Two new classes have been added to this year’s National Academy Championship Finals. The Alpha Class is for riders that have moved out of the Academy division and for new show riders entering show horse classes. This class is unlike the Novice or Limit Rider class, where a rider can only win 3-6 blue ribbons and then move up to the next level. This class will give the riders two show seasons to compete at an entry level of competition with their show horse, giving more experience of showing before moving up to even stronger competition. The two classes will be Open English Pleasure WTC for riders 13 and under, and Open English Pleasure WTC for riders 14 and over. This show continues to work hard to grow our industry.

A very big thank you to Marsha Sheppard, owner of Marsha De Arriaga, Shelbyville, Tenn. for believing in this next level of show riding, and graciously donating a custom riding suit to the winners of these two classes.

Many other sponsors have lent their support as well, including Dave Thomas of Winner’s Circle, who has again donated two Shively Cutback saddles to the winners of the Junior and Senior Equitation Finals, and William Woods University, Fulton, Mo., for their $1,000 Scholarship to the winner of the Senior WTC Equitation Finals.

The show will be held November 1-3 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. This year’s judges will be Lee Hudson, Lisa Pyburn and Josh Greer. The show benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To date, St. Jude has received over $482,000 from The National Academy Championship Finals. Visit national academy championships.org. and download a sponsorship form to become a part of this great event.

For more information, contact: Joyce Webster at (256) 606-2099.