THE NATIONAL Appaloosa Championships got under way on Tuesday with 110 spotted, plain, and patterned horses doing their thing over five days at the AELEC.
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The event is in its 42nd year and has attracted riders, trainers, breeders and owners from every state and territory as well as two international judges.
Tina Price and Michael Ochetto have travelled from Texas to judge the horses and so far like what they see.
“The quality of horses so far has been excellent,” Price said.
The opening night saw Debbie Colton’s CD’s Just a Teez take out the Major Halter Futurity Class event with a stylish led performance.
Dubbo trainers Shane and Helen Pigram won the Weanling Gelding Futurity with the seven-year-old Mighty Sweet Dreams.
Australian Appaloosa Association president Joanne Green said the event had attracted some of Australia’s best horses, breeders and trainers.
South Australian rider Samantha Pascoe has made the trip to Tamworth for the championships and will be right in the mix.
Pascoe won a world gold as part of an Australian team that went to the World Youth Championships in Fort Worth Texas last year.
“These horses are great for amateur and youth riders as well as the experienced competitors,” Green said.
“They are quiet, dependable and one of the most versatile horses around.”
Up to 700 spectators are expected over the five days, with the main event set to attract the biggest crowd tonight.
The Champagne Western Pleasure begins at about 6pm.
Entry is free every day with events starting mid morning.