Marksmen and -women were locked and loaded April 25, 2026, for the inaugural APHF Aim For Impact Clay Shoot. Benefitting the American Paint Horse Foundation, the event took place at Defender Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas.
Teams of shooters made their way through the Cowtown Course, taking aim at clay targets to demonstrate their sharpshooting skills. Money raised from sponsorship, entry fees and donations help support the APHF’s mission to support educational programming, preserve equine heritage and expand equine-assisted services. Through these pillars, the non-profit foundation helps impact individuals and communities through the horse.
“Aim for Impact was more than just a day on the range—it was a meaningful step forward in expanding the foundation’s opportunity to share our mission,” APHF Administrator Betsy Budge said. “From breaking clays to building relationships, this inaugural event demonstrated strong potential of growth, and we look forward to next year’s shoot at Defenders Outdoors Clay Sport Ranch’s new venue, which will further elevate the experience.”
Special thanks to 2026 event sponsors: One Asplundh Tree Expert LLC, MC’s Dragon Ranch, John Adams & Leon Goetz, Dynamic Development Strategies, drink sponsor H-E-B, award sponsor Cuttinup Blankets, award sponsor Peter Briggs/Cross Faith Iron Art and raffle sponsor John Deere Equine Discounts.
Congratulations to our 2026 APHF Aim For Impact Champions:
- Top Shooter: Tommy Bryant — 92 points
- Top Female Shooter: Claire Cole — 80 points
- Top Youth Shooter: Abram Vargas — 81 points
- First-Place Team: O’Clock Squad — Bill Newberry, Randy Looper, David Holland & Terry Marsh — 348 points
- Second-Place Team: Vinson Farms — Kyle Moore, Aadvark Andy, Mike Cuttrell & Ford Vinson 347 points.
- Third-Place Team: Cabinets by Tommy — Tommy Bryant, Elliot Wiley, Weston Harrold & Mason Bennett — 304 points
- John Deere Gator Raffle Winner: Cody Caliendo
Taking Aim
The American Paint Horse Foundation’s efforts continue beyond the inaugural Aim for Impact, supporting year-round efforts like academic and merit-based scholarships as well as special events like Honoring Freedom Night and the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony taking place in Fort Worth this June at the APHA World Championship Show. Your support helps make current and future programming possible to benefit individuals and communities who share an appreciate for horses. Donate today or learn more at apha.com/foundation.
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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.