The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) team up each year to honor the top American Quarter Horses of the barrel racing industry. This year, the prestigious title has been awarded to Rare Fred.
Rare Fred is owned by Ronald Martin and ridden by Mary Burger. This is a repeat win for Fred, as he was named AQHA/WPRA Horse of the Year for barrel racing in 2006. That year, he carried rider Mary Burger to her first world title.
The top three Quarter Horses in barrel racing are recognized each year. Second place went to Judge Buy Cash (Jethro), owned by Frank & Linda Mays and ridden by Brenda Mays. In third place was last year’s WPRA world champion and AQHA/WPRA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year, Sugar Moon Express (Martha), owned and ridden by Lindsay Sears.
In addition to bragging rights, the top three barrel racing horses and their owners earn cash incentives. This year, Rare Fred’s owner Ronald Martin pocketed $5,000 and an AQHA bronze trophy. The owner of the second place horse receives $3,000 and third place receives $2,000.
To be considered for horse of the year honors, horses must first be nominated. Then, the top 25 riders in the NFR standings vote to choose the top horse.
