The American Quarter Horse Association is the world’s largest single-breed equine registry and membership organization, with more than 4.5 million American Quarter Horses registered worldwide and AQHA membership numbering more than 340,000. AQHA’s mission is to record and preserve the pedigrees of the American Quarter Horse while maintaining the integrity of the breed and to provide beneficial services for its members which enhance and encourage American Quarter Horse ownership and participation.
The Association was founded in March 1940 in Fort Worth, Texas, by a group of horsemen and ranchers from the southwestern United States dedicated to preserving the pedigrees of their ranch horses. These horses were referred to as Quarter Horses because of their speed in quarter-mile races and their cow sense on the open range.
In 1946, the Association moved to its current home of Amarillo, Texas. AQHA international headquarters in Amarillo maintains the pedigrees and registration records of all American Quarter Horses and oversees various programs and incentives that promote America’s oldest distinct breed of horse. With more than 300 employees, the staff at AQHA is committed to the American Quarter Horse and the Association’s members.
AQHA has many programs and activities available to members. From showing to racing to trail riding, AQHA has it all for the horse enthusiast. AQHA tailors to youth and adults, beginners and professional riders, and simply American Quarter Horse fans. There is something for everyone!
A favorite program for many recreational riders is AQHA's Ride Program. This program began in 1997 and annually hosts close to 100 rides throughout the world. All horse enthusiasts are welcome to participate. A portion of the proceeds benefit the American Quarter Horse Foundation and a local charity selected by the host affiliates. The Ride Program is hosted by Sooner & Exiss Trailers.
AQHA has many other corporate partners who make all their programs possible. They provide millions of dollars in funding to support programs and awards for AQHA members. AQHA’s corporate partners include the following: American Airlines, Bayer Animal Health, B&W Trailer Hitches, Farnam, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, Fort Dodge, John Deere, Justin Boot Company, Bank of America®, MD Barns, Markel Insurance, Montana Silversmiths, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Sidran/Cripple Creek, State Line Tack, Tex Tan, Tractor Supply, Weatherbeeta and Wrangler.
