Meet the Board: Karen Banister
Karen Banister has been involved with APHA for 40 years, but her fondness for Paint Horses starts well before that. Elected to the APHA Board of Directors in 2024, Karen calls herself a Swiss Army knife, offering varied perspectives that help shape decision making. From navigating the storied career of her APHA Hall of Fame stallion Sacred Indian to roles as a breeder, trainer, coach, exhibitor, judge, parent and volunteer, the horsewoman from Brighton, Colorado, has a unique perspective about where APHA came from, where it’s heading and how to make it even stronger for everyone.
A Colorful Journey
“I’ve been involved with the APHA since about 1975, when our family purchased as sorrel tobiano mare named Party Silk for my older sister, Julie. My parents never wanted us to compete against each other, so off I went showing in the AHSA hunters and jumpers. We both had been raised in a riding academy atmosphere, where all of the students were expected to learn stock seat, hunter seat and dressage and compete in all until you were able to select your favorite as a teenager. Our family began accumulating Paint Horses, and we also had my Thoroughbred for the over-fences.
“After graduating from college, I began ‘our’ family journey with Paint Horses with the purchase of an unnamed feral yearling colt later named Sacred Indian. I won a reserve world title in 1989; I became an APHA judge in 1993 and began attending APHA national meetings as a member. I was interested in the rule process as a way of improving our opportunities as a breed to become stronger and relevant in the horse industry. I have been a breeder, stallion owner, trainer, showman, judge, parent of a Youth, grandparent of Youth, local board officer, state director and, now, board member.
“Our family, when I was young, enjoyed the atmosphere, family values and life-long friendships—the love of the people for their beautiful and unique horses because we shared those beliefs. I wanted to raise my family under that same umbrella and do my part to have that opportunity for others to have the same chance in their lives.”
Stepping Up
“I became involved as a state director because I had been involved as a member going to committee meetings. I quickly realized … you can’t make a difference if you don’t get involved.”
BOD Realities
“The best thing about being part of the Board of Directors is the opportunity to be in a front-row seat to see and help develop strategies that propel the association forward into a stronger base and hopeful future. The Board of Directors we have is passionate about working for the breeders and owners to support progress and strength for the future of our horses.
“The biggest misconception is that the Board of Directors spends most of its time trying to manage the rules and rule changes. My personal perception was changed when I realized that the overarching guidance and expectation is that, unless the Board of Directors knows a rule will have a clear danger of a significant poor financial impact or legal danger to the association, we cannot act but instead rely on the state directors to have the insight, passion and willingness to investigate and stop poor or damaging proposals.
A Swiss-Army Knife
“I feel our board is a unique and well-balanced group that represents the majority of the membership. Personally, I feel I’m the Swiss Army Knife—I’ve been involved a very long time and bring real stories to real reasons that rules were made, not advanced or changed because of real situations. I am the Swiss Army Knife because I’ve served in so many roles, and the lens I look through has to change many times with what is presented. Owner, trainer, breeder, judge—that’s a lot of angles to look at an issue, rule or situation.”
Exciting Times Ahead
“I’m excited about helping bring incentives to the breeders and owners that reward showing Paint Horses and an extra bump for the chrome.”
Karen’s Advice
“If you want a future in and for this association, you have to be willing to lead, follow or cheer loudly with your checkbook. Do what you can do best!
“Serving is the best way to create a great future for our association. If you are interested in the best outcome, then invest yourself. It’s priceless!”
Top photo by Dawson 2010, courtesy Karen Banister
##
[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted. Please credit the Paint Horse Journal and provide a link provided back to apha.com.]
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.