Paint Horse owners, breeders
to see more green in the Bluegrass State

Kentucky Paint Horse breeders and owners will receive more than $95,000 in 2007 as part of the new Kentucky Horse Breeders Incentive Fund, recently signed into law by the state’s governor, Ernie Fletcher.

American Paint Horse breeders and owners in Kentucky will receive more than $95,000 in 2007 as part of the new Kentucky Horse reeders Incentive Fund. APHA file photo Hirez TIFF (6.51 mb) Hirez JPEG (1.63 mb)

According to the governor’s office, the incentive fund was filed as an emergency regulation so that breeders and owners of “non-race” breeds could receive awards in 2007, which will be based on the performance of the horses in events that took place since January 2006. Although Paint Horses do actually race, for the purposes of this regulation in Kentucky, a “non-race” breed is defined as a breed other than a Thoroughbred or Standardbred.

“For the non-race breeds, it is estimated that 1 million dollars will be pro rated among nine breeds in the state,” said Paul Reinbolt, a past president of APHA who lives in Woodburn, Ky. “For Kentucky Paint breeders, the benefit will be the increased marketability of Kentucky-bred Paints.”

The fund was one of three created as a part of Governor Fletcher’s “Jobs for Kentucky” initiative to aid in development of horse breeding.

“Kentucky is synonymous with equine excellence, and the horse industry is indeed our signature industry,” Governor Fletcher said.

How the Program Works
The national organizations representing each of Kentucky’s “non-race”
breeds that want to participate in the fund must certify to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) the identity of the state affiliate representing that breed in Kentucky, according to the governor’s office. Every three years new state affiliates may apply and participating affiliates may renew their application.

In an effort to educate its members about the new incentive, the Kentucky Paint Horse Club has detailed further information and news updates about the program on its Web site, at www.kyphc.org.

According to Kentucky Paint Horse Club Board Director Donny Brandenburg of Harrodsburg, Ky., and his wife, Amanda, who serves as the club’s vice president, the local APHA affiliate is actively involved in getting the word out to its members.

The couple said that they have received positive feedback from other club members about the incentive, and look forward to participating themselves.

“We are very fortunate to have horses that are eligible for this program," said Mr. Brandenburg. “We are quite excited and look forward to showing our eligible Kentucky-bred Paints as well as continuing to promote breeding, foaling, and showing in our state.”

The club representatives said the governor’s new initiative will significantly strengthen the Paint Horse industry in Kentucky. Reinbolt agreed with this assessment.

“This concept has the potential to make a large impact on Kentucky’s Paint Horse community,” said Reinbolt. “I hope that APHA’s support of this and similar programs will to help stimulate the growth of the breed around the world.”