Paint Horse Member Reaches 1,000-Hour Mark

FORT WORTH, Texas-Diane Stoddard of Newark, Delaware showed just how enthusiastic she is about the American Paint Horse Association's (APHA) saddle log program when she and her 1992 sorrel breeding stock gelding, Bellamyr Rembrandt, reached the 1,000-hour mark.

" 'Rembrandt' is an 8-year-old solid Paint gelding that I have owned since he was 20 months old," said Stoddard. "Presently, I own two Paint geldings-Rembrandt and BA Two Jacks R Lucky.

"I love to trail ride and was very eager to particiate in APHA's Ride America® program."

Stoddard and her husband, Earl, own a farmette in Newark. She is the attendance officer at Hodgson VoTech High School in Glasgow, Delaware.

The Stoddards have definite plans for their other gelding, BA Two Jacks R Lucky, once he reaches riding age.

"I plan to show 'Whistler,' as well as enter him into the Ride America program," Diane said. "He will also become my husband's trail horse, so we can both enjoy the Ride America program and Paint Horses."

As of January 1, 2000, APHA's Ride America underwent several changes in its format. These included both a restructured recognition program as well as establishment of new achievement levels.

Recognition for time spent in the saddle now extends to 3,000 hours, with awards given at the 100-; 500-; 1,000-; 1,500-; 2,000- ; 2,500- and 3,000-hour levels. Awards range from Ride America patches for each level, to water bottles, saddle bags, halters and lead ropes, and customized saddle pads.

Awards are provided by APHA sponsor BMB Tack.