Page 224 - Speedhorse August 2018

Story & photos Courtesy APHA • Photo by Fleming Photography — American Paint Horse Association members share a love
of the Paint Horse, and they are also alike
in that no one APHA member is the same
as another – they all have a different story
to tell. One such members is Kim True- Henningsen of Coweta, Oklahoma. A mem- ber of the 2018 Racing Advisory Committee, Kim brings a great deal of racing knowledge and enthusiasm to the committee.
How long have you been involved in the racing industry in general and Paint racing specifically?
Kim: We purchased our first off-the-track Paint Horse, Domestic Diva, from Steve Wright in 2010. We have been in love with Paint racing since then.
Tell us about some of your favorite Paint Horses?
Kim: All of them! I am a true horse lover so it is hard to pick just one. We have two Paint mares that we breed for racing. Our first, Domestic Diva, and Mean Ole Lady.
I also received my first Paint nicknamed “Shorty” when I was 6 weeks old; we had
him until he passed away when I was 25 years
old. I guess he would be my all-time favorite Paint. I have really been enjoying watching CRM Livewire and all his babies run over the last few years. What a crop!
Tell me about your favorite Paint racing memory?
Kim: Winning! It seems our horses run better if I’m not around, though. I think the biggest thrill is standing close to the finish line and feeling the power as the horses run across, even if we don’t have a horse running. As a kid going to the races, I always enjoyed being close and seeing that win. You can feel the excitement all around you—people jump- ing up and down and yelling for their favorite horse, little kids on their dads’ shoulders yell- ing and getting involved. Racing is a family affair, for sure.
Why do you enjoy breeding Paint Horses?
Kim: I love the whole process: breeding, waiting and the birth of the baby. I love having the babies here at home and watching them grow. When you see them cross the finish line as a 2 and 3 year old, it is magic. We had our first baby, Dukes Lil Diva, who was raised here at home, run at the track, and he is now with my daughter, Michelle Fleming, in barrel horse
training. When I see them cross the finish line of the barrel pattern, that will be a dream come true for all of us.
Why do you love Paint racing?
Kim: I love the people. There are very few groups, especially groups competing for money, that care for each other as much as the people involved in Paint racing. Where else can you be entered in the same race as Dan and Kaye Jones and see Kaye in the crowd and have her give you a big hug? Paint racing is dedicated to making racing as a whole better. They are always looking for new ideas and genuinely care about each other and the sport.
Why should others get involved in Paint racing?
Kim: Why wouldn’t they? Get a Paint
and stand out from the crowd. No two
Paint Horses will ever look the same. You will always be able to see your horse coming down the track. The Paint racing community is a family. We are a smaller group of caring individuals who want to continue to improve the sport. We also welcome new members, so throw your name in the hat if you want to be involved.
Meeting the Committee
APHA Racing Advisory Committee Member Kim True-Henningsen shares her thoughts on Paint racing.
222 SPEEDHORSE August 2018
PAINT HORSE BULLETIN