Setting the Record Straight: What the 2025 APHA Racing Rule Change Really Means

By Wenona Jones

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the recently adopted APHA racing rule change RA-000 has stirred up plenty of conversation in the racing community—and plenty of confusion. Some are worried that Paint racing is being diluted, others believe this opens the door to breed-flipping between Quarter Horses and Paints from one race to the next. Neither is true.

This article is here to clarify what this rule change is, what it isn’t and why it matters.

What’s Changing—and Why

First and foremost, this rule change was driven by necessity. The number of Paint Horses eligible for APHA stakes races has been declining at an unsustainable pace. If nothing changed, there simply wouldn’t be enough eligible horses to support the future of Paint Horse racing. Racing had to adapt to remain viable. RA-000 was approved by a vote of state directors at the 2025 APHA Leadership Gathering.

This rule is about survival and sustainability of the breed—not about watering down the industry.

Effective January 1, 2026, horses must meet the following criteria to be eligible for APHA stakes races:

• Have at least one APHA Regular Registry Paint Horse in the 1st generation of their pedigree.

This allows more Paint-bred horses—who were previously excluded despite their pedigree and potential—to participate. It aligns with APHA’s 2024–2026 Strategic Plan to simplify rules, increase participation, and enhance the breeder and owner experience.

Clearing Up Misconceptions

Let’s clarify a few misunderstandings:

• No, you can’t “flip-flop” between running as a Quarter Horse one race and a Paint Horse the next. Trainers will make a commitment at entry time based on track-specific rules or stakes conditions. Once in the race, no breed “flip-flopping” applies within that race’s classification.
• This is not a shift away from color or Paint identity. It’s a way to include valuable horses who meet the pedigree criteria but might not display excessive white, ensuring our breed remains competitive. It’s about honoring the Paint Horse’s athleticism—color or not—and giving more quality horses the opportunity to race under the APHA flag.
• This rule protects—not weakens—the Paint racing industry.  The rule allows us to keep older, well-bred horses competitive and relevant and helps keep Paint horses in the racing spotlight.

Why It Matters

The intent is simple: to sustain and grow the Paint racing community by making it possible for more eligible, Paint-bred horses to participate—especially older horses that would otherwise be sidelined. It’s not about chasing speed at the expense of color. It’s about ensuring we have enough athletes to keep the gate full and the industry healthy. It might not feel ideal to all, but it is necessary if we want to continue seeing Paint Horses in the starting gates years from now. This rule supports breeders, owners and trainers who are committed to Paint racing by widening the field while still protecting breed integrity.

Change often comes with questions and some initial pushback. That’s why open communication and accurate information are key. If you’re unsure how this impacts your program or your horses, reach out to the Racing Committee. We are here to support, explain and work together to build a better future for Paint racing.

Together, we can protect what we love by being informed, respectful and forward-thinking. We all have one goal: preserve and grow the Paint Horse racing industry.