Each year, APHA honors the outstanding contributions by members, leaders and clubs. Their efforts are recognized as part of the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony, which takes place in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas.
Regional clubs connect Paint Horse enthusiasts with APHA on a grassroots level, and these awards honor their outstanding efforts. The President’s Club of Distinction recognizes clubs for achieving growth in entries, horses and exhibitors during the previous calendar year. The President’s Gold Star Club recognizes the regional club with the most growth overall.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Year | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | Carolina Paint Horse Club* (Gold) | ||||
| 2 | 2025 | Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club (Silver) | ||||
| 3 | 2025 | New England Paint Horse Club (Bronze) | ||||
| 4 | 2024 | Paint Horse Club Germany* | ||||
| 5 | 2024 | Michigan Paint Horse Club |
*Gold Star Award winners
First awarded in 2017, the Markel/APHA Professional Horseman of the Year award honors a hardworking professional who exemplifies the Professional Horsemen’s code of ethics and serves as a positive ambassador of Paint Horses and the overall equine industry.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Year | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | Patty Baker | ||||
| 2 | 2024 | Kelley Wainscott | ||||
| 3 | 2023 | Karen Banister | ||||
| 4 | 2022 | Garth Gooding | ||||
| 5 | 2021 | Blake Carney |
Affectionately known as “The Manny,” this award recognizes the hard work and dedication of the unsung show arena heroes, the ring stewards. One deserving ring steward is chosen each year to honor their determination and commitment toward making shows a successful and sound environment for everyone. First presented in 2018, the award is named in honor of longtime APHA ring steward Don Manuello.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Year | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | Buddy Winchester | ||||
| 2 | 2024 | John Ed Tabb | ||||
| 3 | 2023 | Carla McMullen | ||||
| 4 | 2022 | Bobbie Skelton | ||||
| 5 | 2021 | Leah Mackey |
This award honors longtime Paint Horse producers who have reached the milestone of 50 foal crops registered with APHA. The award was named in honor of late APHA Past President Gregg Reisinger.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Year | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024 | Doris Schocker | ||||
| 2 | 2023 | Lloyd Johanningmeier | ||||
| 3 | 2022 | Dennis Graff | ||||
| 4 | 2022 | Gregg Reisinger |
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Year | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | Cyndy Hetzell | ||||
| 2 | 2024 | Rhonda Culp | ||||
| 3 | 2023 | Karen Kennedy | ||||
| 4 | 2022 | Charlie Sasser | ||||
| 5 | 2020 | Monika Hagen |