Meet the Board: Monika Hagen
A lifetime member since the early 1990s, Monika Hagen is a European powerhouse making a global impact on the Paint Horse community. A breeder, trainer and exhibitor, Monika runs a family-owned farm with her husband, Georg and their children in Haldenwang, Germany. She’s bred more than 130 Paints and imported around 500 more Paints and Quarter Horses into Europe over the last 35 years.
Always a Fan
“When I began riding in the late 1960s, there was no opportunity to ride Western in Germany, so I started out riding English. Even back then, however, I was a fan of Western horses and the Western lifestyle. I bought my first Quarter Horse mare in 1979. At that time, there were approximately 500 Quarter Horses in Germany and no Paint Horses. In 1995, our first imported Paint stallion arrived in Frankfurt, and I was immediately hooked on Paint Horses. They are the most versatile, good-minded horses—and so unmistakably unique. I love all the different colors.
Global Impact
“I began my leadership involvement in 1999 as chair of Paint Horse Club Germany. For the first 10 years, I served at the regional level, then several years on the PHCG board, and finally as president for three years. During that time, I was responsible for the Bavarian Paint Horse Championship and organized, for several years, the largest Paint Horse show outside the U.S.—the European Paint Horse Championship.
“From 2015 to 2020, I served as chair of APHA’s International Advisory Committee and then as a member of the Breed Integrity Advisory Committee. Since 2014, I have attended the APHA Convention annually, and I was elected to the Board of Directors in 2021.
The three most rewarding moments of my APHA journey were receiving the Distinguished Service Award—completely unexpectedly—in 2020; being elected in 2021 as the first European to the APHA Board of Directors; and being re-elected in 2024. I am still proud and grateful to have board friends who share the same passion for giving back to the association, as well as for the many friendships I have made all over the world.”
Seeing the Big Picture
“The best part of serving on the board is being able to see the big picture of the association and, thanks to the diverse talents and skills of all board members, truly exploring many possibilities. It is important to think outside the box and consider new ideas. The recently launched Paynt Points program and the Color Bonus are two good examples of this.
“APHA is the most innovative equine association of our time. Its continued improvements are driven by courageous, forward-thinking people with real expertise, and that excites me for the future.
“I love the international side of APHA—it’s wonderful to see how popular Paint Horses have become outside North America. I’m also proud of how successful the APHA Youth World Games have become. And I have to say, Irene Stamatelakys and former [Executive Director] Billy Smith have been so important in my leadership journey—they really helped me grow as a board member.”
Leading the Herd
“From my experience, I can only say if you have good ideas or want to support the APHA community, don’t hesitate—come and join us! If you disagree with certain decisions or would prefer alternative solutions, join one of the advisory committees and help shape the best path for our association.
“APHA functions like a well-oiled machine when members, state directors, advisory committees, dedicated employees and the board all work together. Come and support us in this important endeavor—you can make a real difference!”
Photo courtesy Monika Hagen
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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.