AQHA Breeders: A Legacy
If you or someone you know has questions about the breeder recognition program, please email breeders@aqha.org. Image courtesy of AQHA.
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 resonates with heritage and tradition and our breeder recognition program highlights this legacy. We are grateful to the breeders who keep the spirit of the American Quarter Horse alive through their knowledge and dedication. Their efforts ensure the successful continuation of the breed for generations to come.”
This year, the honorees include 11 50-year legacy breeders, 19 50-year cumulative breeders and two 75-year breeders. 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
Dwight Ungstad of Ponoka, Alberta
Bullard Farms of Weatherford, Texas
Crago Cattle Co. of Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Dave Hermanson of Mandan, North Dakota
Gilbert and/or Zelda Lutter of Redfield, South Dakota
J. T. “Tom” King of Corning, Saskatchewan
Mike and Bruce Treffer of Broken Bow, Nebraska
Redd Ranches of Monticello, Utah
Wayne and Virginia E. Prewett of Cherokee, Oklahoma
Jerry or Danelle Griffin of Maysville, Georgia
Ward Ranch of Tulare, California
50-Year Cumulative Breeders
Jimmy Crowther of Gypsum, Kansas
Richard C. Winberg of Aberdeen, Idaho
Mel O. Potter of Marana, Arizona
Vickie Adams of Collinsville, Texas
Brian and Kathy Temple of Wallowa, Oregon
Wade and/or Linda Zollinger of Oakley, Idaho
Jean Chavers of Brighton, Colorado
Richard Joneson of Shawnee, Oklahoma
Jim Brinkman of Ericson, Nebraska
Richard D. Alexander of Manchester, Michigan
Gary D. or Vickie G. Nussbaum of Chewelah, Washington
Michael and Sandra Ellis of Neenah, Wisconsin
Pete Bonds of Saginaw, Texas
Chad G. and/or Verna M. Holland of Dillon, Montana
Grace Berton-Beretta of Sweeden, Kentucky
Leslie E. Shaw of Greenville, Texas
Richard A. Mecham of Carey, Idaho
Robert Wayne Newcomb of Oxford, North Carolina
Sanferd J. Mees of Bismark, North Dakota
75-Year Breeders
Redd Ranches of Monticello, Utah
Sylvan or Barbara Williamson of Eagle, Idaho
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.
2025 AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet
The 2024 50- and 75-year breeders will be recognized at the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, slated to be hosted during the 2025 AQHA Convention. The banquet is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 30, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. AQHA will also recognize the 2024 AQHA Best Remuda, 2024 AQHA Best International Remuda, 2023 AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year and 2024 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.
