American Paint Horse Heads to Special Olympics World Games This Weekend
Photo courtesy of APHA.
PHJ press release by: Alannah Castro
Paints are known for their outstanding temperament and versatility, and at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, California, a Paint ambassador will be in attendance. Acclaimed, a 2007 chestnut overo gelding by Zippos Sensation and out of Seeking Snowdrops, was selected as a mount for the equestrian events during the Games. The equestrian portion of the World Games will take place July 28–August 1 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
Because riders will be coming from all over the globe to compete, Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, based in Los Angeles, was charged with finding more than 80 equine good citizens to be used in competition. After seeing an advertisement asking for horses to be used at the Games, Laura Sadler from Burbank, California, knew “Tyler” would be a perfect fit.
“He’s got a really great attitude about work. He always gives it his all,” Laura said. “Before I got him, he had done a lot of showing on the APHA circuit, so I knew he’d been exposed to really big shows and venues. I thought he would be a perfect candidate.”
Tyler had to go through an extensive selection process before being chosen.Laura filled out an application about Tyler’s show experience and stable manners; scoring an interview, Tyler was examined while performing compulsory maneuvers on a loose rein.
Over the course of the Games, riders will compete in dressage, English equitation, Working Trails and a two-person relay race. Riders may choose English or Western tack and enter the appropriate classes, according to the Special Olympics World Games website la2015.org.
APHA recently introduced the Challenged Horsemen and American Paints program, which was created for equestrians with medically diagnosed conditions and impairments to have opportunities to show their Paints and earn APHA-exclusive awards. All breeds of horses can compete in CHAMPS, but in order to earn APHA points and year-end awards, riders must compete on a registered Paint.
Divisions include walk-only, supported walk-jog/trot, independent walk-jog/trot and independent walk-jog/trot-lope/canter to suit exhibitors at all levels. Classes include showmanship, barrel racing, hunt-seat equitation, hunter under saddle, trail, Western horsemanship, Western Pleasure and Reining.
