AQHA Breeders: A Legacy

From AQHA:

Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association honors breeders who have dedicated their livelihoods to maintaining the integrity of the American Quarter Horse breed. These horsemen, horsewomen and their families see their biggest accomplishments and proudest moments in the horses they breed.

“We are proud to celebrate the breeders who are the backbone of our Association and recognize those who protect the future of the breed and our industry,” said Karen McCuistion, AQHA senior director of member programs. “Our Association is packed full of heritage and tradition and our breeder recognition program is the highlight of what we have to offer. We are grateful to the breeders that keep the spirit of the American Quarter Horse alive through their knowledge and dedication, and ensure that the success of the breed will continue for many generations to come.”

This year, the honorees include 16 50-year legacy breeders, 23 50-year cumulative breeders and one 75-year breeder. Legacy breeders are those who have registered at least one foal consecutively for the total years of the award. Cumulative breeders are those who have registered at least one foal cumulatively for the total years of the award.

 

50-Year Legacy Breeders

Ronald and Phyllis Highland of Kersey, Colorado

Danny Hogan of Dexter, Georgia

Steve Krogman of White River, South Dakota

Dean Pederson of Starbuck, Minnesota

Gwen Streeter of Oran, Missouri

Bell Ranch of Encampment, Wyoming

Holmes Quarter Horses of Plankinton, South Dakota

David Schlorff of Honey Creek, Iowa

Korell Family Trust of Riverton, Wyoming

Silver Spur Operating Co. LLC of Encampment, Wyoming

Schofield Quarter Horses of Philip, South Dakota

John Johnson of Lemmon, South Dakota

Helen Maddux Trust of Wahoo, Nebraska

Vinewood Farms of Visalia, California

Carolyn Stewart of Ramona, Oklahoma

Windy Hill Ranch of Waynesboro, Georgia

 

50-Year Cumulative Breeders

Mike and Karen Buchanan of Pavillion, Wyoming

Bullard Farms of Weatherford, Texas

B. Richard Orton of Salem, Utah

Timothy Meyer of Sylvan Grove, Kansas

Dennis Robinson of Francesville, Indiana

Reynolds Cattle Co. of Dalhart, Texas

Merle Morgan of Idaho Falls, Idaho

Ronald Pinney of Wood Lake, Nebraska

Leslie Norris Penkhus of Colorado Springs, Colorado

James Allen of Santa Anna, Texas

Carolyn Stewart of Ramona, Oklahoma

Ronny Bumpus of Lampasas, Texas

Ellis “Hank” Bird of Bryan, Texas

Bath Brothers of Laramie, Wyoming

Pitzer Ranch of Ericson, Nebraska

Sonoma Livestock Co. of Winnemucca, Nevada

J & S M Inc. of Fort Stockton, Texas

A. D. Burris of Keota, Oklahoma

Jimmy Barrett of Throckmorton, Texas

Hilldale Farm of Brashear, Texas

Jimmy Farris of Midway, Texas

Roy Frank of Parkland County, Alberta

Crago Cattle Company of Belle Fourche, South Dakota

 

75-Year Breeder
Jerry Rutland of Independence, Kansas

 

Honorees breed their American Quarter Horses for a range of events including reining, racing, cutting, ranching and rodeo. All have dedicated at least 50 years to taking their best and making it better.

If you or someone you know has questions about the breeder recognition program please email breeders@aqha.org.

2024 AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet
The 2023 50- and 75-year breeders will be recognized at the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, slated to be hosted during the 2024 AQHA Convention. The banquet is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 17, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. AQHA will also recognize the 2023 AQHA Best Remuda, 2022 AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year and 2023 Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year. Additional information about the banquet will be shared with the breeders. If you have questions about the list of breeders, email breeders@aqha.org.