Paint Horse breeders, owners and exhibitors from around the world converged at the APHA Fall World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Australia, Germany, Mexico and Denmark were just a few of the countries represented.
Here to show was Manuel Mora Rojas, who defended his world title successfully with his Mexican-bred yearling filly Miss Ali Tramp, while his other horse, Finessinating, won the World Championship in Tobiano Weanling Mares. Both fillies were by the Diamond H Ranch’s Premenitions Tramp. Rojas also purchased a horse in the Breeders’ Trust Select Sale as did fellow countryman Juan Jose Milanes.
Some international enthusiasts were here buying horses. Craig Dengate from Australia buys and keeps horses in the United States to show at World Show.
“It’s around $25,000 per horse to fly our horses from Australia that we show there,” Dengate said.
“It’s too cost prohibitive for us to ship horses, so we keep a string of our horses in the U.S. to show at World Show and other large shows here,” he continued.
Sergio Martin, the President of the Mexican Paint Horse Association, handcarried his papers for transfers and registrations and took advantage of the new APHA “On The Road” onsite registration desk on the John Justin concourse. He was also here to scout out halter horses.
Viggo and Annette Mortensen of Denmark came over to enjoy the sights and pick up Annette’s No.1 Zone 12 award from 2009.
An International Reception and Meeting was held Thursday at the show for fellowship, to foster communication and discuss international issues.
“The international segment of our Association continues to grow,” said APHA Executive Director Lex Smurthwaite.
“Our strong showing of global members and international horses here at the show is evidence of this trend. We look forward to an even bigger presence from these folks in the future.”
These ambassadors put the “world” in World Show and we welcome them!
