American Paint Horse Association
offers more than $100,000 in incentives
at National Snaffle Bit Association events

FORT WORTH, Texas—The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) formed a partnership recently with the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) to offer more payout opportunities and recognition for members in both organizations.

Through the partnership, APHA will be adding another division to its “Paint Preferred” incentive program, in addition to the $20,000 already paid through its Gelding Plus program, to Paint Horse owners who compete in select NSBA events held across the country. The money, which will total more than $100,000 in 2005, will be presented to APHA members whose American Paint Horses win or place the highest among other Paints at select NSBA competitions.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for both associations,” said NSBA Executive Director Barb Turner. “It brings to the table an enormous opportunity for us with new membership and stronger participation.”

APHA Executive Secretary Jim Kelley agreed, adding, “It’s a great way to recognize our members who show both Regular and Breeding Stock Registry Paint Horses in other association disciplines—so it’s a win-win situation.

“It’s a nice fringe benefit and a great way to focus and highlight Paint Horses’ abilities, athleticism and talents. In turn, they are recognized for their success in outside competition.”

Many doors will open and opportunities will be offered with the new partnership. It will provide cross-promotion for both NSBA and APHA, and the two associations will share performance information on horses’ records.

One of these opportunities will benefit Paint Horse owners who do well in NSBA-competition.

Starting in 2005 at the NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity, which will be held August 25–28, APHA will pay $2,500 for the highest-advancing Paint Horse in the open division of the 3-year-old Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle classes and another $2,500 in the non-pro division of those same classes. Also in 2005, APHA will pay out bonus money to owners whose Paint Horses finish in the Top 10 in 12 different NSBA award categories. If the high-point year-end winner is a Paint Horse, $2,500 would be paid to the owner. Additionally, $1,500 would be paid to the reserve high-point earner and $500 to any Top 10 high-point finishers.

The new partnership with NSBA 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 four classes at select NSBA futurities, with a total payout of $60,000. This program is still offered.

“I’m very excited because there is such strength in the Paint Horse breed,” Turner said. “Paint Preferred is brilliant because it covers every aspect. Paints have another place to compete, increasing the value of well-bred horses. I feel really excited to be a part of this opportunity for our members.”

More information about NSBA
As of March 2004, more than 20 percent of NSBA’s official judges were also official APHA judges. In 2003, Paint Horses earned $188,584 competing in NSBA-approved events. In 2003, 10 percent of the shows approved by NSBA were APHA-sanctioned, including Paint Horse Congress, which was held October 15–18 in Wichita, Kansas, and the World Championship Paint Horse Show, held June 22–July 5 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The purpose of the National Snaffle Bit Association is to define, promote and improve the quality of the Pleasure horse; to promote exhibits, events and contests in expositions and shows; to promote the training of Pleasure horses; to promote interest in Pleasure horses among the younger horsemen and to use and encourage the use of the standard rules for holding and judging contests of the Pleasure horse.

All horses must be registered with a breed association that is recognized by the NSBA to be eligible for NSBA points. Owner and rider must be members, in good standing, of the NSBA to be eligible for trophy and awards programs. Having experienced a successful beginning in 1983, and based on the interest and response throughout the entire country, the NSBA is projecting unprecedented growth figures in participants, events and award purses.

For more information about NSBA, which is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, visit www.nsba.com, or call (918) 270-1469.

About APHA and Paints
Since its founding 42 years ago, APHA has registered more than 784,000 horses. The association serves more than 107,000 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 www.apha.com, or call (817) 834-2742, extension 788.