The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has joined forces with the National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance (NRSHA). Officials say with the popularity of ranch horse events continuing to grow, the alliance will be a win-win for both organizations.
APHA has offered ranch horse classes for several years and officials with the organization say it is a natural fit to join forces with NRSHA.
As a partner in NRSHA, APHA members will have the opportunity to qualify for the NRSHA National Championship Show by competing at APHA-approved shows that offer all of the four core ranch classes: ranch trail, ranch reining, ranch cow work and ranch riding or ranch pleasure.
“Because Paint Horses are so important to the ranching community, I am incredibly excited for APHA to be a part of a great group of associations dedicated to the ranch horse,” APHA Senior Director of Judges Dave Dellin said in a statement. “APHA looks forward to the continued support and expansion of our ranch competitions.”
Qualifying for the 2022 NRSHA National Championship Show is underway. To earn an invitation, riders must compete at three NRSHA-partner events between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022. Any APHA-approved event offering the four core ranch classes during the qualifying period counts toward NRSHA qualification. For more details about qualifying requirements for the NRSHA National Championship Show please visit https://ranchhorse.net/national_show.asp.
“Ranch horse events are one of the fastest growing aspects of the equine industry,” said NRSHA President Charles Pellham. “We are pleased APHA is joining forces with the Alliance and look forward to APHA members competing at the NRSHA National Championship Show.”
