Three auctions, recently held to benefit the American Paint Horse Foundation, generated more than $9,130 for the non-profit corporation whose primary mission centers on heritage and education. During a silent auction at the 2012 APHA World Championship Show, held November 7-17 in Fort Worth, Texas, Ron Shelly of Georgetown, Texas, bid $5,000 to win an APHA 50th anniversary saddle custom-made by Bob Moline. Ron, the American Paint Horse Association’s vice president, placed the final bid during the 2012 Farnam Breeders’ Trust Select Sale on November 12.

“I was thrilled to provide the winning bid for the unique one-of-a-kind saddle,” Ron said. “It now sits in a prominent location in my office.”

Though breeder Erin Matte of Claremont, Ontario, Canada, came to the 2012 Breeders’ Trust Select Sale with an intent to bid on great Paint Horses, she left the winner of APHA registration No. 1,000,000.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be auctioned off,” she said. “When this opportunity came up, it just kind of made sense for me. I’m a regular advertiser with the Paint Horse Journal, and this is just another great way to promote my horses, my stallions, my offspring and to continue being part of APHA.”

Erin bid $4,000 for the registration number and a corresponding registered name of her choice. Saving the number for an extra-special horse, Erin says she’s sure it will go to a foal sired by one of her two stallions: PM Gold Style or Mr Touchdown Kid (QH). Excited about the future foal, Erin says buying No. 1,000,000 is another way to give back to the industry that’s so close to her heart.

“When I entered this industry, I was treated so graciously and openly and warmly. I love being part of APHA,” the breeder said. “What better way for me to promote APHA and have my horses recognized and remembered?”

An online eBay auction presented country music fans with a unique opportunity to win a Dean acoustic guitar autographed by Grammy-award winner Lynn Anderson. Paula Pow of Nashville, Tennessee, won the guitar for $132.50.

“I’m a big fan of Lynn Anderson,” Paula said. “I love her singing voice and her music, and have been blessed to get to be around her in person some in recent years, and she is so kind and caring! She is a dear, sweet person, and I am honored to have won this guitar!”

Proceeds from all three auctions benefit the American Paint Horse Foundation.

Learn more about how the foundation benefits the lives of American Paint Horses and their enthusiasts at www.aphfoundation.org.

About the American Paint Horse Association

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is the world’s second largest equine breed association. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its global mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves more than 55,000 active youth and adult members around the world. For more information about the American Paint Horse Association, visit apha.com or connect with Paint Horse fans globally at www.facebook.com/americanpainthorse or on Twitter @APHANews and @WorldShow.