Newsdate: Monday January 30, 2023 - 7:00 am
Location: AMARILLO Texas

Success in the sport of rodeo doesn't fall only on cowboys and cowgirls. Their horses play just as big of a factor when they enter the arena. The Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, provides recognition to ProRodeo's top timed-event horses, and AQHA is building on this recognition.

Horse and rider showing skills in rodeo arena

The American Quarter Horse Association adds new awards recognizing top American Quarter Horses in professional rodeo.
© 2013 by Edward Dalmulder New window.

Debuting in December, social media followers will select the Nutrena Horse of the Year Fan Favorite, presented by AQHA. The contest features the seven outstanding registered American Quarter Horses who were named 2022 Horse of the Year in each of the PRCA and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s timed-event categories. The winner – announced after January 1, 2023 – will earn $5,000 and the title of ProRodeo’s favorite timed-event horse.

“PRCA proudly works with over 36 brands across the country bringing each partner a unique ROI,” said PRCA Chief Executive Officer Tom Glause. “Join our elite group of brands and reach deep into the western lifestyle through our professional cowboys and their fans.”

The expansion of the partnership includes the addition of the AQHA Horse of the Quarter Award. Registered American Quarter Horses will be nominated each quarter by PRCA announcers. A committee will select the Horse of the Quarter, with the winner receiving a $1,000 gas card, courtesy of PRCA.

“The American Quarter Horse is well known for versatility and athleticism, two traits that lend well to rodeo,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “Our goal is to recognize talented American Quarter Horses and their accomplishments in the rodeo arena.”

About the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO is the oldest and biggest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry in every area.

As a membership-driven organization, the PRCA works to ensure that every event it sanctions is managed with fairness and competence and that the livestock used is healthy and cared for to the highest standards. The PRCA proudly supports youth rodeo, as well as supporting allied organizations such as Tough Enough to Wear Pink, Miss Rodeo America, the American Quarter Horse Association and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

About the American Quarter Horse Association

The American Quarter Horse is renown for its speed, athleticism and trainability. It's no wonder that rodeo's top timed event competitors are riding Quarter Horses. From roping to steer wrestling to barrel racing, the Quarter Horse does it all, and the American Quarter Horse Association recognizes the top rodeo horses of the year in those categories.

Outside of the rodeo arena, you'll see Quarter Horses excelling in everything from ranching to reining, cutting, jumping and even dressage. There are more than 6 million registered American Quarter Horses, making it the world's fastest, most versatile and most popular horse. Start the ride of your life with the American Quarter Horse at www.aqha.com. 

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.

Press release by American Quarter Horse Association