Shynia Peterman dresses up for the costume class at the Kansas State Fair.
Now in its fourth year, the Kansas Kounts program has given youth and amateurs a way to be involved in the Kansas Quarter Horse Association and earn points toward year end awards, even if they only show at local open shows and circuit shows or KBHA, KSHA (Kansas Saddle Horse Association), and KRHA (Kansas Reining Horse Association) events. “The Kansas Kounts program was started so that kids and amateurs would be able to get awards and attention from KQHA and to stimulate interest in both KQHA and AQHA,” says Jeff Mellott, former KQHA president and one of the creators of the program. “We’ve had some ups and downs as far as enrollment, but we’ve been getting 30 to 35 memberships each year that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.’ Mellott notes that there are a lot of people who could do well at Quarter Horse shows, but don’t want to start out at the big shows. “They want to make sure they can compete first,” he says. Past KQHA President Chuck Sperry of Topeka agrees. “This is a great opportunity for people who want recognition in the Quarter Horse industry. With this program, they can get it without going to Quarter Horse shows. However, we hope to get them to come to the Quarter Horse shows and see that they can compete at least as a novice.” One thing that Mellott wants to stress is that every breed can compete in the program, not just Quarter Horses. “The only requirements are that participants are KQHA members, turn in their points, and come to the banquet.”
Winner’s & Buyer’s Guide KQHA_2010.indd 11
Points are awarded for class placings according to AQHA show points for any shows in Kansas; however, AQHA approved classes are not eligible for this program. Point accumulation begins April 1 and ends in November. Complete information, nomination forms, and point reporting forms are all available on the KQHA website www.kqha. com. All points are kept with the person in halter, showmanship at halter, western pleasure, western horsemanship, trail, reining, hunter under saddle, hunt seat equitation, walk-trot, lead-line (13 and under), equestrians with disabilities, barrels, poles, and dressage. After winning last year’s high point award in the 19 and over division, Montgomery would definitely recommend the program to others: “We do buckskin shows, KSHSC, palomino shows and Quarter Horse. “They gave beautiful belt buckle awards, and it was a lot of fun.” Montgomery’s husband Larry agrees. “I saw the program advertised in the magazine. We had been showing in a lot of little shows, and while it’s nice to be part of an organization, we don’t have time for the big shows.” He added that another consideration for showing at local and circuit shows was the cost. “We take at least three horses to the shows. I’m retired and want to do this for fun, but the fun goes out of it if I have to watch the checkbook.” For Shynia Peterman of Lyons, the high point 13 and under youth in Kansas Kounts for 2009, the program is a “really good way for youth to be more involved. You don’t have to jump right in. You can take it one step at a time.” She adds that the program was a lot of fun and there were “some neat prizes.”
KQHA
11
7/16/10 12:50 PM