The American Paint Horse Association is expanding the 2027 European Show Seminar to include judge applicant testing, giving aspiring APHA international judges the chance to complete their required educational seminar and testing in one trip.
The seminar takes place January 22–24, 2027, at the Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa in Sitges, Spain, just south of Barcelona. Presented by APHA in partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association, this year’s event carries the theme “Stronger Together,” bringing judges, exhibitors, trainers, youth and affiliate leaders from across Europe’s Western horse community together for education, collaboration and connection at the start of the show season.
About Judge Testing at the 2027 European Show Seminar
Under APHA rules, international judge applicants must attend an APHA-approved educational seminar and complete judge applicant testing there as part of the application process. By adding this component to the 2027 European Show Seminar, APHA is making it easier for applicants based in Europe to fulfill that requirement without traveling to a separate event. Those interested in applying can find full eligibility requirements and application details on APHA’s Become a Judge page.
The four-star Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa sits directly on Sitges’ seafront promenade, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Barcelona–El Prat Airport, and offers sea views, an on-site spa and wellness area, all within walking distance of Sitges’ town center.
The seminar schedule will feature specialized educational tracks for judges, exhibitors, show managers, club leaders, youth and reining/cow horse enthusiasts, with sessions on professional development, industry updates and practical takeaways. A Ranch Horse Day, a welcome reception and a Saturday evening gala round out the weekend’s highlights.
Online registration is open now. Early registration rates are available through December 21, 2026; rates increase 25% beginning December 22, with a final deadline of January 7, 2027. A discounted room rate for seminar attendees is available at the Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa through November 30.
For more information, contact APHA International at international@apha.com.
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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.