Johnny Trotter, Rick Baugh, Laura Joiner, G.R. Carter Jr. are honored with special recognitions.

© Ruidoso Downs

Courtesy AQHA.com

AMARILLO, TX–AUGUST 31, 2025–Each year, the American Quarter Horse Association recognizes people within the racing industry who serve to make it a better place.

The 2024 award winners include AQHA Past President Johnny Trotter and Rick Baugh together earning the John Andreini Special Recognition Award; Laura Joiner earning the Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement Award; and G.R. Carter Jr. earning the Gordon Crone Special Achievement Award. 

Ruidoso Downs has been the stage for many of the greatest performances in American Quarter Horse racing history, but it has been battered by Mother Nature since last year.

For their efforts in preserving the track, AQHA Past President Johnny Trotter and Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rich Baugh are honored with the John Andreini Special Recognition Award, which is given to individuals who profoundly benefits the Quarter Horse racing industry. 

Laura Joiner earned the 2024 Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement. © courtesy of Laura Joiner

Laura Joiner partnered with Mindy McArthur to earn the John Andreini Special Recognition award in 2017, and Joiner now adds the Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement award. Joiner was raised in the racing industry, and stays closely involved, working with husband Cody in their breeding and racing operation.

In addition, she is the president of the Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation, which focuses on the health, education and welfare of the racing community. Among their efforts are supporting injured jockeys and providing educational scholarships for youth involved in the racing community.

G.R. Carter, Jr. earned the 2024 Gordon Crone Special Achievement Award. © Sheri Andrew

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member G.R. Carter Jr. retired from riding in 2018, but his dedication to the industry has never flagged, and he earns the Gordon Crone Special Achievement award. He serves as the AQHA Racing Council Chairman, is a past Racing Committee Chairman, and serves on the Oklahoma Racing Commission and is the vice chairman of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. 

For more information on AQHA racing, visit www.aqha.com/racing. AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA Racing on X and on Instagram, "like" Q-Racing on Facebook, and visit www.aqha.com/racing.

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