APHA Unveils Professional Horsemen Ambassador Program
PHJ release
APHA is proud to announce its new APHA Professional Horsemen Ambassador Program, an outreach program designed to increase participation through actively designating a Markel/APHA Professional Horseman or Horsewoman at local shows to help educate, promote and create interest in beginner-level exhibitors.
Creation of this new program was developed and endorsed by the APHA Professional Horsemen Committee for all current Professional Horsemen.
Ambassadors are encouraged to initiate communication with beginner-level exhibitors they encounter who could use assistance but might not have a trainer; all exhibitors are also encouraged to approach Ambassadors for any assistance they might need. That might include questions about showing, training, judging or APHA-related matters.
Ambassadors must be:
- Current APHA member in good standing
- Current APHA Professional Horseman/Horsewoman in good standing
- Age 21 or older
Apply for the APHA Professional Horsemen Ambassador Program
Duties as an APHA Ambassador include (but are not limited to):
- Being a representative of the American Paint Horse Association
- Acting in a way that holds true to the APHA mission statement: “to promote, preserve and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.”
- Hanging your Ambassador banner at your stalls where it’s visible to the public at any shows you attend
- Checking in at the horse show office at each event you attend and letting them know that you are an APHA Professional Horsemen and Ambassador offering your help to beginners/grassroots riders
- Wearing your complimentary Professional Horsemen button-down shirt to identify you as a program participant
- Be accessible and approachable at shows to help new exhibitors learn about Paint Horses
- Participating in the “Ambassador Campaign” by using the hashtag #markedforgreatness in all APHA-related social media posts (more details regarding the campaign will be included with your banner).
In return for their assistance, participating APHA Professional Horsemen receive:
- Increased visibility
- Potential new clientele
- Recognized as a professional by APHA
- Validation of your current credentials
- Name moved to the top of the current Professional Horsemen Directory
This program is open to all current APHA Professional Horsemen—find more information and application details at apha.com/programs/profhorsemen. Current APHA Professional Horsemen can apply for the ambassador program online. For more information about how to get involved in the program, contact Amanda Cormack at acormack@apha.com or 817-222-6416.
Q&A:
Q: As a show manager, how do I know if there will be any APHA Ambassadors attending my show?
A: We recommend having a sign-in sheet located in your show office for APHA Ambassadors to sign in upon show check-in. Ask them for their name and phone number in the event you need to contact them. This sign-in sheet should be posted for exhibitors in any appropriate location, including the pattern posting area and show office. Another idea might be to schedule a “Meet & Greet” time during a break in the show.
Q: As an exhibitor, how can I find an APHA Ambassador at a show?
A: Each participating APHA Professional Horseman or Horsewoman will be provided a sign to display at any show they attend. They will also be encouraged to wear their Professional Horsemen-logo shirt. You can also check with the horse show office to see if any have checked in at your event.
