Ranching Heritage Top Horses

Three AQHA Ranching Heritage-Bred horses earned special awards at the 2024 Nutrena AQHA World Championship Show; AQHA Select World Championship Show, presented by Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan); Adequan® Level 2 Championships; and AQHA Level 1 Champion of Champions at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City November 1-20.

The top AQHA Ranching Heritage-Bred Award winners receive a specially designed trophy and a $250 cash prize to both the owner and the breeder for this honor.

The top-placing Ranching Heritage-Bred horse is awarded in the amateur, Select amateur and open divisions, with the tie-breaker going to the horse that defeats the most horses. Anyone can show these horses, which are eligible for special events such as AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges.

Amateur: This Cats Forever, 2013 bay gelding by WR This Cats Smart and out of Soula Jule Forever by Soula Jule Star; bred by Garth and Amanda Gardiner of Lipan, Texas; owned by Jay and Wendy McLaughlin of Amarillo, Texas, and shown by Cutter McLaughlin of Amarillo, Texas.

Select Amateur: Always Do, 2018 gray gelding by Cat Man Do and out of Greyt Little Steps by Greyt Whiz; bred by the WT Waggoner Estate of Vernon, Texas; owned by Dana and Bob Avila of Scottsdale, Arizona, and shown by Dana Avila.

Open: Sue C Royalty, 2020 bay mare by One Time Royalty and out of Sue C Lena by Lenas Wright On; bred by Richard A Jr. and Lori L. Wyman of Osceola, Nebraska; owned by Sherri and Phil Tearney of Louisburg, Kansas and shown by AQHA Professional Horseman J. D. Yates of Pueblo, Colorado.

The AQHA Ranching Heritage program highlights ranches that are certified as AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders. These working cattle ranches produce quality horses needed on the ranch. The program is designed to showcase the qualities of a working ranch horse by recognizing the top Ranching Heritage-Bred horses competing at major events.

To find out more about the AQHA Ranching Heritage program, visit www.aqha.com/ranching.

About the Show

The Nutrena 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 Sponsors

Nutrena feed isn’t just grown, it’s crafted. Real science goes into putting the nutrients animals need into each Nutrena feed product. Quality is so important because we know people are relying on us to stand up to our exacting standards each and every time. What’s inside the bag counts. That’s why you can count on Nutrena feeds for the animals you care for. For more information on Nutrena brand products, visit www.nutrenaworld.com.

Adequan®, the official equine joint therapy of AQHA, is the proud title sponsor of the Adequan® Select World and the Adequan® Level 2 Championships. When you choose a joint therapy for your horses, choose Adequan®. 

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.