The American Quarter Horse Association will honor the 75- and 50-year breeders at a ceremony Sept. 21 at the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas.

Each year, AQHA 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.

“It’s an honor to recognize the breeders who are the backbone of AQHA,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. “They have kept the tradition 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 one 75-year breeder, seven Legacy breeders and 16 cumulative breeders. Legacy breeders are those who have registered at least one foal for 50 consecutive years. Cumulative breeders are those who have registered at least one foal for 50 years cumulatively.

75-Year-Breeder

William J. Boyes of Midwest, Wyoming

50-Year Legacy Breeders

Arthur McDonald of Lame Deer, Montana

Harold McLeod of Brookdale, Manitoba

Jana Quarter Horse Farm of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania

Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Paulson of Newton, Kansas

Robert Hurley Jr. of Clarksville, Arkansas

Ronald Lien of Westbrook, Minnesota

William Dale of Clinton, Missouri

50-Year Cumulative Breeders

Dale Rogers of Lettsworth, Louisiana

Dan Frost Jr. of Dardanelle, Arkansas

Diehlia Dee Rains of Simms, Montana

Dionicio and Pat Corral of Mead, Washington

Donald Akehurst of Ellensburg, Washington

Ezra Elton Lee of Ignacio, Colorado

Gerald Wildman of Glenwood, Minnesota

Gordon Clippinger and Sons of Glenford, Ohio

Harold Baehler of Sharon Springs, Kansas

J. Kenneth Pickinpaugh of Douglas, Wyoming

James Fanello of Lucas, Ohio

Jim Crawford of Lexington, Nebraska

Kansas State University of Manhattan, Kansas

Riverdale Ranch of Brighton, Colorado

Tim Christensen of Grand Island, Nebraska

William Boyes of Carnduff, Saskatchewan

Honorees breed their American Quarter Horses for a range of events including reining, racing, cutting, ranch and rodeo. All have dedicated at least 50 years to taking their best and making it better.

Additional information about the special recognition banquet will also be shared with 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.