Few horses reach celebrity status by which they’re best known by a nickname, but Colonels Smokingun—simply “Gunner” to many—was certainly one of those stars. A loud splashed white coat pattern and unparalleled performance made Gunner unforgettable.

An official showbill has recently been released for the 2014 Virginia Quarter Horse Classic, which is scheduled to take place at the beautiful Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, April 10-13. Judges for the show will be Tim Abler, Clint Fullerton, Jennifer Leckey, Curtis Reynolds, Jennifer Thompson, and Bruce Walquist.

The 48th All American Quarter Horse Congress will take place October 2-26, 2014. The first futurity payment is due April 1st, so don’t delay, download today!

Walter Merrick remains a racetrack legend, a horseman with something of a sixth-sense when it came to fast horses. Focusing his attention on the track in 1936, Walter’s stable expanded to include Paints in the 1950s. The recipient of the first Paul Harbor Racing Distinguished Service Award in 2005, Walter still ranks fifth on APHA’s Lifetime Leading Breeders List.

The National Snaffle Bit Association is proud to announce that the Stallion Incentive Program is as strong as ever! Official payout for points earned in 2013 is $47.84 per point.

The Gamecocks continue to hold the nation’s top spot following a win against Auburn that improved their record to 10-2 and gave South Carolina the top seed in the upcoming Southeastern Conference Championship. Georgia, which was idle moved into the No. 2 spot, while Oklahoma State moved to No. 3 following a win against then-No. 5 Baylor in Stillwater.

Three riders from the equitation over fences team scored in the 90s for OSU Saturday.

New this year, the AQHA Stud Book and Registration Committee is hosting a Breed Forum from 2-5 p.m. on March 9. The forum will include “By the Numbers,” presented by AQHA Treasurer Trent Taylor, and a continuation of a strategic planning session of the Studbook and Registration Committee to include open dialog with anyone interested in expressing opinions on how to move the breed forward.

South Carolina clinched the No. 1 seed on Saturday, and the Gamecocks will face No. 4 seed Texas A&M in the opening round of the SEC Championship on March 28 in Blythewood. Auburn secured the No. 3 seed on Saturday, and the Tigers will face No. 2 seed Georgia in the opening round of the SEC Championship. The winners of both meets will face each other on March 29 for the SEC Championship.