More than $780,000 changed hands as the nation's finest-quality Paint Horses sold to the highest bidders at the 1999 APHA World Showcase Gelding Sale and the separate Mare and Stallion Sale. The average on the 97 horses sold through the two sales, held in conjunction with the APHA World Championship Show, was $8,090.72.

In the APHA's first-ever Gelding Sale, held July 10 in the Richardson Bass building of the Will Rogers Center, 32 performance-type geldings were sold. Topping the sale at $23,500 was TNTS Roan Ranger, a 1991 red roan overo consigned by Jo N. Carlson of Fort Myers, Florida. The gelding was purchased by Giorgio Perfetti of Switzerland.

Geldings averaged $7,182 on the 32 head sold, with eight head selling for $10,000 or more. In the Mare and Stallion Sale, held July 11, 65 head were sold at an average of $8,537.69. Hot Scotchs Fancy, consigned by Jana Simons of Aubrey, Texas, was the hot ticket at the sale. Topping both sessions, the buckskin overo mare sold for a whopping $55,000 to Ron and Glenda Chidester of Cherryville, North Carolina. Heza Black Jet, the highest-selling stallion, brought $25,000 for consignors Donald and Mary Simmons of Calhan, Colorado. The 1993 black overo was purchased by Ron and Bryan Jackson of Canyon, Texas.

Fort Robinson Trail Ride

More than 130 riders from 18 states and New Zealand participated in the APHA-sponsored trail ride held September 6-11. This was the fourth APHA ride at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, and the ninth time the APHA has sponsored such an event. Participants spent four days riding in the 22,000 acres of the state's largest park. They were also treated to a musical jam session around a campfire, vied in a team-penning contest, competed in novelty races and rounded up buffalo. Because the response to APHA-sponsored recreational riding events has been positive, the association is planning to repeat the Fort Rob ride this year, and is planning a spring cattle round-up at the same park.

Chicago hosts 1999 Convention

The APHA went uptown during its 29th Annual Convention and Membership Meeting. The event was held September 29-October 2 in Chicago, Illinois.

Former president Butch Wonderlich inducted Terrianne Larson of Stratford, Iowa, as the 1999-2000 APHA President. Larson then gave her first official speech, commenting on the remarkable growth of the APHA. She said her experience as an everyday horseperson gives her insight into what most Paint Horse owners want and need.

During the Awards Banquet, two Superior All-Around Awards for 1999 were presented. Larry and Toby Pippin of Parker, Colorado, accepted their award for Calico Sugar Flit. Reds Review, owned by Danny Myre of Royse City, Texas, won the other award.

President's Clubs of Distinction

The American Paint Horse Association awarded the first President's Club of Distinction awards to eight regional Paint Horse Clubs during its annual Convention.

The eight clubs that received this honor are outstanding APHA Regional Gold Star clubs of the year that applied for Club of Distinction recognition before September 1, 1999. Chosen by an APHA in-house committee, these clubs exemplify the qualities of a premier regional club through service to their members, their community and the APHA.

The regional clubs honored with this award include Rainier Paint Horse Club from Zone 1, Arizona Paint Horse Club from Zone 2, Rocky Mountain Paint Horse Club from Zone 3, Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club from Zone 4, Indiana Paint Horse Club from Zone 5, Ark-La-Tex Paint Horse Club from Zone 6, Pennsylvania Paint Horse Club from Zone 7, and Swiss Paint Horse Club from Zones 8 and 9.

APHA reaches 500,000 milestone

In October of 1999, the American Paint Horse Association reached and surpassed its goal of registering 500,000 Paint Horses.

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, is currently developing a center where visitors can learn more about the history of the Paint Horse and the association.

During the 37 years since the inception of the APHA, it has grown to the fifth-largest horse breed in the world. The APHA has seen significant growth in the last few years. In 1984, the 100,000th Paint Horse was registered. Just nine years later, in 1993, the 250,000th Paint Horse, Sensational Nick, was registered. In only six years, that number again doubled to 500,000. APHA leaders predict the association will reach the 1 million milestone in another six to eight years.