History In The Making For AQHA

How would you define a thoroughbred? As soon as the term “race horse” is mentioned, what instantly comes to your mind? For me, a thoroughbred is an amazing athlete who is a fast moving machine of pure muscle. They are strategically and carefully bred to have the ability to fly around a track with grace and ease. I think of a tiny saddle placed upon their backs with a professional jockey perched atop and experiencing the most exhilarating ride of his or her life. All of these thoughts are true, and have been for a long time, as the traditional race horse is sure to be found at a track moving around at top speeds. However, the image of these amazing animals may now be taking on a whole new and fresh appearance!

A frenzy of excitement has broken out in the thoroughbred industry as race horses have made history in the Texas Quarter Horse Association. This smaller branch of the AQHA recently held, for the first time ever, a halter class specifically for yearling race sale horses. The event was a huge success as a large crowd of agents, owners, and prospective buyers gathered to watch the yearlings compete in a tough competition against one another. The crowd was even very excited to lend their support in placing “charitable bets” upon the placings of the class with all the proceeds going to an injured jockey named Tad Legett.

The halter class was an intense competition of 68 yearlings consisting of 37 Stallions, 4 Geldings, and 27 Mares. The overall Grand Champion of the halter class was a grey filly named GJR Delightful who was found by the judges to certainly represent all of the desirable characteristics of the American Quarter Horse. The AQHA is excited to see the opening of a new door leading to success and broadening the opportunities and exposure of this great horse breed.

I believe this is only the beginning of what has now been opened for both the Thoroughbreds and American Quarter Horses of our nation to team together in educating the world. This proves that the possibilities and dreams of these amazing animals are endless. I am certain that we will all be seeing more and more of these occurrences popping up all over the country, and I will be excitedly waiting to learn more! Let me know what ya’ll think about this history-in-the-making. Do you think it is something that will catch on fast and spread like wild fire? Later Partner!