Ranch-Horse Recognition

The AQHA Ranching Heritage program spotlights the quality horses produced by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders. When those horses make their way into the arenas at the Markel AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Show, they are recognized with the “RHB” designation after their name. Now, we recognize the three who rose to top in each division: Select, amateur and open.  

In each division, the owner received a specially created ranch-horse trophy, and both the owner and breeder received $250.  

The top Ranching Heritage-bred horse in the Select division is Always Do, owned and shown by Dana Avila of Scottsdale, Arizona. Always Do is a 2018 gray gelding by Cat Man Do and out of Greyt Little Steps by Greyt Whiz. He was bred by AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder W.T. Waggoner Estate of Vernon, Texas.  

In the amateur division, Cowpuncher Cadillac was named the top Ranching Heritage-bred horse. Cowpuncher Cadillac is a 2017 bay roan stallion by Royal Blue Quixote and out of Miss Dakota Eyed by Two Eyed Red Buck. He is owned by Jimmy Daurio and David Renier of Loveland, Colorado, and was bred by the Pitzer Ranch/Dack Cattle LLC of Ericson, Nebraska.  

The top Ranching Heritage-bred horse in the open division is Smooth Smoken Boon, bred and owned by Michael and Kim St. Clair of Kahoka, Missouri. Smooth Smoken Boon is a 2020 red roan stallion by Once In A Blu Boon and out of Smooth Smoken Cat by Smooth As A Cat.  

Don Clark Memorial Award  

The Don Clark Limited Amateur Ranch Riding Memorial Award goes to the high-point amateur or Select ranch exhibitor at the World Show who did not place in the top three in the ranch riding, ranch trail or working western rail. The prize package is $500 and a gift certificate for a set of Nettles stirrups. 

The 2025 winner is Tangie Denzer of West Fork, Arkansas, showing Chocolate Chexed. They placed fourth in Select ranch riding and seventh in Select ranch trail. Chocolate Chexed is a 2015 buckskin mare by Chex Two Bucks and out of Laughing Blackburn by Mr Blackburn Deuce. 

Don Clark, whom the award is given in memory of, was an AQHA committee member, judge, director and a veteran who was passionate about creating a space where the ranch horse could take center stage. His work resulted in ranch riding, ranch trail and working western rail classes being added to AQHA’s roster.  

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.