Ranching Heritage Programs

The AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder program is a prestigious breeder referral initiative that recognizes working cattle ranches dedicated to raising American Quarter Horses. To be eligible, a ranch must be a current AQHA member, maintain a remuda primarily used for ranch work, own at least five registered American Quarter Horse mares, consistently register five or more foals annually and have earned a minimum 10-Year AQHA Breeder Award. Ranching Heritage Breeders enjoy exclusive benefits, including the right to use the program’s official logo in advertising. Horses bred by these ranches carry the Ranching Heritage Breeder designation on their AQHA registration certificates and are eligible for Ranching Heritage Challenge competitions and exclusive sales. To apply, download the application or contact AQHA Customer Service at (806) 376-4811. Applications are reviewed and approved by the AQHA Ranching Committee and Executive Committee. Annual dues are $25 for the primary ranch and $25 for each family member listed as an associate of the ranch.

Ranching Heritage Challenges are open to any horse bred by an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder and is fully enrolled within the program. Owners of fully enrolled horses may compete in a range of classes offered exclusively for Ranching Heritage-bred horses. These events offer the chance to compete for added money, as well as the opportunity to qualify for the Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals, held in conjunction with the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships.

The AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program provides youth with hands-on experience in horsemanship and young horse training. Through the generosity of AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders, selected youth receive donated weanlings to take home, train, and develop over the course of the program. Participants not only build essential knowledge and practical experience, but also have the opportunity to showcase their progress, earn scholarships, and win prizes from Montana Silversmiths, Justin Boots, and Wrangler. Best of all, they get to keep their horse.

These AQHA Ranching Heritage awards recognize various facets of ranching and breeding, from the Best Remuda Award, the oldest and most prestigious ranching award; the RHB of the Year; Top RHB Horses; and Top RHB Production Sale of the Year.