Horse Industry Escrow Account funds in action

“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 Hudson

Track Magazine owner, former TQHA president and member of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame

“The Texas incentive money was a huge boost to our Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association event, with a 30.5% increase in entries. People are so excited and are definitely looking for a Texas bred futurity prospect. Both the Futurity and Roping had great attendance and excitement is building for this year. Thanks to the HIEA.”

—Gay Lenz

Executive Director, Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association

“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 Dunkel

Executive Director/Secretary, Stock Horse of Texas

“The mission of 4-H is to impart knowledge, life skills and attitudes that will develop youth as self-directing, contributing and productive members of society. The funds provided to the Texas 4-H Horse Project help support this mission for youth horse enthusiasts across the state. Specifically, five $1000 scholarships were awarded to the highest placing youth in each division at the State 4-H Horse Show to be used towards furthering their education. Not only does this financial support encourage immediate participation in the horse industry, it is also an investment in the future of our industry.”

—Jennifer Zoller, Ph.D.

Texas A&M University Extension horse specialist

“We have a cutting horse training program out here on the west coast with a lot of clients who have enjoyed the breeding end of it as well as the competing side. The incentive was a great idea and really made us all pay attention to where our horses are bred and foaled… IN FACT now almost all our customers want to ship their mares to TX just to be eligible for this in the future if it continues to be a thing. It was an impressive, fun, and easy side pot to enter. Only a few clients were actually eligible in the end but we all tried anyway. Thank you for doing what you did and we hope you continue to offer this in the future.”

—Monty & Tessa Buntin & our whole Buntin barn!
California