APHA creates new European affairs position

FORT WORTH-The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has announced the appointment of Markus Rensing to fill its newly created European affairs position. As director of European affairs, Rensing, who lives in Nordenau, Germany, will assist APHA with youth and amateur activities, special events, shows, color inspections, registration applications and transfers of ownership throughout Europe.

Rensing brings a strong background and a wealth of experience to the position. He holds a degree in agriculture, as well as a master's degree in equine science, with an emphasis on horse care and breeding. Rensing, who has been breeding horses for more than 20 years, recently worked with APHA on the European Judges seminar and is an approved APHA color inspector. He is also active in the Deutschland Quarter Horse Association (DQHA).

"Markus has great communications skills both in English and German," said Lex Smurthwaite, APHA international affairs director. "His people skills and his knowledge of horses and industry issues will be great assets for APHA."

"I am looking forward to assisting APHA with the Paint Horse activity in Europe," Rensing said. "I think the recent growth in Europe is something Europeans can be very proud of."

The APHA was formed in 1962 with approximately 3,800 horses in the registry. Today, more than 562,000 Paints are registered with the association. Now more than 84,000 members strong, the APHA strives to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paints.

The APHA maintains regional clubs in countries throughout the world, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

More than 2,000 APHA members support the breed in Europe, with members in Germany numbering more than 1,000. APHA-approved shows in Europe increased from only 17 in 1994 to more than 60 in 1999, a testimony to the growing popularity of the American Paint Horse.

Excited about the future of the breed in Europe, the American Paint Horse Association is increasing its commitment to serve and inform its international members.