Reach: North Carolina and South Carolina

Region Bylaws: http://www.piedmontpasofino.org/bylaws.html

The Piedmont region held its first group meeting on December 21, 1976, and its first Paso Fino show four months later in Monroe, North Carolina. This show was a one day event with 35 horses. On May15, 1977, Piedmont held a trail ride for NATRC horsemen in May of 1977 in South Carolina. In 1979 Piedmont joined hands with AHSA, (now USEF) in a 10 class horse show in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. These humble beginnings were the start of a powerful active region, bringing members from the now non-active Atlantic Paso Fino Owners and Breeders Association, which covered the eastern part of the USA.

The Piedmont PFHA is the second largest and considered one of the most successful regions of the Paso Fino Horse Association. The Piedmont Breeder’s Futurity proudly showcases the offspring of over 60 stallions, awarding to some of the most valuable breeding stock in our breed over $160,000 since its inception in 1992. Each year, the Piedmont Classic in Asheville, NC, continues to reign as one of the largest regional USEF/PFHA shows held in the USA, and justly called the mini-Nationals due to the high level of competition in all divisions. At this prestigious show, over $82,000 in prizes was awarded in 2004, including $30,000 awarded to Piedmont Breeder’s Futurity nominated horses and their sires.

Piedmont”s shows have grown to be second to none. We host the Carolina Classic (Clemson, SC) and the Piedmont Classic (Asheville, NC), as well as a show at the NC State Fair and a show in North Augusta SC in cooperation with the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino Association. These shows continue to be highly successful representing the finest quality of Paso Fino horses being exhibited, and being among the largest number of entry turnout in the country. The NC State Fair Horse Show held in Raleigh in October has sponsored Paso Fino classes since 1976 and draws a large crowd of non-Paso Fino spectators. Piedmont has hosted the Grand National Paso Fino Championship Show four times in its excellent equine facilities in Raleigh and Asheville, North Carolina.

Piedmont supports several fun shows and clinics each year, emphasizing education and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Trail rides are also important activity in the Piedmont PFHA region. Trail rides are scheduled most months in different areas of the region, providing well-attended, fun filled days of horses, friends, and food. Piedmont is proud to have some members that have logged over 500 hours each for PFHA”s “Pasos for Pleasure” program. Our region is also the home of numerous National Champions, Top Ten Sires and Dams, Gelding of the Year honorees, and some of the top show horses, most respected trainers, dedicated amateur riders and breeding farms in the country.

Piedmont PFHA owes its success to all of its dedicated Paso Fino enthusiasts. Trail riders, horse owners, breeders, youth, trainers and exhibitors, are each equally important to the future of the breed and the region. Members reside mainly in North Carolina and South Carolina, but also in Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Washington, and West Virginia. Join us, and help us to help you find even more ways to enjoy your Paso Fino.