Carolina, Southwest Washington & New England honored as 2025 Clubs of Distinction
The APHA Club of Distinction award recognize clubs that make outstanding contributions to the Paint Horse community, and this year, three deserving clubs are being honored. The Carolina Paint Horse Club, Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club and New England Paint Horse Club demonstrated the most growth overall in 2024 and are being honored by APHA.
2025 Clubs of Distinction
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Gold Star: Carolina Paint Horse Club
The Carolina Paint Horse Club demonstrated 886% growth in 2024. That included 397% increase in entries, 234% increase in total unique horses at their events, and 255% growth in exhibitors at their events.
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Silver Star: Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club
The Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club had 464% growth in 2024. That included 147% growth in entries, 167% increase in total horses and 150% increase in exhibitors.
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Bronze Star: New England Paint Horse Club
The New England Paint Horse Club had 238% total growth. That included 152% increase in entries, 43% growth in horses, and 43% growth in exhibitors. They also earned extra points for hosting activities that aligned with the APHA Strategic Plan pillars.
To be eligible for awards, clubs must have submitted required materials to APHA by March 1. APHA reviewed data to calculate the total number of unique horses, exhibitors and entries at club shows and trail rides during the past year. Additional weighted points were awarded based on active Youth engagement, public engagement and collaboration with other organizations, based on submitted materials.
The three 2025 APHA Clubs of Distinction each receive a gift card to the PH Barn Door: the Gold Star winner receives a $750 gift card, the Silver Star winner receives a $500 gift card, and the Bronze Star winner receives a $250 gift card. Each club winner also receives a free ad in the Paint Horse Journal, free hospitality cart recognition at the APHA World Championship Show or Halter Million, an official award seal for marketing purposes and other recognition perks.
Celebrate
Join us in honoring these outstanding clubs and more at the 2025 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony, taking place June 26 at 6 p.m. in the Round Up Inn in the Amon Carter Building at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The ceremony takes place in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show.
2025 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration
June 26, 2025
Round Up Inn, Will Rogers Memorial Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Tickets are available online at apha.com/foundation.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. It’s registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.