AjPHA May Member Spotlight

Name: Paige Hoffmann
Age: 12
Grade: 7th
School: Visitation Academy
Hometown: Chesterfield, MO

 Club (if involved in one):
I am very involved in the Missouri Paint Horse Club (because that is the state that I live in), however I am also involved in the Palmetto Paint Horse Club (because my horse lives in Georgia) and we show as much as possible in South Carolina.

 Favorite Activities (outside of horses):
I love to play tennis, volleyball and I am active in the Latin Club at my school. This is my first year at a new school and it is very challenging academically, so I have spent a lot of time studying this year (not very glamorous or exciting, I know). We live in the suburbs of a major city (St. Louis), but have a family farm about 1 hour from our home, when I am there I love taking care of my two pet cows, Milky Way and Butterfinger, my other horses and two goats.

Favorite song and movie: Secretariat is my favorite drama, Apple Dumpling Gang is my favorite comedy…my favorite song is Me and My Gang, by Rascal Flats

Horses Name: CC Cowboy

What do you do with your horse?
I just got CC Cowboy in late March of 2010. So, this year we competed in Novice Youth and 13 & Under Events. In 2011, I will be competing in 13 & Under Events. We compete as an All Around competitor. So, we get to do a lot of different events, including Showmanship, HUS, Equitation, Western Pleasure, Trail and Horsemanship. I hope to add Reining and Western Riding to our list of events, this year.

What are your favorite events/activities with your horse?
I really like Showmanship and Trail. Cowboy really likes them too, so we have fun showing in these classes together.

What do you like most about paint horses?
Paint horses are so versatile, athletic and they are beautiful. Each horse is so unique. I have owned a roan overo, an overo and a tobiano.

What do you like most about AjPHA?
I really enjoy the opportunity to meet other kids, like me, who love to show and compete with their horses. Through the AjPHA, I am able to meet and make friends with others who share my interests. I really like the fact that the AjPHA is so organized and provides a lot of opportunities and educational resources to make me a better rider and more knowledgeable. I also love the fact that the AjPHA provides opportunities for us to have fun! The AjPHA also teaches many leadership skills through the ability to serve as a national director and run for national offices.

What has owning a horse taught you?
A lot… First and foremost, I have learned that my horse is my teammate. I have to treat my horse with respect and that we need to work together in order to be successful. I have also learned the value of hard work and the value of practice.

What would you say to someone who might be interested in owning a paint horse?
Go for it!!! Paints are very gentle and caring creatures and owning paint horses has been a pleasure to me and my family.

What would you say to someone that is thinking about starting to compete in APHA shows?
Make sure that you have fun! Do not let the stress of competing get to you. Always remember why you decided to show in the first place…because you love your horse and the show arena!