Second-half Paynt Points Payouts for 2025 are Heading Out

By Jessica Hein, PHJ News:

Paynt Points payouts for 2025 points earned in the second half of the year are heading out to exhibitors in mid-February. Once again, the fledgling program exceeded expectations with payouts of $11.35 per point. Funds are distributed to owners of horses that earned APHA points in Youth, Amateur, Novice and Walk-Trot classes between July 1–December 31, 2025.

Total Payout: $455,596

Payouts made for APHA points earned at all APHA shows worldwide in Youth, Novice Youth, Amateur, Novice Amateur and Walk-Trot divisions.

Breakdown: $250,000 added by APHA + $205,596 from entry fees.

$11.35 paid per point

• 1,921 Paint earned Paynt Points payouts between July 1–December 31, 2025.
• They earned an average of 21 points each—worth $238.35 in Paynt Points payouts.
• 69% of horses that competed in Youth & Amateur classes earned Paynt Points payouts in the second half of 2025.
• Exhibitors must submit a W9 or W8-BEN form annually to receive their payouts—submit your form here. The form is due within 90 days of the initial payment distribution date. Funds left unclaimed after that date go back into the Paynt Points distribution fund (less APHA investment contributions).

Top Earners

Horse: Onefinalappointment—$3,552.55 in Paynt Points cashback

Patty Douglas of Bement, Illinois, earned 313 points with her 2021 sorrel solid gelding “Murphy” in the second half of the 2025 show season. Their points came in Amateur halter and Amateur Walk-Trot classes at regional shows from the Midwest to Florida, along with the APHA World Show and Eastern National Championship. Murphy’s sire is By Appointment Only, and he’s out of Zippedinexcellence.

“I thought the Paynt Points incentive program was a good idea, and I was curious to see how it would work. Once I started showing in 2025 and saw what the potential payout might be, I liked the idea even more,” Patty said. “I am really excited about what Murphy and I earned from the Paynt Points incentive program. I appreciate APHA giving back. It’s great to get something back from doing something you enjoy. This is a hobby for me, and it is an expensive one. So for APHA to offer this incentive program, it is very helpful to have to help with the expenses. I am hoping people will come out and show their beautiful Paints.”

 

 

 

Owner: Robert & Patricia Ross—$3,756.85 in Paynt Points cashback

The Ross family of Grayslake, Illinois, topped the list for Paint Points payouts in the second half of 2025. They had two Paints, shown by daughters Jamie and Jennifer, contribute to the total payout for their show-ring success:

• Call Me A Cowboy, a 2014 brown tobiano gelding by The Original Cowboy x Call Me Sister. He earned 147.5 points with Jamie in Amateur events, worth about $1,674.
• Daddysleepstomuch, a 2017 sorrel overo gelding by The Sugar Daddy x Not Enuff Sleep (QH). He earned 183.5 points with Jennifer in Amateur events, worth about $2,082.

“We appreciate the work that goes into creating opportunities for exhibitors, and we want to see the program succeed in a way that feels fair and sustainable for everyone,” Jamie said. “Overall, each year, we have the same goals: promote an exhibitor-friendly environment, bring new people in and continue to support the APHA. At the end of the day, this is our hobby and the way we choose to spend our money/vacation time. We show with some of our best friends and love our horses.”

Paynt Points Payout Notes

• This second round of payouts reflects points earned in 2025 shows that ended between July 1–December 31, 2025.
• Payout checks are being mailed in mid-February.
• Payouts are made to the horse owner/lessee at the time the points were earned.
• A W9 or W8-BEN (reflecting your legal name) is required annually before checks can be issued. Fill yours out here! The form is due within 90 days of the initial payment distribution date. Funds left unclaimed after that date go back into the Paynt Points distribution fund (less APHA investment contributions).

Next Payout: August 2026

For points earned January 1–June 30, 2026

For 2026, all APHA points are eligible for Paynt Points payout (Open, Amateur, Youth, Novice & Walk-Trot). Horses with 12 inches or more of continuous white markings in the qualifying area and visible from a normal standing position earn even more through the Color Bonus program—fill out the Color Bonus Declaration Form to see if your horse qualifies for extra cashback.

APHA has added $1 million to the Paynt Points purse in 2026 ($350,000 + $150,000 Color Bonus for the first half, $350,000 + $150,000 Color Bonus for the second half).

It Pays to be Paint!

For more information, visit apha.com/payntpoints.