APHA’s 2009 Annual Report presents the year in review utilizing innovative page display technology

In 2009, APHA served more than 75,000 active members around the world. To accommodate this active list of members, APHA approved more than 1,100 shows around the world last year, with more than 368,000 entries logged. APHA’s World Championship Show Series, established in 2009, and held in Fort Worth, Texas, featured more than 3,800 entries. Nearly 1,500 horses competed in the two World Championship Shows, one held in June and the other in November.

These facts, figures and more can be found in the new APHA 2009 Annual Report, available on-line at www.apha.com/association. This year, the digital edition of the 2009 Annual Report is presented using a state-of-the-art page display technology and includes everything typically found in the printed version of an annual report including numbered pages, table of contents, two-page spreads, pictures and graphics. The pages are displayed the same way a reader would see them in a bound publication. The digital edition features controls that “turn” the page on the screen, so readers will feel they are flipping through a printed version of the report. This eco-friendly option both reduces cost and lowers the environmental impact.

The report also highlights major achievements of American Paint Horses and APHA members in 2009:

Three horses—Cookin Merada, Zezes Pepto Cat and One Smoking Chic—took top honors with the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) during the February Fort Dodge Animal Health Celebration of Champions.

Darlins Not Painted was piloted by Tom McCutcheon to win the FEI World Equestrian Games Kentucky Cup Reining individual final against other top horses and riders from around the world.

For the second time in history, a Paint won the NRHA Open Futurity in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Top NRHA rider Shawn Flarida rode Gunnatrashya, a 3-year-old Paint stallion, to victory earning $125,000 in prize money.

The 2009 AjPHA Youth President Banks Ready developed the most successful presidential service project in Association history. His project, Painted Dreams, established in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raised $100,000.

APHA judge Duke Neff was given the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the promotion and development of the American Paint Horse breed and Association as well as his contributions to regional clubs and youth over the many years he has judged and mentored.

APHA executive director Lex Smurthwaite attributed the popularity of the Association in large part to dedicated Paint Horse owners and members who continue, even in uncertain economic times, to showcase the breed's talent and versatility.

"We salute everyone who enjoyed their Paint Horses last year," said Smurthwaite. "Paint Horses and the people who own them are the Association’s best ambassadors."

More about APHA
Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 30,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 981,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 48 years ago, and serves approximately 75,000 active members around the world. APHA, a non-profit organization, prides itself on community involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed. Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the Association’s website at apha.com or call (817) 834-APHA (2742).