In the spring of 1970, I.J. Carey and others founded the South Dakota Paint Horse Club, a direct affiliate of the American Paint Horse Association. I.J. Carey became President of the South Dakota Paint Horse Club for three years, before becoming National Director and Secretary Treasurer, respectively.

South Dakota Paint Horse Club acts as a non-profit organization to promote the special breed of paint horses, an American horse breed mixed with white splotches and common dark colors. South Dakota Paint Horse Club’s foundation revolves around the promotions of the paint horse, and are provided through vast production of newspapers, television ads, and magazines. Furthermore, promotion continued through the use of horse shows, fairs, auctions, and races which produced awards of money and memorabilia both locally and nationally, directly impacted membership and interest in South Dakota Paint Horse Club.

Of the most impactful contributions the South Dakota Paint Horse Club includes the paint horse shows and the “Hoofprints” newsletter, which started in 1975 and is composed of the current officers, directors, show dates, futurity, overall meeting notes, sales, and financial statements. Due to financial burdens, the South Dakota Paint Horse Club was disbanded in 2021, leaving a legacy behind the image of the paint horse breed.