KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Special International Competition Debuts at
2004 World Championship Paint Horse Show

The World Championship Paint Horse Show, set for June 20-July 3 at Will Rogers Memorial Center will feature more international competition than ever before, with the debut of the Youth Paint World Games. Youths from all nations are invited to participate in this special competition, which is scheduled for the first day of the World Show. Teams will compete in four categories–barrel racing, reining, showmanship and horsemanship. In addition to the thrill of international competition, youths will have the opportunity to explore the similarities they have with Paint Horse admirers from around the world.

Along with the new Youth Paint World Games, the 2004 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Championship Paint Horse Show will offer a wide variety of other events and activities, making it one of the most competitive Paint Horse shows ever held. An annual non-qualifying event, open to all APHA Regular Registry horses and Breeding Stock halter mares, the World Show will include 166 classes, five challenge series classes, three sweepstakes events, three select sales, a trade show and many other special activities. Exhibitors will demonstrate their skills in halter, Western, English, cattle, driving and speed classes. World Show activities are held in the three major arenas and in other areas throughout the 85-acre Will Rogers Memorial Center located in the heart of Fort Worth's cultural district.

Approximately 2,000 horses are expected to compete for more than $250,000 in total payouts at this year's show. Last year, 1,850 horses competed, with more than 4,700 entries logged–1,482 in open competition, 1,475 in youth, 1,037 in amateur, 466 in novice amateur, and 260 in futurity and special classes.

The first week of the show is dedicated to youth activities, including the world's largest comprehensive judging contest for youngsters, sponsored by Hart Trailers. Approximately 400 youths are expected to participate in the judging. Other activities include a youth team tournament where American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) members compete both on and off their horses. The Team Tournament features four team-oriented events: Hippology, Parade of Teams, Performance Classes, and a new relay event. The relay will test youthful exhibitors both mentally and physically as they complete an obstacle course with horse-related challenges. From assembling a bit to filling a water bucket, the course will be a fun challenge for youth teams. Open, novice amateur and amateur competition will take place during the second week of the show.

APHA will continue the Bank One Challenge Series including the 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure Challenge, 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle Challenge, 3-Year-Old Reining Challenge, 3-Year-Old Cutting Challenge and 4-Year-Old Cutting Challenge. Exhibitors will compete for cash prizes in these events. Team Penning Sweepstakes will also be back by popular demand this year. In addition, the 2004 World Show will feature the Winnebago Freestyle Reining Sweepstakes, as well as the Bridleless Western Pleasure Sweepstakes. Also during the show, APHA is sponsoring a World Showcase Sale, with sessions featuring some of the best yearlings, mares, geldings and stallions on the market.

Colors of the West Trade Show will be bigger and better than ever with an expanded sales area in the Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall. APHA General Store merchandise, including 2004 World Show collector apparel, will also be available in the trade show area. Vendors offer the finest in Western and English apparel, as well as tack, art, equine supplies, furniture, barns, trucks, trailers and a wide variety of other products.

APHA partners this year with a select group of companies who offer World Show contestants a total cash and product package valued at more than $400,000. Those sponsoring partners include: Corporate sponsors: BMB Tack; Barnmaster, Inc.; Bank One; Gist Silversmiths; Hart Trailer Manufacturing; Markel Insurance Company and The Kent Group. World Show sponsors: Boulet Western Boots, Jerry's, Metro Golf Cars, Pro Stepps, Charlotte's Saddlery, Western Horseman magazine and Winnebago Industries, and Associate sponsor: Hodges Badge Company, Inc.

For more information about the World Show, including a complete schedule, list of accommodations, entry details and visitor information, go to www.aphaworldshow.com or call APHA at (817) 834-2742.

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