Fodge horse - Mr. Colt 45 - ranked second in world

A Bonners Ferry couple owns the number two paint horse in the world.

Sam and Deneice Fodge, owners of Fodge Pulp in Bonners Ferry, recently competed in the 2008 World Championship Paint Horse Show in Ft. Worth, Texas, with their 2-year-old stallion, Mr. Colt 45.

“It’s exciting,” said Deneice Fodge. “He is considered second in the world.”

Out of 17 horses, the Fodge’s pride and joy took American Paint Horse Association’s Reserve World Champion. The 1,350-pound Palomino took third last year.

“Once it was announced, Sam started breathing again,” said Deneice Fodge. “He held his breath while telling us what he placed.”

The Fodges have been raising horses their entire lives, but started competing with them 15 years ago.

“Sam got us into it,” said Deneice Fodge. “He is friends with Ralph Langford and he competes, so Sam started.”

The Fodges bought Mr. Colt 45 to replace their stallion Kootenai Wildfire, who died last year.

“We needed to replace him because we are a breeding farm,” said Deneice Fodge. “We saw a photo of Mr. Colt 45 and it was a blood line we really liked.”

The horse stays in Texas for breeding purposes.

Down to 17 horses, the Fodges will have five foals coming this year, three of them from Mr. Colt 45.

“It’s a lot of work, but it is neat,” said Deneice Fodge.