NEW CLASSES: Para Reining, NRHA Novice Horse Open Level 1, NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1, NRHA Green Reiner Level 2, Congress Open Cutting Futurity, Congress Non Pro Cutting Futurity, Heroes on Horses Walk-Trot Supported, Heroes on Horses Walk-Trot Independent, EWD Walk-Trot Hunter Under Saddle Independent & NSBA, EWD Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Equitation Independent & NSBA, Small Fry Hunter Under Saddle & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Horsemanship & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Western Pleasure & NSBA, NYATT Hunt Seat Equitation & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select, Hunt Seat Equitation & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Showmanship & NSBA, Novice Amateur Select Hunder Under Saddle & NSBA, 4 & 5 Year Old Open Trail Stakes & NSBA, and 3 Year Old Open Trail Stakes & NSBA.

New Event: The very first Stars & Stripes Summer Spectacular will be held on Tuesday, June 28th. The Stars & Stripes Summer Spectacular is a specialty event featuring 22 classes specifically for equestrians with disabilities. This event is open to all breeds of horses. Exhibitors must be a member of either ApHC or APHA to compete. Those exhibitors wishing to compete for NSBA awards must also be NSBA members.

“These shows are the best way for exhibitors to get their feet wet in AQHA championship shows,” said Charlie Hemphill, AQHA senior director of shows and new events. “The shows also give Level 1 exhibitors who place in the top 10 in a Level 1 class the opportunity to qualify for the AQHA Level 1 Championships in 2017.”

“It’s critically important to the future of the horse community to focus on welcoming new participants,” Time to Ride Spokesperson Patti Colbert said. “The Challenge gives rewards and recognition to hardworking horse professionals who are doing the valuable work of teaching new people the very basics and giving them a path to grow into lifelong equestrians.”