Five Join the 2026 APHA Hall of Fame

By Jessica Hein, PHJ News:

The 2026 APHA Hall of Fame class includes two notable couples and three outstanding Paint Horses. They will be honored June 25, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration.

 

 

Viggo & Annette Mortensen—Dedicated Paint breeders since 1988, Viggo and Annette established an impactful legacy throughout Denmark and Europe. Viggo helped found the Danish Paint Horse Club, and both are talented exhibitors. From educational clinics and events hosted at their Circle M Farm to countless accolades earned by their horses throughout Europe, the couple has made a lasting impact on APHA worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

Travis & Lynn Titlow—Starting with a single mare, Travis and Lynn Titlow expanded upon their love of Paint Horses to create a West Coast breeding program that produced World Show-caliber mounts for Youth, Amateur and Open exhibitors alike. Travis and Lynn served as local and national leaders, successful exhibitors and Paint promoters for over 40 years. Travis was APHA president in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

Gallant Zippo—A noted show horse, “Gilly” carried a generation of exhibitors through the APHA show ring, teaching them to build a connection, trust the process and lead with grace. The 2007 chestnut overo gelding earned 5,596.5 APHA points, including 10 world championships, eight reserve world championships and multiple No.1 year-end titles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Simon—This 2006 bay tobiano stallion dominated the Western pleasure pen and more. A 17-time world champion in Western pleasure, halter and trail, “John” captured 2,032 lifetime points. He has sired over 300 foals, who have earned over 10,000 APHA points and 34 world and reserve world championship titles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Hero—A legendary racehorse and impactful sire, Texas Hero earned over $100,000 on the track, racking up 18 wins in 22 starts during his two-year running career. With just over 400 foals, Texas Hero has progeny race earnings over $3.3 million.

 

 

 

2026 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration

June 25, 2026
Round Up Inn, Will Rogers Memorial Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Save the date—tickets will be available soon!

Details: Email Jennifer Crites at jcrites@apha.com