Second Annual Congress Yearling Maiden Open Ltd. Halter Stakes Bigger And Better Than Ever

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158 – July/August, 2026

By Delores Kuhlwein & Megan Sacia Ulrich

When the announcement of an inaugural All-American Quarter Horse Congress Yearling Maiden Open Limited Halter Stakes hit the airwave, offering $30,000 guaranteed money with divisions for mares, geldings, and stallions who were making their show pen debuts in 2025, the halter industry perked up its ears.

“The idea for the class originated from a conversation between Steve Headley and Ed Lawrence about how to bring some excitement to halter classes,” All American Quarter Horse Congress and OQHA Executive Vice President of Operations Justin Billings reveals.

The resulting stakes at the 2025 All American Quarter Horse Congress paid out $32,625, hosted fourteen participating yearlings and their teams, and was a resounding success thanks to original sponsors JL & Penny Robinson, Headley Quarter Horses, and The Equine Chronicle. Each committed to three years of support while the event gets its footing. “We want to see this event have an opportunity to become established and thrive,” says Tom Grabe, The Equine Chronicle publisher.

As the maiden stakes approach the second year, thriving was the correct word, because even more extraordinary appeal will accompany the classes in 2026.
“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to welcome Terry Bradshaw Quarter Hor-ses and Warren English as additional partners this year. Their support will raise the added money from $30,000 to $50,000, which is truly remarka-ble. With a successful first year now visible to the industry, and this increased added money, we anticipate meaningful growth in entries and even more enthusiasm from exhibitors looking for a place to debut well-developed maiden yearlings,” Billings explains.

Maiden Defined

Click here to read the complete article
158 – July/August, 2026