The Official APHA Rule Book is your definitive guide to rules and regulations for the American Paint Horse Association. It’s updated annually with guidance from staff, the Board of Directors, state directors and APHA Advisory Committees.
It contains the APHA by-laws, rules for APHA participation, registration procedures, competition regulations, awards criteria and much more. The rule book is a compilation of all facets of APHA governance and participation.
The online version reflects the most up-to-date version of rules and fees, and it supersedes all previous editions.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on Regular Registry eligibility, show rule clarification or equipment standards, the APHA Rule Book provides guidance, serving as a reference for all members of the APHA community.
Please review the Bylaw Policy document (as of 8/11/2022) for policies related to the APHA Bylaws.
Rule change proposals are submitted annually by October 1. Proposals that are submitted in 2026 will be considered at the 2027 APHA Leadership Gathering for possible inclusion in the 2028 Official APHA Rule Book.
Want to suggest a rule change? Use the Recommendation for Rule Book Change form— complete it in full and email the Word document file to Allyson Pennington by October 1.
Complete rule change proposal submissions are presented to the appropriate advisory committee(s) and included on the APHA website for review and consideration. Rules change proposals submitted without sufficient documentation and justifications will not be considered.