Sam Houston University to graduate first class of American Paint Horses

FORT WORTH, TEXAS— Seven American Paint Horse Association (APHA) registered fillies were enrolled this semester at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Huntsville, Texas, to receive a higher education. Not your typical student body, this is one of the first all Paint groups to populate a collegiate equine program.

The 2-year-olds are actually on loan from well-known breeders Floyd and Maryann Moore of 6-J Paint Horses, also of Huntsville, for use in the universityÂ’s training classes, where students learn how to teach young horses to carry a rider.

“They’re taking their time and the fillies are doing well,” said Floyd Moore, who has visited the school to see first-hand the progress the students have made with his horses.

The Moores are long-time supporters of education for young equestrians and have donated the last three horses to the annual American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) filly raffle. The proceeds from the annual fund-raiser go to college scholarships for outstanding AjPHA members. Further details on the associationÂ’s scholarship program can be found at ajpha.com.

A professorÂ’s perspective
SHSU Equine Program Director Dr. Matt McMillan said that the university is grateful for the MooresÂ’ contribution of the high-caliber horses, and that the college looks forward to their continued support.

McMillan is excited about the opportunity the loan offers his students, who are getting plenty of hands-on education with the fillies, all of which have been started under saddle and will return to their breeders with added market value as riding horses.

The studentsÂ’ work with the well-bred Paints marks the beginning of the equine program McMillan hopes to build. He said that student and administrative excitement over the program is high, and the university has plans to build a multi-million dollar facility to accommodate horse shows, rodeo events, judging contests and be the home of a future equestrian team.

“We at Sam Houston State University are in agreement that the program should support and promote the American Paint Horse,” said McMillan. “It is my intention to work and breed Paint Horses here at SHSU and to promote the breed. That’s what I would like for us to be known for.”

McMillan added that Paint Horses will figure prominently in the universityÂ’s breeding program in the future. He hopes to develop a select broodmare band at the university and solicit breedings to quality APHA stallions. The resulting foals would be used in the training classes alongside any horses loaned to the equestrian program.

Until then, seven unique Paint Horse fillies will help teach tomorrowÂ’s industry leaders important lessons of the equine business world.

For more information
To learn more about Sam Houston State UniversityÂ’s Paint equine program, visit shsu.edu or contact Dr. McMillan by e-mailing mattm@shsu.edu or calling (936) 294-1214.

For detailed information on the Paint Horse breed and the American Paint Horse Association, visit apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.