Foundation Report

March 10, 2010
The latest press release about our "Back in the Saddle" program has been distributed to the equine press and I'd like to share it with you as well.

In fact, consider this an open invitation to YOU to visit our "Virtual Press Room" any time to read about the latest Foundation news.

At the top of the list will be a press release titled, "American Paint Horse Foundation launches new “Back in the Saddle” program for injured riders

I welcome your support of this project and your interest in being a part of our good news!

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March 5, 2010
In my last report I told you about an exciting new project we have underway. It's called "Back in the Saddle," and we're helping to fulfill the wish of an injured rider, now physically challenged, who wants to mount up and once again enjoy the world on horseback. Allow me now to introduce you to the people involved.

Meet Katie Holland:
Age: 19
Hometown: Belgrade, MT
Hobbies: Horses, Horses, Horses. Education: Attending Rocky Mountain College in Billings
Goals: Ride Horses, Teach school.

Her story: Katie suffered a tragic tractor accident on Feb. 26, 2007, and had her right leg amputated, above the hip. A strong young lady, Katie fought her way back, graduating from high school, going on to college and showing horses at halter with a motorized scooter. But Katie wants to RIDE again in the show ring.

Enter Randy Bird:

Randy is an accomplished saddle-maker and roper who suffered paralysis from the chest down, following a truck accident in 1986. That hasn't stopped Randy, who is an inspiration to us all. Randy competed at APHA World Show in 2001, 2002, and 2005 and ranked among our top 10. He and his son, Brett, are among the best ropers around.

Randy has agreed to craft and donate a custom saddle to Katie for this project and will work with us on similar ventures in the future.

Our Goal
1. Fly Katie to Texas for a custom saddle fitting (We did that in December).
2. Get Katie's new saddle built to specs.
3. Award Katie the new saddle at our Summer World Show, June 2010.
4. Bring Katie back to compete in that saddle at our Fall World Show, November 2010.

We need your help. Visit our Foundation Web page to make this dream a reality. Visit our “Help Katie” page at Any gift is appreciated.

Note: $1,000-and-up donors receive a keepsake bronze and you can donate on-line .

Meet Clay Gant:

Clay is the owner and sculptor for Cowboy Bronze in Cross Timbers, Missouri.

Clay has agreed to create a limited edition series of special “American Paint Horse Foundation Back in the Saddle” bronzes. Donors who contribute $1,000 and up to the program will receive one of 25 inspirational bronzes, aptly titled “APHF Back in the Saddle,” depicting a youngster saddling up a horse. Clay has supported the Foundation’s therapeutic riding initiatives in the past with his beautiful bronze creations. Take a look at Clay's progress on the bronze here.

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March 1, 2010
Welcome to the "Foundation Report," where you can learn about the latest exciting projects underway by the American Paint Horse Foundation.

Over the next several months, I'd like to invite you to be a part of following our "Back in the Saddle" program.

Our mission is simple: To fulfill the wish of an injured rider, now physically challenged, who wants to mount up and once again enjoy the world on horseback.

In our inaugural year of this project, the Foundation has selected an outstanding young lady to receive a saddle.

This is an amazing story of people dedicated to helping our Foundation improve lives. In my next report, I will introduce you to our “Back in the Saddle” recipient -- a remarkable young lady from Belgrade, Montana, named Katie Holland. I’ll also introduce you to a gifted saddle maker, Randy Bird of Celeste, Texas, who knows what it’s like to be in Katie’s situation and is helping her dream come true. And I’ll tell you about another outstanding man, Clay Gant of Cowboy Bronze in Cross Timbers, Missouri, who is sculpting and donating a series of bronzes to help fund this project.