AQHA Programs Overview

Highlighting the efforts of American Quarter Horse ranch breeders and their heritage to AQHA is the reasoning behind the three initiatives to recognize ranch breeders.

AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders is a breeder referral program. To become part of the Ranching Heritage Breeders, ranches must be members of AQHA and their ranch remudas must consist of American Quarter Horses, which must be used primarily to work ranch cattle. The ranch must own at least five American Quarter Horse mares that are used to produce the remuda, and the ranch must have received at least an AQHA 10-year breeder award. Ranches that qualify can download this application or call AQHA Customer Service at (806) 376-4811. The AQHA Ranching Committee and AQHA Executive Committee review the applications. The program cost $25 per year. Ranching Heritage Breeders are entitled to use a special logo on their advertising, and that logo also appears on the AQHA registration certificates of horses bred by Ranching Heritage Breeders. Ranches that are members of the Ranching Heritage Breeders also are eligible to enter their horses in exclusive competitions and sales.

This award honors the contributions ranch horses have made to the heritage of the American Quarter Horse and has recognized outstanding ranches since its beginning in 1992.

AQHA will host the 2020 AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals with the 2020 AQHA World Championship Show, and the AQHA Executive Committee approved rolling qualification requirements for those who qualified to compete at the 2020 AQHA VRH World.

AQHA's Young Horse Development Program showcases AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders’ ranch-bred American Quarter Horses and provides an opportunity for youth to become engaged in the horse industry at a fundamental level that’s fun and educational.