The Palomino Horse Breeders Heritage Foundation recognizes outstanding horses, people, and contributions that made an impact on the equine industry and the Palomino legacy. Through its award programs, the Foundation highlights excellence across disciplines while preserving these achievements as part of history.
Horse of the Year
The Horse of the Year program honors exceptional Palomino horses that have achieved significant success, recognition, or influence within the equine world.
Each year, candidates are carefully evaluated across disciplines, with selections based on performance, impact, and contribution to the legacy of the Palomino horse. If no horse meets the standard of excellence, no award is given.
2025 Horse of the Year
Flexing Guns N Town (“Flexi”)
The 2025 Horse of the Year honors a standout in the international reining arena. Owned by Anna Maria Scheiflinger and shown by Arnaud Girinon, Flexing Guns N Town rose to global prominence with a major upset victory at The Run For A Million, one of the sport’s most prestigious events. With over $500,000 in 2025 earnings and recognition at the world’s top reining horse, Flexi represents the excellence and versatility of the Palomino breed.
Past Horse of the Year Winners
2024
Aint Seen Famous Yet (“Wally”)
Owned by Dusky Lynn Hall, Ain’t Seen Famous Yet is a rising star with over $1.2 million in earnings, known for both performance and personality.
2023
Guys Best Effort (“Casper”)
Owned by Jacob Talley, Guys Best Effort is a standout in steer wrestling and a trusted mount at top rodeo competitions.
2021
Latigo Dun It (“Hollywood”)
Owned by Tomas and Justine Garcilazo, Latigo Dunit is a legendary performer with a 17-year career in rodeo and entertainment, known for his presence and versatility.
2020
Custom Made Gun (“Gunner”)
Owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci, Custom Made Gun is an international reining champion with over $420,000 in earnings and appearances across global competitions.
2019
DM Sissy Hayday (“Sister”)
Ridden by Hailey Kinsel, DM Sissy Hayday is a record-breaking barrel racing mare with over $3 million in earnings and major rodeo titles.
Palomino Horse Breeders of America Hall of Fame Inductees
STALLION
| Year | Winner | Owner/Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2023 |
Shining Spark |
Carol Rose |
Gainesville, TX |
|
2022 |
Nu Chex To Cash |
Hilldale Farm |
Brashear, TX |
|
2021 |
Skipper Di |
Medwyn & Kathy Lavergne |
Winnie, TX |
|
2019 |
MWS Seven S FlashyZipper |
Michael & Sandy Walker |
Calhoun, GA |
|
2019 |
Sire Power |
Darrel & Amanda Hersom |
Garretson, SD |
|
2018 |
Zippo Strait To You |
Ralph Copeland |
Mountville, SC |
|
2017 |
The Golden Deck |
Tom & Kris Schleichardt |
Chapman, NE |
|
2016 |
Mr Yella Fella |
Gary & Linda Gordon |
Argyle, TX |
|
2003 |
Skippa Gold Streak |
Ed North |
Terry, MS |
|
1998 |
Old Fred |
Coke Roberds |
Hayden, CO |
|
1998 |
Impressive Review |
John & Sondra Narmont |
IL |
|
1995 |
Lads Skyking |
Dallas Hunter |
Middletown, IN |
|
1993 |
Honey Dodger 2 |
Don Montgomery |
Peru, IN |
|
1991 |
Paul F Bar |
J.W. “Squat” & Betty Bailey |
Waynesboro, GA |
|
1989 |
Gold Chief |
C. Robertson Hart |
Marietta, NY |
|
1988 |
Paul’s Golden Bill |
Joe & Alda Buresh |
Oxford Junction, IA |
|
1987 |
Bourbons Golden King |
Truman Kittleson |
Sherborn, MI |
|
1986 |
Skip Tama |
J.B. & Louise Stewart |
Glenwood, GA |
|
1986 |
Sword Play |
Dr. Rex Howard |
Fort Worth, TX |
|
1985 |
Stonewall’s Lil Star |
Robert McClure |
Sydney, IA |
|
1983 |
Skipster’s Lad |
Dr. Fred Benker |
Noblesville, IN |
|
1982 |
Cutter Bill |
Rex Cauble |
Denton, TX |
|
1982 |
Golden Arbor |
Paul & Ethel Siepmann |
Brookfield, WI |
|
1982 |
Sonny Wood Mac |
Paul Frank |
Marion, IN |
|
1980 |
Chief Shannon |
Shirley Campbell |
Medina, OH |
|
1980 |
Honey Dodger |
O.H. Crew |
Fort Worth, TX |
|
1979 |
Bourbon Peavine of Belvedere |
Archie Adams Sr. & Jr. |
Augusta, KS |
|
1979 |
Desert Dawn |
Howard & Margaret Grekel |
Houston, TX |
|
1979 |
Sir Ronald of Belvedere |
R.B. Christy |
Scott City, KS |
|
1977 |
Buzzie Bars |
Bent Arrow Ranch / G.F. “Jack” Anderson |
Broken Arrow, OK |
|
1976 |
Mack’s Wonder Boy |
Franklin Hersom |
Curlew, IA |
|
1976 |
Plaudit |
Leon & Pauline Harms |
Sandia Park, NM |
|
1976 |
Question Mark |
J.R. Cates |
Tulsa, OK |
GELDING
| Year | Winner | Owner/Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2024 |
Do Right Dude |
Lori Adsem Passe |
Houlton, WI |
|
2024 |
Jacks Diamond Sox |
Amberly Dawn Nichols Phelps |
Rich Hill, MO |
|
2021 |
Amazing Discovery |
Amanda Frick-Gigot |
Garden City, KS |
|
2021 |
Biggest |
Glenda Hickey |
Azle, TX |
|
2019 |
Mr Good N Ready |
Kelsey Rudy |
Vassar, MI |
|
2019 |
The Obsessive Streak |
Ed North III |
Terry, MS |
|
2017 |
Baron Von Copper |
Lori S. Bucholz |
Waterloo, NE |
|
2017 |
Spanish Mat Oil |
Tom & Gail Craun |
Basehor, KS |
|
2016 |
Peter De Oro (Nautical) |
Hugh Wiley |
— |
|
2014 |
Totally Golden Kid |
Captain Jeff & Kathi Player |
Naples, FL |
|
2014 |
Sandys Sweet Gold |
Jenifer Beth Patridge |
Fort Worth, TX |
|
2013 |
Mr Gold Leaguer |
Leo Joseph III |
Natchez, MS |
|
2007 |
A Predator |
Kay Carlton Burleson |
Anadarko, OK |
|
1999 |
Zippos School Bar |
Ashley Ahlfinger |
Midlothian, TX |
|
1995 |
Seekers Reflection |
Sabrina Ansley |
Estancia, NM |
|
1992 |
Oakland’s Lad O’Gold |
Ronald & Linda Summerlot |
Mooresville, IN |
|
1991 |
Jus A Farm Scamp |
Lon, Jane & Cory Franklin |
Festus, MO |
|
1990 |
Lady’s Stubby |
Dr. Bonnie Beaver |
College Station, TX |
|
1988 |
Gold Bar Jet |
R. Jack Holman & Janet Holman |
Bixby & Tulsa, OK |
|
1988 |
Gold Coast Express |
Louella & William Mitchell |
La Jolla, CA |
|
1979 |
Alvares |
Louis J. Hufnagel Sr. |
Noblesville, IN |
MARE
| Year | Winner | Owner/Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2022 |
Streaks Gold Rose |
Carol RoseEd R. North III |
Terry, MS |
|
2021 |
Zip By Tip |
Richard & Connie Kaiser |
McClellan, IA |
|
2019 |
Skipa Gold Cowgirl |
Tootsie North |
Terry, MS |
|
2013 |
Ms Skips Conclusion |
Clifford & Carol Hardin |
Ashford, AL |
|
2009 |
Ms Golden Conclusion |
Judith Gorius |
Newark, OH |
|
2008 |
Miss Tiffany Rose |
Kay Carlton Burleson |
Anadarko, OK |
|
1993 |
Chippawa Fancy |
Fonna Guest |
Tulsa, OK |
|
1979 |
O Donna Gold |
Bent Arrow Ranch / G.F. “Jack” Anderson Jr. |
Broken Arrow, OK |
|
1979 |
Becky Lee |
Bent Arrow Ranch / G.F. “Jack” Anderson Jr. |
Broken Arrow, OK |
BREEDER
| Year | Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
2024 |
Helen P. Fleming-Bryson |
Tupelo, MS |
|
2022 |
Michael & Sandy Walker |
Calhoun, GA |
|
2021 |
Gary Gordon |
Roanoke, TX |
|
2018 |
William “Buddy” & Carol Brown Jr. |
Guy, AR |
|
1998 |
J.W. & Betty Bailey |
Waynesboro, GA |
|
1997 |
Leon & Pauline Kaul Harms |
Sandia Park, NM |
|
1997 |
Frank & Veronica Hersom |
Curlew, IA |
|
1996 |
Archie Adams Jr. |
Andover, KS |
|
1996 |
Orville Griffin |
Tulsa, OK |
|
1995 |
Wm. R. “Bill” Thompson |
Broken Arrow, OK |
|
1990 |
Louise Lamar Stewart |
Glenwood, GA |
|
1989 |
Shirley Jean Campbell |
Medina, OH |
|
1985 |
J. Benham Stewart |
Glenwood, GA |
|
1982 |
G.F. “Jack” Anderson Jr. |
Broken Arrow, OK |
|
1982 |
H.J. & Luella Baker |
Flower Mound, TX |
|
1982 |
Robert McClure |
Sydney, IA |
|
1981 |
Jack & Mildred Janowitz |
Franktown, CO |
|
1981 |
H.J. “Hank” Weiscamp |
Alamosa, CO |
|
1977 |
J. Warren Shoemaker |
Watrous, NM |
EXHIBITOR
| Year | Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
Jim Mulhausen |
Mansfield, TX |
|
2024 |
Dawn Pyle |
Marshalltown, IA |
|
2023 |
Judy Arnold |
Edmond, OK |
|
2023 |
Dawn North Minger |
Mill Spring, NC |
|
2022 |
Judith Ann Gorius |
Newark, OH |
|
2018 |
C.A. & Jo An Cofer |
Bel Aire, KS |
|
2017 |
Joan School |
Lodi, OH |
|
2017 |
George Roy Saunders |
NC |
|
2016 |
Ed R. North III |
Terry, MS |
|
2013 |
Clifford Hardin |
Ashford, AL |
|
2013 |
Carol Hardin |
Ashford, AL |
|
2008 |
Rodney Ready |
Aiken, SC |
|
2001 |
Lucille “Butch” & W.N. “Nick” Johnson |
Pensacola, FL |
|
2000 |
Marie Hebeibsen |
La Porte, IN |
|
1993 |
Dr. Jim & Anadelle Sweiger |
Plattsburg, MO |
|
1991 |
Francis Helmers |
Faribault, MN |
|
1990 |
Ruby Campbell |
Columbia, IN |
|
1989 |
Cliff & Dorothy Hurd |
Schuyler, NE |
|
1986 |
Norman Helmers |
Faribault, MN |
|
1977 |
O.H. Crew |
Fort Worth, TX |
SERVICE
| Year | Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
Terry Furnish |
Middletown, IN |
|
2024 |
Lowanda McDowell |
Asheboro, NC |
|
2023 |
Mary Ann Fielitz |
Archbold, OH |
|
2023 |
Terry & Tammy Bradshaw |
Thackerville, OK |
|
2019 |
Kathy Hersom |
Jesup, IA |
|
2018 |
Bob Hart |
Marietta, NY |
|
2017 |
Jeff Kirkbride |
Ocala, FL |
|
2017 |
Tootsie North |
Terry, MS |
|
2015 |
Alda Buresh |
Colarville, IA |
|
2005 |
Fred N. Duston Jr. |
Bartlesville, OK |
|
2003 |
Ardis Brozyna |
— |
|
2003 |
Dr. Jim Lewis |
— |
|
2003 |
Drysdales Western Wear |
— |
|
2001 |
American Quarter Horse Association |
Amarillo, TX |
|
1997 |
C.A. Cofer |
Wichita, KS |
|
1997 |
Mrs. Fisher “Pauline” Simmons |
Avery Island, LA |
|
1997 |
Darrell Whitman |
Neosho, MO |
|
1996 |
Larry Cook |
Weatherford, TX |
|
1996 |
Bob Barnett |
Owasso, OK |
|
1995 |
K. Dwyane Beck |
Bixby, OK |
|
1993 |
Johnnie Porter |
Fort Smith, AR |
|
1991 |
Alda Buresh |
Oxford Junction, IA |
|
1990 |
Carolyn Henderson |
Bixby, OK |
|
1989 |
Louis J. Hufnagel |
Noblesville, IN |
|
1989 |
Tom & Nellie Furnish |
Middletown, IN |
|
1988 |
Joseph D. Geeslin Jr. |
Indianapolis, IN |
|
1986 |
Luella Baker |
Flower Mound, TX |
|
1986 |
Minnie & Richard Robitzsch |
Jacksonville, FL |
|
1985 |
H. William Davis |
Broken Arrow, OK |
|
1985 |
Mary Greinert Kosinski |
Ballston Spa, NY |
|
1981 |
Alex Campbell |
Columbia, IN |
|
1981 |
Dr. Jack Morris |
Fort Worth, TX |
|
1977 |
G.F. “Jack” Anderson Jr. |
Broken Arrow, OK |
RACE
| Year | Winner | Owner/Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2000 |
Kaweah Bar |
Bob Tanner |
Inkom, ID |
HUMANITARIAN
| Year | Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
2016 |
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM |
College Station, TX |
|
2015 |
Tom Hennigh Jr. / Skip Topkick |
Effingham, IL |
Submit a Nomination
Know a Palomino horse that deserves recognition?
Nominations are accepted annually for Horse of the Year and other honors.
Support the Legacy of Excellence
Help us continue to recognize and preserve the achievements that define the Palomino horse.