciate the athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament and beautiful coat of patterns, will be in Ft. Worth for this gathering.

Events will take place in the three major arenas, along with the other facilities, of the 85-acre Will Rogers Memorial Center located in Ft. Worth's Cultural District. Talented equestrians and their American Paint Horse mounts vie for more than $264,000 in prize money and World Championship titles. An annual non-qualifying event open to all APHA Regular Registry horses and Breeding Stock halter mares, the show includes 166 classes; five challenge series classes; three sweepstakes events, three select Paint Horse sales-June 29th & 30th; four different horsemanship clinics, and a trade show that is open daily along with many other special events.

June 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., APHA hosts an open house at its world headquarters offices at 2800 Meacham Blvd. Guests may tour the facilities and view the larger-than-life Legacy of Color bronze statue. Scheduled to be unveiled May 30, the magnificent work of art depicts a stallion, two mares and a foal loping across a field. The Legacy of Color work commemorates APHA's 40th anniversary. Since 1962, the association has issued registration certificates for more than 650,000 American Paint Horses around the world. The Ft. Worth-based association, employing 160 people and operating on a budget of $15 million, has processed and currently stores records on all those horses.

To ensure a successful World Show, APHA has partnered with a select group of companies who have teamed up with the association to offer a total cash and product package valued at more than $400,000. Corporate sponsors include: BMB Tack, Barnmaster, Inc., Gist Silversmiths, First USA, Hart Trailer Manufacturing, Markel Insurance Co. & Pfizer Animal Health. World Show sponsors are Atwood Hat Company, Inc., Boulet Western Boots, Circle Y of Yoakum, Metro Golf Cars, Pro Stepps, Texas Motors Ford & Stubben, North America. Associate sponsors are Hodges Badge Co., Inc., Cowboys & Indians magazine, and Russell Feed.

According to Jim Kelley, APHA executive secretary, "We charge no admission and parking is free."

For more information and a show schedule call 817-834-2742, ext. 788 or go to www.aphaworldshow.com.

Return to Table of Contents

This website designed, hosted and maintained for KEY Magazine Fort Worth by

...when it's time to establish an Internet presence.