The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce the induction of five pillars of the Appaloosa community into the Hall of Fame: Victoria Ennis of Kingston, OK; former ApHC Director Ward Fenton of Worden, MT; and Karen Grimm of Minden, NV, as well as Appaloosa stallion Maid’s Dream, owned by Dal Porto Ranch in Brentwood, Calif.

Ennis was inducted for making her mark in the Appaloosa industry, though racing was her specialty. After becoming a member in 1985, Ennis cultivated a breeding program that produced fine Appaloosas. Merry Weedo, an Appaloosa mare inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, was Ennis’ first foray into the Appaloosa world. Ennis went on to own many horses, and some of the industry’s most famous names could be found at Texoma Appaloosas in Kingston, OK, including racing stallions I Love Willie and Mr Spotted Bull. It is with great pride that the ApHC inducts Ennis into the Hall of Fame after her passing earlier this year.

Ward Fenton was a prime candidate for the Hall of Fame after his nearly 50 years of dedication to the Appaloosa breed. Fenton became an active ApHC member in 1964 as an Appaloosa breeder, show participant and judge. In 1977, Fenton was elected to the ApHC Board of Directors, and he served on the racing, regional, rules and youth committees. The ApHC is proud to induct Fenton, who is often described as “an accomplished horseman and influential breeder,” into the Hall of Fame.

Karen Grimm has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for her unwavering commitment to the Appaloosa breed during the past 25 years. Over the years, Grimm’s breeding program produced numerous National and World Champions as well as many medallion winners, including recent success Mr. Big Bucks. Grimm has also experienced success in the show ring as a non-pro exhibitor, amassing nearly 550 non-pro points in her lifetime. She made it possible for others to enjoy their Appaloosa by hosting two regional shows, including the Hump-day Classic and the Nevada Color Classic. Grimm’s contributions make her a worthy inductee into the ApHC Hall of Fame.

Maid’s Dream (Dreamfinder x Wapiti’s Maid) is one of two Appaloosas to be inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2009. Maid’s Dream has sired more than 300 foals, including many National and World Champions, more than 100 Register of Merit winners, 21 Bronze Medallion winners, over 20 Superior Halter title earners and more. Maid’s Dream is a superior example of the breed.

Candidates are nominated for Hall of Fame induction by ApHC membership for having a favorable impact in the Appaloosa industry at a regional or national level. Nominees are voted on by the ApHC Board of Directors. Inductees are honored with an engraved plaque featuring the inductee’s photograph and brief biography on display at the Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center; they will be recognized June 27 at the Open/Non-Pro 2009 Year-End Banquet held in conjunction with the 63rd National Appaloosa Show and 2010 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, MS, June 21-July 3. For additional information and tickets, please call the ApHC at (208) 882-5578.