Entries were up at the 2026 Halter Million, which took place September 27–October 3 in Fort Worth, Texas, and Paints truly left their marks. The competition awarded more than $1.5 million in cash and prizes over the seven-day competition. This year, overall entries grew by 4.5%.
As a collaboration between APHA and the World Conformation Horse Association, the Halter Million provides a centralized, inclusive all-breed championship to the halter world as well as Paint-specific opportunities. World championships were offered for APHA classes, APHA Breeders’ Futurity Gold & Platinum classes, WCHA Breeders’ Championship and WCHA Big Money all-breed futurities.
2026 Halter Million Highlights:
- 381 total horses
- 2,161 total entries
- 36 APHA world championship classes
- 20 Breeders’ Futurity classes
- 41 WCHA classes
- 36 Platinum Breeders’ Futurity participating sires
- $317,105 payout in Platinum Breeders’ Futurity classes
- $117,152 payout in Gold Breeders’ Futurity classes
- $6,250 payout in Youth world championship class scholarships
- $22,994 payout in APHA jackpot classes
- $20,000 payout in the APHA/Breeders Halter Futurity Bonus
- $920,000 payout in WCHA classes
- 131 APHA horseIQ Collegiate & Youth Judging Contest contestants
Article by Makenna Batchelder
##
[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted. Please credit the Paint Horse Journal and provide a link to apha.com.]
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering 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.