Each year, APHA honors the outstanding contributions by members, leaders and clubs. Their efforts are recognized as part of the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony, which takes place in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas.
Regional clubs connect Paint Horse enthusiasts with APHA on a grassroots level, and these awards honor their outstanding efforts. The President’s Club of Distinction recognizes clubs for achieving growth in entries, horses and exhibitors during the previous calendar year. The President’s Gold Star Club recognizes the regional club with the most growth overall.
2025 Club of Distinction Award Criteria
Gold Star Award winners are designated with an *
| 2024 | Paint Horse Club Germany* | 2023 | Eastern Nevada Paint Horse Club—honorable mention |
| 2024 | Michigan Paint Horse Club | 2022 | New England Paint Horse Club* |
| 2024 | Dutch Paint Horse Club | 2022 | Idaho Paint Horse Club |
| 2024 | Florida Paint Horse Club | 2022 | Saskatchewan Paint Horse Club |
| 2024 | New Mexico Paint Horse Club | 2022 | Paint Horse Club Italia |
| 2023 | Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club* | 2021 | None Awarded |
| 2023 | Dutch Paint Horse Club | 2020 | Eastern Ontario Paint Horse Club* |
| 2023 | Michigan Paint Horse Club | 2020 | Wyoming Paint Horse Club* |
| 2023 | Ontario Paint Horse Club | 2020 | San Joaquin Paint Horse Club |
| 2023 | Paint Horse Club Slovak Republic | 2020 | Germany Paint Horse Club |
| 2023 | Ohio Paint Horse Club—honorable mention | 2020 | New Mexico Paint Horse Club |
First awarded in 2017, the Markel/APHA Professional Horseman of the Year award honors a hardworking professional who exemplifies the Professional Horsemen’s code of ethics and serves as a positive ambassador of Paint Horses and the overall equine industry.
| 2024 | Kelley Wainscott |
| 2023 | Karen Banister |
| 2022 | Garth Gooding |
| 2021 | Blake Carney |
| 2020 | Sara Simons |
| 2019 | Kelly Boles Chapman |
| 2018 | Sandi Morgan |
| 2017 | Carolyn Dobbins |
Affectionately known as “The Manny,” this award recognizes the hard work and dedication of the unsung show arena heroes, the ring stewards. One deserving ring steward is chosen each year to honor their determination and commitment toward making shows a successful and sound environment for everyone. First presented in 2018, the award is named in honor of longtime APHA ring steward Don Manuello.
| 2024 | John Ed Tabb |
| 2023 | Carla McMullen |
| 2022 | Bobbie Skelton |
| 2021 | Leah Mackey |
| 2020 | Larry Naugle |
| 2019 | Ron McMillian |
| 2018 | Don Manuello |
This award honors longtime Paint Horse producers who have reached the milestone of 50 foal crops registered with APHA. The award was named in honor of late APHA Past President Gregg Reisinger.
| 2024 | Doris Schocker |
| 2023 | Lloyd Johanningmeier |
| 2022 | Gregg Reisinger |
| 2022 | Dennis Graff |
The Distinguished Service Award honors long-standing APHA members who unselfishly contribute to the success of Paint Horses and the association on a regional, state or national level.
| 2024 | Rhonda Culp | 2009 | Duke Neff | 1995 | Joann Cook |
| 2023 | Karen Kennedy | 2008 | Don Manuello | 1994 | Earl & Alene Jones |
| 2022 | Charlie Sasser | 2007 | Jean Fell | 1993 | Lester Spear |
| 2020 | Monika Hagen | 2006 | Pauli Crull | 1992 | A. J. Jack Campbell |
| 2019 | Anita Hertner | 2005 | Earnest Wilson | 1991 | Bob McKillips |
| 2018 | Francisco “Chico” Garcia | 2004 | Richard & Josephine Waldner | 1990 | I. J. Carey |
| 2017 | Fred Tabor | 2003 | Claude Howard | 1989 | Dr. Lyle Wonderlich |
| 2016 | Clea Bobbitt | 2001 | Joe & Ernestine Owings | 1987 | Sam Howington |
| 2015 | Merlin Himle | 2000 | Peggy Gilbert | 1986 | Buster Naegle |
| 2013 | Sharon Avery | 1999 | Virdin Royse | 1985 | Delbert Hardy |
| 2012 | Grace Harris | 1998 | Peggy Hanshaw | 1984 | Paul Harber |
| 2011 | Hardy Oelke | 1997 | Cliff and Martha Johnson | 1983 | Glyn & Pauline Parsons |
| 2010 | Roxann Rohrl | 1996 | Jean Buzzard |