This organization's mission is to maintain the official registry of the appaloosa horse - an equine breed with a color preference; to collect, record and preserve the history and integrity of the breed; to improve, enhance and promote the appaloosa, and to honor the tradition, history and heritage of the breed.

The aphc is also involved in many other aspects of promoting the breed: it sanctions regional appaloosa horse shows around the world, and sponsors a national show, a world show, and numerous trail rides. to help promote the breed, the aphc also publishes a magazine. the primary activity of the aphc is to maintain the official registry of the appaloosa horse that includes recordkeeping of the registered horses transferred and stallion breeding records.