APHA incentive programs offer big paybacks

for talented American Paint Horses in 2007

FORT WORTH, TEXAS —Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) will introduce exciting changes to its Gelding Plus and Paint Preferred incentive programs. Offering a potential $193,000 in added money through the programs this year, APHA gives owners of registered Paint Horses more reasons than ever to show in 2007. In addition to the potential increase in payouts, both the Gelding Plus and Paint Preferred incentives will include several new format changes to improve the programs for the coming year.

Gelding Plus

The Gelding Plus program, designed to increase the value of registered Paint geldings, has traditionally been conducted as a futurity incentive program. From Jan. 1 forward, the program will promote aged Paint geldings that are 4 years old and older, with $3,000 up for grabs at each of the 14 approved APHA zone shows.
Awarded to the most outstanding gelding or geldings, through APHA’s performance show high-point calculation system, the new Gelding Plus program provides the owners of these horses an opportunity to compete for bonus incentives nationwide at APHA Zone shows and at three APHA international shows.

Your first chance to win incentive money under the new Gelding Plus format is the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show in Denver, Colo., which offers APHA-approved classes Jan. 8–11, 2007. The APHA Zone 3 event will pay out $3,000 in added money through the revamped Gelding Plus program.

Visit apha.com/geldingplus for details about the program’s new format changes.

Paint Preferred

The Paint Preferred program supports the Paint Horse breed’s accomplishments in select events outside the APHA arena. In the past, added money was awarded to the highest-scoring Paint at these events.
Starting in 2007, Paints placing first, second or third overall at selected events will earn this money, which, due to the new format, could mean record-level payouts.

Widely recognized for their versatility and athleticism, Paint Horses will be recognized in the following disciplines:

· Barrel Racing

· Cutting

· Hunter Under Saddle

· Reining

· Western Pleasure

· Working Cow Horse

To find out more about APHA’s improved Paint Preferred program, visit apha.com/paintpreferred.

“We fully expect Paint Horse owners to take advantage of these improved incentive programs,” said Holly Nelson, APHA director of shows.

“With the potential of offering some really big payouts, APHA is looking forward to recognizing talented Paint Horses in a big way. We know there are many outstanding American Paint Horses in competition throughout the world. Through Gelding Plus and Paint Preferred, owners will be rewarded for their hard work and their Paint Horses’ athletic ability.”

For more information
Learn more about these programs and their new formats by visiting apha.com or by contacting Paint Programs Coordinator Jessica McDaniel at (817) 834-2742, extension 249, or e-mail jmcdaniel@apha.com .