People are getting confused by all the new pony registries that are out there for any number of breeds and descriptions. It’s about time that these smaller guys be recognized., There are some very good pony registries and the APPR is a registry for the "American Paint Pony". The American Paint Pony is of medium size, standing from 12h up to, and including 14.2h, with recognizable body color. Ponies will display a strong Quarter Horse body type and characteristics.

The APPR is a registry that was founded in the very early 70’s by William L. and Arliss Miller in Wadena, Iowa. The Millers have been involved with horses since the early 40’s until Mr. Miller went into the Navy as a pilot during WW2. When he returned, he began to inspect horses for the APHA. Mr. Miller served as President of the APHA for two years and has bred and raised Paints and Paint ponies until he passed away.

As Inspector for the APHA, Mr. Miller began to see that many of the horses were of very good quality but short of the 14.2h height requirement and denied registry into the APHA. Mr. Miller saw a need to create a registry for these that fell under 14.0h. Keeping the standards the same except these would be "American Paint Ponies." The APPR would create the perfect youth pony. "you know", Mr. Miller says "ponies that look like horses". Then these kids would graduate to the bigger paints. The APPR’s idea was that kids would have a quality mount with athletic ability and conformation, color and tailored in size for the youth.

The Millers hosted APHA shows and included events for the Paint Ponies and their young handlers and riders. The APPR awards points and year end awards for not only youth members but adults as well. More shows and events are being held that offer open pony classes in all divisions for both adults and youths.

The popularity of this All American Paint Pony has grown rapidly in the US Not only for youths but for adults, senior citizens and retirees, for, pleasure, and profit. . The APPR has grown not only throughout most parts of the United States ,. but in Canada and Europe also , many fine ponies are now registered in Canada and Europe.

For years the small version of the Appaloosa, the POA has done extremely well. Later on and growing fast in popularity is the small version of the Quarter Horse, the American Quarter Pony (AQPA) As well as a newer and fast growing registry that includes all colors and color patterns, called the International Quarter Pony Association, IQPA. Now the American Paint Pony (APPR) is getting a lot of interest!. We now see more shows for ponies and horse shows that are hosting classes for ponies, not only for junior riders and handlers but for adults also. Ponies are being bred for all disciplines including Jumping, rodeo, driving, gymkana, cutting, reining, English and Western riding and just for fun. The growing interest in ponies is creating a demand for high quality ponies. Ponies are being bred and raised to meet that demand for a great pony.

Many of the Paint Ponies ancestries can be traced to the #1 foundation APPR stallion, "Trailer." Others can be traced back to Nylon Bars. Other foundation names were, "My Texas Dandy" , "C Note". Good APHA stock such as "San Juan", and "Mr. J. Bar". The combination of good QH and APHA blood is the foundation for the American Paint Pony. To insure that the height remain under 14.0h some fine registered Welsh pony blood has been introduced. The Welsh pony has a the body type and characteristics that have proven to be very successful in creating a fine pony.

The APPR is a small registry that is growing, thanks to one mans desire to have such a registry for what at one time was considered the cast-out, too small horse. This man was William L Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Miller sadly passed away in 1998, but the APPR is still going on and his memory lives in his work and love of all horses The Miller family has taken over and is still registering and documenting ponies for this great registry.

The goal of the APPR is to encourage the registration of good ponies, growth of membership and participation by offering incentives through awards, services and events. To create a registry that records the pedigree of the American Paint Pony. At this time good ponies can be registered by inspection based upon desirable physical characteristics and color, this will not always be the case.

If you would like more information regarding the APPR or have a pony that you feel meets the requirements for registry you may contact the following APPR representative or write or call the APPR at the addresses and numbers given below.