APHA’s Challenged Horsemen Program Designed For Equestrians With Medical Conditions
PHJ release by: Rachel Florman
AjPHA President Anna Lia Sullivan has been working hard to spread the word about her presidential project, “CHAMPS Challenge.”
APHA’s Challenged Horsemen and American Paints program is designed for equestrians with medically diagnosed conditions and impairments. CHAMPS offers opportunities for participants to show their Paints—and earn APHA-exclusive rewards—at a variety of venues.
Anna Lia’s presidential project aims to raise awareness about the CHAMPS program, raise funds for program awards and gather tack for equine nonprofits in need.
Learn more about her project and get involved today!
Take a look at Anna Lia’s updates on her project’s progress so far:
—At the Zone 7 Northeast Connection show, held on July 29-30, 2017, a custom buckle case by Western
Rustique and a free print from Conklin Photographic was raffled off to raise money for CHAMPS awards. My project was introduced a lot of APHA members, and the raffle was a hit.
Rustique and a free print from Conklin Photographic was raffled off to raise money for CHAMPS awards. My project was introduced a lot of APHA members, and the raffle was a hit.—At the Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club Fall Classic Show held September 15–17, the Texas Paint Horse Club and Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club teamed up to host a tack drive for their local therapeutic riding barns, collecting mounds of tack for the facilities.
—At the Garden State Paint Horse Club September to Remember show held September 23–24, I held a silent auction with a number of donated items from Toll Booth Saddle Shop, Allen’s Feed and Pet Supply and various other APHA members. I also was able to volunteer during the CHAMPS classes, and help present awards to the exhibitors.
—At the 2017 APHA/Open World Show, a tack drive was held to help the therapeutic riding barns in need from Hurricane Harvey. It was a huge success and hundreds of tack items were brought from barns all over the country to help the cause.—At the GSPHC annual banquet, held December 3, the Garden State Paint Horse Youth Club held a live auction, raffling off custom made mirror and buckle case. All of the banquet attendees were very willing to help support my project by placing multiple bids on the items.
—I was also able to help present awards at NSBA CHAMPS classes the 2017 NSBA World Championship show, as well as inspect the CHAMPS Showmanship classes—this was such a cool opportunity!
Since the project’s inception, more than $1,000 has been raised to support CHAMPS programs, and three tack drives have helped provide valuable equipment to barns in need. I can’t wait to keep spreading the word about CHAMPS and growing this project in 2018!
To learn more about how your Paint Horse Club can help Anna Lia’s project, contact APHA Youth Director Christine Henry Gillett.
