There is a long and extensive history of horses in the Texas Panhandle. Used for transportation, on ranches for work, and as a recreational activity, various breeds of horses have been utilized in the region, but none have been quite as acclaimed as the American Quarter Horse. This breed of horse was named for its ability to sprint short distances quickly. It is most notable for outrunning other breeds in as little as a quarter mile or less. The reason this breed of horse is so popular is for the versatility it brings to the table. On top of amazing athleticism, the horse is known for being easily trained.
As one of the oldest recognized breeds of horses, the American Quarter Horse has its own association dedicated to it. The American Quarter Horse Association began in 1940 when the first official convention for the organization was hosted in Fort Worth, TX. This happened during the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show, which is now known as the Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo, on March 15. The club was started to preserve the breed as well as its history and to celebrate all the accomplishments this horse breed has achieved.
During this first convention, Bob Denhardt, one of the pioneers of the AQHA, rounded up owners and breeders of this horse to inaugurate the organization. Shareholders were also designated during this meeting and served as the main decision makers for the association. The very first horse the association was graced with registering was a “stocky and hardy ranch stallion” that was ironically given the name “Wimpy” in March of 1941. Wimpy was a King Ranch stallion. He won the grand championship at the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show which also put him as the AQHA’s very first registered American Quarter Horse.
While Wimpy was the AQHA’s first registry, an American Quarter Horse by the name of “Clabber” would go on to be named “the first world champion Quarter Running horse and racing stallion in 1940-41” by the American Quarter Racing Association. Because of the horse’s amazing athletic talents, it was given the nickname “Iron Horse.”
In 1947, the organization witnessed its first Quarter Horse Pari-mutuel race. The track it was held at in Ruidoso, NM called Hollywood Park has become the “mainstay” of racing American Quarter Horses. It also holds the All American Futurity in which the winner is offered a total of one million dollars in prize cash.
The AQHA faced some turbulence in its existence in 1946 when horse racers concerned with performance and the men who liked the horses for their type and build got into a hostile disagreement that almost ended in physical violence. This confrontation would soon pass over and the association would continue to grow and develop.
In Amarillo located at 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104 is the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum where the history as well as the breed’s accomplishments are displayed for public consumption. The striking scenery that accompanies the facility is breathtaking and features large, bronze statues of the horse when you first approach the building. The museum and hall of fame offers the hosting of school field trips as well, but if you aren’t part of a school group, you can visit during the operating hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Adults and seniors have a $7 admission fee whereas college students and children between the ages of six and 18 are $3. Children five and below are free.
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Map from American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum to WilsonHaag:
Map from American Quarter Horse Museum to Jack Sisemore RV Museum: