Our Programs

With programs for avid competitors and for those who simply love Paint Horses, APHA has a program to help you reach your goals. For competitors, APHA offers traditional breed shows as well as incentive programs for those competing on APHA-registered horses in other arenas. Other programs reward those who ride recreationally or enjoy Open shows and non-traditional events! Your Paint is unique, and APHA has a program for everyone. Check them out to learn more.

A Paint Horse performing a sliding stop at a reining event.

A Paint Horse turning the barrel at a barrel race.

An exhibitor in the Breeders' Trust Western Pleasure class.

Competition Programs

Chrome Cash

Chrome Cash is a unique incentive program that provides bonus payouts for top-performing registered Paint Horses outside of APHA-approved competitions. It’s offered as a class within a class at select Western performance horse events, all-around shows and international competitions. All APHA-registered horses can compete in Chrome Cash.

More than $1.6 million has been paid to APHA horses since Chrome Cash began in 2020. Chrome Cash is offered at participating National Cutting Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, American Rope Horse Futurity Association, Stock Horse of Texas events and more. New events are continually being added! Find an event and learn more about how your chrome can pay you cash!

Paint Alternative Competition

The Paint Alternative Competition program recognizes your accomplishments in competitive events outside of APHA-approved shows or for time spent riding or driving your Paint.

Whether you enjoy recreational riding, Open or 4-H shows, team pennings, ropings, or other activities outside of traditional APHA-approved event categories, PAC records and rewards your accomplishments! Establish an official lifetime performance record for your Paint and compete for year-end and perpetual award recognition.

Paint Barrel Racing Incentive Program

Designed to bridge the gap between barrel racers who run Paints and the American Paint Horse Association, the Paing Barrel Racing Incentive Program makes it easier for barrel racers to be a part of APHA without having to attend traditional breed shows.

PBRIP brings the breed to you at PBRIP-sanctioned barrel races nationwide. Paint-exclusive side pots provide extra value and incentives for those enrolled in the program.

Breeders’ Trust

Since its establishment in 1994, Breeders’ Trust has been providing added incentives for Paint Horse owners to exhibit their horses in the show arena or on the track. The Breeders’ Trust awards cash dividends for points earned by nominated horses at APHA-approved events. The Breeders’ Trust stands out as the most unique incentive program in the horse industry today.

The Trust aims to reward everyone responsible for the success of an outstanding foal. The stallion subscriber, foal nominator, and horse’s owner all actively participate in sharing the profit.

Breeders’ Futurity

The Breeders’ Futurity hosts the finest Paint Horses and exhibitors worldwide in a prestigious competition, with a select slate of classes designed to showcase the talents of their Paint Horse.

Established in 2009, the Breeders’ Futurity aims to drive support for the Breeders’ Trust program by enhancing the value of Breeders’ Trust foals. Instead of APHA points, the Breeders’ Futurity allocates a percentage of the purse to the foal owner/lessee and the mare nominator.

Paynt Points

Launching January 1, 2025, Paynt Points is a competition incentive program that directly rewards Youth and Amateur exhibitors for earning points in APHA-approved shows. All APHA Amateur, Youth, Novice and Walk-Trot points earned will automatically generate twice-a-year payouts to the horse owner/lessee at the time the points were earned.

International Ranch Horse Association

The International Ranch Horse Association is dedicated to preserving the integrity of all-breed ranch horse events while promoting the Western lifestyle and ranching heritage worldwide. IRHA provides ranch competitions and educational opportunities to exhibitors across the globe while ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment of the sport. Exhibitors and horses of all breeds are welcome.

The organization was founded in 2021 through a partnership with Daniel Patton and the American Paint Horse Association. IRHA is the worldwide governing body for the ranch horse competition, working in close partnership with other leading equine breed and event organizations.

Professional Programs

Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen

The Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen program recognizes honest, upstanding equine professionals who are members of the American Paint Horse Association. Program members pledge to encourage professionalism, integrity and fairness throughout APHA and the entire the horse industry, and they serve as champions for the Paint Horse breed.

APHA Markel Professional Horseman, Lisa Ligon, with her Paint Horse, At Batt.

Two people riding their Paint Horses together in a field.

Become a Member

Join the American Paint Horse Association family! With members worldwide and great benefits, such as access to our two award-winning magazines, exclusive discounts and more, you don’t want to miss out. Join APHA today!

Two Paint Horses running through a field.

Register Your Horse

Registered Paint Horses are more valuable and desired. They can compete in APHA-approved competitions, establish lifetime performance records, earn awards, and are eligible for bonus incentives at other events, too. Don’t miss out; register and transfer your Paint Horse today!

A youth exhibitor leaving the show arena with their Paint Horse.

Compete on your Paint

From all-around events and down-the-track racing to cutting and show jumping—and everything in between—we have a place for you to compete with your Paint Horse. Learn more about what APHA can offer you.