Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen demonstrate positive and winning attitudes from the show ring to the practice pen. We’re pleased to recognize their success at the 2026 APHA/WCHA Halter Million, which took place September 27–October 3 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen program recognizes equine professionals who encourage professionalism, integrity and fairness throughout the equine community. These professionals represent APHA to the highest standard and pledge to follow a Code of Ethics.
Congratulations to our Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen who earned titles at the 2026 APHA/WCHA Halter Million:
Christopher Arentsen: World champion Gold Senior Weanling Mares Breeders’ Futurity, Gold Junior Weanling Mares Breeders’ Futurity, Weanling Mares, Weanling Stallions, 2-Year-Old Mares, Gold 2-Year-Old Mares Breeders’ Futurity, 3-Year-Old Geldings; reserve world champion Yearling Geldings, Gold Yearling Geldings Breeders’ Futurity, Gold Senior Weanling Stallions & Geldings Breeders’ Futurity, 2-Year-Old Geldings; bronze champion Yearling Stallions, Gold Yearling Stallions Breeders’ Futurity, Weanling Geldings
Jerm Christensen: Reserve world champion 3-Year-Old & Aged Stallions
Erin Henderson: Reserve world champion 3-Year-Old Geldings
Corina Holman: Champion Intermediate 3-Year-Old Geldings
Jason Smith: Reserve world champion Weanling Stallions;bronze champion Gold 2-Year-Old Mares Breeders’ Futurity
Kelley Stone-Wainscott: World champion Aged Mares, Aged Geldings; reserve world champion 2-Year-Old Mares, Gold 2-Year-Old Mares Breeders’ Futurity
Learn more about the Markel/APHA Professional Horsemen program online at apha.com/prohorsemen.
By Makenna Batchelder; photo by Ruehle Photographix
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.