APHA is proud to recognize three organizations with the 2026 Clubs of Distinction award. Congratulations go to the Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Club, Palmetto Paint Horse Club and PHC Italia for their outstanding contributions to the Paint Horse community.
2026 APHA Clubs of Distinction
Gold Star: Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Club
They demonstrated total growth of 706% in 2025. That included growth of 213% in entries, 250% growth in participating horses and 242% increase in exhibitors at their events.
Silver Star: Palmetto Paint Horse Club
This club had 56% total growth at their events. That included 41% growth in entries, nearly 10% growth in horses and almost 5% growth in exhibitors. They also earned bonus points for efforts supporting APHA’s strategic plan, which included establishing a Youth World Show Fund, distributing over $16,000 in endowments to 91 Youth exhibitors to help offset participation at APHA-approved events, organizing show clothes donations to 4-H exhibitors and developing a Youth Barn Chore Challenge.
Bronze Star: Paint Horse Club Italia
PHC Italia generated 445% growth in 2025. That’s composed of a 146% increase in entries, 156% growth in horses and almost 143% growth in exhibitors. They earned bonus points for hosting a booth at Fiera Verona and offering multiple clinics throughout the year.
To be eligible for awards, clubs must have submitted required materials to APHA by March 1. APHA reviewed its data to calculate the total number of unique horses, exhibitors and entries at club shows and trail rides during the past year; additional weighted points based on active Youth engagement, public engagement and collaboration with other organizations were also awarded based on submitted materials.
The three 2026 APHA Clubs of Distinction each receive a gift card to the PH Barn Door: the Gold Star winner receives a $750 gift card, the Silver Star winner receives a $500 gift card, and the Bronze Star winner receives a $250 gift card. Each club winner also receives a free ad in the Paint Horse Journal, free hospitality cart recognition at the APHA World Championship Show or Halter Million, an official award seal for marketing purposes and other recognition perks.
Honoring Greatness
These clubs and other award winners are being honored June 25 at the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony. It takes place at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show. Other year-end award winners honored at the event include APHA’s newest Hall of Fame class, Distinguished Service Award winner, High-Point Open Exhibitor, Judge Emeritus recipients, Professional Horseman of the Year and more.
2026 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration
June 25, 2026
Round Up Inn, Will Rogers Memorial Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Save the date—2026 event tickets are available at apha.com/foundation
Event Details: Email Jennifer Crites at jcrites@apha.com
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.