Paul Garrett tapped for 2026 APHA Distinguished Service Award
Image credit: APHA/PHJ
By Jessica Hein, PHJ News:
Passionate Paint promoter Paul Garrett of Ashland, Missouri, is the 2026 APHA Distinguished Service Award winner. He will be honored June 25, 2026, as part of the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas.
Involved with APHA since the 1980s, Paul is invested in helping improve the breed. In addition to breeding, owning and showing Paints, Paul is a fixture throughout Missouri and on the national APHA stage. He’s competed at all levels, including the APHA World Show, plus managed shows, led regional clubs and cheered on others in a way that makes him feel like family.
“It’s amazing how far we have come, and I believe that we are heading in the right direction,” Paul said. “I’m very passionate about the Paints. To be selected is such a great honor, especially being amongst the other Distinguished Service Award winners. This is a lifetime achievement.”
Paul’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and make his voice heard, serving as a leader at both the regional and national levels. As a state director and advisory committee member, Paul has helped advocate for rule changes designed to help improve APHA and the Paint breed. He encourages others to get involved, too.
“Never give up on your ideas—you can’t accomplish anything if you don’t try,” he said. “I’ve always tried. It doesn’t hurt to come, get involved and give your opinion. Sometimes, that’s where the best ideas come from. I’m 76 years old, and I still think about what we can do to improve.”
The Missouri Paint Horse Club collectively nominated Paul for the honor.
“Through his years of service as a national and state director, his dedication as an APHA breeder, and his unwavering advocacy for the colored Paint Horse, Paul Garrett has exemplified the very best of the American Paint Horse Association’s mission,” APHA Past President Casey West said in the nomination. “His leadership and passion have strengthened our community and ensured the continued recognition of the Paint Horse’s unique beauty and versatility.”
Service Highlights
- APHA member since 1986
- Owner, breeder & exhibitor
- Notable horses include world champions Hes Fancy In White, Its All About Scarlet and Sensational Satin Rose, and reserve national champion MF Jigsaw
- Missouri Paint Horse Club member since 1985; served as president for nine years and is currently serving as show manager
- State director since 1995
- Member of multiple advisory committees, including the Competition, Breed Development and Long-Range Planning committees
- Involved in advocating for rule changes to allow the use of Paint pattern genes and traits for Regular Registry consideration, increases to Novice Amateur point limits and more
- Managed large, multi-judge APHA shows in the Midwest
- Helped develop the Zone 5 Committee and Midwest Championship
- Helped provide scholarship-earning opportunities for Youth
Celebrate
Join us in honoring Paul and other honorees at the 2026 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony. The event takes place June 25 at 6 p.m. at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, during the APHA World Championship Show.
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!
Event Details: Email Jennifer Crites at jcrites@apha.com
