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The Quarter Horse Industry is thriving in Texas!
From a tremendous growth in the number of Texas Accredited Quarter Horses to richer racing purses to robust youth programs and more, our industry is prospering across the board in Texas.
The horse industry is strong and flourishing in part because of legislation passed in 2019 that allows some money spent on horse-related items in Texas to be invested back into the industry. Learn more about the Horse Industry Escrow Account (HIEA) and how it specifically benefits our industry.
The Texas Quarter Horse Association thanks Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature – and our supporters, event and program participants, and industry partners – for helping to preserve the heritage, support the culture, and grow the economy of our equine industry, which features world’s most versatile athlete, the American Quarter Horse.
The Horse Industry Escrow Account (HIEA) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2019 to foster the growth of the Texas horse industry and preserve and promote its culture and heritage.
Each year up to $25 million from sales tax on purchased horse-related items (feed, tack, etc.) is deposited into the HIEA. Up to 70% of the funds can be spent on purses, but the rest is reinvested into the industry through grants for racing, breeding, showing, events, youth and novice events and programs, and more.
These investments create jobs and strengthen the economy of the industry and of Texas as a whole.
TQHA is committed to the success and continuance of the HIEA. Learn how you can support our efforts and how it is specifically benefiting TQHA events and individuals.
Where do HIEA funds go?
“The TQHA had one of its best sales ever, the fall meet at Lone Star was one of the best ever, enrollments in the Accredited Texas Bred program are skyrocketing and people are excited about breeding horses.
I cannot imagine what racing in Texas would have looked like in 2020 without the programs that were created as a result of the passage of HB 2463. With the constraints imposed by the pandemic, the funds created by these programs were vital to the survival of the horse business in Texas.
I am grateful to the governor, the lieutenant governor and all the legislators that supported the bill that has given a boost to the entire horse industry in Texas.”
Ben HudsonTrack Magazine owner, former TQHA president and member of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame
“Stock Horse of Texas was very excited to present nine $1,000 cash awards to members who competed in our association throughout 2020. The TQHA-SHTX Ride For the Cash Program is a great incentive to keep members horseback and enjoying their horses. People are excited that the program is continuing in 2021. Putting cash in their pockets makes it easier for our members to keep shows on their calendars.”
Jill DunkelExecutive Director/Secretary, Stock Horse of Texas
“We are extremely excited to be partnering once again with the Texas Quarter Horse Association at the upcoming NCHA Kit Kat Sugar Super Stakes to award another $100,000 in prize money. The sport of cutting has a rich history within the state of Texas, and this partnership exemplifies that long-lasting relationship. We look forward to offering this incentive to our members and continuing to promote the Texas quarter horse industry as a whole.”
Jay WinbornExecutive Director, National Cutting Horse Association
Discover how HIEA is impacting programs and what others are saying.
HIEA Funds Benefit these 2021 Events hosted in Texas:
Racing
HIEA Added Funds
What
Where
When
Sam Houston Race Park ATB Award Incentive
ATB awards - breeder, owners, stallion
Sam Houston Race Park
April 23 - June 12
Retama Park ATB Award Incentive
ATB awards - breeder, owners, stallion
Retama Park/SHRP
June 24 - August 7
Lone Star Park ATB Award Incentive
ATB awards - breeder, owners, stallion
Lone Star Park
September 17 - December 18
Gillespie Park ATB Award Incentive
ATB awards - breeder, owners, stallion
Gillespie Park
July/August
Sam Houston Race Park ATB Stakes Program
Stakes Races
Sam Houston Race Park
April 23 - June 12
Retama Park/SHRP Stakes Program
Stakes Races
Sam Houston Race Park
June 24 - August 7
Texas Summer Showdown
Stakes Races
Sam Houston Race Park
July 30 - 31
Lone Star Park Stakes Program
Stakes Races
Lone Star Park
September 17 - December 18
Yearling Sale
Yearling Sale
San Antonio
July 30 - 31
Non-Racing
HIEA Added Funds
What
Where
When
NCHA
Cutting Horse - Super Stakes
Fort Worth
March 25 - April 17, 2021
March To The Arch
Horse Show
Fort Worth
March 10 - 14, 2021
4-H
4-H State Show - Scholarships
Bryan
July
SHTX – Triple Threat Incentive
Rider & Owner must be a Texas resident; horse must be Texas-foaled
Series across Texas
October 28 - 31, 2021
SHTX – Ride for the Cash
Cash to 10 SHTX member - # of shows
Series across Texas
March - October
4-H Judging Event
Judging contest for 4-H & FFA
Fort Worth
March 12, 2021
SRCHA Cowhorse
Cowhorse
Fort Worth
August 16 - 21, 2021
Texas Roping Classic
Roping
Fort Worth
August 15, 2021
TQHA State Championship Awards - Show
Year End Awards
Affiliate Series across Texas
January - December
TQHA Novice Saddle Show Series
Show Series for Novice Riders
Affiliate Across Texas
January - December
TQHA Barrel Racing – March Elite Extravaganza
Futurity Barrel Race
Waco
March 11 - 14, 2021
TQHA Barrel Racing – Elite July Hot Summer
Stallion Stakes Barrel Race
Waco
July 17, 2021
TQHA Barrel Racing - November Incentive
Texas Foaled Barrel Race + Stallion Stakes
Waco
November 13, 2021
Ride on Center for Kids - Veteran Program
Veterans Riding Program
Georgetown
May - July
Become a TQHA Member Today
Join TQHA, the largest AQHA affiliate and your advocate promoting & protecting the interest of American Quarter Horses in the great state of Texas.
