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American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Celebration Set for September in Amarillo
The AQHA and AQHF have announced that tickets are now available for the 2026 American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Induction & Reunion Celebration, scheduled for September 11-12 in Amarillo, Texas.

© AQHA
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Celebration Set for September in Amarillo

By StallioneSearch

AMARILLO, TX—JUNE 18, 2026—The American Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Foundation have announced that tickets are now available for the 2026 American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Induction & Reunion Celebration, scheduled for September 11-12 in Amarillo, Texas.

The two-day event will honor the 2026 class of inductees, including prominent racing industry figures Cesar Pedrero, F. E. "Butch" Wise and influential broodmare Runaway Wave.

Induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is considered the highest honor bestowed upon an individual or horse within the industry, recognizing a lifetime of accomplishments and contributions to the American Quarter Horse.

A member of AQHA since 1968, Cesar Pedrero of Mexico became the association's first international member and co-founded the Mexican Quarter Horse Association the same year. A longtime breeder and promoter of the breed, Pedrero organized Mexico's first American Quarter Horse halter show in 1970 and later introduced Quarter Horse racing to the country in 1983. He also owned Mexican champion racehorses Stage Door Smash and Passem Glass and has been recognized with hall of fame honors in Mexico for his contributions to the equine industry.

Oklahoma horseman F. E. "Butch" Wise has been a longtime AQHA director and served on numerous committees, including the Stud Book and Registration Committee and Racing Council. A respected bloodstock agent and owner, Wise has earned more than $1 million through horses campaigned individually and in partnership. He is a past president of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association and is already a member of both the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Hall of Fame and the Remington Park Hall of Fame.

Representing the equine inductees with deep racing roots is Runaway Wave, the 2005 AQHA Broodmare of the Year and a 2007 AQHA Dam of Distinction. The daughter of Runaway Winner earned nearly $80,000 during her racing career but made her greatest impact in the breeding shed. Her 46 foals have collectively won 88 races while earning more than $4 million, including AQHA world champions Ocean Runaway and Wave Carver, both million-dollar earners. Runaway Wave became the all-time leading AQHA broodmare by progeny earnings in 2015 and held that distinction through 2021.

Also included in the 2026 Hall of Fame class are Dollie Pine, WR This Cats Smart and Bobby Lewis.

Additional information and ticket purchases for the Hall of Fame Induction & Reunion Celebration are available through the American Quarter Horse Foundation.

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