FORT WORTH, Texas—The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has formed a partnership with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) to offer more payout opportunities and recognition for members in both organizations who compete in reining competitions on American Paint Horses.

Through the partnership, APHA will be adding another division to its “Paint Preferred” incentive program, in addition to the $10,000 already paid through its Gelding Plus program, to Paint Horse owners who compete at select NRHA events.

“We are proud to announce the initiation of a strategic marketing alliance with APHA,” said NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall. “This agreement further solidifies our ongoing efforts to promote Reining and the American Paint Horse.

“NRHA and APHA members can look forward to competing for nearly $100,000 in APHA performance incentive funds,” Wall said. “It will truly pay to ride a Paint.”

APHA Executive Secretary Jim Kelley agreed that riding a Paint will pay off in big dividends for talented reiners. “Our members have a reputation for proving that Paint horses in both our Regular and Breeding Stock Registries have exceptional abilities in the reining arena. We want to reward them for their efforts as they continue to show that when it comes to performance, athletic ability and intelligence, American Paint Horses are second to none.”

At the 2004 NRHA Futurity, which will be held Nov. 25–Dec. 4 in Oklahoma City, APHA will pay $2,500 to the owner of each of the highest-advancing Paint Horses in the Open and Non Pro divisions.

Then, starting in 2005 at the NRHA Derby, which will be held May 16–21, in Oklahoma City, APHA will pay $2,500 to the owner of the highest-advancing Paint Horse in the Open division and another $2,500 in the Non Pro division. Also in 2005, APHA will pay out bonus money to owners whose Paint Horses finish in the Top 10 in 8 different NRHA award categories. If the year-end World Champion is a Paint Horse, $2,500 will be paid to the owner. Additionally, $1,500 would be paid to the Reserve World Champion and $500 to any Top 10 finishers.

The new partnership with NRHA was created to reward Paint Horse owners who compete outside the APHA show ring. Unlike another successful APHA incentive program, Gelding Plus, there is no restriction on the gender of the horses competing.

For the past three years, APHA has contributed $5,000 to the owners of the highest-advancing Paint Horses in the Open and Non Pro divisions at the NRHA Futurity, with a total payout of $10,000. This program is still offered.

Besides benefiting owners and members, promotional benefits will be offered with the new partnership. It will provide cross-promotion for both NRHA and APHA, and the two associations will share performance information on horses’ records.

“We are very excited to now recognize NRHA earnings on official APHA performance records,” Wall said. “This a tremendous marketing tool for breeders and owners within both associations.”

More information about NRHA
The National Reining Horse Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the Reining Horse. The association was formed in 1966 to encourage the showing of Reining Horses by providing worthwhile purses for which they can compete, by developing a standard method under which all reining contests can be conducted and by acting as a forum for their breeders and trainers.

NRHA has flourished during the past 10 years. From 1992-2003, NRHA grew from 4,281 members to 12,880 and from 156 NRHA-approved shows more than 500. In 1992, a total of $1.3 million was paid out in NRHA competition and in 2003 NRHA paid more than $6.7 million in competition purses.

For more information about NRHA, which is headquartered in Oklahoma City, visit nrha.com, or call (405) 946-7400.

About APHA and Paints
Since its founding 42 years ago, APHA has registered more than 784,000 horses. The association serves more than 108,000 members around the world.

APHA employs 155 people and has an operating budget of $15 million for activities worldwide.

Paint Horses are recognized for their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.

APHA’s mission has remained the same today as it did when its founders set the original long-term goals of the organization.

That mission is to:

• Collect, record and preserve pedigrees of American Paint Horses
• Oversee matters related to breeding and exhibition
• Create and maintain innovative programs that:
  • increase the value of American Paint Horses
  • enrich members’ experiences with their horses
• Promote American Paint Horses and preserve their history

For more information about the American Paint Horse and APHA, visit apha.com, or call (817) 834-2742, extension 788.