The Mayflower is coming to Des Moines, Iowa, May 5-8, 2016 and the stall reservation deadline is quickly approaching, April 1st! The 2016 Mayflower will host six AQHA judges over the course of four days. Judges for the show will be Andrea Simons, Sara Beth Simons, Leslie Lange, John Briggs, Brad Jewett, and John Boxell.

The Elite Custom Saddles Sweepstakes boasts five classes, including, Junior and Senior Hunter Under Saddle, Junior and Senior Western Pleasure, and Yearling Halter. This esteemed event is one of the highlights of the National Championship Appaloosa Show.

The American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee was elected at the 2016 AQHA Convention in Las Vegas. This five-person committee is responsible for implementing important decisions made by AQHA members through the Association’s board of directors.

The Don Burt Professional’s Choice Professional Horseman of the Year, Professional’s Choice Professional Horsewoman of the Year and Professional’s Choice Most Valuable Professional awards were presented by AQHA Corporate Partner Professional’s Choice during the Association’s Awards Banquet.

The manual outlines:
– Best practices for coaching a horse judging team
– How to teach oral reasons
– A guideline for conformation across all breeds and disciplines
– The judging of major disciplines

In addition to the competition and shopping, several special events will occur at the 13-day show. The Costume Class, Dog Show, Challenged Rider’s Leadline, and Versatilities are always fun to attend. On Flag Day, spectators will have the opportunity to honor our military personnel through the Veterans Appreciation Reception, which will occur Tuesday, June 14 during the Zone Invitational.

“Regardless of the class, after attending these seminars, you will make adjustments in how you exhibit your horse and/or yourself,” Ross said. “And in today’s competitive classes, minor changes that make you think like a judge can make a significant difference in your final placing.”

– March 15 for the Farnam Central AQHA Level 1 Championships; the show is April 13-17 in Oklahoma City
– March 15 for the AQHA West Level 1 Championships; the show is April 20-24 in Las Vegas
– April 1 for the Nutrena East AQHA Level 1 Championships; the show is May 4-8 in Raleigh, North Carolina

A portion of the ride is completed each year, with the entire sequence taking thirteen years to complete. Its route traces, as closely as possible, the route Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce took while attempting to escape the US Cavalry in 1877.