Special international competition to debut at APHA World Championship Paint Show

FORT WORTH, Texas-The World Championship Paint Horse Show, set for June 20-July 3 in Fort Worth, Texas, will feature more international competition than ever before, with the debut of the Youth Paint World Games.

Barrel racing will be an exciting part of the action at the Youth Paint World Games, to debut at the 2004 World Championship Paint Horse Show. (APHA photo/Paul Cañada)

Youth from all nations are invited to participate in this special competition, which will take place on the first day of the World Show. Teams will compete in four categories-barrel racing, reining, showmanship and horsemanship. As many as four riders and one alternate will make up each team and the horses will be randomly drawn prior to the contest. In addition to the thrill of international competition, youth will have the opportunity to explore the many similarities they have with Paint Horse admirers from many nations around the world.

The World Championship Paint Horse Show gives exhibitors from around the world the chance to showcase the talents of their horses. (APHA photo)

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 the biggest and the best Paint Horse show 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.

During the first week of World Championship Paint Horse Show, young exhibitors compete in a variety of activities, including Youth Steer Stopping. (APHA photo)

World Show activities are held in the three major arenas and in other areas throughout the 85-acre Will Rogers Memorial Center, which is 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 horse 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.

A full two weeks of excitement
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 youth are expected to participate in the judging. Other activities include a youth team tournament during which American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) members compete both on and off their horses. The Team Tournament will feature four team-oriented events: Hippology, Parade of Teams, Performance Classes, and a new relay event. The relay will test youth 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 team.

Exciting open, novice amateur and amateur competition will take place during the second week of the show.

APHA will continue the Bank One Challenge Series. The Series will include 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.

The 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 will sponsor 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
Always a popular attraction, the Colors of the West Trade Show will be bigger and better than ever before, 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.

The trade show offers 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 add value to the World Show
APHA will partner this year with a select group of companies who offered World Show contestants a total cash and product package valued at more than $400,000. Those sponsoring partners included the following.

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.

Associate sponsor: Hodges Badge Company, Inc.

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

www.apha.com.

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