Good Horses: Stories of the American Quarter Horse

In this episode, two-time Hall of Fame horseman J. D. Yates takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable career with American Quarter Horses. This isn't just a story of his accomplishments; it's a deep dive into the horses that made his success possible. From his early days growing up in a rodeo family to his unprecedented wins at the National Finals Rodeo and AQHA World Championship Show, J. D. shares the challenges and triumphs he experienced with each horse. He reveals what it truly took to get to the top, highlighting the unique traits of his trusted American Quarter Horse partners and how they drove him to greatness in the arena. Whether you're an aspiring horseman or simply a fan of the sport, this episode offers an exclusive look into the horses that shaped the legacy of one of rodeo’s most iconic figures.

Want to know even more about the horses discussed in this episode? Visit aqha.com/podcast/jd-yates to explore their pedigrees, performance achievements, breeding history, and much more.

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Episode 11 of "Let's Talk AQHA" speaks to the dedication of not only the American Quarter Horse, but the members of our Association. Our hosts, Bobbi Loran and Jim Jennings, speak with Miguel Guerrero, owner of Las Tunas Cattle Co. in Mexico, winner of the 2024 AQHA International Best Remuda. Miguel discusses his beginnings with Las Tunas Cattle Co., the Ranching Heritage Challenge held in Mexico and being involved with AQHA internationally. 

Also featured in this episode is Dr. Nathaniel White with the Equine Disease Communication Center. Dr. White explains how the EDCC communicates equine disease outbreaks and how to receive alerts when outbreaks occur.

Episode 10 of "Let's Talk AQHA" dives into the world of horse showing, specifically AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Championship Show.  Hosts Bobbi Loran and Jim Jennings interview Pro Horseman Bryce Briggs to discuss Bryce's experiences as a Pro Horseman, his involvement with AQHA and his favorite parts about showing versatility ranch horses. 

Our animal welfare segment features Associate Dean for Clinical Programs at Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Britt Conklin and Jadeyn Arthur, a third-year student at Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Britt and Jadeyn share the story of Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine and what it holds for the future. 

Episode 9 of "Let's Talk AQHA" features the bright individuals that are the future of our Association. Our hosts Bobbi Loran and Jim Jennings visit with AQHYA First Vice President Abigail Eddy and AQHYA Executive Committee Members Hazel Myles and Colton Smith about the Youth Excellence Seminar and their favorite memories as AQHYA members. 

Also featured in this episode is AQHA Director of Youth Development Katie Reynolds and AQHYA and AQHA Manager of Youth Development and Helen Hardy. Katie and Helen discuss AQHA's online educational resource, AQHLearn, and its availability to both AQHA members and nonmembers. 

Episode 8 of "Let's Talk AQHA" jumps into horse showing and the beginning of championship show season. Hosts Bobbi Loran and Jim Jennings interview AQHA Director of Show Officials, John Pipkin. John discusses upcoming AQHA championship events.

Dr. Clayton McCook DVM from Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery joined host Bobbi Loran to discuss livestock and equine care and evacuation in the event of natural disasters.

Episode 7 of "Let's Talk AQHA" dives into 2024 AQHA Convention in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel & Casino slated for March 15-18. Hosts Bobbi Loran and Jim Jennings sit down with AQHA Chief Executive Officer Karl Stressman and AQHA Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Chad Pierce to discuss all things AQHA Convention including meetings, parties and receptions and governance.

Also featured in this episode are Ashley Harkins and Kelsey Buckley of the United Horse Coalition. Ashley and Kelsey give insight to how UHC promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses.

Episode 6 of "Let's Talk AQHA" speaks to the versatility of the American Quarter Horse as AQHA Past President Stan Weaver and Jeana Linton, with the Miss Rodeo America organization, talk about leading the charge in using Ranching Heritage-Bred Quarter Horses for the 2023 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. 

With having the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, we featured Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Livestock Program & Government Relations Manager Scott Dorenkamp for our animal welfare segment.

Episode 5 of "Let's Talk AQHA" features some of the greatest influencers of the American Quarter Horse industry. The inaugural class of Wrangler Women of Influence: Carol Rose, Georga Sutton, Nancy Cahill and Robin Merrill, talk about their beginnings, careers and what it means to be a Wrangler Woman of Influence.

Our animal welfare segment features AQHA Chief Racing Officer Janet VanBebber discussing her background in racing, AQHA's role in Quarter Horse racing and what animal welfare looks like on and off the racetrack.

Episode 4 of "Let's Talk AQHA" features the future of AQHA, our youth. Our host Bobbi Loran sits down with American Quarter Horse Youth Association Director Layni Wills and AQHYA member Ryan Mau to discuss their involvement with AQHYA, success stories and the Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program. 

Also featured in this episode is Director of Breed Integrity, Animal Welfare & Education Ward Stutz discussing the adjudication process, new rules and regulations regarding animal welfare and new educational resources with our host Jim Jennings.

Episode 3 of "Let's Talk AQHA" dives into the world of horse showing. Hosts Bobbi Loran and Jim Jennings interview AQHA Director of Competitions, Scott Neuman. Scott discusses the Nutrena AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows and all things showing covering terminology, leveling and judging qualifications.

Executive Committee member and former AQHA Animal Welfare Commission chair Lori Bucholz applies best practices, personal experiences and professional knowledge on animal welfare in horse showing.