APHA President Mike Holloway of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away suddenly on September 3, 2026.
While some are born into the horse world, Mike joined the APHA family later in life. He purchased his first horse, a mare, around age 40 at the urging of a friend. When that mare delivered a foal, Mike was immediately hooked on breeding and went all in. More horses soon followed, including Hugable Dixon, a 1983 sorrel solid mare that went on to become APHA’s No. 1 Leading Dam of Performance Point Earners. Among her offspring was Ima Gallant Jet, a 1990 chestnut overo stallion who was inducted into the APHA Hall of Fame in 2021.
Professionally, Mike worked in the banking sector across the Southeastern United States, with responsibilities that included information technology, data processing, computer centers and other supervising roles. He was known as a calm, levelheaded captain, especially when helping banks and employees navigate the turbulence that comes with evolving business technology and processes.
In the early 1990s, Mike extended his leadership to the Mississippi Paint Horse Club, serving as president for several years. Calling on his business acumen, Mike was asked to serve on various APHA committees—including Finance/Audit, Breed Integrity and Long-Range Planning—and the American Paint Horse Foundation board. In 2022, he was elected to the APHA Board of Directors. Thanks in part to guidance by Mike and his peers, APHA successfully navigated the move of its international headquarters to the Fort Worth Stockyards, creation of the wholly owned for-profit Marked For Greatness Properties LLC subsidiary, expansion of incentive programs, and the launch of Paynt Points and its Color Bonus.
“We are so saddened about the news of Mike’s passing,” APHA CEO Kurt Crawford said. “He was an incredible inspiration to APHA. Mike always put the association first and foremost in every decision he made. He loved working with the Youth and was an inspiration to all. He will be greatly missed.”
President-Elect Jamie Howard will assume presidential responsibilities for APHA as part of his role, ensuring a seamless transition. APHA appreciates Mike’s bright smile, dedication and enthusiasm for the Paint Horse community. We extend condolences to his friends and family, including wife Colleen, son Ryan, and grandchildren Cameron, Londyn and Peyton.
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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.