Love and respect for the Paint Horse unites us. At APHA, the horse comes first.
The horse is essential to the American Paint Horse Association, and we are committed to ensuring the safety, health, care and welfare of the horse. Our Paints and other animals are beloved members of our families, whether we ride for leisure or compete at the highest level of our disciplines, and the love of the animal unites us all.
APHA is committed to the well-being of the Paint Horse, including its physical and mental health and safety. We expect our members and fans to treat their horses with compassion and respect at all times.
To view the complete list of APHA welfare commitments, please refer to the APHA Rule Book.
APHA recognizes that Paint Horses are used in a variety of disciplines and the use of training methods might differ; however, the safety of the horse is always a top priority. The association does not condone animal abuse or mistreatment of any kind. Any APHA member convicted in a court of law for cruelty to animals may be suspended from the APHA when certified evidence is presented to the Board of Directors. Any member charged or indicted in a court of law of an offense involving inhumane treatment or cruelty to animals may be temporarily suspended from APHA pending the outcome of the charges. Please reference rules GR-060.F, GR-066, GR-067, GR-070.A. & D., SC-075, SC-080, SC-085 and SC-160.N in the APHA Rule Book for more information.