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PrintIn The Paint
The APHA heads West
Magnificently splashed with color, the American Paint horse has been a symbol of the Western Plains since first populating the region. Originally brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortés, the equines proved useful for exploring the New World, and many Native Americans favored the stunning paint horse for its superior performance. The Comanche — often credited as being the most skilled of horsemen — regarded paints as sacred.
Over time, the paint grew such a following that breeders’ associations began to emerge in an effort to preserve its specific color and stock-type conformation. Eventually their efforts resulted in the joining of forces and establishment of the national American Paint Horse Association (APHA). Working with the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show organizers, APHA was able to get a class approved for the paint in 1961. Within a year, the organization had established a registry, which is now the second-largest breed registry in the United States.
To ring in the new year, APHA will be traveling the West, first heading to the Sooner State for the Oklahoma Holiday Classic (January 1 – 3). Then it’s on to Denver for the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo, and Horse Show (January 9 – 11), and finally back home to Fort Worth, Texas, for the Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show (January 13 – February 4).
FYI: 817.834.2742, www.apha.com
