Starting in 2021, qualifying for the APHA World Championship Show is no longer required for horses exhibiting at the premier Paint show. This comes as a result of a vote at the APHA Board of Directors’ June 24 meeting, following input from APHA members and committees.
Qualifying was already waived for the 2020 APHA World Show—which will feature Youth, Amateur, and Open events in September 2020—due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected cancellations of many APHA-approved events. Now, the World Show’s “qualification by participation” requirement has been permanently waived, resulting in a greater ability for all APHA members to participate in the APHA World Championship Show with their beloved Paint Horses.
One main benefit of removing the qualifying requirement is that horses being exhibited in Youth classes can now easily cross-enter Open and Amateur classes as well, as Youth World Show has not required qualifying in several years. This helps reinforce the family atmosphere that APHA members will enjoy as part of the now-combined World Show events.
“This gives everyone an equal opportunity to come and participate at the largest Paint Horse event in the world,” APHA President Casey West said. “With the combined show format of Youth, Amateur, and Open classes in 2020 and 2021, this allows all horses to enter whatever classes they would like.”
The 2020 APHA World Show takes place on September 18–October 4. The 2021 APHA World Show takes place June 28–July 11. Both events are held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Details about the APHA World Show can be found online at apha.com/worldshow.
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA promotes, preserves, and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.
