Jerry Windham thought he had had enough of cattle and horses. He had endured the harsh conditions and tough times from drought.
As a young adult, Windham played basketball for Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He did all of this without owning a horse. That is until he and his wife, Pat, bought a business in College Station, Texas. The couple purchased land, cattle and horses in 1970.
Jerry and Pat had three children, Sandra, Brian and Ray, and began buying better horses for their kids to start showing. The family had great success in halter, western pleasure, showmanship and western horsemanship. Windham also dabbled a little in breeding and raising ranch-type horses.
Pat grew up going to races in Ruidoso, New Mexico, so it was a natural fit for her and Jerry to share this enjoyment with their children. The family’s racing program was off with the purchase of Baby Pass in 1977. For almost 30 consecutive years, Windham has bred more than 700 horses, which includes winners of $8.5 million. Windham’s horses have won more than 800 races.
Ranching is also a part of the Windhams’ operation. Several hundred cattle and 35 to 40 mares live on the ranch. Weanlings and yearlings also reside on the ranch. Windham, a longtime member of the Texas Quarter Horse Association, served as president in 1995. The Texan also served on the AQHA Executive Committee from 1995 to 2000 when he was elected president of the Association. He is currently serving on the AQHA finance and public policy committees.
The rancher was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2006.
Biography updated as of March 2006.