The American Paint Horse Association’s Breeders’ Trust Stakes classes are now available to more 3-year-old Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle horses, thanks to a program enrollment date modification recently approved by the Board of Directors.

The former Breeders’ Trust Stakes enrollment deadline has been eliminated. Now, horses can be enrolled in the program up to 5 p.m. the day before Breeders’ Trust Stakes classes take place at the APHA World Championship Show. A late fee will be assessed for horses enrolling after Dec. 31 of their 2-year-old year.

“When the Breeders’ Trust Stakes was modified from a sale graduate program to an enrollment program back in 2017, no horses were permitted to enroll after Dec. 31 of their 2-year-old year. That limited the number of horses eligible to show in the Breeders’ Trust Stakes classes,” said Matt Arias, program director. “Starting with 2023, a new Breeders’ Trust Stakes enrollment late fee will allow people to make their horses eligible for Breeders’ Trust Stakes opportunities and their significant guaranteed purses at any time, though a higher fee applies for late enrollments.”

Enrollment fees are separate from class entry fees. They help support the total purses awarded in the classes. The 2022 APHA World Show’s Open Breeders’ Trust Stakes classes awarded a combined payout of $64,000—that included purses for maiden horses and limited exhibitors, as well. Horses enrolled in the Breeders’ Trust Stakes program are also eligible for two Non-Pro 3-year-old classes as well (additional entry fees apply).