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For 50 years SCPHA
has been the leader in Western Competition in Southern California.
Organized in 1956 by Professional Horsemen and Horsewomen who earned
their living in the equine industry in Southern California, the
association would operate under the name of CPHA Chapter one. The
shows managed by CPHA Chapter one provided a necessary avenue for
local horse enthusiasts to exhibit their horses in an affordable
venue.
Over the course of the years, CPHA evolved from an organization of
three disciplines: Hunter/Jumper, American Saddlebreds, and Western
Horses. Many years ago, all three groups assembled jointly and held
classes for everyone. As the years went by, the needs of the horse
industry changed, as all things do. The Hunter/Jumper division
out-grew the local flavor of CPHA and split off to strike out on
their own. The Saddlebred division grew smaller, their desire for
frequent shows diminished, and they also formed their own group to
meet their specific needs.
The Western Division also floundered for several years, but a hard
core of dedicated professionals were determined to keep it afloat.
The shows dwindled form 30 big shows per year to a few very small
ones, and the core group set out to give the shows a boost that
would attract more exhibitors.
That group decided to write classes that would favor all exhibitors.
Rather than have a few classes, in which a few top, exhibitors would
be competitive, the movers and shakers decided to write classes for
participants and horses of all skill levels and all ages. Thus a two
ring format evolved, offering conformation classes, classes in
Showmanship, under Western Equipment, under English equipment as
well as reining. Western riding and a host of trail classes for all
skill levels!
This bold moved separated CPHA chapter one from the larger parent
organization, The California Professional Horsemen’s Association. In
2007 CPHA again has risen to the needs of the horse industry. Once
again the Professionals of the organization have rewritten the class
list to fit the needs of the current industry. To reflect this
insightful change, the Professionals have chosen to change the name
to better signify the area in which it serves. The new name would be
SCPHA. (Southern California Professional Horseshow Association)
As the leader in the education of those who wish to enter the horse
industry and learn competitive skills in a real-time environment,
the leaders of SCPHA will continue to offer a place for every level
of Stock-type horse and rider.
An ample number of classes in each division are available to the
stock-type breeds of Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paints. This was
done to provide those breeds an opportunity to compete against their
own type of horse in a venue that is less intense than breed show
offerings.
Each show offers outstanding awards and the Year-end Awards Banquet
showcases the entire year. At that event, attended by a huge
contingency of exhibitors, parents, spouses, and friends, custom
Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Buckles, are awarded to the year’s
high point exhibitor of every class. In addition, the Reserve
Champion and third place finisher in each class receive
exceptionally nice awards.
A number of very competitive races are also run each year for
special Awards, including a High Point Western Pleasure exhibitor,
High Point overall Trail Horse, and many others. When warranted, a
special Sportsmanship Award is presented to a deserving patron,
honoring the name of Dan Evans, a beloved equine veterinarian who
passed away several years ago. |
