The American Paint Horse Association’s (APHA) annual convention and membership meeting concluded recently in Colorado Springs, CO, where 107 leaders of the association met to elect the group’s executive committee, decide on rule change proposals and work within committees to continue to advance the popular horse breed organization.

APHA’s newly elected executive committee now includes:
• President Linda Vance, Winlock, WA
• President-elect Dr. Travis Titlow, Lincoln, CA
• Vice President Scot Jackson, Stephenville, TX
• Senior Committee Member Gregg Reisinger, Eldora, IA
• Fifth Committee Member Mary Parrott, Ruston, LA
• Sixth Committee Member Ron Shelly, Georgetown, TX
• Immediate Past President John Corbin, Colorado Springs, CO

Rule Changes
In other action, APHA directors voted on legislation that specifically addressed the issue of adjusting the reference points for white markings on the face and legs of American Paint Horses in its Regular Registry to streamline the registration process. The directors voted to pass these rule changes. Another rule change presented and passed dealt with International Appendix Registration. This change provides for a provision for Paint Horses in international countries that do not have an international studbook. For more information on these rule changes, go to www.apha.com/forms/rulebooks.html.

Regional Clubs Recognized
Also during the convention, APHA took time to recognize several of its exemplary regional clubs. Select clubs were awarded “Gold Star” and “Clubs of Distinction” status. Gold Star Clubs excel in their service to members by hosting fundraising activities, benefits, social gatherings, youth activities and special promotions. They are also involved in community service.

This year’s award-winning Gold Star Club recipients included:
• Northern Michigan Paint Horse Club
• Oklahoma Paint Horse Club

Clubs of Distinction honors were awarded to five clubs selected from among new and existing Gold Star Clubs. Three clubs earned Clubs of Distinction Honorable Mention.

Clubs of Distinction award-winners included:
• Arizona Paint Horse Club
• Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club
• Indiana Paint Horse Club
• Oklahoma Paint Horse Club
• Washington State Paint Horse Club

Honorable mention clubs included:
• Green Country Paint Horse Club
• New England Paint Horse Club
• Ranier Paint Horse Club

A Legend in his Own Time
Pat Mullins of Bumpass, VA, was awarded the APHA Legendary Achievement Award for his contributions to the Paint Horse industry worldwide. Mullins was honored for his work with APHA as well as the American Junior Paint Horse Association and the American Paint Horse Foundation. He has freely given years of dedicated service to those organizations and others that support this industry.

The Greater Good
The American Paint Horse Foundation, regarded as “The Heart of APHA,” capitalized on the association’s annual convention to network with its national and international directors from around the world by hosting two successful events during the three-day convention. The events included a “Vaquero Gran Gala” and an “American Paint Horse Freedom Ride.”

The Gran Gala included therapeutic riding demonstrations, dinner, a lively Mariachi band, as well as live and silent auctions. More than $15,000 was raised. The America Paint Horse Freedom Ride, held at the U.S. Air Force Academy, attracted more than 80 riders and offered APHA members the chance to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery atop their American Paint Horses while also showing support for our troops. Foundation funds benefit therapeutic riding programs, the APHA college scholarship program, equine research and help to preserve the heritage of the American Paint Horse.

APHA’s next annual Convention will be held September 30-October 2, 2010, in Nashville, TN

More about the American Paint Horse Association
Since APHA was founded 47 years ago, it has registered nearly 1 million American Paint Horses at a rate of around 30,000 horses per year. The Association currently serves approximately 83,000 active members in 40 nations and territories. APHA works not only to record Paint Horse pedigrees, but also to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paint Horses.

For more information about APHA and becoming a member, contact the Association at (817) 834-2742, or visit www.apha.com.