The American Paint Horse Association is heading to the Spanish coast. The 2027 European Show Seminar takes place January 22–24 at the Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa in Sitges, just south of Barcelona.
Presented by APHA in partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association, this year’s seminar carries the theme “Stronger Together,” bringing judges, exhibitors, trainers, youth and affiliate leaders from across Europe’s Western horse community under one roof for education, collaboration and connection at the start of the show season.
The four-star Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa sits directly on Sitges’ seafront promenade, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Barcelona–El Prat Airport. Attendees can expect sea views, an on-site spa and wellness area, and the hotel’s beachfront Acqua Beach Club, all within walking distance of Sitges’ town center.
The seminar schedule will once again feature specialized educational tracks for judges, exhibitors, show managers, club leaders, youth and reining/cow horse enthusiasts, with expert-led sessions on professional development, industry updates and practical tools attendees can take home and apply right away. A Ranch Horse Day, welcome receptions and a Saturday evening gala round out the weekend’s networking and social opportunities.
Online registration is open now.
Early registration rates are available through December 21, 2026; rates increase 25% beginning December 22, with a final deadline of January 7, 2027.
A discounted room rate for seminar attendees is available at the Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa.
The European Show Seminar continues its tradition of rotating locations across Europe. France will host the seminar January 21–23, 2028, and Germany hosts January 19–21, 2029, with judge applicant testing and recertification also offered at the 2029 event.
For more information, contact APHA International.
Article by Irene Stamatelakys
##
[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.