Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association honors breeders who have dedicated their livelihoods to maintaining the integrity of the American Quarter Horse breed. These horsemen, horsewomen and their families see their biggest accomplishments and proudest moments in the horses they breed.

“We are proud to celebrate the breeders who are the backbone of our Association and recognize those who protect the future of the breed and our industry,” said Karen McCuistion, AQHA senior director of member programs. “Our Association resonates with heritage and tradition and our breeder recognition program highlights this legacy. We are grateful to the breeders who keep the spirit of the American Quarter Horse alive through their knowledge and dedication. Their efforts ensure the successful continuation of the breed for generations to come.”

This year, the honorees include 11 50-year legacy breeders, 19 50-year cumulative breeders and two 75-year breeders. Legacy breeders are those who have registered at least one foal consecutively for the total years of the award. Cumulative breeders are those who have registered at least one foal cumulatively for the total years of the award.

50-Year Legacy Breeders

Bullard Farms of Weatherford, Texas

Crago Cattle Co. of Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Jerry or Danelle Griffin of Maysville, Georgia

Dave Hermanson of Mandan, North Dakota

J. T. “Tom” King of Corning, Saskatchewan

Gilbert and/or Zelda Lutter of Redfield, South Dakota

Wayne and Virginia E. Prewett of Cherokee, Oklahoma

Redd Ranches of Monticello, Utah

Mike and Bruce Treffer of Broken Bow, Nebraska

Dwight Ungstad of Ponoka, Alberta

Ward Ranch of Tulare, California

50-Year Cumulative Breeders

Vickie Adams of Collinsville, Texas

Richard D. Alexander of Manchester, Michigan

Grace Berton-Beretta of Sweeden, Kentucky

Pete Bonds of Saginaw, Texas

Jean Chavers of Brighton, Colorado

Jimmy Crowther of Gypsum, Kansas

Michael and Sandra Ellis of Neenah, Wisconsin

Chad G. and/or Verna M. Holland of Dillon, Montana

Richard Joneson of Shawnee, Oklahoma

Mel O. Potter of Marana, Arizona

Richard A. Mecham of Carey, Idaho

Sanferd J. Mees of Bismark, North Dakota

Robert Wayne Newcomb of Oxford, North Carolina

Gary D. or Vickie G. Nussbaum of Chewelah, Washington

Leslie E. Shaw of Greenville, Texas

Brian and Kathy Temple of Wallowa, Oregon

Mr. and Mrs. Louis A Waters of Utopia, Texas

Richard C. Winberg of Aberdeen, Idaho

Wade and/or Linda Zollinger of Oakley, Idaho

75-Year Breeders
Redd Ranches of Monticello, Utah

Sylvan or Barbara Williamson of Eagle, Idaho

Honorees breed their American Quarter Horses for a range of events including reining, racing, cutting, ranching and rodeo. All have dedicated at least 50 years to taking their best and making it better.

If you or someone you know has questions about the breeder recognition program, please email breeders@aqha.org.

2025 AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet
The 2024 50- and 75-year breeders will be recognized at the AQHA Breeder Recognition Banquet, slated to be hosted during the 2025 AQHA Convention. The banquet is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 30, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. AQHA will also recognize the 2024 AQHA Best Remuda, 2024 AQHA Best International Remuda, 2023 AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year and 2024 Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year. Additional information about the banquet will be shared with the breeders. If you have questions about the list of breeders, email breeders@aqha.org.  

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.