The American Quarter Horse Association, the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization, has reached the five millionth registration milestone. “We are very grateful for our valuable members who helped us reach this monumental accomplishment,” said AQHA executive vice president Bill Brewer. “As the only equine organization worldwide to reach this number, we are proud to be the registry of the world’s most popular and versatile horse.”

Registration number 5,000,000 is being held for Shelly Nielsen of Alberta, Canada, who purchased the naming rights $8,750 through an online auction to benefit the American Quarter Horse Foundation’s Equine Research Fund. On December 26, AQHA completed registration number 4,999,999 and assigned the number to Slash Nic, a bay roan stallion owned by Julie Ann Boer of Rigby, Idaho.

“When our foals arrive this spring, we will determine which one will be the best to have the number,” says the Nielson, and AQHA life member trains reiners and working cow horses. “We are probably going to name the foal Wynns Five Million, after our 21-month-old son, Wynn.”

AQHA registered its first horse in 1941- Wimpy, bred and owned by the famous King Ranch. In 1974, the association surpassed registration number 1,000,000, but did not assign the number to a horse, reserving it instead to honor the men and women who helped build the breed. In 1983, number 2,000,000 was given to a mare named Two Million, also owned by the King Ranch. Eight years later in 1991, Three Million Cash, owned by the Phillips Ranch of Frisco, Texas, received registration number 3,000,000. In 2001, number 4,000,000 was awarded to Shinelikefourmillion, owned by Carol Rose of Gainesville, Texas.