The Oklahoma Pinto Horse Association held its first horse show in 1959.   From the beginning, the purpose has been to promote and encourage the general interest and breeding of pinto horses, and to promote good sportsmanship and fellowship among the owners and lovers of pinto horses.

 

OPtHA is an affiliate charter club of the national organization - the Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc.  The Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc. was established in 1956 as primarily a color registry.  Today the association has grown to offer four conformation types - Stock, Hunter, Pleasure and Saddle.  There is also a separate division for ponies and one for miniature horses.    Two color patterns are recognized - Tobiano and Overo, as well as a Solid Bred division for animals who do not have enough white to meet color registry requirements.  A mule and donkey division was added in 2018.

 

OPtHA  offers all-breed classes at each show.  Walk/Trot challenge classes are offered for all ages as well as a leadline class for young children.  Members hold charity fund raisers at designated shows. 

 

The Tabitha May Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to a qualifying student. The OPtHA youth organize a bake sale fund-raiser each year at the Awards Banquet to add to the scholarship fund.

 

The Pat Walliser Memorial Sportsmanship Award is awarded annually to an exhibitor who displays helpful support and kindness for fellow exhibitors and staff at the shows.

 

High-point division awards are given at each show.   Year-end division awards are presented at the annual Banquet and Business Meeting by Oklahoma Pinto Horse Association.

 

The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee manages the OPtHA finances and the shows.  Elections are held each year at the Annual Business meeting during the Awards Banquet.