The Annual Convention and Membership Meeting of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) concluded recently in Nashville, Tenn., where leaders of the Association met to elect 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 were members of the Association’s Executive Committee, 98 National Directors and other involved members from 34 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, Australia and Denmark.

APHA’s newly elected executive committee now includes:

• President Dr. Travis Titlow, Lincoln, Calif.
• President-elect Scot Jackson, Stephenville, Texas
• Vice President Gregg Reisinger, Eldora, Iowa
• Senior Committee Member Mary Parrott, Ruston, La.
• Fifth Committee Member Ron Shelly, Georgetown, Texas
• Sixth Committee Member Susie Shaw, Parsons, Tenn.
• Immediate Past President Linda Vance, Winlock, Wash.

Executive Committee  Dr. Travis Titlow of Lincoln, Calif., was sworn in as President of the APHA Executive Committee at the Presidential Inauguration Dinner, with entertainment provided by country singer Trent Willmon. The sixth committee member was voted on and sworn in as well. Serving as the newest member to the Executive Committee, Susie Shaw of Parsons, Tenn. was elected as Sixth Committee Member. Shaw is a Paint Horse breeder and member of the Tennessee Paint Horse Club.

World Show Schedule Change  One of the announcements made at the convention was the schedule change to the World Championship Paint Horse Shows effective in 2011. The two-show format will remain intact, but the line dividing the two shows will be much more clear with the summer show composed only of Youth classes, moving all Open and Amateur classes to the fall show.

Rule Changes  In other action, APHA Directors passed legislation regarding the scheduling of shows, updating reining and working cow horse patterns to make them consistent with NRHA and NRCHA, and decreasing the time maximum from two minutes down to one minute in several roping classes. Other rule changes presented and passed dealt with Regional Club activities, filing of complaints of unsportsmanlike conduct at an APHA-approved event and usage of helmets.

The proposed rules for green horse classes were defeated in the Board of Directors meeting (SC-206 Green Hunter Under Saddle, SC-246 Green Western Pleasure, SC-251 Green Trail, SC-256 Green Western Riding). In addition the proposed Amateur rule regarding Amateur Walk-Trot AM-300 was also defeated in the Board of Directors meeting. However, the five rules were discussed again in the Standing Committees meeting that afternoon. The Standing Committees made amendments and asked the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to approve them through the emergency process outlined in Rule GR-010.A.9., approve the amendments, reconsider and re-vote. The Executive Committee concurred that these rules were fiscally vital, and the Board of Directors agreed to reconsider them with the amendments that were made. All five rules passed as amended.

For more information on these rule changes http://www.apha.com/forms/rulebooks.html.

Regional Clubs Recognized  During the convention, APHA took time to recognize several  exemplary Regional Clubs, awarding “Gold Star” and “Clubs of Distinction.” 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: Garden State Paint Horse Club, Irish Paint Horse Club, Ranier Paint Horse Club, Southern Indiana Paint Horse Club and Utah 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, Indiana Paint Horse Club, Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Club and Washington State Paint Horse Club. Honorable mention clubs named were: New England Paint Horse Club, Oklahoma Paint Horse Club and Ranier Paint Horse Club.

Distinguished Service Award  The highest award given by the American Paint Horse Association was presented to Roxann Rohrl for her decades of service to the American Paint Horse Association as a supporter of APHA programs, coordinator of Regional Club efforts in membership and shows, and to recognize her dedication to Regional Clubs in her area as well as nationally.

Youth Leadership Conference  During the convention, the Youth Leadership Conference was held. Youth members met in committees, as well as attended adult director meetings. They set goals and initiatives in their meetings and created three new Youth committees to help achieve these goals. The youth listened to several speakers and voted in two major initiatives brought forth from the Youth Executive Committee. The initiatives included focusing on educational clinics and promotion of AjPHA at youth events with the Regional Club’s help. The three new Youth committees include: Painting Relations Committee will promote and develop new relationships with other youth groups, Shows and Events Committee will work on ideas for youth while at events and shows promote the fun side of showing, and the Education and Clinics Committee will work on clinic ideas and format as well as new educational material for youth. Twenty-five youth attended the conference, representing nine states in the U.S. including: Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Missouri, California and North Carolina.

“APHA On The Road” Program Launch  The APHA Annual Convention was the first venue to officially host the “APHA On The Road” satellite program.  The Association tested the program at some previous international events and, based on the positive response, determined there was cause to expand the project resulting in the Convention launch. During Convention many took advantage of this convenient walk-up service to process registrations and transfers of American Paint Horses. The farthest customer came from New Jersey and was able to process his foal registration paperwork in around 20 minutes with the help of the knowledgeable APHA staff.

Other activities   Attendees at the Convention were given the chance to tour Nashville’s Music City and attend performances at the Grand Ole Opry. Guest speakers also provided insight into the horse industry future, including a lecture from Dr. Craig Wood, Ph D from the University of Kentucky who spoke with attendees during a luncheon about the social media phenomenon and how it relates to the equine industry. The American Paint Horse Foundation also hosted a fundraiser to benefit their programs. The Tennessee Paint Horse Club provided several gift baskets for the fundraiser.

 “The convention this year was not only an entertaining one because it was held in Nashville, but a productive one,” said Lex Smurthwaite, Executive Director of the American Paint Horse Association. “Our APHA members and Directors who attended were diligent in passing needed regulations as well as meeting and planning for the future of this Association to keep it healthy and thriving. We welcome Susie Shaw to the Executive Committee and congratulate all of the clubs who were recognized, as well as Roxann Rohrl for her Distinguished Service Award.”

APHA’s next Annual Convention will be held September 28 through October 1, 2011, in Vancouver, Wash.