For all those involved in the paint horse industry, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently released the 2011 Annual Report detailing the association’s accomplishments. Its\’ annual statements disclose several huge accomplishments for the association, in the midst of its\’ 50th anniversary.
Among the numbers it states that the APHA continues to be the second-largest stock horse breed association in the world, registering the one-millionth American Paint Horse in 2011.
Surprisingly the big increase was outside of the US, with ownership increasing by 2% and APHA memberships and show entries increasing by 7%. France hosted the first Youth Horsemanship Camp and Germany held its first Youth Judging Seminar.
In the United States, lifetime memberships for Youth continue to grow, along with the new Walk-Trot Amateur division. The top five states for APHA membership over the last three years remain Texas, California, Oklahoma, Colorado and Florida. APHA shows in Texas and Missouri experienced significant increases in the number of shows and number of entries.
In 2011 The American Paint Horse Association honoured some outstanding members involved in creating what it is today. The first hallway designation was made to honor Doc and Butch Wonderlich of Twin Falls, Idaho. Their involvement and support are a testament to how dedicated members have made this association the industry leader it is today. The 2011 Distinguished Service Award was given to an international member for the first time. German member Hardy Oelke was presented the award at the European Paint Horse Championship in Kreuth, Germany.
In all, the APHA says it has experienced some positive changes and looks forward to what is in store for the American Paint Horse Association\’s members in 2011.