HONORING THE BREEDERS PRESERVING AMERICA’ S ORIGINAL HORSEPOWER
Sponsored by American Quarter Horse Association
Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association pauses to recognize a group whose influence reaches far beyond the show pen or the sale ring. At the annual AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, AQHA will honor breeders whose lifelong dedication has helped preserve, strengthen and advance America’ s Original Horsepower— the American Quarter Horse.
Set to take place March 15 at 6 p. m. during the 2026 AQHA Convention at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the Breeder Recognition Banquet is more than a ceremony. It is a celebration of perseverance, vision and stewardship passed down through generations. The breeders recognized this year represent decades of early mornings, long nights and unwavering belief in the horses they raise.
Each year, honorees include 50-year cumulative breeders, 50-year legacy breeders and 75-year cumulative breeders, along with recipients of special awards such as Top Money- Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year, AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year, and the AQHA Best Remuda award winner. Together, they form the backbone of the American Quarter Horse industry.
Legacy breeders are those who have registered at least one foal consecutively for 50 years, which is an extraordinary testament to consistency, commitment and generational continuity. Cumulative breeders have registered at least one foal over the total award period, reflecting a lifetime devoted to breeding quality horses that excel across disciplines, ranches and arenas nationwide. The 75-year cumulative breeders stand as living history, having contributed to the breed for more than seven decades.
For many of these breeders, success is not measured solely by titles or earnings, but by the horses themselves— their minds, their versatility and their ability to do a job. These are horsemen and horsewomen who value soundness, work ethic and integrity, ensuring the American Quarter Horse remains as relevant today as it was generations ago.
The Breeder Recognition Banquet also honors families. Behind every breeding program is a shared commitment; spouses, children and grandchildren who helped feed, foal, train and believe. The impact of these programs can be seen across ranching, racing, performance and recreational riding, shaping the breed’ s reputation worldwide.
As AQHA recognizes the breeders honored in 2026, the celebration serves as a reminder that the future of the American Quarter Horse is built on the foundation they laid. Their dedication has preserved not only bloodlines, but a way of life— one rooted in responsibility, pride and a deep respect for the horse. To learn more about the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, visit www. aqha. com / achievements / breeding / breederawards-banquet.
14 MARCH 2026 www. NCBA. org