The American Paint Horse Association and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association have expanded their partnership to help reach more competitive equine enthusiasts age 9–19 across North America.
The continued affiliation helps APHA and IEA bring more Youth riders into their folds, while also showcasing the organizations on a national stage via the co-hosted IEA Western National Finals at the APHA World Championship Show. Details of the partnership expansion include:
- IEA Western National Finals hosted at the APHA World Championship Show for 2023 and 2024, with an option for 2025
- Most Valuable Paint award at IEA National Finals events (hunt-seat, Western and dressage)
- 10% IEA membership discount for first-time coaches who are APHA members
“This partnership allows APHA to showcase our breed to a large group of Youth exhibitors, and for IEA to expose their fantastic competitions to Paint Horse members,” APHA Senior Director of Judges, Shows & Education David Dellin said.
“This is an important example of APHA’s commitment to the future,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. “Along with hundreds of thousands of dollars paid out each year in scholarships, our relationship with IEA is the gold standard for Youth development.”
Last year was the first in which IEA’s Western National Finals took place at the APHA World Show. The event takes place in Pennsylvania for 2022 in celebration of IEA’s 20th anniversary, and then returns to the APHA World Show in 2023.
“APHA has been very generous and welcoming, and we look forward to expanding our relationship as well as developing educational opportunities through APHA’s interactive learning platform, HorseIQ,” IEA Executive Director Roxane Durant said.
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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.