The 39th Annual Paso Fino Horse
Association (PFHA) Grand National Championship Show in
Memphis
,
Tennessee
, will showcase the breed’s finest show and recreational competition horses.
Come join us as the best performers in the country compete for nearly $100,000
in prize money. Admission is FREE, and special events throughout the week
provide plenty to see and do.
The
Memphis Agricenter International and Show Place Arena is hosting this event from
September 25 - October 1, 2011. The public is welcome to attend. Check the
Special Events calendar for dates and times of your favorite activities. New
this year is a Cowboy Mounted Shooting competition, a Horse Soccer Tournament,
and a trail obstacle challenge. Adding to the exciting schedule is five nights
of live music, a Silent Auction, Live Auction, largo horse race, free training
clinics, and breed demonstrations.
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
is partnering with the PFHA during this event to host the trail obstacle challenge
and organized trail rides. Half the proceeds raised in the live auction for a
donated Paso Fino gelding will benefit this great organization.
During
the show, Professionals and Amateur Owners vie for awards in the following major
divisions: Bella Forma (conformation), Pleasure, Performance, and Fino. The
Youth Division provides a variety of classes for riders ages 7 to 17. Specialty
classes include the always-exciting Costume, Versatility, Trail, Driving, and
Western Pleasure classes. As an added attraction, there are several classes for
horses registered in the American Trote & Trocha Association, a registry for
diagonal gaited Paso horses.
Bred for stamina, smooth
gait, and beauty, “Los Caballos de Paso Fino,” –the horses with the fine
walk– originated in Latin America and have become increasingly popular in the
U.S.
The Paso Fino is referred to as The Smoothest Riding Horse in the World, due
to the even footfall of its natural four-beat gait,
which is unique to the breed. The gait can be performed at three forward speeds,
the Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo. The PFHA holds the official
registry of the breed and has nearly 5,500 members. The Grand National
Show is the best way to experience the Paso Fino culture and maybe even get the
chance to ride one!
The
Paso Fino Horse Association and its members would like to welcome equine
enthusiasts as well as anyone that would be interested in joining us at this
free event. PFHA Executive Director Donald A. Vizi says, “This is not your
every day horse show; these magnificent horses will delight you with their every
move. Come see our dancing horses, and I am sure you won’t forget the
experience. And remember, it is free!” For up-to-date information, please
visit our website, www.pfha.org, or visit the
Paso Fino Horse Association Facebook page.
The
Paso Fino Horse Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to
promoting and enhancing the Paso Fino breed and maintaining the official
registry. Since 1972, the mission of the association has been to expand the
versatility of this naturally gaited breed, and to provide opportunities for
riders to experience the smoothest ride in the world.
Special Events Schedule
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Sunday,
September 25, 2011
-
Show
Begins
-
Cowboy
Church
-
Live Entertainment
Monday, September 26, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
-
Trainer’s
Clinic
-
Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
-
Trail
Obstacle Challenge 10am
-
Bring
Your Own Bag Lunch
-
Trail
Ride approx 1:30pm
-
Recreational
Rider Social
-
Trainer’s
Clinic
-
Parade
of Flags
-
Largo
Race FINALE
-
Award
Presentations-
High Point
Competitive, Endurance, and Pleasure Trail Horses of the Year & High Point
Horse of the Show
-
Auction
for Gelding, donated by Seminole Wind Farms
-
Live
Entertainment
Pictures
available upon request.
Paso
Fino Horse Association
859-825-6006
www.pfha.org
