APHA’s popular Paint Horse Championships kick off 2016 at the APHA Zone 9 Southern Classic February 19–21 in Jacksonville, Florida. Bigger and better than ever, exhibitors will have more options than ever before at this year’s event.

The Paint Horse Championship series was created to increase local show participation and recognize another group of exhibitors beyond the current show format. This is an optional program, and show management determines the classes they wish to offer at their events, based on the interests of the area’s exhibitors.

APHA sponsors awards for up to 15 classes at each Paint Horse Championship show, consisting of Gist Silversmiths championship buckles for class winners and second- through sixth-place medallions for each class. If additional championship classes are offered, the Zone will purchase the additional awards for these classes.  Each Zone also receives up to $3,500 in awards reimbursement from APHA when they host a Paint Horse Championship.

The 2016 Southeast Paint Horse Championship is open to horses and exhibitors from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina—check out full eligibility details online. Southeast Paint Horse Championship classes include:

• Amateur Halter Geldings
• Amateur Halter Mares
• Open Hunter Under Saddle
• Open Western Pleasure
• Open Trail
• Amateur Showmanship
• Amateur Hunter Under Saddle
• Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation
• Amateur Western Pleasure
• Amateur Western Horsemanship
• Youth Showmanship
• Youth Hunter Under Saddle
• Youth Hunt Seat Equitation
• Youth Western Pleasure
• Youth Western Horsemanship

In order to compete in the Paint Horse Championship classes, both horse and exhibitor need to meet the following eligibility requirements. Check out the updated 2016 eligibility rules for all championship shows here.

For more information about the show, visit the Zone 9 website. To learn more about APHA’s Paint Horse Championships, email showing@apha.com.

About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international 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.