To compete at the APHA World Show, horses must qualify by participating at APHA-approved shows during the qualifying period, which runs August 1, 2014, to July 31, 2015. APHA qualifying is strictly participation-based and is required for the horse only. Most horses must compete at a minimum of four different APHA-approved show events with at least eight judges during the qualifying period, though exceptions do exist for certain events. Read the full qualifying requirements here.

Modification for the 2015 requirements include:

• Horses competing only in designated specialty disciplines must compete at two different APHA-approved shows with no minimum judge requirements during the qualifying period. Specialty disciplines include cutting, working cow horse, ranch sorting, roping, goat tying, speed events and over-fences (except hunter hack).
• To qualify to compete in Amateur Walk-Trot classes at the World Show, exhibitors must hold a current Amateur Walk-Trot card prior to July 31 of the World Show year. If a current Amateur Walk-Trot card has not been held prior to July 31 of the World Show year, the exhibitor may apply for one at the World Show if the following conditions apply:
  • The exhibitor may not have earned any points in performance classes (Open and/or Amateur) with APHA or any other recognized association during the current calendar year. Halter and in-hand classes do not count against eligibility.
• 4-year-old speed event horses are not required to qualify to compete at the APHA World Show.

At no time will the number of points or lack thereof be considered for qualification. Participation at APHA-approved shows is the only basis for qualification. Full qualification requirements are outlined at oawcs.apha.com. Qualifying is not required to compete at the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show, which takes place June 26-July 4 with the NSBA Color of Money June 23-25.

To verify if your horse is qualified for the World Show, please check the oawcs.apha.com website and click on “Qualifiers” on the bottom right of the menu.

Additional questions about the participation-based World Show qualifying can be directed to the APHA MemberCare Department at (817) 834-2742, extension 778.

About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.