Two very special American Paint Horses captured the top two horse awards at the recent Chisholm Challenge for Special Riders, an annual 3-day therapeutic riding event where emotionally, mentally and physically challenged riders demonstrate their riding abilities. The event is held in conjunction with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Colonels Black Robin, a 7-year-old black tobiano gelding, affectionately known as “Domino,” of All Star Equestrian in Burleson, Texas, won the event’s top horse honor-the “Carrot Award.” According to show manager Cheril Becker, “The judges watch all the horses over the course of the event and choose which one took the best care of its rider.” Domino took excellent care of not just one but three riders in this year’s competition. The striking gelding joined the All Star Equestrian team in June 2007 and was instantly a hit with all the therapy riders and volunteers.

“Probably the first thing that is noticed about Domino is his looks, but the most important thing that we have found is how perfect he is for therapeutic riding,” said Michelle Van Horn, an instructor at All Star Equestrian. “He has a very gentle spirit and even though he is young, he is very laid back and relaxed. He is tall and strong enough to carry our adult riders but quiet and sweet enough to carry our children, also.”

Taking second place was Billy Sunday, a 26-year-old sorrel overo gelding who has become a legend in the therapeutic riding world. “Billy” is a past Carrot Award-winner and has taken many riders to the gold in other therapeutic riding competitions, including the Special Olympics and the Houston Livestock Show’s Top Hand competition. He has also been named the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association’s (NARHA) Region 8 Horse of the Year and graced the cover of the June 1993 Paint Horse Journal as part of a feature article. Billy was also featured as a top Paint in therapeutic riding in the April 2007 Paint Horse Journal. He continues to prove himself as one of the greats in therapeutic riding. Billy resides at Rocky Top Therapy Center in Keller, Texas.

More About APHA

Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 35,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 958,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 47 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 Web site at http://apha.com/ or call (817) 834-2742.