APHA Report Details Innovation and Successes of the Breed
by apha.com
FORT WORTH, Texas—The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently released the 2010 Annual Report detailing the accomplishments by the association as well as the horses in the industry worldwide.
The Association continues to be the second-largest stock breed association in the world. Lifetime memberships to the association grew 60% over the 2009 figures. The APHA Breeders’ Trust program entered its eighth consecutive year of million-dollar payouts to those enrolled. Members passed a qualification rule for the future World Shows based on participation at the Regional Club level, which will take effect in 2012.
APHA launched two innovative new websites, one for regional clubs and one for international audiences. They are already experiencing heavy traffic and are useful tools for building membership and promotion at the clubs and around the world.
The APHA Facebook page experienced tremendous growth going from 4,603 “fans” up to 33,555 at the end of 2010. The page has gained popularity in the horse industry as one which provides a forum for talking about Paint Horses, asking questions, sharing photos and stories as well as promotioning the breed and association.
APHA developed and launched a satellite business center called “On The Road” which can handle registrations, transfers and subscriptions while at events nationally and internationally.
Seeking to address APHA members’ needs, three new partnerships were formed with UPS, Superpages.com and D&M Auto Leasing. In addition, the APHA Wireless Center was developed offering discounted phones, rate plans and accessories.
Three top Paint Horses made their mark in the horse industry. Colonels Nite Special captured a Gold medal in the reining competition at the prestigious and nationally televised Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and then went on to win the U.S.E.F. Horse of the Year award. Fleetstreet Max was chosen for a portrait model for Breyer and made appearances at the Breyerfest event. Colonels Smokin Gun, or “Gunner,” was named the eighth National Reining Horse Association $2 million dollar sire, the first Paint Horse to reach this milestone.
“While it is easy to get caught up in the woes of the current market, if we take a step back to look at the big picture we are reminded of what an impact our breed and our Association has had on the horse industry, and it motivates us to move forward,” said Lex Smurthwaite, APHA Executive Director.
More About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), founded in 1962 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse. 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 almost a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves approximately 64,000 active members around the world.