Jacksonville Equestrian Center Gets Splash of Paint during APHA Zone 9 Championship

Photo courtesy of Eric Hardesty.

Jacksonville, FL (February 26, 2018) — The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Zone 9 Championship show tallied more than five hundred entries at its annual winter show at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.  With horses coming in from as far west as Washington and as far north as New Jersey, it’s safe to say that Jacksonville was covered in paints for the weekend.

“We had people from all over the country. We had exhibitors from as far west as Washington state and as far north as New Jersey,” said Maggie Nipper, the Zone 9 Committee Chairman and Florida Paint Horse Club President. “It really was a great turnout.”  The competition was held February 16-18, 2018 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville for the fourth consecutive year.

“The facility has gone through some management changes but overall it’s a nice place to be and work out of,” she said. “We hope to continue working with the facility moving forward.”

The three-day show offered classes in a wide variety of disciplines and multiple divisions. Exhibitors had an opportunity to earn points under six judges during the weekend long event with additional select special event classes that featured double judged classes.  “We offered a full slate of English and Western classes, including Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Trail, Halter, Ranch Riding, Showmanship, and much more,” she said.

In addition to offering good competition, the show organizers strive to provide of plenty opportunities to enjoy down time. Exhibitors were treated to complimentary breakfasts each day, a pizza party and a refreshment table, which were supported by loyal sponsors.  At the end of the show competitors walked away with smiles and lots of ribbons; some of the more notable awards were the APHA 2018 Zone 9 Florida Highpoint Horse, which went to Wicked Roses, ridden by Kayla Martin, and the APHA 2018 Zone 9 Florida Reserve Highpoint Horse, which went to Unchippable Investment, ridden by Rachael Doern.  Overall, ten highpoint and reserve highpoint titles were awarded to riders in the Youth (13-U and 18-U), Novice (Youth and Amateur), Amateur, Masters Amateur, and Open.

Official APHA affiliate clubs are assigned to one of 14 zones based on geographic location. Zone 9 is made up of affiliate clubs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and the Caribbean Islands. The annual Zone 9 Championship is held in February of each year. Visit http://aphazone9.weebly.com/ or email APHAZone9@gmail.com to learn more.

For more information and to learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Tim Jones
904-255-4215
tjones@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221

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