Katy, Texas – The International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) returned to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, for the 2018 IALHA National Championship Horse Show. From October 9-13, nearly 100 of the country’s top purebred and part-bred Andalusian and Lusitano horses were presented in a variety of classes, including halter, native tack and attire, dressage, Western pleasure, saddle seat, and more. With an impressive $6,000 in total division jackpots up for grabs this year across six sections, the competition was even tougher.
The judging panel of Jacquie Hill (Indianapolis, Ind.), Wayne Hipsley (Lexington, Ky.), Peggy Klump (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), and Judith Warner (Asheville, N.C.) were tasked with crowning this year’s national champions. They were joined by two international guest judges for the Associação Portuguesa de Criadores do Cavalo Puro Sangue Lusitano (APSL) and P.R.E. divisions.
Exhibitors voted for recipients to several special awards presented during the final days of competition. Howard Peet (Wonder Lake, Ill.) won the best handler and sportsmanship award by popular vote and Richard Klein (Wonder Oaks, Ill.) was named best groom by popular vote.
IALHA Nationals exhibitors and spectators raised money for the Houston Food Bank through participation in the Spanish Walk competition, supported a food drive for the Ronald McDonald House® Houston, and hosted an exhibition night for families from the Ronald McDonald House. The barn was open to the public and many of these families were introduced to the beauty and athleticism of the Andalusian and Lusitano breeds for the first time.
The International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association is a recognized affiliate of US Equestrian. Keep up with the IALHA National Championship Horse Show by following IALHA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Find out more about Andalusian and Lusitano horses 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 using #JoinTheJoy.
Photo by: Jeanne@Genie Images