Lyle R. Wonderlich of Nampa, Idaho, died July 15; he was 68 years old.
The son of Lyle “Doc” and Wilma “Butch” Wonderlich, Lyle was a successful equine veterinarian and graduate of Colorado State University. He grew up surrounded by the Paint Horse, campaigning a number of horses bred by his parents’ RoseAcre Farm to top APHA honors. Among those were Nightwatcher, who became the first gelding to win an APHA Supreme Champion award in 1972, and Gallant Ghost, who earned APHA’s 29th Supreme Champion title in 1979.
As an adult, Lyle and his wife Kathy owned Sterling Oaks Farm in Nampa. They are listed as the breeders of more than 85 Paints, including several that descend from horses bred by Lyle’s parents.
Lyle was a former Idaho Paint Horse Club president and longtime board member, as well as a member of the Treasure Valley Paint Horse Club. He was an APHA national director for five years, serving on the Regional Club Committee, and was an APHA judge for nearly 40 years. APHA sends its condolences to Lyle’s family and friends.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.