Skip to content

Saddlebred Friends of Spindletop Results and Finale





The “Saddlebred Friends of Spindletop” initiative, which kicked off in April of this year at Spindeltop Hall, has officially reached its goal of $50,000 making it eligible for a $50,000 match from James and Misdee Wrigley Miller, well known Saddlebred enthusiasts and competitors. “ When we announced our $100,000 campaign goal at our April kickoff we did not expect such a quick turnaround of donations.  This is a wonderful response and we are so grateful to all of our Saddlebred friends who helped us reach our goal in less than six months” said Misdee Wrigley Miller.

A check presentation of the Miller’s $50,000 match recently took place at a “Rebuild History” donor appreciation event held on October 13th at Spindletop Hall. Gerald Marvel, Spindletop Hall’s General Manager/COO  praised the Millers for leadership and generosity. “The “Friends of Spndletop” initiative led by James and Misdee Miller contributed an additional $100,000 to our campaign efforts and was a significant factor in exceeding our Rebuild History” capital campaign goal of $800,000”.

The “Saddlebred Friends of Spindletop” was created to financially support the “Rebuild History” capital campaign that was launched in 2012 by the Spindletop Hall Board of Directors to meet the critical needs for repair and renovation of the 80 year old historical landmark.  Spindletop Farm of Kentucky was established in 1934 by founder Pansy Yount, who desired to relocate her successful Saddlebred operation from Beaumont, Texas to the lush farmlands of the Bluegrass.  

Construction of Spindletop Hall was completed in 1937. Over the years Pansy Yount’s Spindletop Farm produced some of the top Saddlebred Horses in the industry, including BEAU PEVINE, BURMA SAPPHIRE, STAR OF SPINDLETOP, ROXIE HIGHLAND, and CHIEF OF SPINDLETOP among many others.

“So many of our accomplished Saddlebreds today have lineage that that can be traced back to a Saddlebred horse from Pansy’s farm. Our “Saddlebred Friends of Spindletop” was created as an expression of support and celebration of this historical relationship between the Saddlebred horse and Spindletop Farm” explained the Millers. The couple also shared that “Saddlebred Friends Spindletop” will not disappear now that the campaign has successfully reached its $100,000 goal “ We would like to continue this recognition and celebration of the Saddlebred horse and Spindletop Hall with future events at the Club” said the Millers.



Pansy Yount’s granddaughter Kathryn Manion Haider traveled from Chicago to join the donor appreciation event celebrating the attainment of both the “Saddlebred Friends”and the Club’s capital campaign goals. 

“Spindletop has been such a special part of my life. I have so many fond memories of my many visits to see my grandmother in this most wonderful place. I am so appreciative to the over 300 Spindletop members who have supported the “Rebuild History” campaign to preserve this Kentucky treasure. And Misdee and James, my grandmother would be thrilled to see her beloved Saddlebred horses celebrated and recognized through your efforts” said Haider.

Although Spindeltop Hall has closed the public phase of the “Rebuild History”

Campaign the Club will continue to accept contributions for future capital needs. Donations are payable to the Spindletop Development Fund and can be mailed to Spindletop Hall, 3114 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511. Credit card contributions can also be made on the Spindletop web site www.spindletophall.org and click on the “Rebuild History” icon.

 For more information contact [email protected]

More Stories