APHA’s popular Paint Horse Championship events are back for 2018 with some new modifications that will help increase participation and provide national recognition to exhibitors who primarily show on a regional level.

New for 2018:

• The Paint Horse Championship must take place at a 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-judge show within the host zone.
  • The event cannot take place at a Zone show. (exception: Zones 10, 11 and 12)
• Exhibitors’ eligibility criteria has been modified:
  • Halter exhibitors cannot have placed in the Top Five in a halter class at the APHA World Championship Show within the last 10 years (2009–2018) or won a Paint Horse Championship halter class the previous year.
  • Performance exhibitors cannot have placed in the Top 10 in a performance class at the APHA World Championship Show within the last 10 years (2009–2018) or won a Paint Horse Championship halter class the previous year.
• Horse eligibility restrictions based on past World Show performances have been eliminated.
• Paint Horse Championship entry fees cannot exceed $20 per class

Read the full 2018 Paint Horse Championship criteria here.

As part of the Paint Horse Championship format, APHA will sponsor awards for up to 15 classes per show; selected events are at the discretion of show management. Awards include a Gist championship buckle and 2^nd-6^th place medallions for each class, valued at $3,500. Shows may offer additional Paint Horse Championship classes and purchase the additional awards for these classes from APHA.

“This is a great opportunity for APHA members who might not be able to participate in the APHA World Championship Shows,” Director of Shows Amanda Cormack. “Through this program, our goal is to be able to reach those individuals and recognize them for their excellence in the show pen with their Paint Horses.”