The Annual Convention and Membership Meeting of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) concluded recently in Vancouver, Wash., where leaders of the Association met to select the group’s executive committee, decide on rule change proposals and work within committees to continue to advance the popular breed registry and membership association. Attending the three-day event were members of the Association’s Executive Committee, 98 National Directors and other involved members from 35 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom.

APHA’s 2011-2012 Executive Committee now includes:

. President Scot Jackson, Stephenville, Texas

. President-elect Gregg Reisinger, Eldora, Iowa

. Vice President Mary Parrott, Ruston, La.

. Senior Committee Member Ron Shelly, Georgetown, Texas

. Fifth Committee Member Susie Shaw, Parsons, Tenn.

. Sixth Committee Member George Ready, Hernando, Miss.

. Immediate Past President Dr. Travis Titlow, Lincoln, Calif.

Executive Committee Scott Jackson of Stephenville, Texas, was sworn in as President during the Presidential Inauguration Dinner, with entertainment provided by Pete Kreb’s Trio.

The newest member to the Executive Committee, George Ready, was elected and sworn in as Sixth Committee Member. Ready is an attorney with more than 30 years experience. He has been involved with APHA since 1985 as a Paint Horse owner, breeder and exhibitor along with serving as a National Director since 2004, a standing committee member and an APHA show manager.

Rule Changes In other action, APHA Directors passed legislation regarding rule changes. Some of the changes included:

RA-060.D.3. Points and awards transferred if horse advances to Regular Registry

Summary: If a horse advances from Solid Paint-Bred Registry to the Regular Registry and has earned points and awards, they will transfer with the horse to the new registry. The horse will be eligible for any awards to be given in the Regular Registry as of December 31.

SC-305 – Cowboy Mounted Shooting recognized for APHA points and awards

Summary: Cowboy Mounted Shooting will now be recognized as a special event, eligible for APHA points and awards. All APHA Youth and Amateur program rules regarding eligibility and ownership apply. All other General Show and Contest rules apply.

SC-310 – Dressage recognized for APHA points and awards

Summary: Dressage will now be recognized as a special event, eligible for APHA points and awards. All APHA Youth and Amateur program rules regarding eligibility and ownership apply. All other General Show and Contest rules apply.

RA-000.D – Racing – Stakes race eligibility with regards to Regular Registry lineage

Summary: To be eligible for stakes races, horse foals after January 1, 2013 must have at least one APHA Regular Registry Paint Horse in the first generation of a Regular Registry Horse. If the horse is a Solid Paint-Bred, it must meet that requirement as well as having one APHA Regular Registry Paint Horse in the second generation.

For more information on these and other rule changes, see www.apha.com/forms/rulebooks

Regional Clubs Recognized During the convention, APHA took time to recognize several exemplary APHA Regional Clubs, awarding “Gold Star” and “Clubs of Distinction” titles. Gold Star Clubs excel in their service to members by hosting fundraising activities, benefits, social gatherings, youth activities and special promotions. They are also involved in community service. This year’s award-winning Gold Star Club recipients included: Alberta Paint Horse Club, Central Virginia Paint Horse Club, France Paint Horse Association, Inland Northwest Paint Horse Club, New Mexico Paint Horse Club, Ohio Paint Horse Club, Pennsylvania Paint Horse Club, Rainier Paint Horse Club, San Joaquin Paint Horse Club and Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club.

Clubs of Distinction honors were awarded to five clubs selected from among new and existing Gold Star Clubs. Clubs of Distinction award-winners included: Arizona Paint Horse Club, Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club, Ohio Paint Horse Club, New Mexico Paint Horse Club and Washington State Paint Horse Club. Honorable mention clubs named were: Central Virginia Paint Horse Club, Inland Northwest Paint Horse Club and New England Paint Horse Club.

Youth Leadership Conference During the convention, the Youth Leadership Conference was held. Youth members participated in membership meetings, Youth Committee meetings and problem solving sessions. They worked on marketing ideas for youth, regional clubs and gave input on new program development and events throughout the year. In their down time, the youth had the opportunity to climb a rock wall, have a pizza party and take a water conservation tour. The next Youth Leadership Conference will coincide with the 2012 Workshop.

Other activities Attendees at the convention also learned more about genetics testing from an outside speaker and were given the opportunity to take a tour of the Columbia River.

APHA’s 2012 Annual Convention will be held October 4-6, 2012, in Fort Worth, Texas.

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 more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves approximately 64,000 active members around the world. The Association will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2012.