The 2024 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and concurrent ranch horse events concluded June 22 at the Tri-State Exposition in Amarillo, Texas. The event had more than 2,800 entries between the AQHA VRH World; AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals; AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, presented by the Four Sixes Ranch; and National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance National Championship Show. Three American Quarter Horses were recognized in four categories as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses over and above their show accomplishments. Each of these horses earned a $250 cash prize and a custom trophy for their owners. Their breeders also each received a $250 cash prize.
The Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse in the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships was CR Better Off Tuff, who was shown by Piper Keller of El Reno, Oklahoma. The 2017 red roan mare is owned by Michael Keller of El Reno, Oklahoma and was bred by Center Ranch of Centerville, Texas. CR Better Off Tuff is by Woody Be Tuff and out of High Class Peptolena (by High Brow Cat).
Earning the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse award in National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance competition, as well as the AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships amateur division was Eureka Wild Card. The 2012 buckskin mare is by Wild Card Dun It and out of Colonel C Boonie by Colonel Clout. She was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Waters of Utopia, Texas; ridden by Brianne Hight of Clovis, New Mexico; and is owned by Alex Bryant of Midland, Texas.
Earning the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse award in the youth division of the AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships was Cowgirl Capital, shown by Bayleigh Melton of Gruver, Texas. The 2018 sorrel mare is by Bamacat and out of the Lizzys Gotta Player mare Stylish Lizzie. Cowgirl Capital is owned by Burnett Ranches LLC of Guthrie, Texas, and was bred by Atwood Quarter Horses of Millsap, Texas.
The AQHA Ranching Heritage Program highlights the versatility, soundness and willing attitude of American Quarter Horses that are ranch-born and -raised. Only horses produced by Ranching Heritage Breeders are eligible to participate in the program, but anyone can own and show these horses. Ranching Heritage Breeders are those operations that steadfastly maintain the ranching tradition by raising American Quarter Horses for use in working cattle.
In addition to top horse awards, AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred horses are eligible to compete in AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges, which are offered across the country. Competing in these events, many of which have added money, makes horses eligible to compete at the AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals.
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