In response to the COVID-19 catastrophe and the corresponding economic recession with a projected 5–10 year recovery timeline, American Paint Horse Association’s Board of Directors took swift action in April 2020 to pass a stimulus package of APHA rule modifications, which were designed to help the Paint Horse community weather the storm for the long haul and preserve the health of the Paint breed.

The modifications go into effect May 4. Details are summarized below.

• Expanding the opportunities for genetics-based advancement to Regular Registry under RG-070.E
  • Now, this opportunity will be offered to horses with one Paint parent in addition to those with two APHA parents. For horse with only one APHA sire/dam, the horse must have two qualifying Paint traits and at least one Paint pattern gene confirmed through DNA genetic testing. Those with two APHA parents are only required to have one qualifying Paint trait, along with a Paint pattern gene confirmed through approved DNA testing.
• Extending an extra year of eligibility for Novice Youth and Novice Amateurs, Youth in their last year of Walk-Trot, Youth 13 & Under and Youth 18 & Under, and for Green classes.
  • If you were eligible on January 1, 2020, then your eligibility will continue through 2021 without penalty.
• Providing virtual showing opportunities from APHA E-Shows and select other virtual show platforms to count for credit trough APHA’s Paint Alternative Competition program
  • This allows participating Paint Horses to earn APHA performance records
• Modifying the requirements for Regional Club eligibility, due to limitations they might encounter due to event restrictions in 2020 due to COVID-19.

“The APHA Board of Directors carefully considered our options and ultimately passed the 2020 Stimulus Plan in an effort to help preserve the health of the Paint Horse market now and in the future,” APHA President Casey West said. “Our missing is to promote, preserve and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses, and therefore it’s critical that we take swift action to keep APHA and the Paint Horse market as robust as possible during this economic recession, so we emerge as a stronger, healthier organization on the other side.”