Explore our FAQs to find helpful insights and information
PHcentral.com is the American Paint Horse Association’s new online portal for APHA business. It’s faster, easier and often less expensive to submit work online via PHcentral.com than sending it to the APHA office for processing via digital submission or postal mail.
To get started, go to PHcentral.com. If you haven’t before used the site, click “Sign Up Now” and you can sign up—put in your APHA member ID number (even if it’s expired) and zip code to verify your account during sign up, so the system knows which member you are. If you don’t have an APHA member ID already, you’ll click the box that indicates you don’t have an APHA ID number and follow the prompts. Finally, click a verification link that is sent to your email. Then you can sign in normally using the email and password you set for the account.
Learn More: PHcentral
Nope. Each member account must use their own, unique email address when using PHcentral.com.
Learn More: PHcentral
The link will be sent to the email on file for that particular PHcentral.com account. First, check your spam or junk folders to see if it got filtered there. If you still don’t see it, contact our online team for help. Click the “help” button in the lower right corner, then press the magnifying glass. You’ll see the “ask” button appear at the top of that box—click that to send us a message.
Learn More: PHcentral
If you haven’t before used the site, click “Sign Up Now” and you can sign up. Put in your APHA member ID number and zip code to verify your account during sign up, so the system knows which member you are. Finally, click a verification link that will be sent to you via email. Then you can sign in normally using the email and password you set for the account.
If you have used the site before, but forget the password, you can use the “forgot password” button to have a link emailed to you that will allow you to reset it.
If you need more help, go to PHcentral.com and click the “help” button in the lower right corner. Click magnifying glass in the search bar, then press the “ask” button at the top of that box to send us our online team a message.
Learn More: PHcentral
If you don’t see options in the left sidebar under the “Registry” tab, then you probably don’t have an active APHA membership affiliated with the PHcentral.com account.
If your account has a membership connected, and it’s telling you to renew, you can click “APHA Membership” in the sidebar and then “renew.”
If you forgot to connect your account, reach out to our team for help connecting your account. Click the “help” button in the lower right corner of PHcentral.com, then press the magnifying glass. You’ll see the “ask” button appear at the top of that box—click that to send us our online team a message.
If you’re new to APHA and don’t yet have an APHA membership (including one from a long time ago), click “APHA membership” in the left sidebar and “My Membership” to start the Create Membership process.
Learn More: PHcentral
This most often occurs if you forgot to link your existing APHA membership to your PHcentral.com account when you signed up. Remember, only horses owned under the connected member account will display in the PHcentral.com profile. If you renewed your membership at a different site or with the APHA staff, it will take about 24 hours for the membership detail to update in the PHcentral.com system.
If you need further assistance, click the “help” button in the lower right corner at PHcentral.com, then press the magnifying glass. You’ll see the “ask” button appear at the top of that box—click that to send us a message.
Learn More: PHcentral
If you submitted the work through PHcentral.com, you can click “records” in your profile’s left sidebar and find the case in question. It will say “pending review,” “review” or “complete.” Any case labeled “open” has not been submitted yet.
Work submitted to the APHA office for processing via email, fax or postal mail cannot be viewed online. Contact MemberCare for a status update.
Learn More: PHcentral
Go to PHcentral.com and click the “help” button in the lower right corner, then press the magnifying glass. You’ll see the “ask” button appear at the top of that box—click that to send us our online team a message.
Learn More: PHcentral
We cannot modify an existing APHA membership in most cases. If you have an individual membership and want a joint or farm account (or vice versa), you will need to purchase a separate membership in the new member name.
Learn More: Membership
Contact MemberCare by email or phone and we can update that for you. Please provide your APHA member ID number, along with the old/new details so we can make sure the change is made correctly.
Learn More: Contact Us
Contact the accounting team by email and provide your member name and ID number with your request to be removed from auto-renewal. Or you can send our online team a message with your name, ID number and request for removal from auto-renew. Go to PHcentral.com and click the “help” button in the lower right corner, then press the magnifying glass. You’ll see the “ask” button appear at the top of that box—click that to send us our online team a message.
Learn More: PHcentral
Yes, we provide these things free of charge. The only thing we ask is that you pay for the shipping, which is built into the online form.
Registration at APHA can be done online by the owner of the dam at time of foaling or by the resulting foal owner. Either party is welcome to submit a completed registration application and required photos with payment via postal mail to APHA as well. Please choose only one submission method.
The applicable breeding report must be on file for the sire and list the dam of the foal, along with exposure dates and breeding method.
The sire owner must sign the registration application or can “release” the breeding on the breeding report to allow the registration to proceed without their signature on the application itself. The dam owner at time of foaling must sign the registration application.
Photos of the horse being registered (left side, right side, front and back) along with any closeups of qualifying minimal white markings with a ruler present should accompany the registration submission. Payment is required at time of submission. Register your horse online using PHcentral.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
Let’s check a couple of common reasons you might be “stuck” on your registration submission:
If you’re still stuck, click the “help” button in the lower right corner at PHcentral.com, then press the magnifying glass. You’ll see the “ask” button appear at the top of that box—click that to send us a message.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
The registration application, photos and payment detail must all be submitted together via one method of submission. Please register your horse online or submit all material via postal mail to APHA.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
To be eligible for APHA registration, the horse’s sire and dam must be known and registered with either APHA, AQHA or the Jockey Club. If the parent(s) are unknown or registered with a different breed than those listed above, the horse will not be eligible for APHA registration.
Learn More: Registration Guides
A horse can be registered with APHA at any age, so long as registration requirements are met.
Learn More: Registration Guides
APHA has policies in place to address limited situations where parental DNA is not on file for foal registration. In many cases, an on-file sample can be used to acquire the missing testing that might be required. If a parent is deceased before DNA testing is completed, submit a written statement explaining the situation to APHA with the foal registration materials, and the situation will be reviewed by the Registration Review Committee for advisement about how to proceed.
Learn More: Registration Guides
If your registered AQHA or Jockey Club horse has at least one parent that is dual-registered with APHA, your horse is eligible for APHA registration.
If your registered AQHA or Jockey Club horse doesn’t have at least one parent that is dual-registered with APHA, it might still be eligible for APHA registration based on its white markings. The horse must have 2” of solid white hair with some underlying unpigmented skin in the qualifying area—that’s basically above the center of the knees/hocks or behind a line on the face from the base of the ear to the outside corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth and under the chin.
If your horse meets that requirement, you can apply for APHA registration by completing the APHA registration application, providing the required registration photos (left side, right side, front and rear, along with any closeup photos of the qualifying area with and without a ruler), a copy of the horse’s AQHA/JC registration certificate (front and back) and payment for the fees. Parentage verification is required, and we’ll use those test results from AQHA/JC if available. Breeding related fees for the sire/dam must also be paid. If approved for registration, the horse must also have a color/pattern DNA test completed through APHA.
We don’t provide registration decisions outside of actual registration submission. If you feel like he meets the guidelines for registration, you can follow the steps above. If it’s determined that he doesn’t, all but an office processing fee will be refunded.
Learn More: Registration Guides, The Breed
If your horse’s sire or dam is registered with APHA, your foal can be registered with APHA too, provided the other parent is a registered Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred.
You will provide APHA with a registration application, filled out with the horse’s details; a copy of the horse’s AQHA registration papers, front and back (this is used for the signatures required on the registration application, as well as for creation of the applicable breeding records in our system); photos of the foal (left side, right side, front and rear) and payment for the applicable fees.
Learn More: Registration Guides
To be eligible for APHA registration, the horse’s sire and dam must be known and registered with either APHA, AQHA or the Jockey Club. If the parent(s) are unknown or registered with a different breed than those listed above, the horse will not be eligible for APHA registration.
Learn More: Registration Guides
Please contact the MemberCare team by phone or postal mail to reserve a name. You will need to pay the name change reservation fee and provide the name choice. A name reservation is good for 12 months. Remember, “soundalike” names are not accepted, even when spelled differently than an existing registered horse’s name.
Learn More: Contact Us
A breeder’s certificate is the same thing as a registration application. You can register the horse online using PHcentral or the printable application available on our Registration Guides page.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
If your horse is registered/transferred in your name, but your registration certificate hasn’t arrived (and it’s been at least 30 days since the horse’s registration was completed), you can request that the certificate be remailed. Fill out the Affidavit for Duplicate Certificate form and provide a copy of your photo ID (in lieu of notarization on that form). This will allow the certificate to be reprinted and remailed to you. No fees or photos of the horse are required if received within 12 months of the original registration or transfer date.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
Mark the error and return the original certificate to APHA for correction within 30 days of receipt. This must be sent by postal mail.
Learn More: Contact Us
If you’re the horse’s owner per APHA records, you can purchase a replacement copy of her registration certificate. You’ll need to fill out the Affidavit for Duplicate Certificate form and provide two current side-view photos of the horse (left and right), a copy of your photo ID (in lieu of notarization) and payment for the fees. This application available on our Registration Guides page.
Learn More: Registration Guides
DNA or photos alone generally cannot be used to uncover a horse’s identity. APHA did not require DNA testing on every horse as a function of registration until 2022, so most horses do not have a DNA profile on file with APHA, and that would be required in order to identify a horse by DNA testing. It’s much more helpful if you can provide at least some of the following information:
If you know any of that information, please contact MemberCare and we’ll be happy to take a look.
Learn More: Contact Us
Return the original certificate to APHA along with the “Request for Corrected Certificate” form. You can use that form to indicate what needs to be updated, and it outlines if a fee is required or not. Mail this material to APHA MemberCare. You’ll receive a new certificate when the update is made. This form available on our Registration Guides page.
If you only need to report a gelding date, please use the Gelding Report Form.
Learn More: Registration Guides
We’re sorry to hear about the loss of your horse. Please contact the MemberCare team and provide the horse’s registered name, registration number and date of death so we can update our records.
Learn More: Contact Us
Our computer system automatically lists a horse as deceased after age 25. If your over-25 Paint is still alive, just let our MemberCare team know and we can update our records. You will need to keep us updated annually so we can continue to “revive” the horse in our records.
Learn More: Contact Us
To be eligible for the Regular Registry, the horse must meet requirements outlined in one of three possible guidelines:
Learn More: The Breed
RG-070.E or the “genetics rule” is an option that allows some solid Paints the opportunity to advance to Regular Registry. To qualify, the horse must meet all of the following requirements:
Eligible horses will be classified in the Regular Registry with a pattern type of “overo,” “tobiano” or “tovero” based on their genetic profile.
RG-020.A.1.b or the “three-generation pedigree rule” is an option that allows some solid Paints the opportunity to advance to the Regular Registry. To qualify, the horse must meet all of the following requirements:
In most cases, the horse must first attempt registration under the RG-070.E rule and have color/pattern panel testing completed. Eligible horses will be classified in the Regular Registry with a pattern type of “solid.”
If your horse qualifies for a status change based on markings, RG-070.E or RG-020.A.1.b, return the original certificate to APHA with “registry change” marked on the back. Include the “Request for Corrected Certificate” form with the appropriate status change method marked, payment for the status change fee, and any applicable photos—that will include photos of the qualifying marking (with and without a ruler) OR photos of the Paint trait and DNA results (if applying via RG-070.E). A current membership for the owner is required to complete a status change. Once received, APHA staff will evaluate the horse for possible advancement to the Regular Registry. You can find printable forms at the bottom of The Breed page.
Learn More: The Breed
DNA tests for a registered horse can be ordered online on PHcentral or using the DNA Order Form available on the Registration Guides page. You will see options to select Genetic Typing, Genetic Health Panel, Color/Pattern Panel, or individual health or color/pattern tests.
A horse used for breeding must have their DNA Genetic Typing (without parentage verification) on file with APHA in order to complete the foal’s required parentage verification. Breeding stallions must also have their Genetic Health Panel testing results on file with APHA before foals born in 2019 and after can be registered. Color/Pattern panel testing is required for all horses being registered with APHA that have parents registered only with AQHA or the Jockey Club, and it’s also used to see if your horse can advance to Regular Registry when white markings on the horse’s coat are not enough to qualify alone.
For a foal being registered, the DNA testing must be ordered as part of the foal registration submission. You’ll see options for testing on the registration application and in the online registration procedure.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
Our partner labs are the University of California-Davis and Etalon Diagnostics.
We generally cannot accept test results from non-partner labs, though some special exceptions exist for European customers who have test results from their country’s government-required lab; inquire with MemberCare for details if you think that might apply.
Learn More: Contact Us
If the stallion has AQHA-performed disease testing already on file with that organization, we can often use the existing hair sample to acquire the OLWS test. You can contact MemberCare to order this, or order it online at PHcentral (but you’ll need to send a message through the site advising that the hair on file needs to be used for testing, so staff can help you execute that request).
Learn More: Contact Us
Breeding stallions must have their DNA genetic typing and Genetic Health Panel testing on file. The Genetic Health Panel testing specifically requires results for HYPP, HERDA, GBED, MH, PSSM1 and OLWS.
Testing for color, pattern and health conditions is optional for other horses.
Broodmares must have their DNA genetic typing on file with APHA in order to allow for parentage verification of foals. That can be ordered separately or as part of the foal registration process.
All foals require DNA parentage verification testing as part of the registration process. This is ordered as part of the registration process. Other testing, such as the Color/Pattern Panel or Genetic Health Panel, can be purchased at that time, but is optional.
Learn More: Registration Guides
If your horse’s parent does not have DNA testing on file with APHA and is deceased or unavailable for testing, you will need to apply for a waiver to the DNA requirement for that horse. Include a statement explaining the situation with the registration work you submit, including why testing is not possible. Include a photo of the foal with the dam at/near birth, if one is available. APHA’s MemberCare team will request review of the waiver by the Registration Review Committee. The foal will still have to complete parentage verification against the other parent in most cases.
Learn More: Contact Us
You won’t have to repeat the testing—we accept test results that were performed through AQHA or the Jockey Club. Make sure you provide a copy of the horse’s certificate showing the DNA testing information or a copy of the results, so we can long those. In the case of Jockey Club tests, you’ll need to provide a statement giving permission for the Jockey Club to release the DNA results to APHA for the horse in question.
To transfer ownership, you’ll need to have a signed transfer report from the person listed as the current owner according to APHA records. There’s usually a transfer report printed on the back of the horse’s original registration certificate with a place for the seller to sign, or you can use the printable transfer report available on the Registration Guides page. Make sure the date of sale is noted, and then fill in your info in the buyer section.
We have two ways to submit the transfer to APHA if you have the information above:
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
Log in or sign up at PHcentral.com. Once you’re in and have an active membership affiliated with your account, click “Transfer” from the left sidebar (under Registry). Follow the prompts to get started.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
If you’re not yet the horse’s owner of record with APHA, you’ll need to transfer ownership of the horse and apply for a replacement certificate at the same time.
To transfer ownership, you’ll need a signed transfer from the horse’s recorded owner per APHA records. Then you’ll also need to fill out the Affidavit for Duplicate Certificate form and provide current side-view photos of the horse, a copy of your photo ID and payment for the fees. The forms are available on the Registration Guides page.
Learn More: Registration Guides
If you’re not yet the horse’s owner of record with APHA, you’ll need to transfer ownership of the horse and apply for a replacement certificate at the same time.
To transfer ownership, you’ll need a signed transfer from this owner (and one from whomever you purchased the horse from, if that was someone different). Then you’ll also need to fill out the Affidavit for Duplicate Certificate form and provide current side-view photos of the horse, a copy of your photo ID and payment for the fees. The forms are available on the Registration Guides page. A copy of a signed bill of sale can also be used in place of a signed transfer.
It’s advisable to try this route first. If you’re unable to acquire the signatures on transfer reports from all in-between owners or the recorded owner, there is a process called Transfer Indemnity that’s more complicated and a bit more expensive. You will fill out the Transfer Indemnity form and pay the associated indemnity and transfer fees, along with the membership fee and replacement certificate fees if applicable. This process requires that you provide detail of your attempt to contact the recorded owner for the signed transfer report. We recommend sending a certified letter, so you can prove receipt. The form lists full instructions about what you’ll need to submit, and it’s available on the Registration Guides page.
Learn More: Registration Guides
An Affidavit of Heirship can be filed with APHA to allow an heir or family member to sign on behalf of the deceased owner. If that’s not already on file, you can have the applicable party complete that form and provide a copy of the death certificate for the owner of record. The Heirship forms are available on the Registration Guides page. If you’re unable to acquire that, you will follow the Transfer Indemnity process, and that form (which includes detailed instructions) is available at on the Registration Guides page.
Learn More: Registration Guides
The only way to stop transactions on a particular horse is for APHA to receive a temporary court restraining order or injunction prohibiting the transaction, or proof that a lawsuit has been filed asking for ownership of the horse. Submit copies of any court filings, civil or criminal, specifically naming this horse. This flag will be in place, without fee, until said case in adjudicated and copies of judgments are received in this office.
In the meantime, if you would like to be notified if any transactions are received for this horse, we can enter a flag in the system. This flag allows APHA to contact you and advise you that a transaction has been received. To do that, submit a signed statement regarding the reason for the flag and payment for the flagging fee (a current APHA membership is also required); this flag will be good for 120 days from receipt of the statement and fee. Contact MemberCare if you’d like to place a flag on a horse.
Learn More: Contact Us
The horse will continue to show in the last recorded owner’s account until a transfer of ownership is formally recorded by the association.
APHA offers show leases and breeding leases, and each requires a separate form and fees. Submit the lease online at PHcentral or use the printable forms available on the Registration Guides page.
Learn More: Amateur Show Lease, Youth Show Lease, Registration Guides
You’ll need to file a breeding lease at APHA as well. Submit the lease online at PHcentral or use the printable forms available on the Registration Guides page.
Learn More: PHcentral, Registration Guides
AQHA and Jockey Club stallions must be enrolled for breeding before their first foal can be registered. Paint stallions are automatically enrolled for breeding when their first stallion breeding report is filed.
Fill out the Enrollment For Breeding online at PHcentral.com, or use the Enrollment for Breeding Form available on the Registration Guides page. Make sure you include payment details, along with a copy of the horse’s AQHA or Jockey Club registration papers (front and back, showing ownership and pedigree details).
Learn More: Registration Guides
Only AQHA and Jockey Club mares must be enrolled for breeding with APHA, and that’s done before their first foal is registered. APHA mares are automatically eligible for breeding.
Fill out the Enrollment For Breeding online at PHcentral.com, or use the Enrollment for Breeding Form available available on the Registration Guides page. Make sure you include payment details, along with a copy of registration papers (front and back) if you’re enrolling an AQHA or Jockey Club horse.
Learn More: Registration Guides
Contact the stallion owner and confirm a breeding report was submitted to APHA. You can view the breeding report on file for your horse at PHcentral.com by clicking on the horse’s name in your list of “my horses” and opening the “breeding records” section. Remember, the foaling date must be within 300-390 days of the last exposure date listed on the breeding report.
Learn More: PHcentral
A Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred must be enrolled for breeding at APHA before it will show up in the owner’s profile and ownership will be listed at APHA in the exact same way it’s been done at the other association.
If your horse has already been enrolled for breeding, make sure you’re logged into the ownership account that actually owns the horse. An individual’s account cannot view horses owned by a joint or farm account, for instance.
If you recently purchased the horse, you might just need to update ownership at APHA (that information isn’t shared automatically by the other association). Contact MemberCare for the ownership update—it’s free if the horse has already been enrolled with APHA.
Learn More: Contact Us
Your AQHA or Jockey Club stallion will need to be enrolled for breeding with APHA (if that hasn’t already been done). To do this, you will fill out the Enrollment For Breeding form and pay for the one-time stallion listing fee. Include a copy of your stallion’s AQHA or Jockey Club registration certificate, including the page showing the pedigree details and the ownership history. The Enrollment for Breeding can be submitted online at PHcentral.com, or by submitting the physical form to APHA via email or postal mail.
Your stallion must have his DNA genetic markers on file with APHA—that test provides the genetic data needed to parentage verify his foals. Breeding stallions must also have their DNA 6-panel genetic health test results on file before their foals can be registered (tests for HYPP, HERDA, GBED, MH, PSSM1 and OLWS). If your stallion already has an AQHA health panel testing on file with that association, we can use that but you’ll still need to pay for the OLWS testing in most cases. Our staff can help you acquire the OLWS testing using the hair sample on file in many situations. Either or both of these required DNA tests can be ordered online at PHcentral.com, or on the Enrollment for Breeding or the DNA Order Form that is available on the APHA website.
Then any year in which your stallion breeds a Paint mare, you’ll need to file a stallion breeding report with APHA, listing the mares bred and the breeding dates/method. To avoid a late fee, make sure that’s submitted by Nov. 30 of the breeding year. The stallion owner can submit a breeding report online at PHcentral.com, or complete the Stallion Breeding Report form and submit it to staff with payment. Forms are available on the Registration Guides page.
Learn More: Registration Guides
Log into the PHcentral.com account under which you own the stallion. Click on the stallion’s name in the list of owned horses. Then click “Breeding Records” and that will display all breeding records on file for that particular horse at APHA.
Learn More: PHcentral
First things first, welcome! We’re glad you’ve joined APHA and chosen a breed that is Marked for Greatness!
Regional Clubs are affiliated organizations that provide a more localized APHA experience, and they’re a great resource to help you get started. Visit our Current Clubs page to locate a club near you.
Use APHA’s Event Calendar to find APHA-approved shows near you. Don’t see any nearby? APHA-approved classes can be dual-approved with existing shows; visit our Show Management page to learn how to host your own APHA shows or classes!
Learn More: Regional Clubs
For exhibitors who are ready to challenge all comers, the APHA offers classes that are “open” to everyone—professionals and non-professionals alike. With tons of events in this division, there is virtually something for everyone—from cutting and reining to jumping and pleasure driving.
What you need:
Learn More: Membership
To qualify as an Amateur, Novice Amateur or Amateur Walk-Trot division, individuals must meet two basic requirements.
Learn More: Amateurs
If competition is what you crave, check out APHA’s Amateur program. APHA has three Amateur Divisions that give people the opportunity to compete comfortably at their skill level: Amateur, Novice Amateur, and Amateur Walk-Trot. You can hold one of the following show card types:
To show in the APHA Amateur Divisions, exhibitor must:
Learn More: Amateurs
Novice: a more introductory level for less-seasoned exhibitors. It is possible to be Novice in some categories and not in others based on points, money earnings and/or championships. Review your APHA Novice Eligibility before applying:
The APHA Walk-Trot division includes six classes:
Walk-Trot cardholders may also participate in the following classes at APHA-approved shows:
You cannot “point out” of Walk-Trot. The card is to be held on an annual basis, and renewed as any other Amateur program card which expires on December 31 of the year issued.
Learn More: Amateurs
Amateur, Novice Amateur and Amateur Walk-Trot cards are issued by APHA, and a signed application must be submitted to receive an Amateur card. A processing fee and current individual APHA membership is required for your Amateur card. Amateur cards cannot be issued over the phone.
Cards that are submitted online are processed the quickest and cheapest.
You MUST have a current Amateur/Novice Amateur/Walk-Trot card in hand to show in the related classes. Normal processing time is 5-10 business days through the APHA office, but can be processed faster with a rush fee. Should you get to a show and find yourself in need of a card to participate, simply fill out a Temporary Amateur Application provided by the show secretary and pay applicable fees OR pay the rush fee online to have a temporary card emailed directly to you.
Learn More: Amateurs
Any horse shown in APHA Amateur/Novice Amateur/Walk-Trot classes must be owned by either the exhibitor or the exhibitor’s immediate family. Family shall include the following: spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandchild, grandparent, step-grandparent, legal ward, in-laws (father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter), stepchild, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or solely owned corporation, ranch or farm. The exhibitor must be directly related to everyone in a joint ownership, corporation, ranch or farm situation.
If the exhibitor or their immediate family member does not own the horse they plan to show, they must submit a Show Lease to meet the Amateur ownership requirements. Remember, the recorded owner of the horse cannot show the horse during the time an active show lease is in effect. The show lease form and fees must be received by APHA prior to the first date of the show; the beginning date of the lease cannot be prior to the lease submission date.
Learn More: Amateurs
No, an exhibitor must pick between holding an Amateur, Novice Amateur/Amateur or Amateur Walk-Trot card. However, you can reclassify your card type from Amateur Walk/Trot to Amateur or Novice Amateur ONCE a calendar year. You cannot reclassify from Amateur or Novice Amateur “down” to Amateur Walk/Trot. Therefore, an exhibitor may not show Amateur and/or Novice Amateur reclassify to Amateur Walk-Trot reclassify to Amateur and/or Novice Amateur in one calendar year. Nor may the exhibitor show Amateur Walk-Trot reclassify to Amateur and/or Novice Amateur then reclassify to Amateur Walk-Trot in one calendar year.
Learn More: Amateurs
Yes! If you have become ineligible for Novice Amateur in a category, you can be reinstated in that category if in the 10 years prior to your re-application, you have not earned any points, money, or World Champion or Reserve World Champion title in any recognized equine association in that category.
Points do not “expire” off your record, your points will only be reset if you meet the reinstatement requirements above.
Learn More: Amateurs
APHA has several Youth divisions that gives children the opportunity to compete comfortably at their skill level:
The Youth division is for unmarried individuals that are 18 years of age & under as of January 1. Married individuals may apply for the Amateur or Novice Amateur division.
Remember, most Youth and Novice Youth divisions require horse ownership requirements to be met in order for APHA points, titles, awards and earnings can be tallied. Ownership requirements state the Youth or an immediate family member (see SC-160.M.) must be listed as the owner of record or lessee of the Paint being exhibited.
Learn More: Youth
APHA does not require qualifying in order to exhibit at the APHA World Show and Halter Million! Check out the World Show homepage and Halter Million homepage to view the show schedule, premium book and other necessary forms.
Learn More: World Show, Halter Million
APHA has several programs that increase your horse’s value by providing cash rewards—it pays to have a Paint! Check out the following programs:
Learn More: Our Programs
Launched in 2025, Paynt Points is a competition incentive program that directly rewards exhibitors for points earned in APHA-approved shows. All Open, Amateur, Youth, Novice and Walk-Trot points earned in APHA-approved shows automatically generate twice-a-year payouts to the horse owner/lessee at the time the points were earned.
Participation in Paynt Points is automatic: just enter point-earning classes at an APHA-approved show. Every point earned in point-earning APHA classes results in Paynt Points payouts to the horse owner/lessee at the time the points were earned. You’ll pay a small fee as part of your class entry that goes into the Paynt Points purse, along with more than $700,000 added by APHA each year. Payouts are made twice a year: Payment 1 is for points earned at shows that ended between January 1 and June 30; Payment 2 is for points earned at shows that ended between July 1 and December 31.
Colorful Paints earn even more with the Paynt Points Color Bonus, which launched in 2026. Color Bonus payouts are automatically calculated based on points earned in APHA-approved competition. No additional fees are required to become or remain eligible, but you must submit a Color Bonus Declaration Form to verify your horse is eligible for Color Bonus payouts. Horses eligible for the Color Bonus have 12+ inches of continuous white markings in the qualifying zone (per RG-070), visible from a normal standing position; they must have a “Paynt Points Color Bonus Eligible” stamp on their registration papers to be eligible for bonus payouts.
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If you received an invoice from APHA, submit an APHA Payment Submission Form.
You can pay your invoice using a card or ACH (US Bank Accounts Only).
We accept credit cards (all major types), personal checks, ACH (US Bank Accounts Only) and money orders. Bank wire transfers can be accepted but an additional wiring fee will apply to those situations.
Payment by bank transfer is possible, but there is an additional fee that will be assessed. Paying via check, credit card, money order or PayPal is preferable to avoid the extra wire transfer fee. If you still need the wire transfer details, please contact the accounting department.
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Please have your invoice work order number available and contact APHA MemberCare at 817-834-2742.
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This 2.5% non-refundable transaction fee helps offset rising processing costs incurred by APHA on credit card transactions. Instead of raising fees for APHA business services, the fee helps keep overall costs lower for members allows us to continue investing in services our members value.
APHA is committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility that helps ensure the association’s future for generations to come, and it allows us to continue promoting, preserving and providing meaningful experiences with Paint Horses worldwide.
All payments received by APHA as of June 1, 2025, will be assessed a 2.5% non-refundable transaction fee. APHA reserves the right to waive this fee if payment is submitted by check, money order or ACH (U.S. funds required).