Good Horses: Stories of the American Quarter Horse

Twenty-six AQHA world championships sounds like a finish line, but Lainie DeBoer treats it like a trail of relationships, one great American Quarter Horse at a time. We talk about the moment it started, a camp pony named Hank's Smoky Jet, and why that early feeling of safety and confidence still defines what she looks for in a show partner today.

From there, we follow the real career path: the unexpected Montana job that pul...

There are some names in the horse world that don’t need much introduction, and Al Dunning is one of them.

From AQHA world championships to a career that has influenced generations of horsemen, Al’s story is easy to measure in wins and awards. But behind all that is a story shaped by the horses that taught him, challenged him and ultimately built the program he’s known for today.

In this episode of Good Horses, Al wa...

Karen Evans Mundy didn’t become the winningest all-around amateur in AQHA history with one great run, or even one great horse. She built that record over years, alongside exceptional partners that included Ask Me For Details.

In this episode, Karen talks about the horses behind those eight titles. The ones with heart. The ones that made her adjust, learn and work harder than anyone saw from the stands. She shares how each part...

Casey Deary’s career has been shaped by an unwavering belief in letting good horses show you who they are, and few trainers have had the privilege of listening to horses like his.

From Americasnextgunmodel to Down Right Amazing, Casey reflects on the horses that defined pivotal moments in his career and the ones that continue to raise the bar in his program. He talks about what separates truly great horses in the show pen, the...

In this episode of Legends Remembered, we share the unexpected story of Casey’s Ladylove. 

Casey’s Ladylove was originally purchased as a ranch and show horse for the family's children, meant to be a steady, honest partner, not the foundation of a breeding program. 

No one could have predicted that she would go on to become one of the most influential mares in the performance horse world.

Through the generations ...

With more than $4 million in lifetime earnings, and multiple NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity and World's Greatest Horseman titles, Corey Cushing is one of the most accomplished cow horse trainers of our time. But at the heart of his success is a simple philosophy: be better each day.

In this episode, Corey talks about the once-in-a-lifetime horses that shaped his career and keep him motivated. He shares the lessons he has learned and why...

With more than 30 AQHA world championships to his name, Bobby Lewis has earned his place among the greatest rope horse trainers of all time. Raised in New Mexico, he grew up rodeoing and riding his dad’s racehorses, a foundation that set the stage for a remarkable career. 

Over the years, Bobby has swung a leg over some of the best horses the industry has ever seen, and his talent for bringing out their full potential has...

Some horses leave their mark on the track or in the breeding shed. Mr Jess Perry did both. In this episode of our Legends Remembered series, we honor the 1994 AQHA Racing Champion Two-Year-Old Colt who went on to become one of the most influential sires in American Quarter Horse racing history.

Dr. Glenn Blodgett reflects on Mr Jess Perry’s journey from standout runner to a stallion whose offspring reshaped the sport. It&rsquo...

For Martha Josey, every milestone, every buckle, and every history-making run begins with the horses. Before she became one of the most celebrated names in barrel racing, she was a Texas girl with a passion for Quarter Horses sparked by her dad and a determination that would carry her from amateur rodeos to the world’s biggest stages.

In this episode of Good Horses, Martha shares the stories of the horses that defined her care...

Some horses don’t just shape the industry, they redefine it. High Brow Cat is one of those rare legends. In this episode, we continue our Legends Remembered series, honoring the horses whose influence earned them a place in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

Jack Waggoner shares High Brow Cat’s incredible journey to becoming the all-time leading sire in across all disciplines. Take a look back at the stallion&rsquo...

Bud Lyon didn't set out to become a ranch horse icon, but the horses had other plans. In this episode, Bud opens up about the tough road to becoming a professional trainer, the horses that taught him the most, and how he found himself at the forefront of the ranch versatility world, breaking records and raising the bar. He shares the honest moments behind the spotlight, including the setbacks, sacrifices, and turning points that sh...

Sit down with NCHA Multi-Million Dollar Rider and AQHA World Champion Adan Banuelos, a horseman who is known for excellence in the cutting pen. From the early days growing up under the influence of his legendary father Ascencion Banuelos to the unforgettable horses that helped shape his journey, Adan shares the highs, the challenges, and the deep connection he builds with every horse he rides.

Listen as he shares how “good hor...

Sit down with the unstoppable Erin Taormino — the first woman to ever win the prestigious NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman title. Recorded just weeks after her historic  victory, Erin reflects on the horses that carried her to the top, the lessons they taught her, and the unwavering confidence she had to build in both herself and her horses.

Erin takes us back to her roots, starting in 4-H and competing as an all-around ri...

Some horses leave a mark that lasts for generations — Frenchmans Guy is one of them. In this episode of Good Horses, we launch our new series, Legends Remembered, where we honor the horses whose impact  earned them a place in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

Join AQHA Chief Foundation Officer Chris Sitz as she visits with Bill and Debbie Myers at their South Dakota ranch to reflect on the legacy of Frenchmans Guy....

Before the viral videos and the social media stardom, Katie Van Slyke was just a girl learning about life from the back of a horse. 

In this episode, Katie takes us back to the beginning, sharing the "good horses" that shaped her into the horsewoman and person she is today. From the quirky ones that kept her humble to the steadfast partners who carried her through milestones, Katie shares heartfelt and humorous stories of the A...

Jason Martin and Charlie Cole of Highpoint Barrel Horses share the incredible stories of the barrel horses that have carried them to 11 National Finals Rodeo qualifications — an achievement that many only dream of. 

The NFR is the ultimate stage in rodeo, but the true story lies in the journey it takes to get there. Jason and Charlie reflect on the dedication and vision it takes to build strong partnerships with t...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Martin and Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses to talk about the horses that have defined their legendary careers. From the early days of building their program to the show ring successes that cemented their place at the top, they share stories of the incredible American Quarter Horses that made it all possible. 

With a combined total of over 69 AQHA World Champion titles...

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 h...