With the American Paint Association Convention just wrapping up and the American Quarter Horse Association Convention underway, Forth Worth, Texas has been bustling with discussion about new rules and regulations for both associations.
One thing that is hot on the ticket for AQHA is the adoption of walk-trot classes. The classes were originally adopted by APHA on January 1, 2011 allowing more people to compete at a level that they felt comfortable. Since its adoption four years ago, APHA has seen an increase in participation within the classes.
“In 2014, participation in the Amateur Walk-Trot division increased 16.9% from the previous year with an increase of 32.5% in total entries for the year. Amateur Walk-Trotters consist of approximately 14% of the entire Amateur program,” says Holly Slaughter, senior director of show and contest for APHA. “We definitely reached another group of competitors that we were losing previously. We love that we were able to create a place for these Paint Horse lovers to participate, encourage them and provide incentive and opportunity to compete.”
The National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) has recognized the growth and success with APHA and has also decided to add walk-trot classes for their classes this 2015 show year. Dianne Eppers, executive director of the NSBA, states that the association recognized the growing support and need for walk-tot classes.
“NSBA has been following the success of the new division and APHA’s implementation of the walk trot division has been successful. Both NSBA and APHA recognize the value of introductory classes like the walk trot,” Eppers told GoHorseShow. “We are looking forward to the excitement and enthusiasm that comes with new exhibitors. We hope to see the horse show parent, who has been watching their child show and want to take their turn in the show pen or the new owner trying out a new class for the first time.”
The NSBA will offer walk-trot classes for the first time at the NSBA World Championship Show in 2015 as a stakes class.
So the question becomes is AQHA to follow? That discussion will be decided and held during the show committee meeting at the convention between March 7th and March 8th.
AQHA Executive Director of Shows, Pete Kyle spoke with GoHorseShow about AQHA’s current stance with adding the classes. “We have been researching this for several years. We are excited about the possibility of them becoming classes,” Kyle states. “We expect an increase in the numbers of exhibitors. It is our hope that more exhibitors, who are not ready to compete in walk, jog, lope classes would get involved in riding classes with the addition of these classes.”
Some exhibitors and trainers are optimistic about the inclusion of the classes. Some, like AQHA Professional Horseman Joni Naas, believe that AQHA should adopt the classes, especially for youth exhibitors. “They are the future of our business and the future of AQHA,” she said. “There maybe some kids that just started that are not ready for loping and it would be a great step for AQHA. We are always in need of newcomers to the business.”
Amateur competitor Eric Mendrysa mirrors Naas’ comments by believing the classes will help increase the youth participation. “I think that walk-trot exhibitors shouldn’t have to own their horses and the points should add on to their (the riders) record, but not their novice record. That way you can include new riders without requiring them to make a full commitment of buying the horse,” Mendrysa said. “There should also be more of an incentive to showing like a scholarship fund or a kid’s AQHA fun rewards store where they can redeem credit. From the business side, it would be easy to encourage parents to go to more shows if they could see the real-life responsibility financial side.”
While all discussion about the pros and cons of adding the walk-trot classes are a buzz, Kyle thinks the proposal is likely to be passed. “There is a good possibility that the proposal will pass. However, it won’t be confirmed until after the Convention. If it is passed, more information of when the walk/trot classes will occur will be posted on AQHA.com.”
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