APHA Adds Cash to Awards

The American Paint Horse Association has created a new way to reward their network of regional clubs to encourage participation, recruit new members, offer creative show formats and enhance the exhibitor’s experiences at their regional club-sponsored APHA shows. Regional Clubs are the backbone of the APHA experience; as such, the Regional Club Sponsorship Program which supports those clubs that go the extra mile to make their APHA shows a great experience.

Regional clubs provide the framework for attracting new members at the local or “grassroots” level. Since its inception in 1962, the Association has approved more than 115 regional clubs worldwide. These clubs in turn are required to offer horse shows, trail rides and assorted community events within their respective areas in order to maintain their status.

The Regional Club Sponsorship Program will offer $1,000 cash awards to 30 clubs annually for use at a Regional Club-sponsored Paint-O-Rama show; or at a 1- or 2-judge show that the club is hosting in 2012. Clubs will be eligible for the sponsorship once during a two-year period and must be in good standing with APHA as outlined by Association rules. The club must fulfill all annual regional club requirements and the show must be approved with all show fees paid. The complete list of program rules and sponsorship application are available online at apha.com/showing or by calling the APHA.

Find a club near you

APHA regional clubs, are the ideal place to get started showing with your registered American Paint Horse. The APHA makes it easy to find the club nearest you by visiting clubs.apha.com/clubs/clubfinder. All points earned at APHA-approved shows are automatically included in your horse’s permanent record and can help earn not only year-end awards, but Perpetual Awards like Register of Merit and Superior as well. Find a show near you by visiting aphaonline.org and clicking on Calendar Of Events under the Public Access section.

About the American Paint Horse Association

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members\’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world.

For more information about APHA and how to get involved, visit apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.