The American Quarter Horse Association honored this year’s 50-year breeders at a ceremony Oct. 19 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum in Amarillo, Texas.
Each year, the AQHA honors breeders who have dedicated their livelihoods to maintaining the integrity of the American Quarter Horse. These horsemen and families see their biggest accomplishments and proudest moments in the horses they breed.
“Fifty year breeders are the backbone of the American Quarter Horse industry,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Craig Huffhines. “They have dedicated so much of their lives to the American Quarter Horse, and they make the vision of our founders a reality through their knowledge and dedication.”
This year, the honorees include 11 legacy award winners and 14 cumulative award winners. Legacy breeders are those who have registered at least one foal for 50 consecutive years. Cumulative breeders are those who have registered at least one foal for 50 years cumulatively.
Trophies were presented to 50-Year Legacy Breeders and 50-Year Cumulative Breeders. • Photo by Quarter Horse Journal
50-Year Legacy Breeders
- Good Bros Cattle Co., of Belton, Missouri
- J.E. Jumonville Jr., of Ventress, Louisiana
- Jerry and Amanda Kaufmann, of Buffalo, Wyoming
- Ben L. McKinney, of Cedar Valley, Utah
- Joe D. Newell, of Oskaloosa, Kansas
- Ohoopee River Farm, of Collins, Georgia
- Sterling O. Roberts, of Hillsboro, New Mexico
- Mary H. Smith Brooks, of Atlanta, Texas
- Bernard and Nola Thornton, of Opelousas, Louisiana
- Claude F. and Mary Ann Wells, of Anselmo, Nebraska
- Mahlstedt Ranch Inc., of Circle, Montana
Ben McKinney was one of the 50 Year Legacy Breeders honored by the AQHA. • Photo by Quarter Horse Journal
50-Year Cumulative Breeders
- Max Alman, of Pelahatchie, Mississippi
- Thomas H. Bradbury, of Byers, Colorado
- F.W. Brown, of Highlands, Texas
- Margaret Chamberlain Hawkins, of Arthur, Nebraska
- Charles A. Hollis, of Greenway, Arkansas
- Tommy Houston, of Bluff Dale, Texas
- Jelmer E. Johnson, of Torrington, Wyoming
- Tom Maddux, of North Platte, Nebraska
- Dr. Gerald O’Connor, of Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Buzz and Connie Oliphant, of Rowley, Iowa
- Edward and Janet Stanton, of Ontario, Oregon
- L.L. Stokes, of Big Lake, Texas
- Fred and Clara Wilson, of Newcastle, Wyoming
- Miracle Mountain Ranch Missions Inc., of Spring Creek, Pennsylvania
The honorees have bred American Quarter Horses for a variety of uses, including reining, racing, cutting, ranch and rodeo. All have dedicated 50 years to taking their best and making it better.
