August 13, 2010– An American Paint Horse recently qualified to be part of the United States Reining Team that will compete at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games this fall in Lexington, Ky. The trial was held in conjunction with the Adequan/United States Equestrian Federation National Open Reining Championship July 10, 2010, in Oklahoma City, Okla. The championship was part of the American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) Battle in the Saddle competition.
Taking home a silver medal and a place on the U.S. reining team was American Paint Horse Association (APHA) member Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, Texas, riding Colonels Nite Special. The 2004 sorrel solid Paint-bred stallion is sired by Colonels Smokingun, more commonly known as “Gunner,” and out of Mifs Doll. He is double-registered with APHA and AQHA, but competes under his AQHA name, Gunners Special Nite. The stallion comes by his talent and athleticism naturally. Gunner was the first American Paint Horse to achieve the National Reining Horse Association’s two million dollar sire mark and has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Mifs Doll has also had success in the show arena, winning more than $25,000.
Turnabout Farms of Gloucester, Mass., recently purchased Colonels Special Nite in April. This competition was the first time McCutcheon competed on the stallion.
“He is the best horse I have ever competed on,” said McCutcheon. “He is extremely talented and performs every maneuver great.”
McCutcheon is no stranger to the World Equestrian Games. He represented the U.S. in 2002 at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. He was successful in helping the U.S. team secure a gold medal and individually won a silver medal. In 2006, McCutcheon traveled to Aachen, Germany, as an alternate for the U.S. team.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said McCutcheon. “I am very blessed to have this experience not once, but three times. I am just going to savor this opportunity and not take it for granted. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing group of people and horses that will be representing the United States this year.”
More About APHA
Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 30,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 981,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 48 years ago, and now serves approximately 85,000 active members around the world. APHA, a non-profit organization, prides itself on community involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed. Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the Association’s website at apha.com or call (817) 834-APHA (2742).
