Final entries for the 2012 AQHA Region Ten Championship stopped just shy of 1,150, approximately double the show's entries in 2011. Entries for the double-judged pointed AQHA show hit about 775; and about 50 also entered the Palomino Horse Breeders of America pointed show.

Regional championships are friendly and inviting with a big-deal feel in prizes and awards presentation, and this year’s Region Ten was no different. The show went to about 10 p.m. every evening, May 11-13, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Centerin Jacksonville, Florida.

The biggest AQHA class (by entries) was Novice amateur horsemanship with 31. The biggest Region Ten class (by entries) was Novice amateur showmanship at 49; in second was Novice amateur horsemanshipwith 45.

This year’s schedule included a “Doggie Trail” class for youngsters and a “happy hour” on Friday and Saturday nights.

Adding to the excitement this year is the prospect of qualifying for the AQHA Novice championship shows held October 5-7 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Las Vegas. There are three ways to qualify for the SmartPak West and Nutrena East Novice championship shows – through a state AQHA affiliate, by showing at 20 AQHA shows or by finishing in the top 10 in a class at a regional championship.

The American Quarter Horse Journalcovers (and sponsors) all the 2012 regional championships, and will be on site for the inaugural Novice championship Shows. Get qualifiedat your regional championship! (Scroll down for the final 2012 Region Ten slide show.)

Region Ten Markel InsuranceAll-Around High-Points
The following riders won a Tex Tanaward saddle:

Novice amateur – TNT Continental Art and Carolyn Sanchez

Amateur– Tara Salter, Waynesboro, Georgia, and Cruzin For Chocolate (Huntin For Chocolate-Cruisin Air Annie by

Select amateur– Amanda Martin-McHollan, Keystone Heights, Florida, and Suddensgotnosneakers (Im Suddenly Silver-How D Impressed by Ho D Billie Boy) bred by Dave and Mary Martin, Davenport, Iowa

Novice youth – Erin Mays, Vero Beach, Florida, and Ima Royal Chip (Zips Chocolate Chip-Ima Smooth Miss by Smooth Town) bred by Kara Louvring Habighorst, Decatur, Texas

Youth 13 & under – Cheyenne Augsburger, Loxahatchee, Florida, and An Awesome Fantasy (Awesome Conclusion-Misters Beau Kay by Mr Conclusion) bred by Larry Baldwin, Boerne, Texas

Youth 14-18 – Taylor Clark of Bonifay, Florida, and Hot N Zippo (Radical Rodder-Make Mine A Zippo by Zippo Pine Bar) bred by Robert and Ann Perry, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Did you miss the Journal's additional coverage and slide shows from the Region Ten Championship?

• Region Ten Snapshots: Characters abound at this sweet little AQHA regional championship.
• Region Ten Gets Started: Big classes and big fun are on the menu for the 2012 AQHA Region Ten Championship.

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Big classes and big fun are on the menu for the 2012 Region Ten Championship in Jacksonville, Florida. The Region Ten Championshipis in Florida for the first time in the show’s history, May 11-13 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Centerin Jacksonville. The event combines the Regional Championship with a double-judged AQHA show and a double-judged Palomino Horse Breeders of America show. 

Read the rest of the story by Christine Hamilton of The American Quarter Horse Journal by clicking here.

Click here to read about Day 2 of the show!

Click here to checkout some great candids from the show from AQHA.