The 2024 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Eastern National Championship Show, Aug. 22–25, generated significant increases, according to organizers. Growth was recorded at 57 percent in total horses and 43 percent in entries over 2023 numbers.

This year’s event took place at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio, which will host the Eastern National Show through 2026. It featured 170 Eastern National Championship classes and 20 all-around awards, attracting 284 horses and 1,242 entries. International Ranch Horse Association classes paid out over $8,000, too.

“The 2024 Eastern National Championship Show was a great event, featuring large classes with stiff competition coupled with sponsored events that made the show fun for our exhibitors,” Director of Incentive Programs Matt Arias said. “We are already evaluating ways to improve the show for our exhibitors in 2025.”

In addition to competing for national championships and prizes, exhibitors and fans also participated in a Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen Clinic, Ride the Pattern, game nights, tie-dyed t-shirts, friendship bracelet-making station, ice cream social and more. Special thanks to MARS EQUESTRIAN, who generously sponsored all Novice Youth and Youth Walk-Trot entry fees; Buckeye Nutrition, who sponsored coffee, donuts and the ice cream social; and Boehringer Ingelheim, who sponsored the game nights.

Full results will be posted at apha.com/eastern-national-show.