MARCH 1996 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 3/1/96; 10:00:00 AM.

Outside Competitive Activities Program,(OCAP)

What is the Outside Competitive Activities Program?

The American Paint Horse Association's Outside Competitive Activities Program, more commonly referred to as OCAP, is designed to recognize the achievements of APHA members who compete in activities outside of breed-approved shows. These activities may include a wide range of competitive events from calf roping to dressage to chariot racing. OCAP recognizes breeding stock as well as regular registry Paints. Rewards are based upon individual achievement in an event.

How can an APHA member enroll in OCAP?

To enroll in OCAP, members must complete an application and pay a $10 enrollment fee. To earn credits in an OCAP-approved event, participants must present an OCAP card to the event's show secretary or manager. The show official should inspect the enrollment card and the horse's registration papers and sign the official report form. OCAP exhibitors are then responsible for filing the report form with APHA within 25 days of the event. A $2 per horse per show processing fee must accompany the form.

What events are included in OCAP?

APHA reviews each event submitted by members for OCAP approval. Because of this approval process, members should apply well in advance of the event. An event may be considered by APHA if it is approved by an association, organization or affiliate that has an established record-keeping, governing body and a representative who will sign a verification form. (Shows approved by breed registries are not included in OCAP.) This criteria is critical to the program because APHA must contact each event sponsor to verify an exhibitor's report. In that way, members can be assured that recognition is awarded fairly.

What types of events may be approved for OCAP?

The APHA Executive Committee has compiled the following list of categories to identify possible events for inclusion on OCAP:

Barrel Racing (Clover Leaf Only), Cutter and Chariot Racing, Cutting, Dressage, Driving (Pleasure and Utility), Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding, English Pleasure (Bridle Path Hack, Hunter Under Saddle English Pleasure), Equitation, Games, In-Hand Classes, (Halter, English or Western, Showmanship or Color), Over Fence (Hunter Hack, Working Hunter, Jumping, all variations), Penning, Reining (Snaffle Bit, Hackamore, Open), Roping (Team Roping, Heading, Heeling, Calf Roping, Steer Stopping, Breakaway Roping), Three-day Eventing, Trail (English or Western Attire), Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Working Cowhorse and 4-H.

Can a member accumulate credits from OCAP and points from an APHA-approved show?

If an APHA member chooses to participate in OCAP, that does not exclude him or her from participating in regular APHA competition. The programs are entirely separate, so a horse may have halter and performance records in each, However, credits and points cannot be earned at the same show.

What awards are available through OCAP?

APHA will award a Certificate of Recognition to a horse when it earns at least 20 credits in any one event. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to horses that have earned 100 or more credits in any one event. The APHA will issue annual awards based upon the number of credits earned during the year. The horse earning the most credits in an event during a year will be the OCAP leader in that event.

Does an individual have to be a member of APHA to participate in OCAP?

The APHA requires that an individual be a member of the Association to receive any award.

For further information, contact the American Paint Horse Association. PO Box 961023 Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0023. Telephone: 817/439-3400.