apha-horses
• Photo courtesy of APHA/Paint Horse Journal.

APHA Extends Temporary Rules Overseeing Judges

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently extended a move that makes it easier for show producers to hold events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Fort Worth, Texas-based association, the APHA Board of Directors APHA Board of Directors has extended a pause in a set of rules for 2021, which includes the temporary suspension of a rule that restricts the number times an exhibitor can use a judge in Top 20 award calculations.

In early spring of 2020, the APHA Board of Directors temporarily suspended a series of judge and show management rules to allow shows to more easily hold their events and make last-minute changes in the fluid COVID-19 environment. APHA extended those temporary rule suspensions through June 30, 2021, at which time the Board will assess whether or not to extend those rule suspensions further.

The Board has decided to suspend the portion of SC-045.A.1., AM-060.C., and YP-055.C. that regulates the number of times a judge’s placings are used in Top 20 awards calculations. By temporarily suspending this portion of the rule, there are no limits to the number of times a judge’s placings can be used in determining Top 20 placings in 2021.

All other year-end award rules remain in place for the 2021 show season. All COVID-19 related rule changes or safety recommendations can be found at https://apha.com/covid-19-updates/. Any questions about awards can be directed to [email protected].

The move by APHA falls in line with other Western performance horse organizations, which have made changes to some rules or significantly modified qualifying requirements for year-end events due to the impact the pandemic has on travel and large events.