Texas Equine at the 2025 APHA World Championship Show

Celebrating Paint Horses, Inclusion, and Community in Fort Worth

Each summer, the APHA World Championship Show brings together the best Paint Horses and riders from around the globe for world-class competition at the iconic Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Running through June and July, the show highlights Open, Amateur, and Youth exhibitors in events ranging from reining and roping to hunt seat, Western pleasure, and more. With more than $1.5 million in awards and prizes, it stands as one of the pinnacle events of the equestrian world—celebrating the beauty, versatility, and athleticism of the American Paint Horse.

You can learn more about APHA programs and offerings at apha.com.

Texas Equine’s Day at the World Show

This year’s APHA World Championship Show took place June 19–July 5, 2025, and Texas Equine was honored to attend on July 3rd on behalf of our Stars & Stirrups program and our soon-to-launch therapeutic riding program, Bridle ’N Balance. We were proud to support the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and cheer on all exhibitors, especially those competing in the Heroes on Horses and Equestrians With Disabilities (EWD) classes.

Our Programs Represented

Stars & Stirrups This program provides discounted horsemanship lessons in both group and private settings. Each one-hour lesson includes groundwork, riding, horse care, and safety. The focus extends far beyond horses—lessons support life skills such as confidence, communication, emotional regulation, and responsibility.

Bridle ’N Balance Our soon-to-be therapeutic riding center is dedicated to enhancing physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Our mission is to provide an inclusive, supportive, and professional environment where individuals can grow, heal, and thrive through horsemanship. By integrating evidence-based practices with our heart for community partnerships, Bridle ’N Balance is designed to enrich lives and strengthen our community.

Supporting NSBA at the APHA World Show

At the 2025 show, Texas Equine was present for:

• NSBA Heroes on Horses Walk-Jog Western Pleasure

• NSBA EWD Walk-Trot Western Pleasure – Independent

• NSBA EWD Walk-Trot Western Pleasure – Supported

These classes are an incredible highlight each year, honoring riders with disabilities and veterans while showcasing the unmatched impact that horses have on confidence, connection, and quality of life.

The NSBA’s mission is to grow the show horse community through events that benefit horses, breeders, owners, riders, and trainers alike. Founded in 1983, the NSBA has experienced tremendous growth and now offers a wide array of programs, scholarships, and opportunities—including significant support for Equestrians with Disabilities.

APHA: A Legacy of Color, Versatility & Heart

The American Paint Horse Association has grown into one of the largest equine breed registries in the world. Known for their unmistakable coat patterns and incredible athletic ability, Paint Horses excel in nearly every discipline.

A Brief History of APHA

• Founded in 1962 by Rebecca Tyler Lockhart and like-minded horse lovers

• First registered Paint Horse: Bandit’s Pinto, a 1959 black tobiano

• APHA has now registered over 1 million Paint Horses

• Today APHA is the second-largest equine breed association globally

APHA’s mission is to promote, preserve, and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses—while upholding humane treatment, strong family values, and forward-thinking leadership for the future of the breed.

Why We Encourage APHA Membership

Membership in APHA offers a long list of benefits, including:

• Eligibility to compete in APHA-sanctioned shows

• Voting in APHA elections

• Access to exclusive discounts from APHA’s corporate partners

• Support for APHA programs that advance the breed and equine community

Member benefits can be found at:👉 apha.com/membership/member-benefits

For questions about the APHA World Championship Show, APHA can be reached at aphaevents@apha.com or 817-222-6402.

NSBA Foundation: A Community That Supports Its Own

The NSBA Foundation, officially formed in 2009, focuses on five pillars of support:

1. Animal Welfare – promoting humane treatment and safety

2. Crisis Fund – helping trainers and families after disasters or severe hardship

3. Education – scholarships, workshops, leadership training

4. Equestrians With Disabilities – programs that advance inclusion and healing

5. Champion Fund – supporting additional charitable initiatives

Shelby attended the 2025 NSBA Coaches Summit in February, gaining valuable insight and inspiration for Bridle ’N Balance. You can read our article about that event here.

A Day of Celebration & Community

The APHA World Championship Show is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of horses, horsemanship, and the communities that grow around them. From vendors and youth events to legendary horses and world-class riders, the show truly has something for everyone.

Texas Equine was honored to be part of such an important event, supporting NSBA, Equestrians With Disabilities, and Heroes on Horses competitors. We are excited to continue serving our community and deepening our partnerships as we prepare for the launch of Bridle ’N Balance.

We had a wonderful time and can’t wait for the 2026 show!