Paints bear the colors for Six Flags Over Texas Six Flags Over Texas 'Wild West' adventure turns spotlight on American Paint Horses

FORT WORTH, Texas-An 1890s outfit of brave Texas Rangers will saddle up again this year on American Paint Horses at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington during the Rangers and Outlaws Wild West show. The live-action adventure is sponsored by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).

Nine talented American Paint Horses star in the Rangers and Outlaws Wild West show at Six Flags Over Texas. The show, sponsored by the American Paint Horse Association, is part of an outreach program to help educate people about Paint Horses.

More than 2 million people will have the opportunity this summer to see colorful and highly talented American Paint Horses in action at the show, which will run June 14-Aug. 10 in the theme park's Texas Arena.

The 20-minute adventure, which continues for 58 straight days, brings to life a true story of how the Texas Rangers fought outlaws and brought justice to the silver-mining town of Shafter, Texas, in 1892. American Paint Horses are used exclusively in the Western adventure. To kick off each show, the Paint Horses will be used in a dramatic entry, during which they carry cowboys and cowgirls bearing the colors for Spain, France, Mexico, Texas, the Confederacy and the United States of America- the six flags that have flown over Texas.

The Paint Horses are used throughout the show, which includes gunfights, dramatic stunts, a daring escape from a blazing hotel, and even a giant water tower explosion and silver mine calamity at the finale. Ten actors specializing in horsemanship and stunts are involved in the show. They are led by Robert Keith, of Live Action Productions, who serves as the show's director and stunt coordinator.

As a special feature of the Rangers and Outlaws show, members of the audience are invited to leave their seats after the performance to talk with the actors and get a close-up view of the horses. This "meet and greet" event is popular, especially with the younger members in attendance. The actors, who have developed a close bond with the horses, field numerous questions, many of which center on the beautiful American Paint Horses.

APHA's partnership with Six Flags Over Texas on the project enables the theme park to add high-caliber horses to the show and allows the association to showcase the American Paint Horse, which continues to be one of the most popular and fastest-growing breeds in the world. This is the second consecutive year Six Flags has asked APHA to supply horses for the Wild West adventure.

"We are constantly striving for opportunities to showcase the American Paint Horse breed," said APHA Executive Secretary Jim Kelley.

"With more than 2 million people - half under the age of 18 - able to see these horses in action, this has become a tremendous educational outreach program for us. And, with the meet-and-greet segment of the show, people get to see and touch horses, as well as learn more about them. We certainly value this partnership with Six Flags Over Texas," said Kelley.

"We're delighted to be working with the American Paint Horse Association again this year," said Steve Calloway, vice president and general manager of Six Flags Over Texas. "The partnership has been a win-win situation for all involved. We're certainly proud to be associated with these beautiful horses."

Marian Buehler, director of human resources and administration for Six Flags Over Texas, added, "We have found that American Paint Horses attract a lot of attention. From the moment these horses are ridden into the arena, we have the audience's attention."

A long-time breeder and trainer, Buehler said the Paint Horses were selected for their excellent conformation and athletic ability. Buehler is a Paint Horse owner herself.

More about APHA
Since its founding 41 years ago, APHA has registered more than 720,000 horses. Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA's Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of about 60,000 horses each year. The association serves approximately 104,000 members, who are located in every U.S. state, throughout Canada and in 39 other nations around the world.

APHA employs 150 people and has an annual operating budget of $15 million for activities worldwide. Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable are their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns.

For more information about the American Paint Horse and APHA, visit http://www.apha.com , or call (817) 834-2742, extension 788.

More about Six Flags
Six Flags Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company. The company owns and operates 38 parks throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Six Flags theme parks serve 40 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The parks annually host more than 50 million guests worldwide. For more information, visit the Six Flags Web site at http://www.sixflags.com.

www.apha.com.

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