Perry, Ga. – After a year of competition, hard work, and dedication, competitors gave it their all at the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Grand National Championship Show. The championship, held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Ga., from September 16-21, provided six days of fierce competition. The Grand National is one of the country’s most prestigious Paso Fino shows, and exhibitors and spectators alike look forward to attending this competition every year for a chance to see the best of the breed showcased.
The panel of judges evaluated the horses as professional, amateur, and youth riders vied for championship titles using the Equitable-Olympic Five Judges (F1-F2) Scoring System. The Grand National welcomed nearly 500 competitors across a multitude of classes and divisions, including performance, pleasure, classic fino, trail, equitation, and more.
Learn more about the Paso Fino gaits
This year, the competition featured a special class dedicated to Paso Finos who have been rescued and rehabilitated from a wide variety of circumstances. Eight geldings participated in the inaugural class, as owners and riders shared their stories of rescue from kill pens, auctions, and abandonment by owners due to behavioral issues. Read more about the Rescue Gelding class from two of the participants.
The Stallion Service Auction has become a staple of the Grand National. This program is driven by the generous donations of owners for breeding services to a number of stallions. The resulting fees paid by the buyers become the purse to be paid at the two Breeders’ Sweepstakes classes offered each year for yearling fillies and yearling colts and gelding. Learn more about the Stallion Service Auction.
The Stallion Service Auction now moves on to Phase 2 and members are able to “Buy it Now” on breedings. Purchases can be made here.
Follow PFHA and US Equestrian
The Paso Fino Horse Association is a recognized affiliate of US Equestrian. Keep up with the Grand National on Facebook and follow PFHA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Find out more about the Paso Fino horse and all of US Equestrian’s 29 recognized breeds and disciplines in this Learning Center video. Join the conversation and follow US Equestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #JoinTheJoy.
Photo by: Cody Parmenter Photography