AQHA Honors Breeders For 50 Years of Service

AMARILLO, Texas -- On October 23, 15 American Quarter Horse breeders will be honored by the American Quarter Horse Association for 50 years of breeding American Quarter Horses.

Since 1998, AQHA has acknowledged American Quarter Horse breeders whose dedication, drive and commitment to the American Quarter Horse is expressed simply-by continuing to preserve the breed. In addition to the 15 breeders whose names will now grace this prestigious list, 42 other American Quarter Horse breeders and ranches have been bestowed this honor at the annual 50 Year Breeder Banquet held at the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum.

"Many of these particular breeders have grown with AQHA throughout the years. They have become the life blood of our organization and are an important asset to AQHA's Foundation," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "It is exciting to honor these breeders who have been a vital part of AQHA since its early beginnings."

A private recognition dinner will be held in Amarillo to honor these American Quarter Horse breeders for their long-time dedication to the advancement and preservation of the breed. Those honored will be:
O.C. O'Quinn Estate (awarded posthumously), Magnolia, Texas
Jay Parsons, Penn Valley, California
Clarence Scharbauer Jr., Midland, Texas
J. Allen Wright, Wharton, Texas
Iver L. Tveit, Forbes, North Dakota
Simon Brothers, Colwich, Kansas
Franklin O. Stetson, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Robert D. and Jo Anne Bare, Protection, Kansas
Jack Blasingame (awarded posthumously), Ramah, Colorado
Roy Boss, Douglas, Arizona
Hilmar G. Moore, Richmond, Texas
Arthur Dean Reeves, Eagle Butte, South Dakota
John R. Scott Jr., Miles, Texas
Alan S. Melton Estate (awarded posthumously), Kearney, Nebraska
Mildred Janowitz, Franktown, Colorado

A special guest also will be honored during the evening. The family of Lewis Cane of Nara Visa, New Mexico will be present to accept his 50 Year Breeder Award which he officially earned in 1999.

Requirements for the AQHA 50 Year Breeder Award state that American Quarter Horse owners/ranches must have registered at least one American Quarter Horse each year for a total of 50 cumulative years. An American Quarter Horse breeder who consecutively registers an American Quarter Horse for 50 years is honored with AQHA's Legacy Award.

Since 1997, AQHA has awarded 42 Legacy Awards. The Legacy Breeder Awards are presented each year at the AQHA Annual Convention.

For more information about American Quarter Horse breeding programs or to become a member of AQHA's Breeder Referral Program, contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811 or visit www.aqha.com.