AQHA is currently seeking input on they Leveling Program. Is it working how it was designed? Is it having the desired effect? What changes could be made to make this program more successful?

Natalia DeVencenty from Pueblo, Colo., will join the Horned Frogs after graduating from Laurel Springs High School in May. In 2013, she started showing all-around horses in the AQHA. DeVencenty is AQHYA World and Reserve World Champion, a three-time AQHYA Bronze Champion, three-time NSBA World Champion, three-time NSBA Reserve World Champion, two-time Congress Champion, and two-time Reserve Congress Champion. She showed in Hunter Jumper on the USEF “A” circuit for 11 years, earning herself several state and zone championships. Outside of the show ring, she works for her family business and is a student pilot.

Since January, American Quarter Horse Youth Association members have recorded their progress training a yearling bred by an American Quarter Horse Association Ranching Heritage Breeder. Recently, four AQHYA members were named scholarship winners for the 2016-17 AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program.

Following on the heels of a successful 2017 Breeders’ Futurity Platinum program—which awarded $73,000 to Non-Pro halter exhibitors in this elite weanling halter futurity—a few landmark program modifications will make the Platinum program bigger and better in 2018.

Top AQHA ring stewards Gale Little, Tracey Hatakeyama and Bobbie Walton will teach the webinar. The ring steward webinar is part of a full week of webinars hosted by AQHA from December 11 to 15 via AQHA’s new teaching and testing software for judges education. Additional webinars that week include the first virtual AQHA Judges Conference. Judges will receive training and educational materials, as well as re-test for certifications. Re-certifications will be conducted annually via the judges’ education portal.

On November 16, BFR Igniting Sparks, owned by Beechfork Ranch of Weatherford, Texas, was crowned the 2017 Lucas Oil Superhorse. The 2009 palomino stallion by Shining Spark and out of Sliden Wright By was bred by G. Scott Gaddy of Clements, California. BFR Igniting Sparks was shown by Matt Koch of Douglas, Wyoming; Jeff Chapman of Union, Mississippi; Jay Lyn Wadhams of Pueblo, Colorado; and Dustin Rogers of Pueblo, Colorado.