Sunny Bates is Named APHA Senior Manager of Chrome Cash
By Cristin Conner, PHJ News
APHA has elevated Sunny Bates as the senior manager of Chrome Cash. In this role, Sunny will direct the day-to-day functions of the Chrome Cash program in a way that stimulates registrations and transfers for the association.
Sunny joined the association in 2019 as manager of business development; in 2020, she helped launch the Chrome Cash program, which gives exhibitors a direct incentive to show APHA-registered horses without complicated rules, ownership requirements or additional program enrollments by offering a class within a class at select performance events.
Sunny will oversee the recently announced 2023 expansion of the Chrome Cash program and is eager to dig in further.
“I’m most excited about the opportunities Chrome Cash creates for APHA horses in the performance world. This program helps shine a light on great horses that just happen to be APHA-eligible and gives them a reason to go forward with their registrations, which helps the association grow.”
Sunny is no stranger to the equine world. Growing up, she spent countless hours in the saddle working on her family’s cattle and wheat ranch and went on to produce team ropings and raise roping cattle. She is married to cutting horse trainer Chris Bates and brings a wealth of knowledge and connections to APHA.
Chrome Cash has seen phenomenal growth since its inception, thanks in no small part to Sunny. A handful of NCHA and NRCHA show producers offered a Chrome Cash class at major aged events in 2020, ending the year with 138 entries and paying out $65,486. In just two years, entries have grown to over 1,100 and payouts to $473,498 at participating NCHA, NRCHA, NRHA and ARHFA events (not including APHA World Show numbers or new all-around Chrome Cash events). This year, Chrome Cash will expand to ranch horse events, breakaway roping, barrel racing and more all-around events. Additional reining, team roping and cutting associations will offer the classes as well.
Questions about Chrome Cash? Find details online at apha.com/programs/chromecash.
