History of the PPFTA

The PPFTA was formed in 1991 through the efforts of founding member Henrietta Ratliff. Because trainers play such an important role in all of the facets of the Paso Fino horse industry, Henrietta felt that they should join together to organize their own association. The main focus of this new organization would be to provide trainers a platform from which to share ideas and needs. It would also give the Paso Fino Horse Association a consensus from the trainers' perspective, as well as offering trainers more influence at the national level.

Since the first informal meeting at the National Show in Asheville, NC in 1991, the PPFTA has become a viable organization claiming more than 60 members.

The PPFTA is now part of an official PFHA committee, known as the Professional Horsemen's and Trainers' Committee. Through this committee, we regularly report to the national officers and Board of Directors.

The PPFTA sponsors the Trainer of the Year Award given annually at the National Show. As this award has gained popularity, it has also garnered the support of important private donors such as Fiddle Leaf Farms, Larry Williams Photography, and Casa Dosa Tack.

In addition to their donation of the exquisite Medieval sword used as our official trophy, Mike and Cathie Siemer, of Fiddle Leaf Farms, have pledged a $500 annual cash award. Excalibur, as our trophy is known, is engraved with the names of each year's winner and is kept on display at the national office. Larry Williams Photography has generously donated annual awards photos and photos of Excalibur to each winner.

Since the PPFTA helps to promote the growth of the breed through its work with Amateur Owners and Youth Riders, it now sponsors the Amateur Owner of the Year award through donation of a perpetual trophy. In 1996, the PPFTA began sponsorship of the Youth Riders' Junior Judging Contest, held each year at the National Show. We also wholeheartedly support the PFHA's Geldings For Gold program.

In addition to our support through these awards, the PPFTA also offers one or two training clinics each year, as well as the mini-clinics held each year at the National Show. One of these major clinics is always geared toward Amateur Owners and Youth Riders, while the other clinic is reserved for professional trainers only. As the demand for these clinics grows, we plan to add more to this schedule each year.