Source:  News Release

Excitement Mounts for the Paso Fino Grand National Show

Lexington, KY – 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

• Youth Mundial Tryouts 1pm
• Welcome Party

Sunday, September 25, 2011

• Show Begins
• Cowboy Church
• Live Entertainment

Monday, September 26, 2011

• Trainer’s Clinic
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

• Trainer’s Clinic
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

• Soccer Clinics
• Trainer’s Clinic
• Largo Race Qualifiers
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting
• Not So Silent Auction
• Hall of Fame Inductees Presentation
• Live Entertainment

Thursday, September 29, 2011

• Soccer Tryouts
• Trainer’s Clinic
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting
• Largo Race Qualifiers
• Award Presentations- Amateur Owner & Senior AO High Point of the Year & Trainer of the Year
• Not So Silent Auction
• Live Entertainment

Friday, September 30, 2011

• Stall Decorating Contest
• Trainer’s Clinic
• Soccer Matches
• Largo Race Qualifiers
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting FINALE
• Trail Ride
• Parade of Flags
• Award Presentations- High Point Horse & High Point Gelding of the Year
• Not So Silent Auction
• Live Entertainment

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