InStride Edition - March 2024

MARCH 2024

MARCH, 2024

COVER STORY DITTY UP 12-15

By Corrine S. Borton

Photos by Kirstie Marie FEATURES GONE WESTERN: FASHION INDUSTRY’S LATEST TREND ALSO IN SHOW PEN 22-27

By Sarah Welk Baynum Photos by Tyler Bicknell EVENTS PRAIRIE CLASSIC 31 DIXIE NATIONAL 35 SILVER DOLLAR 41 THE CHALLENGE 43 Photos by Shane Rux, Cody Parameter & Ryan Geiger REGULAR COLUMNS

AMATEURS 44-45 Amanda Smith

YOUTH 48-49 Carolyn Craddock

“INSIDE” LAW 51

By Katherine Jarve

“INSIDE” HEALTH 53-54

By Jackie Bellamy-Zions

THE BUZZ 57 ASSOCIATION NEWS 59

Handcrafted 100X Natural • Brinks Hattery • $1,100 • (254) 231-5423 • brinkshattery@yahoo.com

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ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES Courtney B. Ament Deanna Green Willis WEBSITE ADVERTISING Courtney B. Ament TECHNICAL ANALYST Brent Adam Borton

ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Courtsey Designs Denise Hawkins Designs By Lola Emajes Hampel Designs Jakovich Marketing Valor Designs WestWynde Designs

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Courtney Borton Ament Corrine S. Borton Sarah Welk Baynum COLUMNISTS Brian Burks Jackie Bellamy-Zions COPY & RESEARCH Lenora B. Sheppard

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Courtney B. Ament Tyler Bicknell Avid Photography Ryan Geiger Crystal Holman Jeff Kirkbride Kirstue Marie Cody Parmenter Shane Rux Larry Williams

CIRCULATION Lenora B. Sheppard

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ince the day he was born, Forever Twisted, Nancy Ditty’s entry for this year’s 3-Year-Old & Over Western Pleasure Slot Class at the March To The Arch this month in Fort Worth, Texas, has been reminding her of life’s most important lesson.

Never give up.

The 2021 bay gelding, sired by Gone Viral out of Nancy’s own show mare, Forever Kool (Pumpernickel), had a rocky start, to say the least.

“I was there as he was being born and he came out looking like a leggy pretzel, so his barn name became Pretzel.”

Pretzel’s nose looked like a giant fish hook. It was deformed from the way he had laid in the womb. The recipient mare that carried Forever Kool’s embryo immediately disowned him and Nancy’s team began the search for a nurse mare.

“We were lucky enough to find an amazing mare through Cold Spring Nurse Mares but with his deformity he was unable to nurse correctly at first,” she explained. “The milk would run right out of his mouth and down his face so we bucket fed him with saved milk from another mare for the first month or so.”

That’s enough to frighten even the most seasoned breeder. But his health continued to decline.

“We then took him to the clinic and they had to help with his recovery,” Nancy said.

“During this whole process of treating pretzel Dixie our 11-year-old Bassett Hound never left his side.”

“We gave him unlimited access to grain, hay and grass,” Nancy said. “He was puny and sick but healed and grew into something special. He is strong now and that amazingly shows what a fighter he is.”

Georgia trainer Jason English had a much different first impression of Pretzel. English trained Pretzel’s sire, Gone Viral, who won four Quarter Horse Congress Championships, eight NSBA World Championships and a bronze at the AQHA World Show. He also trained and exhibited Pretzel’s dam, Forever Kool.

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Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Kirstie Marie, Larry Williams & Crystal Holman

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Nancy Ditty is pictured top with Forever Twisted (left) and Machine Made Gold. On this page she is pictured with Forever Kool.

When Pretzel was born, Nancy sent English a picture but he didn’t get to see him until months later. That didn’t matter at all. He couldn’t wait to get him into his program.

“Through many of his visits, Jason had big hopes for Pretzel and never gave up either.”

In November of his yearling year, Pretzel was finally on his way to Jason to get his under saddle training started.

Nancy gave English the same strict instructions she did when she sent Forever Kool to him to train..... the horse will tell us when he is ready to compete.

Jason listened. But he had an edge.

“I trained and showed both of his parents so he holds a special spot in my heart,” English said. “He has a lot of qualities from both of them which makes it even more fun.”

Nancy agrees. Pretzel is a lot like his dam.

“He is very calm and has no worry in the world,” she said.

That’s a trait that helped Nancy and Pumpernickel rack up quite the show record. In 2017 they won the Non-Pro Longe Line at the Tom Powers Futurity and the mare also won the Open Western Longe Line there. Pumpernickel was also Reserve Western Longe Line champion at the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) World Championship Show that year and Reserve in the Breeders Championship Futurity Open Western Longe Line. The following year, Nancy and Forever Kool were unanimous champions in the 2-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the Tom Powers Futurity. They returned in 2019 to (tie to) win the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure.

That same year they won the 3-YearOld Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the NSBA World Show and were Reserve Champions in the 3-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro Western Pleasure at the Quarter Horse Congress and ended up the year as NSBA 3-Year-Old Non-Pro High Point Champions.

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Then in 2020 Nancy and Pumpernickel returned to the Tom Powers Futurity to win the Non-Pro Maturity Western Pleasure and the mare was awarded a Tom Powers Super Horse Award for winning the Powers as a Yearling, 2-Year-Old, 3-Year-Old and Maturity contender, the only horse to accomplish that.

Like his dam, Forever Twisted is strong and lopes the same in both directions, English said. He also jogs well.

English said his challenge in preparing Pretzel for the Western Pleasure Slot Class at the March To The Arch will be getting him tired enough without getting him too tired.

“It is always hard to gauge that with a horse for the first time showing,” he admitted.

Nancy knows it will take even more.

“I have been in this industry long enough to know that the stars have to align just right,” she said. “Horses might give us the same or similar rides at three different shows and receive three different results. I want Jason and Pretzel to be the best they can be and have some luck. My mom (Susan Scott) always said you can do everything to prepare but you always need some luck to back you up. So I hope to be able to give them whatever luck they may need. I know they both are ready.”

After the slot class at the March To The Arch Nancy will get her turn on Pretzel. She will compete in 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Western Pleasure classes there as well as at at all the majors this year.

“I hope to show him long-term and enjoy him as much as I have enjoyed showing his mother,” she said.

DEEP ROOTS IN THE INDUSTRY Nancy grew up in the industry (she jokes that she was born in Gainesville, Florida, when her mother was on her way home from a horse show) and she knows what it takes to be successful.

She has numerous Congress and AQHA and NSBA World Championship and Breeders Championship Futurity Championships to her name. She is number three on the NSBA Top Non-Pro Western Pleasure Earners - behind only her mother in the number one spot and Becky Galyean, ranked number two.

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She is ranked number two on the NSBA’s list of Top Non-Pro Yearling Longe Line Earners (Stanley Scott is ranked number one and Susan Scott is ranked fifth. And Nancy ranks 12th on the NSBA’s Top 20 Lifetime Earners in Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle. She was the 2023 NSBA top Non-Pro Western Pleasure Rider and is a member of the association’s Quarter Million Dollar Rider Club, the only Non-Pro competitor on the list behind her late mother.

She started showing at the age of 8 and grew up on Haylo Farm where her family raised approximately 28 foals a year.

She attended the University of Alabama and graduated in 1998 with a double major in Marketing and Psychology.

She and her husband, Seth own Ditty Up, located directly across the street from the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.

“Our farm sits on 64 acres and we just added 12.5 to it last year,” Nancy explained. “I take a lot of pride in Ditty Up because I live here.”

The program is built around mares

with impressive show records - like Huntin For A Cowboy, a 2009 red roan mare that Nancy rode to a Congress Championship in 2012. The daughter of Open Range out of Huntin A Cowboy was also a NSBA World Champion in Western Pleasure and she produced a NSBA World Champion, multiple Congress Champions and futurity winners.

Other noted broodmares include: Forever N Ever, dam of Forever Kool and Flatout Kool;, Troubles A Blazin, the dam of AQHA Superhorse Hes Blazin Trouble; and VS Lawless.

About 5-10 foals are born at Ditty Up each year.

“My favorite part of each day is seeing the babies through kitchen window every morning,” she said. “I have

my coffee and head straight to the barn.”

And she pays careful attention to selecting the right trainer for each horse.

“I try to keep sending my horses to trainers that have helped me achieve my goals and always are honest with me ttt

Nancy Ditty is pictured on the opposite page (top) with Huntin For A Cowboy and one of her foals; and showing the 2009 red roan mare to a Congress Championship in 2012. On this page she is pictured (top) with her husband, Seth and son, Luke; and with Nick Culwell, the 2023 NSBA Youth of the Year award recipient and third annual recipient of the $4,000 Susan Scott Memorial Scholarship.

and my horses,” she explained. “I also like to work with people I have a good relationship with. It’s very important to me that I give each horse the best opportunity for success and that’s why I put so much thought into the individual horses style to match to the trainers style. For me it is not a one size fits all.”

That’s why she was so interested in Machine Made Gold, a 2017 palomino mare, sired by Machine Made out of AintSaynShzaGoldiger, that she purchased at the 2023 NSBA World Show, with the help of Florida trainers Rusty and Katie Green.

“Her breeding goes back to Really In Trouble, a line that has been very successful for myself, Rusty and Katie,” she said. “We had been watching and admiring her all year long and when the opportunity came along to purchase her, we jumped at the ‘golden’ opportunity.”

Nancy will show Machine Made Gold in Non-Pro Western Pleasure Maturities and Amateur Western Pleasure and hopes to add Western Riding and Trail eventually, under the guidance of the Greens.

“Our relationship and friendship goes all the way back to when Rusty worked for my parents and he trained me as a youth kid,” Nancy explained. “I bet a lot of people didn’t know that. Rusty got me my first title in Western Pleasure at the AQHA Youth World Show with PCG Skip Shy Sequel.

Again, I love having my horses with people that I enjoy to be with outside of the horse arena. It truly makes horse showing that much more fun and not always so serious.”

OUTSIDE THE SHOW PEN Besides raising foals and competing in AQHA classes and at futurities across the country, Nancy wears several other hats.

First and foremost she is the proud mother of Luke, her 20- year-old-son, who attends Eastern Kentucky University and is a member of the school’s Baseball Team. She also owns Coast to Coast Truck and Trailer Sales and Nelsons Truck and Trailer Sales, in Florida.

Nancy is also very dedicated to giving back to the industry that provided her with so much.

“It makes me so proud to carry on the family tradition of Haylo Farm in an industry that’s been like family to me for many years,” she said. “I always have the best guardian angel on my shoulder that anyone could ever ask for.”

Nancy has done everything she can to keep her late mother’s legacy alive by fundraising and helping the youth in the industry through the establishment of the Susan Scott Memorial Fund within the NSBA Foundation.

“The goal is to raise money to help youth that give back to their communities,” Nancy explained. “With our fundraising efforts we have been able to award 15 kids with financial support for the past three years and I hope to continue that for many more.”

Nancy encourages anyone interested in helping out with the cause, financial or otherwise, to reach out to her. You can reach Nancy Ditty via her Facebook page or the Ditty Up Facebook Page.

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forefront. I have always offered traditional western vibes in my show clothes in addition to the more simple elegant lines. My casual clothing line is always loaded with western vibes as well. However, I’m still seeing the want for geometric and highly blinged shirts vests and jackets for Showmanship. Trends change yearly, but these shirts are still paramount.”

Rhea Scott Follett, founder of CR Ranchwear predicts exhibitors will follow the trend.

“I think any fashion trend has an effect on the showring, actually,” she said. “I know that designers gather inspiration from all around them - I know I do. It's about color, cut and flair for the arena.”

Follett said what exhibitors always want is to have a fresh, clean, new and tasteful vibe.

“I think when Ralph Lauren does western, he has a certain look, and I personally love Ralph Lauren's look,” she said. “I think that any designer getting into the western area is going to have, hopefully, a new flair and something that other designers can look at and say, ‘What can I do with this idea?’”

“CR Ranchwear has always had a more traditional western style in our designs,” Follett said. “Are we going to do the spaghetti cowboy? Absolutely not – we are trying to bring a tasteful look whether that’s traditional or something else.”

According to Follett, designers like Ralph Lauren also tend to create their own line from trends that they see from an outside influence and a feeling they get from that trend.

“I know I get ‘that feeling’ when I see something I like, and I think OK, how can I recreate that to make riders look good?

How would that appear in the arena? These are great designers and I look up to them.

Are they going to have an effect? Will we see exhibitors wearing Ralph Lauren in the arena? Maybe somebody will,” she said. s

Opposite Page: CR Ranchwear designs, like the shirts pictured top, have always had a more traditional western style, said founder Rhea Scott Follett. Below that, two Alll That Show Clothing designs that illustrate what owner Tammy Schuster Bogart says is a trend that exhibitors are leaning toward traditinal western designs.

he fashion world has gone western.

Even GQ magazine contributor Chris Black said in a recent column that although he grew up in Georgia he never wanted to rock a big belt buckle and boots – until now!

He wrote….“In the world that I inhabit today, however, nothing is cooler than dressing like a cowboy. My fashionable friends and normies alike have adopted the look in various forms. It’s not rare to see someone strolling through Soho in all denim or a western shirt snapped up and paired with a classic pair of aviators.

Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, Pharrell Williams, released a fall collection in 2023 that is completely saturated with western style. The collection includes leather belts, boots, fringe and chaps and was showcased by models on the runway.

Actors and actresses have also been spotted wearing western-themed attire at all types of events and on the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez wore western wear by Ralph Lauren at the company’s runway show in December, and Kerry Washington, wore a westerninspired ensemble to Elle’s Women In Hollywood Celebration in LA in December as well.

It begs the question: Will these highend designers also have an impact on what we see competitors wearing in the show ring this year, in classes like Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Trail?

WESTERN STYLE ON-TREND It’s very possible that part of the reason we are suddenly seeing the traditional western style becoming on-trend again is due to the extremely popular television show Yellowstone and the rise in the popularity of country music.

“I definitely feel like a lot of the trends now are leaning toward the traditional western look,” said Tammy Schuster Bogart, owner of All That Show Clothing. “Yellowstone, country music and Nashville, have helped bring the western style back to the

WHO INFLUENCED WHOM Alternately, it begs the question: did the horse show clothing designers have an impact on the high-end mainstream designers instead?

“While I agree that the ‘real world’ high-end designers will have an impact on the designs we see this year, we’ve also seen these styles on our end for a while now. So, it is possible we had an impact on them instead,” said Kelly Mundrick Martin, owner of Head To Tail Boutique.

“In years past, we’ve followed fashion trends to influence our show designs, and I think it is very much the other way around right now,” insists Rebekah Kazakevicius, who owns and operates Brinks Hattery with her partner Kevin Glover. “Designers have taken notice of western lifestyle, and that’s perhaps why you’ve seen a lot of that on the runway with Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton. Even Dior with their classic saddle bag is showing this theme, and Hermes has always been heavily equine influenced. You have other high-end designers, like Celine and Valentino, introducing western influence in their designs as well, and even brands like Wrangler are shooting their campaigns more high-fashion.”

THE TELL-TALES OF THE TRADITIONAL STYLE There are people out there who want the traditional western look mainly because of type of riding they do, such as Ranch Riding, which has an impact on the industry as a whole.

“At CR Ranchwear, we try to meet that look all the time with our very simple shirts, the one color, and then also combining fabrics to make a ‘cheaper’ look on purpose,” Folett said.

“This is because people want to look as if they're actually Ranch Riding, even when showing, since the goal is using their horses for activities on the ranch. And yes, this is a very traditional look.

Will everybody put their own flair to it? Absolutely. There will still of course be people who have a very simple way they want to look. But then, you're also going to have some people that want to spice it up a little bit.”

Yokes, along with flower applique, and turquoise are also a classic look of the traditional style attire. A western yoke is curved, and a stylized contouring that comes to one or more points, as opposed to a straight stitch commonly found in conventional shirt designs. From a design point of view, yokes were created to accentuate broad shoulder and is still a commonalty in traditional style shirts.

“I do a lot with yokes, flowers, and turquoise stones which are all very much old style western,” Bogart said. “Traditional western attire typically has the yokes cotton and flower appliqué, as well as turquoise stones – it’s a very particular look. Not everyone will like that style of course, but some people do.

Yokes, I would say, are what really make a shirt more traditional.

Other than that, the old western look had scarves and simple shirts. But, I do not foresee scarves coming into trend at all.”

Most of the designers agree that yokes and turquoise make up an integral part of the traditional western style in apparel as well.

“I’ve had some beautiful pieces come along in the past year or so with western yokes and western themes -– they can be so much fun from the colors, fringes, conchos, and turquoise used,” said Martin, who also competes in American Quarter Horse Association classes. “For me personally, because I only have a

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Horsemanship horse right now, you’ll see me in different pieces. However, if my horse Hot Mess N A Dress and I do debut in Western Riding this year you might see me throw in some traditional western flare.”

According to Kazakevicius, clean lines are always in style.

“I’ve noticed a lot of color blocking and clean lines lately,” she said. “I have also noticed a lot of stripes and plaids in style recently too, but in a neutral color way. Still clean lines, but the neutrals tone it down and are easier to color match.”

As far as accessories like hats, the trends for how traditional the attire is seemingly depends on in which class the exhibitor competes. ttt

Deanna Green Willis is pictured on this page modeling one of the very popular buckstitched hats from Brinks. Inset is a navy hat with metallic buckstitch. On the opposite page (top) an exapmle of the western-themed shirts ofered by Head To Tail Boutique.

“I personally like to stick with a ‘less is more’ philosophy and have always focused on this when helping customers match hats with outfits,” said Kazakevicius. “You can always add more, but starting with a clean slate is always a safer option.” “For the most part, exhibitors in classes like Halter, Showmanship and Horsemanship go with very simple and clean looks. I would say these classes are generally considered the most traditional as far as hat style is concerned.

We are offering four new limited colors to help clients better match their outfits and put a cohesive look together. For classes with typically less traditional styles like Ranch, Reining and Trail – you can have fun with those! Whiplace, buckstitch, and overlay are always a fun option to use when you get to go out of the box. These classes typically don’t follow the rules, so I’m anxious to see if they follow trend with some of the high fashion designers and lean towards cleaner lines this year.”

WHAT’S DRIVING THE TRENDS? Follett says there’s one overall goal.

“Be it my shirts or someone else's shirts, we want to satisfy what the customer wants when they go into the arena,” she said. “I don't necessarily go back and study the traditional attire, although maybe now I should. I just know what

my riders want and are asking for, and I'm trying to provide them with some different things to coordinate with their blankets and things that will pop during their ranch riding so I can give them a complete look.”

“At CR Ranchwear, we always try to embrace the traditional with our own flair, and we try to offer shirts that each of the disciplines feel that they can wear since we cater to so many different disciplines,” Follett said.

But all the designer agree that what’s most important making sure customers are comfortable in their choices.

“My personal opinion is that competitors need to wear what suits them and what they’re comfortable in – be it traditional or something else,: Martin said. “Competitors should let their personalities shine through with what they wear.”

And the industry is ever changing.

“I think we already have quite a bit of the tradition, but can we do a better job?” Follett asked. “I think always we can do a better job. That's my goal - always to do a better job in meeting whatever the needs of the riders are in these different disciplines. I’ve recently had a few orders that were asking for more of the traditional look with a new flare, so this could potentially point toward the trend beginning to emerge in the horse world.”

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Amanda Smith is pictured on this page with her new show partner, Shop Class.On the opposite page (top) Smith is shown with Rusty and Al Southern Couture. Below that (left) Amanda and Tim Niedzwiecki at their 2022 wedding in Key West and Amanda winning the 4-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle at The Premier.

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Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Cody Parmenter When you know, you know.

Last year when Amateur competitor Amanda Smith took a test ride on Shop Class (Rusty), it only took a few laps around the practice pen at the National Snaffle Bit Association’s World Championship Show to know he would become her next show partner.

Smith’s trainer, Farley McLendon found the 2019 sorrel gelding, sired by The Mechanic and out of Hoos Skyline, for her and when she hopped off, she had a big smile on her face.

“We knew he was the one after that,” Smith recalled.

Smith and Rusty will compete in Amateur Hunter Under Saddle and Non-Pro Maturity Hunter Under Saddle

classes this year and he will be shown by McLendon in Junior Hunter Under Saddle and Maturity Hunter Under Saddle classes at all the majors.

In addition to being incredibly talented, Rusty has quite the personality. He enjoys eating sweet potatoes and he loves getting his picture taken.

“He is incredibly photogenic,” Smith added.

In addition to Rusty, Smith also recently purchased Al Be In First Class, a 2021 bay mare, sired by The Mile High Club and out of Al Always Be Good. Smith will show her in the 3-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle classes at all the major futurities this year and McLendon will show her in 3- Year-Old Open Hunter Saddle classes.

The daughter of David and Cynthia Smith, she grew up in Syracuse, New York and graduated from Marcellus High School in Onondaga County.

Smith’s family owned horses while she was growing up and at age 6 she started her show career at little Summer Circuit Shows in Upstate New York.

“My first show horse was Jessie,” Smith said. “He was a big red Quarter Horse. I took lessons at a local stable that was very family oriented and fun. We would all attend the summer circuit weekend shows.”

When she is not showing, Smith’s job as president of Jag Environmental in Syracuse, keeps her quite busy.

“We specialize in asbestos abatement and demolition,” she explained.

It’s through her job that Smith met her husband, Tim Niedzwiecki, who works in the same industry. They split their time between Syratoga, New York and Naples, Florida.

“I knew Tim for a while before we dated,” she said.

“He was always a very kind and positive person. He inspires me every day. We got married in Key West in December of 2022.”

In fact, it was her husband who encouraged Smith to return to her passion for showing horses three years ago.

So after an 11-year break, Smith purchased Shocking Hot Chips, a 2018 bay gelding, sired by Extremely Hot Chips out of Boom Shock Alocka.

Together they earned several circuit championships and year-end awards. Next Smith teamed with Al Southern Couture, a 2019 grey gelding, sired by Its A Southern Thing out of All About Couture. Together they won the 4-Year-Old Non-Pro Hunter Under Saddle Maturity at the Premier last year in Lexington, Kentucky; earned numerous circuit championships and finished the 2023 show year fifth in AQHA Amateur Hunter Under Saddle standings.

Ths year Smith wants to focus on enjoying herself.

“I have a busy life and showing takes my mind off the everyday stresses,” she said. “I show first and foremost for fun and because I love horses. I also love to set goals and try my best to meet them. My goals last year were met, so having a good ride is important to me. I want to come out of the show ring smiling and know we both did our best.

Of course, trophies and belt buckles are always a plus!”

Amateur Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for an Amateur profile email Corrine Borton, Editor, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.

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C�olyn C�dd�k Ohio competitor has had the same show partner since she was in the AQHA’s Small Fry Division Text Corrine S. Borton Photos Shane Rux & Ryan Geiger There are not many competitors in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth 14-18 division today who can say they have had the same show partner since they were competing as a Small Fry. But 16-year-old Carolyn Craddock can count herself as one of them.

In 2016, the daughter of Justin and Stephanie Craddock, of Johnstown, Ohio, first teamed with Batt In The Night, a 2013 sorrel gelding, sired by Batt Man out of Sandys Flashy Zipper, after getting her feet wet at open shows with an AQHA mare by the name of Love That Ty. Together they developed into a competitive team, even clinching a seventh place finish in their division Hunter Under Saddle at the All American Youth Show when Carolyn was just 7-years-old.

It didn’t take long, however, for her to outgrow Ty and by the time she was sold, Carolyn still had two years left in the Small Fry Division. Her family felt confident Batt In The Night had what it takes to help her transition into the competitive Youth Division.

At first, the team concentrated mainly on Western Pleasure and Showmanship but six years ago she began working under the guidance of Orient, Ohio trainer Brad Leubben and with his help started venturing into new events.

“I had a strong desire to add other classes, especially Horsemanship,” Carolyn said.

“Brad has not only been able to keep me and Batman successful in Western Pleasure, but has helped us successfully add Trail and Horsemanship. I would argue it takes a special trainer to be able to do that.”

In 2018 Carolyn and Batt In The Night placed 11th in 11 & Under Showmanship at the Quarter Horse Congress and returned the following year to clinch ninth place in 11 & Under Horsemanship. Also in 2019 they won a bronze in 13 & Under Western Pleasure at the AQHA Level 1 East Championship Show. In

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onship Show in Novice Youth Trail.

Eventually, Carolyn would like to add Hunter Under Saddle and Equitation to their repertoire as well.

To get some experience, she leased ShesWorthTheHartache, a 2013

2021 they finished in the top 15 in 13 & Under Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Championship Show and then in 2022 they returned to the Level 1 East Championship Show to capture another bronze, this time in 14-18 Youth Western Pleasure. They also tied for 10th at the NSBA World Champittt

Carolyn Craddock is pictured on the opposite page with Batt In The Night at the 2022 Level 1 East Championship Show and competing with him in Trail and Showmanship at the 2022 Quarter Horse Congress. On this page Carolyn is pictured (counter clockwise from top) with her family (left to right) dad, Justin; brother, Casey; mother, Stephanie; and brother, Cody, on vacation; showing Batt In The Night in Trail in Horsemanship at the 2024 SOQHA The Challenge; and showing Love The Ty, at the All American Youth Show.

mare by Iron Age. “I like the speed at which the horses show and this would be a challenge since we haven’t previously competed in these events,” she said.

Carolyn faced her biggest challenge to date last year when Batt In The Night suffered an injury requiring time off.

“I had some lofty goals for last show season but instead I had to be persistent to find other ways to get saddle time,” she explained. “One of those outlets has been taking reining lessons, and really just riding any other show horse (or retired show horse) that has been made available.”

Her family also owns Made To Be Certain, a 2020 mare, sired by Machine Made out of Born To Be Certain and while Carolyn and Batt In The Night were sidelined she showed the mare to a Level 1 East Championship in Youth 3-Year-Old Mares last year. Made To Be Certain is Carolyn’s mother’s show horse and she enjoys showing alongside her. Carolyn and Batt In The Night returned to the show pen last month at The Challenge.

“There has been a good lesson learned though as I’ve been able to become creative to overcome obstacles by continuing to gain saddle time and experience outside of what I have been used to in the past,” she said.

Carolyn is a junior at Johnstown-Monroe High School and when she’s not riding or at a show she enjoys working out or going shopping with friends.

She is a Type 1 diabetic but says she has never let that hold her back or get in her way.

“I am an advocate for others with Type 1 diabetes and enjoy educating people on the differences between Type 1 and Type 2,” she said. “There is a significant amount of misunderstanding surrounding this disease, especially in kids and teens, so I am passionate about helping to dispel myths and teach people about this disease.”

Youth Profiles are part of InStride Edition’s editorial content. If you know someone who would make a good subject for a youth profile email Corrine Borton, at: CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com.

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LOOSE HORSES by Katherine Jarve It’s the responsibility of owners to protect themselves from liability but has occurred under extraordinary circumstances.

With urbanization bleeding into the countryside, horse Avoiding Liability. What are some ways that you can farms are now finding themselves in more densely populated avoid liability? areas. The increase in population also brings an increase in First, make sure that your fencing is secure and complies motor vehicle traffic and accidents, including those involving with state or local laws. Routinely inspect your fencing for loose livestock. Generally, it is the responsibility of the owner damage and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible. or custodian of a horse to make sure that the horse is properly Consider the ages and temperament of the horses that will be contained and kept off roadways. Each state has its own laws that horse owners and custodians must follow. These laws typ- occupying the space, the size of the enclosure, and the surrounding terrain when erecting the fence. Avoid mixing differically fall into the following categories: “Fence In” Laws. Most eastern states and jurisdictions in ent kinds of animals (horses with cattle or other livestock), introducing new animals to a herd, or mixing a stallion with Canada require horses to be fenced in. If an accident occurs due to loose horses, then most states apply a “negligence” stan- other horses. These conditions can change herd dynamics, disrupt the “pecking order,” and increase the likelihood for horses dard. This means that an injured person must show that the owner and/or custodian of the horse acted in an unreasonable manner that somehow caused or alGenerally, it is the responsibility of the owner or custodian of lowed the horse to escape. The circumstances of a horse to make sure that the horse is properly contained and each case will vary, but the majority of negligence kept off roadways. cases involve improper or faulty fencing and containment. Typically, in these instances, a horse will to bolt and potentially break loose. escape from fencing that is sub-standard or in a state of disreNext, purchase insurance. Liability insurance policies canpair. For example, if your fence is damaged in a storm and you not prevent escaping livestock, but you can purchase proper fail to repair it in a reasonable time, then you could be held licoverage to protect you in case a claim or suit arises. However, able for any damages resulting from a horse that escapes from you should be aware that homeowner’s insurance policies genthe property through the broken fencing. erally do not cover these types of claims. You may need to purIn addition to faulty fencing, owners and custodians of chase an additional general liability policy, particularly if you horses have been found to be negligent when the stable left a are operating a commercial business. gate open, the horse had a known history of escapes, or the Finally, if you find yourself on the wrong side of a lawsuit handler lost control of the horse. involving a loose horse, you should immediately contact an atOpen Range Laws. Many states in the west, including torney. There may be legal defenses available to you. One of Texas, have some form of “open range” laws. These laws designate certain areas where livestock, including horses, can roam the most common defenses is that the horse was able to escape freely. In areas designated for open range, horses are even per- through an unknown defect in the fence. While it is the responmitted to enter onto public roadways. These areas are typically sibility of the owner or custodian to inspect and maintain the fence, if the defect is hidden and not discoverable by a reasonmarked with clear warning signs and motorists must drive at able inspection, then the defense may be valid. their own risk. Therefore, if an accident occurs due to a horse wandering out onto the roadway in an open range area, the owner or custodian of the horse will not be liable.

Katherine Jarve is a partner at the Marlton, New Jersey Strict Liability Laws. In a very small number of states, law firm of Jarve Granato Starr, LLC. She is licensed in New “strict liability” laws apply for damage caused by loose horses. Jersey and Pennsylvania and maintains a practice in perStrict liability means that regardless of how or why the horse sonal injury and civil litigation, including equine related isgot out, the owner or custodian is responsible for the damage sues. Katherine spent her childhood competing on the caused by the horse. You should note that strict liability laws national AQHA show circuit. This article is for informaare the exception and generally only apply in limited situations. tional purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If Criminal Laws. In some states, owners or custodians of you have a specific legal question or problem, consult with an loose livestock could face criminal penalties, such as fines experienced equine law attorney. Questions, comments or and/or imprisonment for damage or injury. This is very rare, suggestions can be e-mailed to kjarve@nj-triallawyers.com.

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GUT HEALTH by Jackie Bellamy-Zions An unhealthy digestive system can cause poor performance and pain

s

system, which in turn can lead to the development of gas colic.

As Gastrointestinal issues (GI) are the number one cause of morbidity in horses other than old age. An unhealthy diges- Arroyo provides the example of switching from dry hay fed in tive system can cause poor performance, pain, discomfort, diar- the winter, to rich, lush, spring grass as a big cause of rapid fermentation that can cause colic. rhea, and a whole host of issues that can sideline your horse.

Any abrupt change, even if it’s a good quality feed to a difIt’s no wonder researchers are paying close attention to the ferent good quality feed, can be a source of colic. Then there is ‘second brain’ and its billions of inhabitants.

Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) researcher, Dr. Luis Ar- the more obvious consumption of moldy, poor, quality hay. So not only the quality but the transition/adaptation period needs royo has been studying the equine gastrointestinal systems for to be considered when making feed changes and this goes for many years with several research projects receiving funding both changes to forage or concentrates. from Equine Guelph. Arroyo discusses what we know about A table of feed transition periods on the Equine Guelph equine gut health, causes of GI disorders and the extensive conwebsite states an adaptation period of at least 10-14 days is rectinuing research to understand what unstable and stable gut populations look like.

Basic anatomy plays a key role.

Colic is the number one clinical condition occurring in “The gastrointestinal track of a horse is exhorses. It is well-known that sudden dietary changes can be a tremely large, and there are many things that can major contributor as well as diets that are high in grain. cause disturbances to the normal functioning or health of the gut,” Arroyo said. “A healthy gut microbiome is essential for the horse’s entire body to ommended. Transition periods under seven days can increase function optimally. colic risk over 22 times.

Signs of GI issues “Decrease in water consumption can be an issue, espeCommon signs of disorders could include abdominal pain, cially in countries with seasons,” Arroyo explained. bloating, changes in fecal consistency (including diarrhea or When water gets really cold, horses often drink less, and if constipation), excessive drooling, decrease in water consumpit freezes, they don’t drink at all, which can lead to impaction tion, lack of or poor appetite, weight loss and low body condicolic. Parasite burden can also cause colic. If your horse lives tion score. in a sandy environment, like California, ingesting sand can “Some cases are more obvious to owners,” Arroyo excause impaction colic. plained, “like poor performance, or acute or chronic diarrhea.”

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can Changes of behaviour such as becoming cranky or moody cause colic or ulcers. NSAIDS can interfere with blood supply can be tell-tale signs there is unrest in the GI system. Biting at to the GI tract causing ulceration, for example in the mucosa of the flanks can signal abdominal pain as well as reactivity to the stomach. Prolonged use can cause quite severe ulceration. being saddled. When the horse stops wanting to perform and But NSAIDS are not the only drugs that can contribute to athletic abilities suddenly decline, if there is no obvious lameGI issues. ness, GI issues are high among the considerations.

“Antibiotics as the name says, kills many kinds of bacte“Horses are herbivores, designed to consume a diet of forage, and to break down complex sugars within that forage.” Ar- ria,” Arroyo explained. “They are designed for that. Invariably they deplete some bacterial populations including in the intesroyo said. “The gut microbiota does this job and is very important for healthy digestion.” Recent research is connecting tine, and that is a problem because that may allow some other the changes in diversity of microbial communities to conditions bacteria, potentially pathogenic or harmful, to overgrow, and that can cause dysbiosis.” like colic, colitis, and gastric ulcers.

In a recent study, by fellow OVC researcher, Dr. Gomez Causes of GI Issues and co-workers, it was determined that damage to the intestinal Colic is the number one clinical condition occurring in microbiota could occur after only five days of administering horses. It is well-known that sudden dietary changes can be a antibiotics to horses. Damage to the intestinal microbiota remajor contributor as well as diets that are high in grain. This can create changes in the volatile fatty acids produced in the GI sembled dysbiosis that can potentially result in intestinal

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GUT HEALTH (continued) inflammation and colitis predisposing the horse to diarrhea.

Judicious use of antibiotics and antimicrobials are advised.

There are infectious and non-infectious causes of colitis.

Infectious examples include salmonella and then there is Neorickettsia risticii, which if ingested from contaminated sources, can cause Salmonellosis or Potomac horse fever, respectively.

“Any stress factors such as transportation, fasting or intense exercise like racing, can be a factor for developing stomach ulcers,” Arroyo said.

Current Diagnostics Putting together a picture of the horse’s health status includes gathering clinical history from the horse owner and performing a physical examination for motility and hydration status. A biochemistry profile and complete set count can be gathered from blood testing.

Gastric ultrasound allows veterinarians to view the wall of the intestine, noting if it has thickened or distended, which could occur in cases when there is colic. They can assess appearance and find out if the intestine is displaced or if there is a twist. Gastroscopy is commonly used to find ulcers in the stomach and can reach as far as the first part of the duodenum.

GI Research “DNA sequencing has been a breakthrough in science in terms of understanding the communities of different microorganisms living in many different niches from the skin to the lungs to the upper airways to the intestine,” Arroyo said.

It has allowed in-depth study of the population of microorganisms, providing a big picture of the different inhabitants in various areas of the GI tract, such as the lumen of the small intestine and the small and large colon. “The microorganisms vary, and they have different functions in each compartment,” Arroyo said.

DNA sequencing has allowed researchers to study microbial populations and gather information on what happens to bacterial communities when impacted by diseases like colitis. “We can see who is down, and who is up,” explains Arroyo, “and determine what populations have been depleted.”

It has led to a better knowledge of which of the billions of factors are harmful to the system and which can compromise the health of the horse.

Robo-gut is one example of a fantastic system where bacterial communities are being replicated in the lab to mimic what would be found in a natural environment.

Researchers at the University of Guelph have measured metabolic profiles of the bacterial population after the addition of supplements like probiotics and prebiotics. They found they can dramatically change the metabolites that are being produced, according to what is being added to the system.

Exciting new research that could impact the future of diagnostics includes screening for biomarkers as indicators of intestinal health among equine microbiota. Dr. Arroyo is currently working with research partner, Dr. Marcio Costa, from

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the University of Montreal, looking for biomarkers that indicate changes in the inhabitants of the equine gut that take place during the early onset of illness.

“A biomarker is a biological molecule that you can find in different places,” Arroyo explained. “For example, you might find them in tissue, blood, urine, or different body fluids. They can signal normal or abnormal processes or could reveal a marker of a disease.

For example, a biomarker can be used to see how well the body might respond to a treatment or to a disease condition.”

“The objective of a dysbiosis index is quantifying ‘X’ number of certain bacteria that are important to us,” Arroyo said. In this case, the dysbiosis derives from sequencing of the bacterial population in fecal samples.

Changes in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) are present before and during the outset of diseases and after treatment with antibiotics. Arroyo cites the example of decreased Lachnospiraceae commonly observed when there is intestinal inflammation.

Bacterial biomarkers are currently being used in other species to accurately predict intestinal dysbiosis, for example in cats and dogs. One canine study quantified the number of seven different taxa of importance of the total bacterial populations. This information is entered into a mathematical algorithm that comes up with results explaining which bacteria have increased or decreased. Based on those numbers, one can use a more specific taxa to identify dysbiosis. In a feline study, it was discovered that six bacterial taxa could be accurately used to predict diarrhea in 83% of cases.

It is hoped the same results could be accomplished for horses. Developing PCR testing to screen for biomarkers could be a game changer that could potentially provide speedy, economical early diagnostics and early treatment.

So far, the most remarkable finding in the preliminary data reveals that in horses with colitis, the whole bacterial population is very depleted.

“At this stage we are in the process of increasing our numbers to find significant differences in which bacterial taxa are more important,” Arroyo said. “Soon we hope to share which bacteria taxa are more promising for predicting dysbiosis in horses with gastrointestinal disease.”

Jackie Bellamy-Zions is an Equine Canada Certified Level 2 Eventing Coach and "r" Dressage Judge. She is a member of the Communications & Administration Team at the University of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca. You can email Jackie directly at: english_coach@yahoo.ca.

BUZZ

The

ON THE WEB (www.instrideedition.com)

AQHA STALLION CERTAIN POTENTIAL DIES IN FLORIDA HIS FOALS HAVE EARNED 56,347 AQHA POINTS AND LOGGED $1,590,864 IN NSBA EARNINGS

Leading AQHA sire of Western Pleasure contenders Certain Potential passed away on Feb. 23, at the UniverSumac Gunnabeflashy, owned by Leslie Vagneur Lange of Greeley, Col- sity of Florida, where he had been living orado, has been named NSBA’s 2023 out his retirement.

Horse of the Sired by Potential Investment, the Year. Sumac.

1996 bay stallion was out of Miss Surely The 2017 sorrel Bars and was bred by Jane Wilhite.

AQHA and solid Certain Potential got his show caAPHA gelding by reer started by Texas trainer Steve HeckaGunnatrashya man and was owned by Tim and Lou and out of Chics Graceful WhizPetty as well as Darol Rodrock and Kim Gunnabeflashy earned $52,259 in NSBA Dean. Earning an AQHA Superior award in earnings along with 120.5 NSBA points to Western Pleasure, Certain Potential also earn the title. logged over $48,000 in lifetime earnings.

AQHA World Champion and Congress Mas- tainly Radical, earner of $24,526 in (IN) DEATH Out of his 24 crops, his foals have ters Western Pleasure Champion Certainly NSBA earnings; The Monie Man, earner of Ann Admonius, of Ocala, Florida, passed earned 56,347 AQHA points, six Amateur Inspired, Certain Potential sired: A Certain $21,225 in NSBA earnings; UR Certainly away on Feb. 29. A graduate of Miami Uni- AQHA World Championships, 13 Open Illusion, earner of $47,889 in NSBA earn- Invited, earner of $21,262 in NSBA earnversity in Ohio with a degree in education, AQHA World Championships and three ings; Crystals Legacy, earner of $41,373 ings; Certain To Cruise, earner of Ann and her husband, AQHA Youth Championships. Certain Poin NSBA earnings; Certainly On Sundi, $19,556 in NSBA earnings; RR Only Tim, were among the tential offspring have recorded over earner of $40,482 in NSBA earnings; UF Young Once, earner of $18,570 in NSBA founders of The Sanctu$1,590,800 in NSBA earnings, Rockin The House, earner of $39,428 in earnings; Just Roll With It, earner of ary, a sports therapy $365,541 in Incentive Fund earnings and NSBA earnings; UF A Certain Star, earner $18,297 in NSBA earnings; A Certain and rehabilitation cen$209,158 in AQHA World Championship of $38,256 in NSBA earnings; A Certain Luxury, earner of $18,294 in NSBA earnter in Ocala, Florida.

Show earnings. Those foals also earned Melody, earner of $37,696 in NSBA earn- ings; Leaguers Finale, earner of $17,651 Teamed with Deeno Man, Ann won the more than $170,500 in NSBA Breeders ings and nearly 500 AQHA points; Rockin in NSBA earnings; A Good Reputation, 1986 AQHA Amateur Rookie of the Year Championship Futurity earnings.

For Certain, earner of $33,891 in NSBA earner of $16,748 in NSBA earnings; CTC title and was the Reserve AQHA All-Around In addition to 15-time AQHA World earnings; Good Vybes, earner of $33,714 Imagination, earner of $15,907 in NSBA Amateur in 1987 with over 500 points.

Champion and 29-time Quarter Horse in NSBA earnings; A Cooki For Certain, earnings; and Upp Close N Personal, Along with her longtime trainer, Troy Congress Champion A Certain Vino and earner of $25,401 in NSBA earnings; Cer- earner of $14,344 in NSBA earnings.

Compton, Ann showed such decorated horses as Zippos Tiger Bar, Good Version, PENN STATE PLANS QUARTER HORSE AUCTION Im Up To No Good, Hes Up To No Good, 22ND ANNUAL EVENT PLANNED FOR APRIL 27 AT THE SNIDER AGRICULTURAL ARENA ON CAMPUS Miss Potential Zip, Too Good To Skip and The 22nd annual Penn State Equine April 30. This year, 14 two- and threeEndowment. All of Penn State’s equesGood Miss Molly. She also won won four AQHA World Championship titles with the Science Showcase and Quarter Horse Sale year-old horses are available for purchase. trian clubs will be represented, and there AQHA mare Precious Mister and also will begin on Saturday, April 27 at the The showcase is the equine prowill be booths from some of the sale’s showed A Mona Lisa Clu, under the guidSnider Agricultural Arena in University gram’s most prominent public event. Dur- sponsors. ance of Ross Roark. Ann accumulated Park, Pennsylvania. Potential buyers are ing the spring semester, more than 60 In 2011, Penn State was recoglifetime NSBA earnings of $89,539. In invited to a full-day showcase to see students in Animal Science 117: Equine nized by the American Quarter Horse As2009 she started her career in Reining win- demonstrations of the horses under sadMarketing are involved in the preparation. sociation (AQHA) with its Legacy Award. ning the Limited Non-Pro Reining at the All dle, meet students from Penn State’s Col- Students acquire sponsorships, create adThe Legacy Award honors breeders who American Quarter Horse Congress that year lege of Agricultural Sciences, and learn vertisements and train the young horses have registered at least one foal for fifty with Better Not Best. By 2021 she had more about the university’s equine science under saddle. consecutive years. recorded over $50,000 in lifetime NRHA program.

The showcase will also include a For additional information on this earnings. She was one of just a few exBidding for the online auction, run free lunch, information about the ongoing year’s sale and the Penn State Program hibitors to win the Quarter Horse Congress by Professional Horse Services LLC, will equine research and a silent auction to you can visit https://sites.psu.edu/quarin Halter, Western Pleasure and Reining. begin April 27 and run through Tuesday, benefit the Ward Studebaker Horse Farm terhorsesale/

(IN) LIFE

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ASSOCIATIONS

BYRD RESIGNS (IN) ApHC NEWS

WORLD SHOW DATES (IN) PtHA NEWS

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) recently announced the resignation of Kristopher Byrd as the association’s Executive Director.

During his tenure serving the ApHC Byrd facilitated in the celebration of the 75th National Appaloosa Horse Show and Youth World Show in Oklahoma City and oversaw the first successful online registration.

To ensure the smooth transition of key projects, Byrd will transition into a remote consulting role for the next two months.

A search for his successor will be launched immediately, according to the ApHC Board of Directors.

In the interim members are asked to contact ApHC President Lori Wunderlich with immediate needs by emailing her at wunspot@gmail.com.

For the latest news on the association visit www.appaloosa.com.

The Pinto Horse Association (PtHA) has announced the dates for its 2024 Pinto World Championship Show. Action will begin on June 8 and continue through June 22, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

Saturday, June 8 will start off with the Youth Speech Contest. The following day will continue with the Youth Horse Judging Contest.

Buckles, plaques and more will be handed out as prizes. Both events provide an opportunity for 4H and FFA students to showcase their skills.

The Pinto World Championship classes will begin on Monday, June 10 and and run for 13 days, featuring over 700 classes.

PtHA caters to all levels and ages including youth, amateur, novice and open divisions. Prizes including buckles, ribbons, chairs, rose garlands, and saddles are awarded to world champions, reserve world champions, and high point winners.

The Yellow Rose Futurity is a WCHA sponsored futurity event that will be held within the 2024 Pinto World Championship Show. This event is an All-Breed Futurity, open to offspring with AQHA, APHA, Pinto, PHBA, ARHA, ABRA or ApHC registry. Special Awards to horses registered with Pinto.

The Yellow Rose Futurity will feature eight stakes classes for Non-Professional Exhibitors. They include: Non-Pro Yearling Mares; Non-Pro Yearling Geldings; Non-Pro Yearling Stallions; Non-Pro 2-Year-Old Mares; Non-Pro 2-Year-Old Geldings; NonPro 2-Year-Old Stallions; Non-Pro 3-Year & Over Mares; Non-Pro 3-Years & Over Geldings Entries must also be sired by stallions nominated into the Yellow Rose Futurity Program. Contact the stallion owner of your entry and work together to get their stallion enrolled.

For additional on the 2024 Pinto World Show, the association or the 2024 Yellow Rose Futurity you can visit www.pinto.org.

5TH WORLD SHOW (IN) ARHA NEWS The Fifth Annual American Roan Horse Association (ARHA) World Championship Show will run in conjunction with The Southland Circuit, July 13-15, at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, in Murfreesboro.

Managed by Peak Equine Productions, information - including online entries, patterns, a show schedule, stall reservations, RV reservations, host hotels and all-around guidelines can be found on the association’s website at www.ridearoan.com.

PAYNT POINTS

APHA PROPOSES COMPETITION INCENTIVE PLAN The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently unveiled plans for Paynt Points, a proposed competition incentive program designed to help grow shows and directly reward exhibitors. In the Paynt Points program, APHA will award cash payouts biannually for all Youth and Amateur points earned at APHA-approved shows.

The proposed Paynt Points structure and goals were unveiled at the 2024 APHA & AjPHA Leadership Gathering in Fort Worth, Texas. CEO David Dellin outlined the program, development strategy and how it can help a majority of Youth and Amateur exhibitors earn cash rewards. The APHA Board of Directors ultimately has final voting discretion on the program, and they’ll cast votes later this year following member feedback.

Paynt Point: Proposed Structure All Youth & Amateur points earned at APHAapproved shows will earn per-point payouts.

This includes Novice and Walk-Trot categories. All APHA-approved shows, including the APHA World Championship Show, Halter Million, National Shows and zone/regional club competitions, are included.

Paynt Points does not replace Breeders’ Trust.

Biannual payouts will be made to the horse owner/lessee at the time the points were earned.

APHA will guarantee a portion of the Paynt Points purse annually, funded through investments. The remaining purse money is funded by an additional $2 per entry fee charged to all entries in all divisions.

The inaugural Paynt Points payout is estimated around $10 per point.

Participation is automatic: No additional opt-ins are required.

Proposed launch date is Jan. 1, 2025.

Visit www.apha.com for more information.

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Armellini, Stephanie .............................67

Dickerson Show Horses .........................65

Looney Show Horses .............................21

Ditty Up ...................................FC, 12-15 Backes QH ..........................................61

Dobbs Insurance ..................................60

McLendon, Farley .....................5, 7, 9-11

Baker Show Horses .............................2-3

Elite Trailers .........................................63

Norfleet Marketing ...............................50

Bar H Photography ...............................65

Equine Healthcare Int ..............................6

North Farm .....................................52-54

Barger QH ...........................................61

English Show Horses.....FC, 12-19, 61, BC

Baker Futurity Horses .............................61

Barry, Jon .............................................65

Parrish Quarter Horses ...........................63

BattMan ...............................................34

Fisher, Alan ..........................................65

Pickard/Hanson Show Horses ...............30

Blue Ribbon Tack .................................61

Folck Insurance ....................................65

Pilot Knob ............................................60

BooYah Custom Clothing .......................63

Powers, Tom ........................................65

Boxell, John .........................................62

Galyean, Gil ........................................62

Briere, Pierre ........................................61

Garcia Quarter Horses ...........................62

Recchiuti, Donnie ................................62

Brinks Hattery ........................................4

Glover/Galyean ...................................64

Roberts, Alyse ..................................... 60

Britton, Blake .......................................60

Golden West ........................................61

Roberts Quarter Horses ..........................61

Burris, Tony ..........................................60

Gumz Farms .....................................7, 64

Ryan Geiger Photography ......................64

CAC Show Horses ................................60

Harris Leather ................................40, 62

Shane Rux Photography .........................65

Caplinger Qtr Horses .............................64

Horn, Ron ............................................63

Starnes Insurance Agency ......................64

Chafin Perf. Horses ..............................63

Sweet Shop ..........................................64

Coast To Coast Trailers ............................64

Jeff Kirkbride Photography .....................62

Cook, JR & Melissa .............................2-3

Jones, Chris & Melissa .............................64

CR Ranchwear .....................................62

JML Design ..........................................61

Creditt, Jack .........................................38

Tali Terlizzi Show Horses ..........18-20, BC

Wheeler Show Horses ............................60

CT QH .................................................62

Kathy’s Tails ..........................................62

Williams, Kathy ...................................60

Custom Tails ........................................64

Kendalls Western Hats ...........................60

Willis Show Horses .........................36-37

Kennedy, Kathie ...................................63

World Equestrian Center ........................42

DAC ....................................................63

Knelly, Laura ........................................61

Darci’s Show Horses .............................63

Lakins, Kenny ......................32-33, 39, 60

Davis, Wayne & Judy ............................63

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Zeitler, Mark & Judy .............................65 Zuidema Perf Horses .............................65