American Paint Horse Association legend
Ed Roberts honored for excellence in agriculture

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Ed Roberts, who served as the American Paint Horse Association’s (APHA) executive secretary for 26 years, was awarded the 2006 W. A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture at the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club’s annual Livestock Appreciation Luncheon. The event was held Jan. 19 during the Fort Worth Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ed Roberts. Hirez TIFF (8.43 mb) Hirez JPEG (2.17 mb)

“This was very special to me because I knew Bill King,” Roberts said. King served as a distinguished and well-respected Fort Worth Stock Show livestock manager for many years.

“What also made this extra nice was that I have been friends with many of the people who have received this award in the past,” Roberts added.

Roberts, who lives in Keller, Texas, was recognized for his instrumental role in developing APHA into one of the largest breed associations in the world. He also has been involved with the Stock Show as part of the public relations committee for nearly 30 years.

“Ed Roberts’ remarkable achievements through the years have made him legendary,” said Nan Fidler, president of the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club. “It was an easy choice for the committee after reviewing everything he has accomplished.”

Also attending this year’s luncheon was Junior Robertson of Waurika, Okla., who served as APHA’s president from 1976-1978.

“It was an honor to have him there,” Roberts said. “He was one of the founders and a president during my first years with APHA.”

Roberts served as APHA’s executive secretary from 1975 to 2001, leading the association and the American Paint Horse breed to worldwide prominence. Before his tenure at APHA, Roberts developed the Appaloosa Horse Club’s youth program, and worked as a teacher after graduating from Oklahoma State University. A rancher and horseman, Roberts was a valued member of the American Horse Council.

When Roberts joined APHA, the association had 10 employees and was registering approximately 6,000 Paint Horses each year. When he retired, the association had made significant increases in membership and registration.

Today, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth headquarters at a rate of more than 40,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 845,000 horses in 49 nations and territories since it was founded 43 years ago. The association serves more than 100,000 active members around the world and has more than 150 employees.

Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve the bloodlines and outstanding characteristics of the American Paint Horse breed. For more information about APHA, contact the association at (817) 834-2742, or visit apha.com.

More about Bill King and the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club
The Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club was established more than 50 years ago to give people in the livestock and agricultural industry an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas at a luncheon each month.

The late Bill King was one of the founders of the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club and the Award for Excellence in Agriculture was established in his name in 1994.

The Award for Excellence is given annually at the Livestock Appreciation Luncheon to an individual or business that best exemplifies excellence in agriculture or the agri-business industry.