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training and racing. When those gates open and a horse you breed shows talent, it’s very satisfying.”
Jamie believes that that there is no “magic cross” in Paint racing, however. There’s a dif- ference in breeding Paint racers versus other breeds, he says, because Paints are being bred for more than one attribute: color and speed. This makes mating decisions more difficult to him than with other breeds. For his program, Jamie believes his main force in producing out- standing Paint racehorses is the mare power.
“The other exciting thing about breeding Paints is seeing the color. The first question around the breakfast table when talking about a foal being born the night before is, ‘Color?’ ” he said.
Along with their two daughters, Jamie and Wendy keep their horse operation running full steam ahead. Both daughters, ages 10 and 12, help during the breeding season and care for the horses.
“It’s not uncommon for me to pick my daughters up from school for them to AI a mare before their mom gets home from work. They don’t do ultrasounds yet, but they can
do the rest. There have been many times that they come in their pajamas in the middle of the night to help with a newborn foal.”
His family has proved to be Jamie’s greatest inspiration in all that he does.
“My wife and daughters inspire me to be a better person,” he said. “My work, my values, my investment decisions all directly impact them.”
Outside of the Running Colors operation, Jamie owns a contracting business—Sprinkler Guys, Inc.—in Rapid City, South Dakota. The business provides commercial, residential and athletic irrigation systems in South Dakota and Wyoming.
Jamie’s previous education and business background were in aeronautics, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and pilot. The majority of his aviation career involved main- taining light aircraft for private and charter use along with refurbishing light aircraft for resale. Jamie’s career path migrated to his contracting business after the demand for General Aviation light aircraft took a downturn in 2002. Jamie remains a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association.
Joining the Herd
Jamie is no stranger to working with associa- tions. As a native of South Dakota, Jamie keeps strong ties to the state. He is a member of the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council board, where he works to promote the centuries-old sport of Indian Relay by assisting at these events and breeding horses specifically for the sport.
He also serves as the chairman for the APHA Racing Committee.
“When I was told the incoming APHA president wanted me to chair the Racing Com- mittee, I was taken back and humbled,” Jamie confessed. “There are several good people serving on the Racing Committee who could
manage this role. I am honored to be selected and eager to work towards the betterment of Paint racing.”
Jamie’s primary objective in his new role is to increase participation in Paint racing. With a committee comprised of great talent and vary- ing skillsets, the horseman plans to organize this talent to cultivate opportunities that will help grow the number of breeders and owners in Paint racing.
Jamie feels that there is one thing that should get others involved in Paint racing: op- portunity. When compared to other disciplines, the costs of training are similar but racehorses have a greater opportunity to make money with APHA, Jamie says.
“When compared to other breeds of racehorses, I feel Paints have more opportuni- ties at the racetrack, especially in Oklahoma where Paint racing is most prevalent. Paint Horses have the opportunity to race for more than $2.4 million in purse money at Okla- homa racetracks, with less competition than the other breeds,” he said. “Overnights have historically been much easier to get entered in than other breeds and trial numbers in stakes races are such that a horse has to outrun far fewer horses to make the finals than in other breeds. All this makes the opportunity for a Paint Horse to earn money more easily. Plus, the best bred Paint Horses have a purchase price within reach of common people. You don’t have to be a king to participate in the sport of Paint racing!”
Jamie Howard’s favorite horse is Got A Grip, who’s notable offspring include...
Royal Grip was the 2007 APHA Champion Running Breeding Stock Got Country Grip, the all-time leading APHA money-earning racehorse, was a Three-Year-Old Filly World Champion Running Breeding Stock Paint for five consecutive years, in
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009
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PAINT HORSE BULLETIN