Learn more about AQHA Ranching Heritage.

AQHA has recently formed the AQHA Ranching Council, tasked with the purpose of recognizing the efforts of American Quarter Horse ranch breeders and their heritage to AQHA. The AQHA Ranching Council oversees three initiatives:

• AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders
• AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge
• AQHA Young Horse Development Project

To become a Ranching Heritage Breeder, ranch owners have to mainly use American Quarter Horses to raise cattle and have an AQHA breeding program. Take a look at our list of current Ranching Heritage breeders. Ranching Heritage breeders will pay a fee of $10 per year. To become a Ranching Heritage Breeder, the ranch owner or manager must complete an application and return it to AQHA with the $10 fee.

Horses foaled at a Ranching Heritage Breeder’s ranch can be nominated to compete in a Ranching Heritage Challenge. In 2012, there are two challenge events. The first is January 13 at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas, and the second will be in August at the South Dakota Reined Cow Horse Futurity in Rapid City, South Dakota. In the future, the Ranching Heritage Challenge will grow to consist of six or seven regional competitions with a $100,000 or more in purse money at each event.

Ranching Heritage Challenges will consist of three classes:

• Open sweepstakes for 4-year-old horses
• Limited open for 4-year-old horses
• Non-pro sweepstakes for horses 5 years old and older
• Amateur trail trials for horses 5 years old and older

Horses must be nominated by their breeders to compete. The nomination fee to enter the 2012 Ranching Heritage Challenge events is waived for 2012.

The Ranching Council has developed the Youth and Young Horse Development Project with the goal of getting more youth involved with horses. Ranching Heritage Breeders will make foals eligible for youth to apply to receive or purchase at a nominal fee. The youth will then, under the guidance of a Ranching Heritage Breeder, take the foal home and train it for an in-hand competition at a Ranching Heritage Challenge. The Youth and Young Horse Development Project will serve to preserve ranching with American Quarter Horses in the future.

Overall, Ranching Heritage will add value to American Quarter Horses, recognize Ranching Heritage Breeders’ efforts in preserving the heritage of AQHA and the integrity of the American Quarter Horse breed, and will help foster enthusiasm in youth for the American Quarter Horse.

Questions? Leave a comment!

As Always, At Your Service,

Kayla Randall
AQHA Assistant Internet Production Manager