Effective January 1, 2010, new reference lines were approved by APHA regarding qualifying white markings used to determine the registration status of Paint Horses. Adopted in reference to RG-070 in the 2010 Official APHA Rule Book, these new reference points make it easier for more Paints to qualify for Regular Registry status. As a result, some Solid Paint-Bred Registry horses are eligible for advancement into the Regular Registry, which offers a wider range of opportunities on the track, in the show ring and beyond.

In order to qualify for the Regular Registry, your horse must have a natural Paint marking which falls within the new reference lines - a natural Paint marking is described as a solid white spot in excess of two inches with underlying unpigmented skin. Let's take a look at the 2009 rule versus the 2010 rule regarding those reference points.