New APHA rules take effect January 1
Several new APHA rules take effect January 1, 2025; these were passed by elected APHA state directors at the 2024 APHA Leadership Gathering & Membership Meeting.
Among the changes are Article VIII, reorganization of international zones; AM-210, elimination of horse ownership requirements for Novice Amateur exhibitors at most APHA-approved shows; YP-085, which requires grand and reserve grand champion halter classes in the Youth division; and SC-325, which allows Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred Registry horses to compete together in all APHA-approved divisions and classes.
Original apha.com news story, featuring 2024 rule change proposal voting results
Summary of New APHA Rules in Effect January 1, 2025
- ARTICLE VIII—Zones 12, 13 and 14 were reorganized to better reflect growing international membership; changes include grouping Israel with Europe in Zone 12, combining Central and South America in Zone 13, and including all other countries in Zone 14.
- RG-100—Rule text was simplified for enhanced readability and comprehension.
- SC-020—Dressage and mounted shooting count toward all APHA perpetual awards.
- SC-055—Eliminates classification of shows; related APHA Champion award requirements for earning halter points in A- or B-classified shows was also eliminated.
- SC-090—The exception to mileage restrictions between same-date shows in different European countries was removed.
- SC-090-1—The method of submitting a show application and how to locate judges was updated.
- SC-095—Outdated language was removed regarding single classes for APHA points.
- SC-135—The outdated term “sifting” and language about arranging class placings was removed.
- SC-180—Exhibitor Group, Sire & Get, and Mare & Foal classes were removed.
- SC-192—Show producers may combine classes for 2-year-olds and yearlings at 1- or 2-judge shows in all zones.
- SC-246—The bronze horse medal in EWU (Erste Westernreiter Union) was removed from the eligibility exclusion list for Green classes.
- SC-302-2—The international exception that prevents crossover between ranch pleasure and Western pleasure at the same show was removed.
- SC-325—Solid Paint-Bred showing divisions were eliminated. Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred Registry horses will compete and be awarded together. This allows solid Paint-bred horses to now compete in divisions like Novice Amateur and Novice Youth, which were not options under the previous rule.
- AM-020-1—A lessor and lessee may compete with the same horse in separate Amateur and/or Youth divisions at APHA-approved events in Zones 12, 13, and 14.
- AM-071—Rookie eligibility requirements were modified to permit those who have previously held a Youth or Amateur show card, but have not earned any equine association points, money or titles, to remain eligible for Rookie of the Year awards.
- AM-210—The requirement for Novice Amateur exhibitors to own the horse they are exhibiting at most approved shows was eliminated. Points earned will count only toward determining Novice Amateur eligibility and WILL NOT count toward APHA year-end awards. Ownership requirements for APHA-sponsored shows (i.e. World Show) remain unchanged.
- AM-245—The requirement to hold Novice classes prior to their corresponding Amateur or Youth class was removed.
- YP-075—One- and two-judge show exceptions regarding Youth 13 & Under classes were removed because these stand-alone shows no longer have minimum class requirements.
- YP-085—Shows are required to hold grand and reserve halter classes in the Youth division.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.