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\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s governor, Ernie Fletcher.<\/p>\n
According to the governor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s office, the incentive fund was filed as an emergency regulation so that breeders and owners of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153non-race\u00e2\u20ac\u009d 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 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153non-race\u00e2\u20ac\u009d breed is defined as a breed other than a Thoroughbred or Standardbred.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153For the non-race breeds, it is estimated that 1 million dollars will be pro rated among nine breeds in the state,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Paul Reinbolt, a past president of APHA who lives in Woodburn, Ky. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153For Kentucky Paint breeders, the benefit will be the increased marketability of Kentucky-bred Paints.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The fund was one of three created as a part of Governor Fletcher\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Jobs for Kentucky\u00e2\u20ac\u009d initiative to aid in development of horse breeding.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kentucky is synonymous with equine excellence, and the horse industry is indeed our signature industry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Governor Fletcher said.<\/p>\n
How the Program Works<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to Kentucky Paint Horse Club Board Director Donny Brandenburg of Harrodsburg, Ky., and his wife, Amanda, who serves as the club\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s vice president, the local APHA affiliate is actively involved in getting the word out to its members.<\/p>\n The couple said that they have received positive feedback from other club members about the incentive, and look forward to participating themselves.<\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We are very fortunate to have horses that are eligible for this program,” said Mr. Brandenburg. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We 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.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n The club representatives said the governor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s new initiative will significantly strengthen the Paint Horse industry in Kentucky. Reinbolt agreed with this assessment.<\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This concept has the potential to make a large impact on Kentucky\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Paint Horse community,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Reinbolt. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I hope that APHA\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s support of this and similar programs will to help stimulate the growth of the breed around the world.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\nThe national organizations representing each of Kentucky\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u0153non-race\u00e2\u20ac\u009d
\nbreeds 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\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s office. Every three years new state affiliates may apply and participating affiliates may renew their application.<\/p>\n