The 2018 APHA Hall of Fame ceremony—taking place March 4 at the APHA Convention in Irving, Texas—will honor a mix of award-winners; in addition to Hall of Fame inductees, regional clubs, judges emeritus and the Paint Professional Horsewoman of the Year, the association’s Distinguished Service Award winner and Top Stallion Owners will be awarded.
Distinguished Service Award
This year’s DSA honoree is Francisco “Chico” Garcia (right) of Brazil. A lifelong horseman, Chico has been a professional horseman since 1987 and has worked tirelessly to promote Paint Horses in South America. A Brazilian judge, Chico has officiated numerous Paint and Quarter Horse Shows in addition to serving as a ring steward at events like the APHA World Championship Show. He was the show manager for the prestigious Mega Halter and Performance horse show in Brazil for 10 years, and in 2016 he was a show manager for PBR Brazil. Chico’s been instrumental in developing relationships between ABC Paint—Brazil’s Paint Horse registry—and APHA, as well. In 2017, Chico earned his AQHA judge’s card as well. Furthermore, Chico’s been an international director for APHA since 2003 and a member of the International Committee.
From his 60-acre ranch, Chico runs a breeding and boarding operation as well as a horse consultation company that organizes more than 12 auctions annually; he thrives on helping new and veteran breeders enhance their programs. Chico currently owns Chasin The Money, a 2001 black tobiano stallion.
Top Stallion Owners
A new award, the Top Stallion Owner awards will recognize the Top 10 stallion owners, based on mares bred by their stallions in 2016 according to APHA stallion breeding reports.
No. 1 on this year’s list is Arcese Quarter Horses USA of Weatherford, Texas, who had two stallions that bred a total of 290 mares in 2016. Their top breeding stallion is Gunnatrashya, a 2006 sorrel solid stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Natrasha. A Million Dollar Sire with the National Reining Horse Association, Gunnatrashya bred 288 mares in 2016.
The remaining Top 10 Stallion Owners will be announced at the Hall of Fame banquet on March 4.
Gold Star & Clubs of Distinction awards
APHA regional clubs are honored for their efforts to grow their organizations and their local Paint Horse communities. Congratulations to the following honorees:
- Gold Star–California PHA: 177% growth in horses exhibited at their shows; 0% growth in memberships
- Gold Star–Kansas PHC: 90% increase in membership in 2017; 0% growth in horses exhibited at their shows
- Club of Distinction–Rainier PHC: 85.7% increase in membership in 2017; 0% growth in horses exhibited at their shows
- Club of Distinction–Southern Colorado PHC: 83% increase in membership in 2017; 0% growth in horses exhibited at their shows
- Club of Distinction–San Joaquin PHC: 38.7% increase in membership in 2017; 13% increase in horses exhibited at their shows
Other awards to be presented at the 2017 Convention’s Hall of Fame banquet include:
APHA Convention takes place March 2–5, and ALL APHA members are invited to attend this event, which features tons of educational opportunities. Learn more, make plans to attend and reserve your Hall of Fame banquet tickets and tables at apha.com/events/convention.
##
[Reprinting all of part of this story is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provide back to apha.com.]
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. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.