Unveiling event

On Friday, May 25, 2007, U-Haul Company of Idaho and the U-Haul Media and Public Relations Department teamed up with the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument to unveil the latest SuperGraphic, representing the state of Idaho and to kick off the Hagerman Fossil Days celebration. Marketing Company President (MCP) Doug McIntier, UHC of Idaho (Co. 718), spoke to an excited crowd, including local dignitaries, before the veil was drawn and the Hagerman Horse SuperGraphic was officially revealed to the public.

McIntier presented the following special guests with plaques: Robert Petronek, mayor of Hagerman, Idaho; Neil King, superintendent Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument; Annette Rousseau, education specialist Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument; Angie Jones, president, Hagerman Valley Chamber of Commerce; Casey Kelley, city of Hagerman superintendent; Councilman Craig Mills and Mike Matthews, a representative of Senator Larry Craig's office.

McIntier also awarded a special plaque to Phil Gensler, park paleontologist, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. Gensler lent his expertise, research and guidance to help create the vibrant image of Idaho's ancient Hagerman Horse. On Saturday, May 26, 2007, the ancient horse rode again on the side of the U-Haul van during the Hagerman town parade in which UHC of Idaho System members passed out candy to townspeople.

U-Haul chose to showcase the Hagerman Horse because it roamed the shores of ancient Lake Idaho more than 3 million years ago and is now Idaho's state fossil. With horses lying at the heart of one of North America's greatest mysteries, the uncovering of ancient, mysterious bones from the animal dubbed the Hagerman Horse was an extremely important find. It proved to be the largest sample of this extinct species from one locality and is the oldest known representative of the genus Equus, which now includes all modern horses, donkeys and zebras.