Nomination Criteria

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame's mission is to honor those humans and horses that have made a transformational impact upon AQHA and the American Quarter Horse industry. Both horse and human inductees should have made a historically significant influence upon their respective fields or disciplines, and the horse should have shown great accomplishment in those areas. The lives of human inductees should reflect their enduring influence upon their field or discipline, and should show the highest level of character and integrity.

Nominees are considered for Hall of Fame induction for up to three years. If a nominee is not selected during that time, they will rotate off. After a three-year waiting period, the horse or human may be re-nominated for future consideration.

Horse Eligibility

• Horse must be deceased.
• Horse must be recognized through the American Quarter Horse Association breed registry. This may include an American Quarter Horse and/or Thoroughbred as outlined within the current AQHA Rulebook.
• Horse must be outstanding for a multitude of years as a sire, dam, competitor OR brought exceptional visibility to the American Quarter Horse breed.

Horses are evaluated through a comprehensive selection process that considers the scope of their accomplishments, the extent of their industry impact, and the enduring legacy of their contributions. Nominees are assessed on how their achievements influenced progress within their discipline and the industry, including their historical significance in advancing and promoting the breed. Consideration is also given to breed integrity, ensuring each inductee reflects the excellence, versatility, and character worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.

Human Eligibility

• Person may be either living or deceased.
• Person is a member in good standing with the American Quarter Horse Association and/or has made a significant impact on AQHA and the industry.
• Person whose activities occurred during the existence of AQHA (i.e., post 1940).
• Person's activities should be outstanding over a multitude of years and contributed to the advancement of the American Quarter Horse industry.
• Person has conducted themselves in a positive way that is becoming of the honor of Hall of Fame induction.

Humans are evaluated on their history of service and long-term commitment to AQHA, including leadership roles, educational advancement, and other meaningful contributions. The selection process considers the scope of their industry impact at the state, regional, national, or international level, as well as the enduring legacy of their work in shaping progress within their field or discipline. Nominees are also assessed for their historical significance in advancing and promoting the AQHA industry and the American Quarter Horse breed, along with their character and integrity, ensuring each inductee exemplifies the values worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.