Wimpy P-1, the horse that holds the No. 1 spot in the American Quarter Horse Association
registry, earned that designation when he was named grand champion stallion in March 1941 at the
Southwestern Exposition inFort Worth, Texas. Wimpy was bred by the renowned King Ranch of South
Texas. That’s just one example of the critical role ranchers and stock
shows have played in the formation and growth of the American Quarter
Horse industry.
Committee and staff went back to it roots in July and met with ranchers
and stock show managers.
early July, the AQHA Executive Committee and staff met with more than
20 ranching representatives in Oklahoma City. Their talks focused on
enhancing AQHA’s registration process; continuing to work with the
various ranch horse competition groups – Ranch Horse Association of
America, Stock Horse Of Texas, National Versatility Ranch Horse
Association, American Stock Horse Association – by exploring consistency
in rules and possibly co-sanctioned events; and investigating the
concept of a Ranching Heritage Breeder Program, which likely could be an
extension of the AQHA Breeder Referral Program.
“Despite ranchers owning and
registering more American Quarter Horses than nearly any other segment
of AQHA, I believe that the Association has not done enough to get them
involved,” said AQHA President Johannes Orgeldinger of Grosswallstadt,
Germany. “Ranchers are truly the backbone of AQHA’s industry. I am
anxious to move forward in pursuing the recommendations that came from
that meeting.”
In the
middle of July, several stock show managers traveled to Amarillo to meet
with the Executive Committee. Discussion focused on the changing
demographics of the stock show/state fair audience, which is typical of
the changing demographics of horse industry enthusiasts. In previous
years, spectators at stock shows and rodeos were “in tune” with
agriculture-related events and had a knowledge of livestock events.
Today’s audience strictly wants entertainment.
Many different scenarios and suggestions to attract more
spectators and exhibitors were discussed. These discussions have
further encouraged the Executive Committee to move forward with bringing
together focus groups to discuss a wide range of suggestions relative
to AQHA shows.
“These meetings were beneficial for both AQHA and the
participants,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr.
“We’ll do our homework on the suggestions and pursue moving forward with
recommendations to help these essential segments of AQHA’s industry.”
