Entries now being accepted for Young Rider competition

U.S. Equestrian Team eyes potential reining team members at APHA World Show

FORT WORTH-Young equestrians interested in one day representing the United States in reining competitions around the world can move a step closer to their dream on June 28 during the American Paint Horse Association's (APHA) 2001 World Championship Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas. At that time, reiners between the ages of 16 and 21 will have the opportunity to compete in a Young Rider Reining Medal Class, which is being hosted by APHA in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Team (USET).

The event is designed to help USET test the abilities of individual reiners and identify future international riders. Through their participation in the Reining Medal Class, exhibitors will gain valuable horsemanship experience.

This is the first year USET is holding the Young Rider Reining Medal Class competition at select shows across the country. The competitions will take place from May 21, 2001 through May 20, 2002. The overall top 20 riders from USET competitions around the United States, plus those tied for 20th place, will go on to the "Festival of Champions" finals in Gladstone, N.J., next year.

"Holding this qualifying event at our World Show presents a great opportunity for us to help the United States Equestrian Team discover the talents of our members," said Tina Anderson, APHA director of shows. "We support what the USET is doing to encourage young riders to strive for excellence and we hope to see a large turnout of participants at our World Show."

Young reiners like 19-year-old Lindsay Cover, of Colorado Springs, Colo., have proven to be accomplished competitors in the show ring. Cover has won multiple titles in reining and has enjoyed the sport since age 9. She is shown here atop World of Spin. Reiners between the ages of 16 and 21 may register now for the USET Young Rider Reining Medal Class competition, which is being hosted by APHA at its World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, June 28.

Eligibility requirements. In order to participate, competitors must be USET members prior to the start of competition. They may take part in the Young Rider class competitions and championships from the beginning of the year they reach the age of 16 until the end of the year that they reach age 21. In addition, exhibitors at the APHA World Show must be current members of APHA, and horses must be registered in the association's Regular Registry or Breeding Stock Registry.

Judging and prizes. The class at the APHA World Show will be conducted and judged in accordance with American Horse Show Association (AHSA) Reining Rules and Guidelines, with the exception that Young Riders will be permitted to ride stallions and do not need to own the horse.
A trophy will be provided for the first-place winner, while ribbons will be awarded for first through sixth places.

Future finals competition. The overall top 20 riders from USET competitions around the United States, plus any ties for 20th place, qualify for the finals at the USET Festival of Champions, based on points from qualifying classes held May 21, 2001 through May 20, 2002.

USET gold, silver and bronze Young Rider medals. Special awards will be given to reiners who have achieved outstanding competition records in qualifying classes. Winners of five USET Young Rider Reining Medal classes will receive a bronze medal, winners of 10 classes will receive a silver medal and winners of 15 classes will earn a gold medal.

APHA World Show and entry information. If you are interested in participating in the Young Rider Reining Medal Class at the APHA World Show, be sure to have your entry form postmarked by May 15 to avoid late fees. For complete entry information on the World Show, as well as details on the Young Rider Reining Medal Class, contact Ginger Theis, APHA director of youth activities, at (817) 834-2742, extension 248. The 2001 World Championship Paint Horse Show will be held June 24-July 7, at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

On-line information. See http://www.aphaworldshow.com/ for more facts about the APHA World Show, including a complete show schedule.

Additional information about the United States Equestrian Team is available at the USET Web site at http://www.uset.org/.