Exemplary Regional Clubs Recognized for Outstanding Service
Press Release
Across the globe, the American Paint Horse Association’s regional clubs provide members a local connection to the world’s second-largest equine breed registry.
Five regional clubs will be honored with the President’s Club of Distinction award at the APHA Convention October 4–6 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 2012 President’s Clubs of Distinction are:
- Arizona Paint Horse Club
- Dixie Paint Horse Club
- Garden State Paint Horse Club
- Texas Paint Horse Club
- Virginia Paint Horse Club
The 2012 President’s Club of Distinction Honorable Mentions are:
- New England Paint Horse Club
- New Mexico Paint Horse Club
- Washington State Paint Club
A prestigious title, the President’s Club of Distinction is only awarded to Gold Star Clubs—those groups that excel in their dedication to members by hosting fundraisers, benefits, social gatherings, youth activities and special promotions while encouraging community service. Gold Star status must be justified every five years.
APHA congratulates the British Columbia Paint Horse Club for obtaining Gold Star Club recognition in 2012. The Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club, Nebraska Paint Horse Club, New England Paint Horse Club, Texas Paint Horse Club and Washington State Paint Horse Club have all been approved to renew their Gold Star status.
Other Gold Star clubs that participated in the 2012 Club of Distinction contest are the Alberta Paint Horse Club, Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club, France Paint Horse Club Inland Northwest Paint Horse Club, Nebraska Paint Horse Club and Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club.
To earn the highly competitive President’s Club of Distinction, regional clubs must exemplify the qualities of a premier regional club—outstanding promotion and public service to Paint Horses and their supporters.
By joining a regional club, Paint Horse enthusiasts are connected to friends who share a common bond and appreciation for a colorful, unique breed. Regional clubs promote friendship, activities, service, hospitality and competition, all within a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
For those regional clubs who aspire to the ideals of APHA, special recognition has numerous benefits. The 2012 President’s Clubs of Distinction will receive a $500 APHA General Store gift certificate, a $250 gift certificate from APHA Corporate Partner Gist Silversmiths and a certificate to the AjPHA Leadership Conference. Honorable Mention clubs receive a $250 gift certificate from Gist Silversmiths, a $200 gift certificate to the APHA General Store and a certificate to the AjPHA Leadership Conference.
“APHA’s regional clubs provide an outstanding service to our members at the local level,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. “We’re proud to recognize all of these clubs for their dedication and promotion of Paints.”
About the American Paint Horse Association
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the international breed registry for the American Paint Horse headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. 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 over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world.
About APHA Regional Clubs
Regional Clubs are the backbone of the American Paint Horse Association’s grassroots marketing program for the breed. Since its inception in 1962, the association has approved more than 115 Regional Clubs worldwide. Successful Regional Clubs are those that are well organized, have a clearly defined purpose and are dedicated to promoting the American Paint Horse. For more information on regional clubs, visit clubs.apha.com.