AQHA Breeders: A Legacy
AQHA Breeders: A Legacy
AQHA honors American Quarter Horse breeders who have contributed to the breed for 50 and 75 years.
August 21, 2023 | News and Publications , About AQHA | Ranching heritage breeders program , Ranching heritage breeder of the year , Cumulative or consecutive breeder , Best remuda award , Breeding
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
Sue May of Fort Stockton, Texas
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 G. and M. Sue Golliher of Belle Fourche, South Dakota
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.
AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA and visit www.aqha.com/news.