As always, there are some interesting proposals up for discussion. Most often, the Amateur Committee and Show and Pro Horseman Committee have the largest number of items on the docket. Check out a brief preview below…

The points required to qualify for the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship shows have been modified for 2014.

The Senior division will consist of youth 14-18 years old. The Junior division will consist of youth 13 and under. Junior and Senior contestants may combine to form a Mixed-Age team, but they must compete in the Senior division and for Senior individual awards.

In addition to these rule change proposals, two task forces will report on discussions and decisions regarding APHA governance as well as a potential competition licensing program.

South Carolina remains the nation’s No. 1 team, followed by No. 2 Baylor and No. 3 Auburn. Oklahoma State and Kansas State flip spots following a 13-6 win by Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Cowgirls check in at No. 4, while the Wildcats are No. 6. New Mexico State rounds out the top-five at No. 5.

In fact, the 2013 Paint Congress was the last show Beth attended, so it was only natural this event be named in her honor. She loved her horses and showing at Paint shows.”

The Frogs appeared to be well on their way to upending the Bears in Western Saturday, but battled to 5-5 draw. Baylor was able to earn the victory in the discipline, outscoring the Purple and White slightly, 701-699.5.

The judges pool for the event will include Jennifer Thompson, Jonathan Meilleur, Bruce Walquist, Chad Evans, Jennifer Leckey, Tracy Willis, Jon Barry, John Boxell, Robin Griggs, Murray Griggs, Karen Graham, and Holly Hover in addition to specialty hunter judges.

NCEA Riders of the Month (January 2014): Equitation Over Fences: Abby O’Mara, Georgia, Equitation On The Flat: Samantha Harrison, Oklahoma State, Horsemanship: Alexis Gratkowski, Delaware State, Reining: Mackenzie Fugitt, Oklahoma State

It comes as no surprise that the European Paint Horse Championships, held in Kreuth, Germany during the first week of September, tops the list with nearly 1,000 entries per judge. In fact, it ranks as the second-largest APHA show in the world. The Germans also hosted the second-largest international show—the Chrom-Ranch Summer Show—in Memmingen (Bavaria), Germany in early July with 283 entries per judge. Third place goes to the Danes and the Danish Paint Horse Championship, held in Haderslav, Denmark last August with 278 entries per judge.