What do you do in your spare time? Race around barrels, rope, team pen, hunt, cut? At the American Paint Horse Association   (A.P.H.A), we know that your riding and driving activities are as diverse as the color patterns on the horses we register. Now, you can get recognition for the accomplishments you have made in the competitive events you enjoy.

What is the Paint Alternative Competition (PAC) program?
APHA approves more than 1,200 horse shows and races, hosts trail rides, and produces a World Championship Show each year. But even with this diverse menu of activities, the association doesn’t always have an approved or sponsored event in your hometown.

Your community probably offers plenty of competitive events for horses and riders, such as 4-H shows, team pennings, ropings, horse trials, and other activities that fall outside the category of “APHA-approved show.”

Even though APHA is not officially associated with these events, the association does want to recognize your efforts on your American Paint Horse. As a result, your accomplishments can be recorded on your registered horse’s official lifetime performance record through PAC.

A variety of competition
PAC is open to almost any type of activity as long as the competition is sponsored by an organization that keeps official records on the performance of all horses entered in the event.

Keep in mind that for APHA to include the event in PAC, the competition must be sponsored by an association, organization or affiliate that has an established record-keeping, governing body, as well as a representative who will sign a verification form. Also, remember that this program is designed for events outside the approved show ring. You cannot earn PAC credits at APHA-approved shows or at any show approved by another breed registry.

Easy to enroll and report
Although APHA membership is not required to enroll in PAC, you must be a member to receive any awards you earn from the association. Even though you don’t have to own the horse you compete on, annual enrollment of the horse in PAC is required.

You will receive your PAC card and several report forms two to three weeks after your application is processed. Once you receive your card, you are ready to start earning credits.

When you go to your next Paint Alternative Competition, have fun and do your best. When you place in the event, see the event secretary or manager and present them your PAC card and official report form.

Ask the official to inspect your enrollment card and your horse’s registration papers to verify your participation on a registered American Paint Horse. Next, ask the official to sign the report form, which tells APHA how you finished in the event and how many horses were entered. Then, return the report, along with a show bill or schedule, to APHA within 30 days of the event.

You will then receive APHA credits based upon your placing and the number of horses you competed against, using the same formula the association uses to award points to exhibitors at APHA-approved shows. (Point tabulation is outlined in the current Official APHA Rule Book.)

For more information on PAC, email pac@apha.com or call (817) 834-2742, extension 249