AMARILLO, TX—NOVEMBER 8, 2019—High Valor, an unraced son of champion race sire Valiant Hero, has been named AQHA, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Horse of the Year.

The 10-year-old gelding owned-and-ridden by Dona Kay Rule finished the rodeo season with earnings of $96,507. Lana Merrick bred High Valor in Oklahoma.

High Valor finished the regular season ninth in the world standings.

His dam Rare High, by Rare Form, was a finalist in the Grade 2 Speedhorse Futurity and Speedhorse Invitational and earned $30,381 and has produced race earners of more than $63,000. She is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Crater Lake ($171,216).

Dona Kay and John Rule owned National Saddlery in Oklahoma City, all while raising a family. John Rule is a decorated saddle-maker, and from 1989-99, he produced the world champions saddles for ProRodeo.

It’s been probably 20 years since Rule has been in Las Vegas, but she will return to etch her name on the history books in the game she loves. Rule has gone from presenting the saddles to racing after them.