Meet the APHA Board: Mike Holloway
A banking professional, Mike Holloway of Brandon, Mississippi, found his way to horses as an adult—the cowboy calling couldn’t be denied, and Mike answered. Paint Horses and APHA were part of Mike’s story from the very beginning. Learning as he went, Mike expanded from a one-horse show into a renowned breeding program. Club participation in Mississippi grew into regional and national leadership roles, too. A breeder since 1991, Mike’s program has produced over 100 APHA foals. He has owned and stood a number of stallions, including world champion sire Mackenzies Gallant Jet and APHA Hall of Fame inductee Ima Gallant Jet. Mike is APHA’s president-elect and will take the reins as president in March 2026.
On how he got involved with horses—and why it was Paints from the very beginning:
“I didn’t connect with horses until later in life. It all started in my late 30s, when I struck up a friendship with Chip—a contractor remodeling my bank’s data center. Chip was the quintessential cowboy: drove a black Ford F-350, played college football, had an easy charm and, of course, owned horses. Before long, I found myself owning one, too. Looking back, I’m glad my first was a Paint Horse—a tobiano mare sired by the legendary barrel racer Flit Bar (QH). At the time, none of that pedigree meant much to me. I rode her a few times, bred her to a local stallion and dabbled in halter showing with her foal. I kind of liked it. And that’s how it began: bought a horse, didn’t know what to do with it, bred it, showed the baby. Then I bred more, showed a few and eventually hired trainers. Four decades later, I’m still at it. What started as a casual friendship turned into a lifelong passion.”
On how regional involvement led to a spot on the APHA Board:
“As you might imagine, my leadership journey began at the local level. Though I live in the small state of Mississippi, it happens to be home to the Dixie Nationals—once one of the Top Five horse shows in the country during the 1970s and 1980s. At its peak, I was honored to be elected as a director and, eventually, president of the Mississippi Paint Horse Club. Being chosen by the membership was both exciting and deeply meaningful. Over time, I developed leadership experience locally and regionally. Combined with my professional background—many years in a leadership role at a large regional bank—I was seen as a strong candidate for a Board of Directors position with APHA. Several current and former board members encouraged me to put my name forward. I accepted the challenge and was ultimately elected by the state directors to serve as a member of the board.
“I’ve heard comments suggesting that board members lack horse knowledge or show experience. But experience comes in many forms. I invite you to take a closer look at the show records and equine backgrounds of our board members—you’ll find a wide range of expertise, dedication and passion for the industry.”
Shaping the future by listening closely:
“One of the most rewarding aspects of serving on a leadership team is the chance to shape the future. It’s not just about responding to challenges. It’s about setting direction, influencing culture and driving impact that extends far beyond any single role. We brought in experienced professionals to help translate our collective ideas into a cohesive strategic plan. Together, 12 highly talented individuals collaborated to chart a clear path forward—one designed to ensure the continued success of APHA and its members. Many may think that being on the board is about prestige—it’s not. It’s about caring for the mission and the people behind it. There is a whole lot of listening, supporting and building trust.”
From the bottom up:
“The most rewarding part of my APHA journey has been starting down a completely new path—one that challenged me physically, financially and emotionally. I began with nothing: no family legacy in horses, no property suited to my dreams and no real understanding of what I was asking of myself. But I kept going. Over time, I raised some incredible animals, built lasting relationships and earned the respect of people who had been in the game far longer than I had. I started out with a half-ton pickup and a two-horse bumper pull trailer—affectionately nicknamed the “ice cream truck” by my trainer. Today, I own multiple equine properties and care for 25 horses.
“Above all, the greatest reward has been sharing this adventure with my wife, Colleen. She’s been my partner through it all—tolerating the chaos, contributing more than her fair share and making the journey richer than I ever imagined.”
A team effort & an exciting future:
“What excites me most is the incredible team we’ve built. Our staff is exceptional—arguably the most dedicated in the industry. Dave, our CEO, may be new to the role, but he brings a deep understanding of our history and the challenges ahead. He’s not afraid to explore uncharted territory, balancing bold creativity with thoughtful caution. Our Board of Directors is remarkably diverse, with each member contributing unique strengths that position us to meet future challenges head-on. I’m also energized by the potential of our corporate office. It’s second to none, and we’ve only begun to tap into what it can become.
“I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built: the continued success of our rule changes, the launch of Paynt Points and the exciting developments still to come. Above all, I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering loyalty of our members—their support fuels everything we do.”
Why you should get involved:
“Serving as a leader within APHA is both an honor and an achievable goal. Just like I did, you can begin by getting involved with your local club—volunteering your time, sharing your ideas and helping the organization grow. It’s easy to doubt yourself, to think you’re not experienced or knowledgeable enough to take that next step. But I encourage you to take the leap. There will always be someone ready to support you, offer guidance and cheer you on. Reach out to current or former board members. Ask about their journey, challenges and advice. Most are happy to share and support new leaders. Understand the organization’s goals and values. Aligning your efforts with its mission will make your contributions more impactful and fulfilling.”
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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.