The 2025 season has officially come to a close, marking another exceptional year of competition within the American Paint Horse Association. Across every division, year-end champions emerged through consistency, preparation, and strong partnerships—where rider skill and horse ability worked in perfect alignment.
From youth competitors building their foundations to amateur standouts, open-caliber performers, and ranch horses proving their versatility, the 2025 champions represent the depth and strength of the Paint Horse industry.
In this coverage, we’ve compiled a complete list of the 2025 APHA year-end champions while also taking a closer look beyond the final standings. Along with highlighting the winning horse-and-rider combinations, we’ve included key details on each horse’s pedigree, as well as the breeders and owners behind these accomplishments. This added perspective offers a deeper look into the bloodlines, programs, and people that helped shape each championship season.
Youth Division Year-End Champions: Where Partnerships Begin
The Youth divisions showcased the next generation of competitors alongside horses that demonstrated patience, reliability, and correct fundamentals. These results highlight the importance of pairing developing riders with horses capable of delivering steady, confident performances throughout a demanding season.
| Category | Rider | Points | Horse | Pedigree | Breeder | Owner / Lessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth 13 & Under Top 20 | Stella Grace Boyer | 167 | The Batt Boy | Batt Man × Pep O Mint Kiss | Williamson Paint & Quarter Horses (OH) | Kristina Boyer (WA) |
| Youth 14–18 Top 20 | Izzy Hostetler | 211 | Platinum Cowgirl | The Original Cowboy × Ms Silver Sensation | Simons Show Horses LLC (TX) | Izzy Hostetler (IL) |
| Novice Youth Top 20 | Serena Lee Remley | 156.5 | Someone Like You | Zippos Sensation × HF Diva | Bauer & Gooding Show Horses (MI) | Bonnie Lassen (OR) |
| Novice Youth Rookie | Lilly Russo | 85 | Comin In Hott | One Hot Krymsun × Barlink Afire | Angela Finegan (OR) | Lilly Russo (WA) |
Amateur Division Year-End Champions: Consistency at the Core
Moving into the Amateur divisions, success came down to repeatability and execution. These champions reflect seasoned partnerships—riders who brought precision and strategy together with horses that maintained form and competitiveness across multiple shows and environments.
| Category | Rider | Points | Horse | Pedigree | Breeder | Owner / Lessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amateur Top 20 | Christine Weiser Zimmerman | 279 | Coin Machine | Fleet Machine × Ima Zippin Tiger | Janis Kengis MD (WI) | Therese Weiser (ID) |
| Masters Amateur Top 20 | Kristen Shaw | 213 | Almost Too Tempting | Almost Too Fancy × Icelandic Meadow | Tammy Mills (OR) | Kristen Shaw (OR) |
| Amateur Walk-Trot Top 20 | Rachel Henshaw | 277 | Joan Simon | John Simon × Hot Little Lexus | Charla Bradshaw (TX) | Rachel Henshaw (FL) |
| Novice Amateur Top 20 | Katherine Spratt | 156.5 | Rockin The Impulse | MDR Impulsive × Rockys Poco Sue | Cross Creek Farm (KY) | Katherine Spratt (FL) |
| Amateur Rookie | Tia Smith | 95.5 | EZ Score | Jbez Smokin Jo × Shes Promiscuous | Fred & Vanessa Cole (IL) | Tia Smith (CT) |
Open & Ranch Division Year-End Champions: Performance at the Highest Level
At the Open level, year-end honors went to elite combinations capable of delivering championship-caliber performances against the deepest fields of competition. These horse-and-rider teams demonstrated polish, presence, and technical excellence throughout the season.
In the Ranch divisions, champions embodied versatility and function. These partnerships stood out by blending practical movement with competitive refinement, proving their ability to excel in events rooted in real-world ranch work.
| Category | Rider | Points | Horse | Pedigree | Breeder | Owner / Lessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Horse | — | 147.5 | Wake Up For Candy | VS Flatline × Too Sleepy For Candy | Susan Juroe (CO) | Susan Juroe |
| High-Point Amateur Ranch | Nonie Casselman-Reed | 96 | Pretty Martha Rey | Stevie Rey Von × Smart Pretty Cat | Troy Stewart (TX) | Nonie Casselman-Reed |
| High-Point Novice Amateur Ranch | Kelly Cody | 29.5 | Iwouldneversaynever | Pale Face Dunnit × Shine Tini | Hickory Creek Ranch LLC (AZ) | Kelly Cody |
| High-Point Open Ranch | — | 110 | Mizzen Tricks | Tricked Out Spook × Smart Chicody Sue | Tanya Jenkins (OK) | Susan Scott (TX) |
Six PAC Year-End Champions: Endurance, Skill, and Season-Long Excellence
The Six PAC standings reward more than isolated success—they recognize sustained performance over an extended circuit. These champions represent partnerships built on durability, focus, and the ability to perform at a high level time and again.
| Category | Rider | Credits | Horse | Pedigree | Breeder | Owner / Lessee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six PAC Top Five | — | 223 | We Should B Friends | The New Tallent × AMF Holly Dun | Anchor M Farms (AB, Canada) | Vicki Howson (BC) |
| Youth Six PAC Top Five | Faith Engemann | 159 | HF Color Me Art | HF Spanish Artist × HF Shiny Contender | William & Marsha McGovney (KS) | Faith Engemann |
2025 Conquered, The Next Wave of APHA Champions Beckons
Every champion above is a testament to talent, dedication, partnership, and exceptional bloodlines that define the very best of the American Paint Horse world. These horses and riders not only achieved remarkable success in the show pen, but also embody the spirit, precision, and passion that make the APHA community so special.
The digital 2025 Year-End Performance Review, produced by Paint Horse Journal, will feature full stories, in-depth profiles, and stunning photos of each champion, and will be available online in April 2026. Fans, breeders, and competitors alike will have the chance to relive the season’s most exciting moments and celebrate the achievements of these outstanding horses and riders.
Looking ahead, APHA 2026 promises another thrilling year of competition, new bloodlines making their mark, and rising stars ready to challenge the established champions. With more shows, new divisions, and an ever-growing community of enthusiasts, the next season is shaping up to be one of innovation, excitement, and unforgettable performances.
