Paint Rock Designs, manufacturer of high tech equestrian products, has joined the AHA roster of Corporate Partners with their Turtle Neck™ brand line of blankets and sheets. Their sponsorship contract runs through 2005.

"Our criteria was to find discriminating consumers, and we couldn't think of a better group to partner with to help us evolve our product than Arabian horse owners," says president and founder H. Glen Hathcock from company headquarters in Weatherford, Texas.

The company's sponsorship includes cash to the Association and the provision of products to AHA event participants. Turtle Neck blankets, saddle carrying cases, fleece coolers, equipment bags, double bridle bags, tote bags and other promotional items will be presented to various winners at U.S., Canadian, Youth and Sport Horse Nationals; the Youth Judging Contest and the National Competitive Trail and Endurance Championships. Additionally, the Horse and Amateur High Point Achievement Award year-end winners will also receive products from Paint Rock as will attendees at the Annual Convention.

Paint Rock Designs specializes in manufacturing horse blankets and sheets but makes other items such as coolers, fly products, show bags and trail riding bags. Their newest innovation is the patented Turtle Neck line made of high tech ballistic nylon that is waterproof, breathable and teflon-coated which flexes and stretches in the neck, shoulder gussets, belly straps and leg straps. This design allows a horse complete freedom of movement and includes safety features that help prevent serious injuries.

"We use many of the same products that you see in sports clothing for athletes. Since most horses are athletes, this seemed like a natural fit," says Hathcock. "Our primary objective is comfort. We invite people to call us and tell us how they like our products. Most of the improvements we've made have come from customers. We want to develop a blanket that really fits the Arabian horse. We are good listeners."

The company was founded in January, 2000, by two businessmen that had a passion for horses and a desire to improve some of the products in the industry. Their website is www.paintrockdesigns.com.

Paint Rock Designs now joins other long-term Corporate Partners Arabian Saddle Company, MD Barns, MBNA, Pfizer and Equisure.

AHA® is a 42,000 member equine association that registers and maintains a database of more then one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses. It administers more than $4 million in annual prize money, produces national events, maintains official event records, recognizes more than 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org.

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