The final leg of the 2014 Premier Paint Sires series, presented by InStride Edition, will be held during the Iowa Breeders Futurity, Sept. 20-21 in Des Moines.

The program has already paid out over $50,000 in the first two legs of the program – the first in Salt Lake City, Utah in May and the second in Williamston, North Carolina in July.

Another $23,000 will be awarded to the top ten placings in a 3-Year-Old Limited Horse, Limited Rider Western Pleasure Class to be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, along with a bonus to the highest placing non-pro exhibitor. Other prizes include: a Golden West Saddle Blanket and a gift certificate to JR Wenger Custom Saddles and Tack.

An overall champion will be crowned that evening with additional $10,000 being awarded to the highest scoring entry that competed in all three legs of the program. The overall champion will be awarded a work saddle by JR Wenger Custom Saddles and Tack, official saddle maker of the Premier Paint Sires.

Jenna Hyde and Can I Get Your Number, sired by A Sudden Surprise and out of She Made It Sweet won the first and second legs of the Premier Paint Sires Program earning over $17,760 so far.

Only 3-year-olds sired by a stallion enrolled in the program are eligible to compete. Horses may not have earned more than $5,000 or 25 points prior to Jan. 1 of this year or have placed in the top three in any Western Pleasure class at the American Paint Horse Association World Championship Show. All of the exhibitors must be limited riders based on lifetime earnings and world show placings.

The program also rewards the 26 stallion owners enrolled in the program. A $2,500 check is issued to the sire of each class champion and the overall champion.

“Mike and I are thrilled with the feedback we have received about this program following the first two classes,” says Claire Binkowski, who along with Mike Hachtel founded the Premier Paint Sires. “I think we are both amazed at just how quickly this program has gained momentum. The feedback we are receiving is that people are shopping for horses eligible to show next year, trainers have received new horses in training to prepare just for this program, a stallion’s participation in the PPS has become an important factor for mare owners when deciding who to breed to. We are already being asked where the classes will be held next year, as people want to mark those shows on their calendars. I think it’s safe to say the PPS series is only going to get bigger and better each year.”
Premier Paint Sires was established to enhance the breeding prosperity of American Paint Horse Association registered stallions by creating an elite event that showcases the offspring of a limited group of distinguished color breed stallions. By giving exhibitors of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for a significant cash prize in three premier shows, Premier Paint Sires will create the incentive to improve the breeding potential of APHA stallions. Premier Paint Sires is committed to fostering goodwill for western pleasure within the industry as well as the outlying community and is dedicated to promoting the future of the industry.

“I think the response we have had to this program so far this year goes to show that our industry has been waiting for a program like this for a long time,” says Hachtel. “It helps all of us, no matter what aspect of the industry you’re involved in. It has also brought a lot of excitement back to the Paints and we have to keep people excited if we want to keep them showing and breeding and encourage new people to start showing.”

Also taking place at the Iowa Breeders Futurity will be a benefit auction for long time judge Meri McKillips Lemay who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Because an intense treatment regimen is preventing Meri from working for the time being, Premier Paint Series is hoping that the benefit will help alleviate some of the financial strain allowing Meri to focus on her recovery. “Thanks to some very generous individuals and businesses we have breedings to top stallions as well as other great items donated,” says Binkowski. “We hope that everyone will step forward and help us support an important member of our horse show family in her time of need.”

Judges for the Iowa Breeders Futurity are Daren Wright, Clint Fullerton, Cindy Mergaert and Michael Ochetto.

For additional information on the Premier Paint Sires program visit http://www.premierpaintsires.com