Moscow, ID- Breeder's Trust enrollees Toddy Doc, Rock My Fancy, Zippos Cover Girl, Jet Step'n, and Spectravision took top honors this year in the Appaloosa Horse Club's most effective Appaloosa incentive program. In 1996, 704 foals, up 76 Appaloosas from 1995, earned more than $50,000- paying up to $22 per point- which was distributed among stallion owners, foal owners and foal nominators.
Background:
The Breeder's Trust program, which was instituted in 1988, allows participants to receive a monetary return on their Appaloosa investment. A foal may be enrolled in the program through the age of five. Points can be earned in any pointed class- open and non-pro, halter and performance (excluding equitation and showmanship)- at ApHC sanctioned shows.
A record 2,270.5 points were earned by 70 yearlings, with earnings reaching $9,445.28; 533.5 points were accumulated by 148 two year olds paying out $8,594.76; 573.7 points were earned by 104 three year olds, with earnings reaching $9,534.89; 443.5 points were amasses by 97 four-year-olds paying out $9,544.12 and 583 points were earned by 150 five year olds, resulting in a payout of $13,047.54. Payouts were issued in the amounts of 85% to the foal owner, 10% to the stallion owner, and 5% to the foal nominator. A complete listing of stallions enrolled in the Breeder's Trust program is published in the January through June issues of the Appaloosa Journal.
In her first year in the program, Spectravision, by Skip's Reward and out of Spanish Spectrum, accumulated 458.5 points to earn $1,907.36. The filly, owned by Bob Roseland, of Marshalltown, Iowa, (who also bred the mare), and Judy Kashary of Pilot Point, Texas, earned bronze medallions in Yearling Fillies and Most Colorful at Halter. "At the Kansas Sunflower Classic we had 28 or 30 horses in her class and she won it straight across under all six judges," says Kashary who was thrilled with the win. "That's when we decided to really go for it."
Jet Step'n captured the highest money earner slot in the two year old division, accumulating 47 points to receive $765.23. Jet Step'n by Jetset Gigalo and out of Scottish Step, was bred and is owned by Clifford Marilyn and Marlo Henderson on Longmont, Colorado. Last year's goals for the young stallion were to get him to the top of the Two Year Old Western Pleasure ranks. "He ended up second in the nation," say Henderson of her stallion who earned ROMs in both Two Year Old Stallions and Two Year Old Western Pleasure. "This year I'm going to go for his superior in halter and try to do something at the World in Hunter Under Saddle." Henderson, who learned of the Breeder's Trust program from the owner of Jet Step'n's sire, says she appreciates getting a little money back for showing. She also likes the fact that the program not only gives recognition to the foal, but the stallion as well. In the future, Henderson plans to breed Jet Step'n.
Leading the three year olds is Zippos Cover Girl, by Dandy Zippo and out of Snow In April, who accumulated 87.5 points to earn $1,454.25. The mare, owned by Dawn and Ken Austin of Climax, North Carolina, was bred by Eva Runyon of Blairstown, New Jersey. For Dawn Austin, last year's most memorable moment with the mare was when Zippos Cover Girl and Kasey (the Austin's daughter) won Youth Western Pleasure 13-15. "It really meant a lot because we'd been working for a long time for that win," says Austin. "Kasey will probably show her again this year in Western Pleasure, and I hopefully, can win on her one time in the 35-and-over." Austin gives credit to both Runyon and the mare's trainer Herm Sherwin, for her success. Eventually Zippos Cover Girl, who has earned ROMs in Junior Western Pleasure and Three Year Old Snaffle Bit Western Pleasure, will be bred with the hopes of passing on her willingness to please and her good mind. For now, the Austins intend to continue to show the mare.
Rock My Fancy claimed top Breeders' Trust honors for the second consecutive year. The highest ranking three-year-old in 1995, Rock My Fancy by Rock Star and out of Ima Fancy Shannon, earned 102 points for a payout of $2,195 in 1996. The stallion was bred by Ronnie Claude of Woolstock, Iowa, and is owned by Mark and Lee Stellato of Fort Meyers, Florida. Rock My Fancy has received his ROMs in Aged Stallions and Most Colorful at Halter.
In her last year of eligibility for the Breeder's Trust program, Toddy Doc earned 156 points to receive a payout of $3,491. The mare, by Impressive Doc and out of Bar-B-Sox, is owned by Alice and Larry Ward of Felton, Pennsylvania. Bred by Patricia and Derald Ferrari of Bloomfield, New Mexico, Toddy Doc received a bronze medallion Aged Mares in 1996.
"I think the Breeders' Trust is a magnificent incentive for people to get out and show their animals, not only because it benefits the exhibitor, but it also benefits the breeder," says Alice Ward. Toddy Doc will be shown again this season, then join the Wards' broodmare band.
