The Victorian Paint Horse Association enjoyed a return to back to the track as they staged their Spring Fling Ranch Versatility and Performance show at Tonimbuk last month.
In what was the first show of the season, over 70 competitors came from all over Victoria to compete, an excellent effort given many of the horses were only just coming back from their winter break. Some of the larger classes had up to 15 entrants each, such was the size and eagerness of the pool of riders.
Judge Debra Howes flew all the way from Tamworth, New South Wales to cover the two-day event, which had riders and spectators alike enamoured by the the horses and their routines. Paint horses are a specific breed of horse, usually known for their distinctive pinto spotting patterns, usually in both light and dark colours.