AQHA Select All-Around Amateur

The AQHA Select All-Around Amateur Award is presented to the exhibitor-and-horse team that earns the most points in three or more Level 3 events in three categories during the 2025 Adequan® Select World Championship Show.  

This year’s Select all-around amateur is Dana Avila of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Always Do, an AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred 2018 gray gelding by Cat Man Do and out of Greyt Little Steps by Greyt Whiz. Avila received a neck ribbon, rose bouquet, $10,000 and a Lisa Perry bronze. 

For a total of 53 points, Avila placed in the following Level 3 classes: Select ranch riding (world champion); Select ranch trail (world champion); amateur working western rail (fifth place); and Select performance halter geldings (seventh place).  

The AQHA reserve Select all-around is David Renier of Loveland, Colorado, and Cowpuncher Cadillac, a 2017 bay roan stallion by Royal Blue Quixote and out of Miss Dakota Eyed by Two Eyed Red Buck. They took home $5,000, a neck ribbon and a specially designed silver bowl. 

Renier and “Blue” earned 49 points, placing in: Select performance halter stallions (world champion); amateur working western rail (reserve world champion); Select ranch riding (reserve world champion); and Select ranch trail (fourth place). 

About the Show

The Markel AQHA World, Adequan® Select World and Adequan® Level 2 Championships are the premier events in the equine industry for amateur, Select amateur and open exhibitors. The show includes Level 3 and Adequan® Level 2 classes, as well as AQHA Level 1 Champion of Champions classes. The shows feature over three weeks of exciting competition, educational opportunities and a bountiful trade show. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/worldshow.

About the Sponsor

We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients – that differentiates us worldwide. 

About AQHA 

The American Quarter Horse Association, headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization. AQHA’s mission is to record and preserve the pedigree and integrity of the American Quarter Horse, while protecting its welfare, promoting its versatility and encouraging lifelong enjoyment of the breed. AQHA is the global advocate for the American Quarter Horse, celebrating its legacy, uniting a passionate community and leading the equine industry.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text "AQHA In the Know" for the latest Association updates.