American Miniature Horse Industry Continues Upward Trend
Winter Sale Draws Record Attendance; $16,500 High-Selling Horse

January 28, 2002

(ALVARADO, TX) - Standing Room Only. Once again, American Miniature Horses continue to prove a sound and valuable investment. "Select" lots of petite equines drew standing room only conditions at this year's Breeders Winter Classic Sale held Saturday, January 26 at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center West Arena.

Held in conjunction with the 2002 Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show (January 12 - February 3), the sale drew record attendance and featured more than 74 American Miniature Horses from some of the industry's leading sires and dams. The top five horses averaged $10,500 and the top ten averaged $7,850. Overall the average price per horse was nearly $3,650 with the Beardens of Heartland Farms (Jonesboro, AR) consigning the high selling lot #20 Bond Peppy Power. Sharman Brown of Thousand Oaks Ranch (Honey Brown, TX) purchased the 1982 stallion for $16,500.

According to Association officials the sale reflects the upward trend of the American Miniature Horse industry. "This is a true testament to the future and investment potential of the American Miniature Horse breed," said AMHA Executive Director Duane McPherson said. "AMHA continues to enjoy an upward trend of its registrations, memberships, show attendance and inquiries." McPherson attributes the continued upsurge to increased public awareness and the amazing versatility, temperament and investment potential of this unique breed.

Founded in 1978, the American Miniature Horse Association promotes the breeding, use and perpetuation of a standard of equine excellence in miniature. Horses registered with AMHA must meet the Association standards of perfection and cannot exceed 34 inches in height. Headquartered in Alvarado, Texas, AMHA is the world's leading American Miniature Horse registry with more than 130,000 horses and 12,000 members in 26 countries and provinces. For more information contact AMHA at 817.783.5600 or log on to its website at www.amha.com.