In The Equine Chronicle 3 and Over Maiden Horse Western Pleasure, the winner was Aaron Moses with Made Ya Look for Brent and Kate Bamford. This team won $15,000. Second place was Kristy Starnes with The Lopin Illusion, winning $7,500. Third was Clay Arrington with Made In The Dark, winning $5,000. Fourth was Mike Hachtel with The Best Principles for Jane Backes, winning $3,500. Splitting fifth was Chris Jones with Sheza Good Mechanic, winning $2,750 for Kassandra Fordice and Brian Cox with Theexclusivemartini, winning $2,750 for Jeffrey Carpenter. 

“Several factors went into the consideration of this difficult decision, including but not limited to the health and safety of attendees, many of whom are within the largest at-risk age range and have expressed their concerns about attending the event, in addition to the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in Fort Worth,” said Justin Billings, AQHA chief show officer. “We are currently living in a world full of uncertainty. However, what is certain is that AQHA leadership and staff are committed to listening to our members and protecting the health and safety of our exhibitors, members and staff during this unprecedented time. This means making decisions, like this one, that are in the best interest of the well-being of our Select members, who fall within the largest at-risk age group.”

Allowing solid horses to show alongside their colored peers is certainly not a new discussion. It’s something that has been contemplated for years. However, with the current state of the industry, the Committee believes that the time is now to make such a move so future generations have a Paint Horse industry to enjoy. Hence, the reason for asking the Board of Directors for Emergency Action on the proposal, instead of waiting until the 2021 Convention.