First up, the Gateway Classic is scheduled to take place May 22-26 in St. Louis, Missouri. The show will offer six sets of points plus a special event trail and western pleasure show. Judges will be Merle Arbo, Kelly McDowall, Beckey Schooler, Michelle Tidwell, Andrea Simons, Jessica Gilliam, and a TBA judge.

The judges have just been announced for the 2014 Virginia Quarter Horse Classic, which is scheduled to take place in Lexington, VA on April 10-13. Judges will include Jennifer Thompson, Jennifer Leckey, Tim Abler, Bruce Walquist, Clint Fullerton, and Curtis Reynolds.

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.