The debate amongst Paint Horse enthusiasts as to whether it benefitted the breed to combine the solid horses in the “regular color” horse division has raged since APHA voted to eliminate the solid division in 2024. APHA has cited a desire to protect breeders’ investments and increase class sizes while eliminating costs of supporting two simultaneous divisions as main justifications for the change.
Unlike most other associations, which either focus on bloodline exclusivity or color exclusivity, APHA has functioned as both a breed and a color association, promoting bloodlines as well as “regular registry” color, since its inception.
The recent changes have resulted in mixed reviews. Many exhibitors are thrilled by the larger class sizes and money incentives, while trainers have been able to bring more clients (including those who previously exclusively showed AQHA). However, others claim that their single-registry solid horses still hold little value as buyers only want solid “double registry” horses and that the association is failing to promote single registry stallions, which some fear will result in the loss of visibly-colored Paint Horses in future generations.
We spoke to APHA’s 2027 President-Elect, Rachel Kooiker, to learn more about the benefits of combining the divisions and what is being done to incentivize visibly-colored Paint Horses.
Reaping the Rewards
Kooiker highlights, “Walking into the 2026 APHA World Show, our second year integrating Solid Paint-Bred and Regular Registry Paints into a single slate of classes, the energy was different. We saw firsthand how much more vibrant and rewarding the event became when we stopped drawing artificial lines and let our members just show the horses they own and love. It didn’t just fill out the classes; it made the whole show feel cohesive, competitive, and significantly more fun for everyone who hauled in.”
Kooiker is thrilled that these positive numbers appear to be trickling down to local and regional shows saying, “In the past, splitting entries between Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred classes often meant thin, uncompetitive gate counts that made shows hard to justify financially. Separate classes were confusing to new participants, and lower participation numbers in the Solid Paint-Bred division meant it wasn’t financially feasible to offer all available classes, which is limiting and frustrating to horse owners who want to show up and show.
In 2026, regional club trends are signaling positively- we are seeing fuller classes, increased local-barn participation, and greater freedom over their budgets and award programs to add value where it counts. It allows local shows to run efficiently and keeps our members engaged right in their own backyards.”
Ultimately, Kooiker emphasizes, “Exhibitors want deep, competitive classes where a win means something. By eliminating the Solid Paint-Bred division and allowing all Paints to show together, we stopped turning away participation and instead captured entries that otherwise would have stayed home. It’s kept our premier events robust and attractive to competitors.”
Incentivizing Color
APHA hopes to continue incentivizing color through its PayntPoints Color Bonus and Chrome Cash and Paint Barrel Racing Incentive Program (“PBRIP”).
Kooiker explains, “The Paynt Points Color Bonus is new in 2026. To qualify, horses must have 12 inches or more of continuous solid white markings visible from a normal standing position. Horse eligibility is assessed at time of registration; in the case of horses that are already registered, owners can submit a free eligibility review at apha.com/payntpoints.
The Color Bonus is an enhancement to our popular Paynt Points program that automatically delivers extra, stacked cash payouts directly to owners of obviously marked, colorful Paints based on the points they earn. It adds tangible return on investment for breeding and showing traditional, flashy horses.”
She adds that the Chrome Cash and PBRIP have added additional incentives for Paint Horses showing in multi-breed performance events, like reining or cow horse, which have seen an increase in colored-horse participation in recent years.
Ultimately, Kooiker says APHA continues to be open to member suggestions for promoting visually-colored Paints. Instead of sharing complaints or frustrations on internet forums, which Kooiker admits rarely contributes to meaningful action, she suggests that members with ideas for incentivizing colored horses share their thoughts with APHA staff, state directors, and the APHA Board of Directors.
Exhibitors pushing for visible color highpoint awards, an in-class color division similar to the intermediate division, and potential requirements to “breed back” to color, must champion these causes with those in an actual position to make changes in order to see their suggestions come to fruition.
“Beyond that, showing up and being the change you wish to see is a great way to make an impact and introduce new programs on a local level. Your local and regional clubs are looking for volunteers to support them.”
Looking Forward
Kooiker emphasizes, “Our mission has always been, and remains, to promote both world-class bloodlines and
She continues, “As president, I’m not just focused on the bottom line. I’m focused on the people. My heart is set on nurturing the incredible community that Paint Horses build and foster. While I’m fully committed to innovative programs like Paynt Points and the fiscal discipline we need to stay agile; I see those as just the foundation. They exist to serve the people who are the true soul of this association: our breeders, our Youth, our Amateurs, and our pros. I want to build a future where every member feels supported, where the bonds we form in the barn are just as valued as the wins in the arena. We aren’t just managing an association. We’re protecting legacy.”
Click here to read the article GoHorseShow writer Megan Rechberg wrote about combining the divisions when the rule passed.
Everyone at GoHorseShow extends our sincerest condolences to the family of Mike Holloway and everyone who knew and loved him.
