Exhibitors realized long-held dreams at the 2012 APHA World Championship Show.
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Article and photography by JESSICA HEIN
rom record-breaking runs to realizing lifelong dreams, the 2012 APHA World
Championship Show was full of memorable moments. Exhibitors from around the country brought their best to the John Justin Arena on November 7 and 8, vying for 12 world championship titles and satisfying personal goals in barrel racing, pole bending and stake race
Racing to a Record Taking on a pen full of younger horses, 20-year-old Slide A Way Sally proved she was still the queen of APHA speed events. The 1992 sorrel tobiano mare made history on November 7, capturing her 23rd
world championship
and claiming the lead spot on APHA’s chart for most world championships earned by a single Paint Horse. Paired with longtime owner David
Headley of Port Gibson, Mississippi, Sally took off like a rocket in the Open Stake Race, wrapping herself around a pair of poles as she navigated the fi gure- eight course in 16.513 seconds. Purchased by the Headleys in 2005,
Slide A Way Sally proved she was a dominant fi gure in APHA World Show com- petition at this year’s event—capturing her 23rd
with David Headley, “Sally” has now earned the most world championships of any single Paint Horse.
16 JANUARY 2013 PAINT HORSE RACING world championship in Stake Race
Sally had already earned six world championships and four reserves in Youth and Amateur speed events with Summer Jones, daughter of former owner Lissa. Immediately clicking with her new owners, Sally continued her winning ways with Shelton in Youth events and David in Amateur and Open classes. A few years ago, David realized his talented mare might have a shot at breaking the record.