2023 AQHA Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeders

From AQHA:

The American Quarter Horse Association recognizes Box O Quarter Horses of Gordon, Nebraska, as the 2023 Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year.

AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder Box O Quarter Horses bred earners of $23,603.65 in 2023. In recognition of the achievement, Box O Quarter Horses received a certificate for a custom saddle by Don Rich Saddlery.

Box O Quarter Horses’ leading earner of the year was Boxo Opus Magnum, who earned $11,621.25 in the 2023 AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges. The 2018 sorrel gelding is by WR This Cats Smart and out of Opus Chic by American Quarter Horse Hall of Famer Smart Chic Olena.

The second-place Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder was awarded to the horses bred by AQHA Best Remuda Winner R. T. Stuart Ranch LLC of Waurika, Oklahoma, earning $9,538; and third went to horses bred by Rob A. Brown Ranch of Stinnett, Texas, earning $9,006.50. Finishing fourth was Wagonhound Land & Livestock LLC of Douglas, Wyoming. Wagonhound’s horses picked up $7,460. Fifth among the leaders was Center Ranch of Centerville, Texas, whose horses earned $7,396.25.

Ranching Heritage-bred horses are versatile, sound and willing American Quarter Horses able to perform well at a variety of tasks. These horses are produced by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders, which are working cattle ranches that have produced horses for at least a decade for use on the ranch.

The AQHA Ranching Heritage program recognizes these horses and provides them a showcase with the AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges, as well as Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse recognition at various national events. Anyone can purchase and show an AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred horse.

For more information about the Ranching Heritage program, visit www.aqha.com/ranching.