Winward Stud Schedules Complete Dispersal October 17

Horse Auction Will Feature 6666 Ranch Guest Consignment

Frank and Robin Merrill have announced the decision to disperse their entire Windward Stud Quarter Horse breeding program on Friday, October 17, 2003 at the ranch in Purcell, OK.

The Merrills intend to downsize their operation and enjoy personal horses rather than run a commercial breeding business. This business decision provides both serious breeders and new horse enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to acquire the superior breeding stock and high-end equipment which have contributed to 35 years of success for Frank Merrill's Windward Stud. Merrill is a member of AQHA's Executive Committee.

According to Jim Ware of Western Bloodstock, agent for the dispersal, "Frank Merrill has established himself as one of the most versatile and professional horsemen in the history of the American Quarter Horse Association. While many people specialize in one discipline, Frank is a true authority in cutting, racing, roping, halter and in the breeding industry. The versatility, quality and conformation of the horses offered in this sale reflect Frank's knowledge and years of experience."

The complete dispersal of Windward Stud will showcase popular cutting sires Bobby Bo Badger and Uno Rooster. Headliners of the broodmare section are the proven producers Anna Paulena and Marmolena, both in foal to Peptoboonsmal, as well as the $100,000 earner Eticket, in foal to High Brow Cat. Smart Little Girl will be offered with two embryos by Dual Rey and Mr Skyline Peppy and Flashy Little Lena will sell with two embryos sired by Mr Skyline Peppy and Starlights Joy. The auction will also offer all of Windward Stud's prospects currently in development as well as the breeding program's crops of yearlings and weanlings.

Avid cutting competitors will be interested to note the sale of the Windward Stud show string, including five promising three-year-olds eligible for the 2003 NCHA Futurity. Frank Merrill believes each of these horses in training will be extremely competitive for their new owners.

At the top of the list of show horses to be sold are three experienced geldings who have productive competitive careers ahead. Roosta Lena has lifetime earnings of $63,000. Roosters Gin, sired by Rooster and an earner of almost $60,000, is a finalist in both the 5/6 Year Old Classic Non Pro and the Limited Non Pro Classic Challenge at NCHA's 2003 Summer Spectacular. Duallin Bingo Lena who has earned in excess of $14,000 is a full brother to Olenas Dually who has lifetime earnings of $297,000. The young show mare Play Smart In Rio will be surely a sale attraction. This daughter of Smart Mate has earned over $30,000 and is also among the competitors at the 2003 NCHA Summer Spectacular.

Trucks, trailers and all horse and farm equipment will be auctioned prior to the horse sale on October 17. The picturesque Windward Stud ranch which includes the state-of-the-art breeding facility, indoor and outdoor arenas and the Merrill family's comfortable home is also listed for sale privately with the well-known ranch brokerage firm Doug Wildin & Associates.

A guest consignment from the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, Guthrie, Texas is a sale attraction. The Sixes breeding program, lead by Dr. Glenn Blodgett, has consistently produced and developed Quarter Horses which are sought for high levels of performance and marketability. Followers of the Four Sixes program will find an excellent selection of breeding stock in the auction fit for a full range of competitive events and for use as genuine ranch horses.

Frank Merrill stated, "In 35 years in the horse business, our family has built an exceptional reputation for breeding, raising and training performance horses. Windward Stud is not just our livelihood, it has been our family's way of life and we are proud of our hard work and individual achievements in the many segments of the industry."

"Positive anticipation for the next phase of our lives helped us make the difficult decision to disperse our operation," Merrill continued. "We are truly excited to offer our fellow breeders and competitors, and especially newcomers to the horse industry, this opportunity to acquire the products of our lifelong dedication to the horse business. There has never been a better economic time to make a significant investment in the Quarter Horse business."

For information on horses and equipment, contact Windward Stud at 405-527-3787 or www.windwardstud.com or their agents Western Bloodstock at 817-594-9210 or www.westernbloodstock.com.

For information on the purchase of the ranch, contact the owner's exclusive agent Doug Wildin & Associates Ranch Brokers at 405-274-9673 or by e-mail jwwildin@msinter.net