Prior to 1940, Quarter Horses, also called Steeldusts or Billys, did not have an official breed name. However, there were shows where horsemen brought their Quarter Horses to be judged. William Anson of Christoval, TX, sponsored and judged this type of show in 1908 at the Northside Coliseum. It was held in conjunction with the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show.

Men such as Anson, Dan Casement, and Robert Denhardt wanted to form a breed registry to preserve the bloodlines of these horses. Coinciding with the 1940 Exposition, Denhardt held a meeting at which the American Quarter Horse Association was organized.

The 1941 Exposition's American Quarter Horse Show at Northside Coliseum was a monumental show for AQHA. WIMPY, from the King Ranch, was named Grand Champion Stallion. By virtue of this award, he was given AQHA's registration number 1. In 1944, the Exposition was moved to the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

American Quarter Horses are now competing in shows around the world and are in demand for racing, ranch work, rodeo, recreational riding and many other activities. AQHA is the world's largest equine breed registry, with its international headquarters located in Amarillo, Texas.

American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum, Amarillo, Texas
Dedicated Oct. 1995

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