APHA’s regional clubs took the spotlight for several awards ceremonies at the 2015 APHA Convention, which took place February 27–March 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Gist Affiliate Awards
Three regional clubs—the Garden State, Australia and Missouri Paint Horse clubs—took home great incentive awards courtesy of APHA Corporate Partner Gist Silversmiths on February 27.
The Gist Affiliate Awards program awards a total of $5,000 in gift certificates for Gist products to regional clubs each year. All APHA regional clubs are eligible for one free entry via postcard annually. Clubs earn additional “entries” for the drawing by taking advantage of Gist’s award discount program—already eligible for substantial discounts on Gist retail merchandise that’s perfect for club and show awards, each club earns an additional entry for each $1,000 spent through Gist.
For the 2014 Gist Affiliate Awards program, the Garden State Paint Horse Club took home first prize, a $2,500 gift certificate from Gist. The Paint Horse Association of Australia won second and earned a $1,500 gift certificate. The Missouri Paint Horse Club was third, and they receive a $1,000 gift certificate.
Regional Club Sponsorship Awards
Regional clubs are the backbone of APHA, and five regional clubs are selected annually to receive cash awards. These sponsorships are designed to help clubs encourage participation, recruit new members, offer creative programs and enhance exhibitors’ experiences at regional club-sponsored shows. The $1,000 sponsorships are presented to selected clubs in two portions: half before their designated event, and half after they meet post-show submission requirements.
Presented March 1, the 2014 recipients are:
- Arizona Paint Horse Club
- Eastern Idaho Paint Horse Club
- Empire Paint Horse Club
- Inland Northwest Paint Horse Club
- Northern Michigan Paint Horse Club
President’s Clubs of Distinction & Gold Star Club Awards
Regional clubs’ continued excellence is recognized annually through the President’s Clubs of Distinction and Gold Star Club awards. The 2014 winners were recognized during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 1.
The Gold Star Club awards recognize clubs working to fulfill their mission as outlined in the APHA rulebook: “to advance the Paint Horse through the ideals of the national association, including good horsemanship and good sportsmanship.” Gold Star Clubs must fulfill certain requirements in order to be considered for the awards; once Gold Star Status has been attained, the club retains the honor until their five-year review. Honorees for 2014 include:
- Empire Paint Horse Club
- Kansas Paint Horse Association
- Oklahoma Paint Horse Club (renewal)
- Swiss Paint Horse Club
A complete list of Gold Star Clubs can be found here.
Gold Star Clubs are eligible to apply for the President’s Club of Distinction honor, which demonstrates their qualities as a premier APHA regional club. These groups provide outstanding service to and promotion of Paint Horses and their supporters through fundraisers, benefits, socials, Youth activities, community service and special activities. The 2014 recipients include:
- Arizona Paint Horse Club
- Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club
- Texas Paint Horse Club
- Virginia Paint Horse Club
- Washington Paint Horse Club
President’s Club of Distinction Honorable Mention recipients for 2014 include:
- New England Paint Horse Club
- Northern California Paint Horse Club
- Oklahoma Paint Horse Club
All regional Paint Horse clubs are encouraged to take advantage of these recognition programs. Find more details about them at clubs.apha.com.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.