The 2014 Tulsa Reining Classic SmartPak Derby Prime Time Co-Champion Julie Ridgeway & Freckles Nu Lil Gun • Photo by WaltenberryThe American Paint Horse Association (APHA) began a new program in 2014, presenting special award buckles to winners at the Tulsa Reining Classic. In late May, the Tulsa Reining Classic and the APHA announced the renewal of this special partnership which brings the glitz and glamour of custom award buckles back to the 2015 show, set for August 31- September 6.
According to Cheryl Cody of the Tulsa Reining Classic Management Team, the awards were a huge hit in 2014. “People loved these special Gist Siliversmith buckles and were very appreciative of the support from the American Paint Horse Association,” she said. “The program definitely had an impact and there were people who had not previously gotten their eligible horses registered in the APHA who did so to be eligible to win these great awards.”
She added, “We’re so pleased to welcome the APHA and Kalyn Sanders back to Tulsa!” Kalyn Sanders, Director of Business Development for the APHA, was on hand in 2014 to spearhead the program and will return to the show this year. Sanders noted, “The American Paint Horse Association has a specific goal of providing opportunities to all levels of competitors from Youth and Rookies to the industry’s top riders and horses.”
For Sanders, it’s a great partnership between the Tulsa Reining Classic and the APHA. “The Paint Horse breed is dynamic, versatile and athletic-qualities that go hand-in-hand with the sport of reining. The Tulsa Reining Classic is an innovative and industry-leading event that provides a great opportunity to reward high-achieving Paint Horses with some extra recognition from the APHA. We look forward to seeing everyone in Tulsa!”
Paint entries at Tulsa are eligible for some important additional benefits, according to Sanders. “If the exhibitor/owner still needs to register his or her horse with APHA, they can save $15 by doing so online. We also offer an ‘older horse’ registration promotion of $100 for the Regular Registry and $50 for Solid Paint-Bred. Just visit the online registration page. Our friendly MemberCare team is ready to help, should you have questions or need assistance with the process, by calling 817-222-6423 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. CST.” Owners who opt to submit registration paperwork by mail, should be sure to write TULSA REINING on the front of the envelope to receive complimentary rush processing – a $100 value!
Buckles will be given to the highest advancing Paint Horse in the following events, the Cardinal Ranch Derby Open, the Ariat Novice Horse Derby Open, the SmartPak Derby Non-Pro, the Ariat Novice Horse Derby Non-Pro, the Turnabout Farm Futurity Non-Pro, the Darling 888 Ranch Developing Horse Futurity Open and the Hollywoodstinseltown Futurity Open. High point buckles will be given for the double-slate NRHA classes – Non-Pro, Rookie Non-Pro, Youth and Open – for the High-Point Paint that competes in both slates of classes.
In addition to these awards, the APHA has designated the Tulsa Reining Classic as one of the approved shows for 2016 APHA World Show qualification.
For information on the APHA, visit www.apha.com. For information on the Tulsa Reining Classic, go to www.tulsareining.com.
