APHA member Anne Rosen of Evergreen, Colorado, and longtime show partner All About The Swing reached the pinnacle of the association’s Amateur honors this spring, earning the Superior Amateur Champion award. A comprehensive test of versatility, the Superior Amateur Champion award is a rare accomplishment. Anne and “Cosmo” are the ninth pair to earn the honor.
Honoring Superior Amateur Champion No. 9
Anne and Cosmo’s accomplishment will be honored June 26 at the APHA Youth & Amateur Award Banquet, taking place at the APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. The duo clinched the award at a South Jordan, Utah, show on April 25; Anne reflected on earning those final points and celebrating with family, friends and trainer Leanne Williams.
“The crowd began to cheer, and Leanne and I both burst into tears and hugged,” Anne said. “Many of my horse-show friends were crying as well. It was also a great moment to share with my husband, who has been my biggest fan through these many years of showing.”
Anne and her 2006 sorrel overo gelding have been partners for 14 years. Originally only a hunt-seat horse, Cosmo dramatically expanded his proficiency, earning a lifetime total of 2,267.5 APHA points across 18 different events in the Open, Amateur and Novice Amateur divisions. Included are world and reserve world championships in pleasure driving, hunter hack and green working hunter, as well as reserve national championships in showmanship and hunt-seat equitation.
Cosmo has nine Superiors and 25 Registers of Merit in everything from traditional “all-around” events to driving, over fences and speed events. Anne and Cosmo have topped many Top 20, Honor Roll and Zone Top Five year-end award lists throughout their show career. Together, they embody the versatility and longevity of the Paint Horse breed.
To earn the Superior Amateur Champion award, a horse-and-rider team must earn at least 30 Amateur halter points, 240 Amateur performance points, Superiors in at least four different Amateur performance event categories and Register of Merits in at least four additional Amateur performance event categories.
“People talk about a ‘once in a lifetime horse’ and that is Cosmo for me,” Anne said. “Cosmo is kind, honest, goofy and ready to go anywhere at any time. He is known in the show pen as a sweet, calm horse who is steady and sensible.”
