FORT WORTH, TEXAS \u2013 Sato, a dual-registered APHA and Jockey Club (TB) palomino overo stallion will represent The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) in the 2011 Breyer Animal Creations model horse collection.<\/p>\n
Owned by April Wayenberg of Blazing Colours Farm, Wellandport, Ontario, Canada, the stallion is sired by Puchilingui (TB) and out of Springtime Girl (TB).<\/p>\n
The 15-year-old stallion and his owner will receive an expenses-paid trip to BreyerFest, the company\u2019s annual model horse trade show, exposition and swap meet, July 15-17 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The duo will sign autographs and Sato will be on display for event-goers.<\/p>\n
The stallion\u2019s unique color pattern caught the attention of Reeves International, parent company of Breyer, last summer. Known for producing foals of the sabino overo coat pattern, a trait uncommon among thoroughbreds, Sato has gained recognition in the thoroughbred industry. His foals have gone on to compete in eventing, dressage and hunter-jumper disciplines.<\/p>\n
Kathleen Fallon, Vice President of Communications at Reeves International, said the company is always collecting ideas and recommendations for models. These models can represent horses from film or literature, real horse champions or exemplary breed standards.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were fascinated by Sato, as a stallion of such stunning color and conformation,\u201d Fallon said. \u201cWe thought he would make a beautiful model\u2014and he did.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sato is a favorite at Blazing Colours Farm, where he has lived for the past seven years. Wayenberg purchased the horse as a breeding prospect in 2004 and has been his proud owner ever since.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s so easy going, just a good guy,\u201d Wayenberg said of her horse. \u201cHe has a stall at the end of the barn so he can see everything that goes on. He\u2019s like the king of the farm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Executive Director of APHA, Lex Smurthwaite, said, \u201cBreyer has a longstanding reputation for creating models of the world\u2019s top horses, and the American Paint Horse Association is pleased to have Sato recognized for his contributions to the breed and included in the Breyer collection. His distinctive color pattern makes him a strong representative of the breed, and we congratulate the Wayenburg family for having Sato chosen for this honor.\u201d<\/p>\n
The stallion is not the first American Paint Horse to be recognized as a Breyer model. He joins the ranks of other notable Paints including Colonels Smokingun, Like A Diamond, Rugged Painted Lark, Big Chex To Cash, Sacred Indian, Mister Mister, Silky Keno, Yellow Mount, Sam I Am, Leahs Fancy Chick, Wahoo King and Fleetstreet Max.<\/p>\n