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Leaders plan a bright future at 2012 American Paint Horse Association Workshop

FORT WORTH – Positivity abounded at the 2012 APHA Workshop. From May 31 to June 2, a total of 215 APHA changemakers gathered in Grapevine, Texas, to make recommendations for the association’s future. Standing committee members, national directors, Executive Committee members and AjPHA leaders made one point clear: they are committed to the success of the world’s second-largest equine breed registry.

Executive Director’s Report
June 1 began with a general membership meeting. During the Executive Director’s report, Billy Smith reviewed his first 100 days at APHA and outlined a promising future for the association. Billy’s presentation discussed APHA’s innovative MemberCare department; increasing trust and communication between membership, staff, directors and the Executive Committee; financial and budgetary vigilance; the importance of working together; and focusing on the right choices for the association at large.

Rule Changes Proposed
Several topics populated discussions at standing committee meetings. Of the 29 rule changes proposed, 17 were passed on for voting at the 2012 APHA Convention October 4–6 in Fort Worth, Texas. Among the most debated proposals were:

The Registration Committee debated several rule change proposals regarding the registration of AQHA/Jockey Club horses that meet APHA color requirements. The proposal would permit registration of foals with American Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred parentage who have qualifying white in a prescribed zone that’s less lenient than that used for horses with one Paint parent. The Registration Committee passed this rule to Convention for voting.

The Judges Committee considered a proposal that would require judges to present “reasons” on two classes at each show, with the exception of the APHA World Shows. While intended to provide education, credibility and accountability, some worried about potential ramifications like logistics and perceived bias. After much discussion, the proposal was defeated.

The General Show and Contest Committee considered several rule change proposals, many of which aligned scoring systems in working cow horse and over-fences classes with industry standards. The aforementioned proposals were passed to Convention for voting.

Although only national directors and alternates vote on rule change proposals, all APHA members are encouraged to share their opinions with their area’s representatives. For a complete list of submitted rule change proposals, see the Fall 2012 Paint Horse Connection; they will also be posted online at apha.com/forms/rulebooks. The current list of 2012 directors can be found at apha.com/directors/BoardofDirectors.pdf.

50th Anniversary Celebration
Fun and fellowship greeted guests at the APHA 50th Anniversary Celebration dinner and fundraiser, hosted Friday evening at Austin Ranch. Partygoers enjoyed dancing, a photo booth and the cornhole-toss team tournament.

Online bidding concluded during the celebration for the APHA 50th anniversary belt buckle No. 50. Proceeds from the buckle auction benefit the American Paint Horse Foundation’s Heritage program. Judy Ford of Whitesboro, Texas, placed the winning bid of $1,000. For Judy’s generous donation, she’ll also receive an engraved leaf on the Foundation Heritage Tree located in the lobby of APHA.

In total, the evening’s auctions tallied $4,695.

Executive Committee Candidates
After a review process, including application and interviews, two APHA members were announced as nominees for the Executive Committee Sixth Committee Member position.

Craig Wood, Ph.D., of Lexington, Kentucky, has worked as a National Director since 2006. He has served on the General Show and Contest committee, Ways and Means committee, Regional Club committee and the Advisory Panel to the Executive Committee. The associate director of the National extension Initiative at the University of Kentucky, Craig has more than 35 years of experience in the horse industry.

Don Beard operates a Paint Horse training program from Z Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming. An APHA Professional Horseman, Don also holds judging cards with six associations. Don has been an APHA member since 1983 and has served for more than 20 years on various committees during his time as a National Director.

National directors and alternates will vote on the Sixth Committee Member position at the 2012 Convention.

Youth Leaders
For the first time, AjPHA enthusiasts also convened at Workshop for their Youth Leadership Conference. Previously held at Convention, the change to a summer meeting was well received.

Workshop Recap Photo
AjPHA members gathered for the 2012 Youth Leadership Conference. Credit: PHJ Image Download Hirez Image

Like their adult counterparts, the Youth leadership considered several important issues. The topic receiving greatest attention was promoting good sportsmanship at the 2012 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show. To that end, the committee drafted an AjPHA Code of Conduct for all exhibitors, which will be available on ywcs.apha.com.

AjPHA President Kate Petersen explained her Presidential Service Project and plans for a fundraising event at Youth World Show. Incoming AjPHA President Colt Cumpton introduced his initiative to support equine therapy programs for veterans with disabilities. Colt’s project is entitled “Paint Our Country Proud.”

About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world.

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