Deadline Close for Claiming Half A Million

FORT WORTH, Texas-If American Paint Horses were like the stock market, financial advisors would call it a sure thing. With an average growth rate of more than 11 percent annually, the American Paint Horse Association surpassed more than 500,000 horses in its registry last year. But no horse currently holds the coveted 500,000th position-yet.

The association has reserved registration number 500,000 and the name Half A Million for a sealed-bid auction to benefit the APHA's Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation, which works to preserve the history of the Paint Horse and APHA historic figures, is currently developing a center where visitors can learn more about the history of the Paint Horse and the association.

Sealed bids for the number 500,000 and the name Half A Million, sold as one lot, will be accepted until June 15, 2000. On July 2, during the World Showcase Sale at the World Championship Paint Horse Show, a live auction for the number will be held and sealed bids will be considered. The highest bidder will receive:

• A specially designed plaque bearing the photograph and registration certificate of the bidder's designated horse, with the number 500,000 and name Half A Million;
• The permanent display of a duplicate plaque at the APHA world headquarters building in Fort Worth, Texas; and,
• A fabulous prize package from APHA corporate sponsors, including a custom monogrammed blanket from BMB and many other great prizes.

"Not only will the highest bidder receive the prize package, but they will also get a great deal of publicity for their horse through the recognition that the 500,000th Paint Horse will receive," said APHA Assistant Executive Secretary Jim Kelley.

Sealed bids containing the name, address, and phone number of the bidder, along with a signed statement naming the amount of the bid, can be sent to:

American Paint Horse Association
Attn: Jim Kelley
P.O. Box 961023
Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0023

The winner will be announced and recognized at the 2000 World Show Showcase Sale, held July 1, 2000, in Fort Worth, Texas.

The APHA strives to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paints.