Top exhibitors and Paint Horses were recognized for their achievements at the APHA World Championship Show, which took place September 17–30 in Fort Worth, Texas. All-around and high-point awards were presented to competitors who topped all others in their respective categories, taking home loads of prizes and bragging rights along with plenty of World Show memories.
High-Point English Performance Horse & Super Gelding: Thanks For Zip En Me
Thanks For Zip En Me is a World Show veteran, scoring top titles and world championship rosettes at the APHA Youth World Championship Show since 2011. But this year was different—it was “Winston’s” first APHA Open/Amateur World Show since 2008 and his first in many years being shown by someone other than Alexis Miller, his longtime Youth/Amateur partner from Eaton, Colorado.
In preparation, Winston was sent to Texas trainer Ryan Painter in mid-July for a tune-up, which worked out well with Lexi returning to Fresno State University for her sophomore season. Under Ryan’s guidance, Winston easily scored a perfect three for three over-fences at the World Show—winning Senior Working Hunter, Opening Jumping and Senior Hunter Hack—along with three additional titles in Amateur events with Lexi. A Top Five in Senior Hunter Under Saddle and strong effort in Senior Trail rounded out the effort and helped capture the High-Point English Horse and Super Gelding titles for Winston.
“Ryan was the first one, aside from me, to show him in the trail at the World Show—he’s never been shown by anyone else here in any Western class,” Lexi said. “It was a pretty good Open World Show.”
“Ryan said, ‘Winston is easy because he’s already broke. All I have to do is ride him!’ ” Winston’s owner, Sharon Miller, said.
Sired by Thanks For Com En and out of Zippin In Charisma, the 2006 sorrel overo gelding was bred by Sharon.
CLICK HERE to read more about some of the high-point and all around winners at the show.
