In Loving Memory of EXECUTE, 2004-2026
Execute photo by K.C. Montgomery.
“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”— Maya Angelou.
By Delores Kuhlwein
The Stewart and Gibson families would like to announce the passing of renowned stallion EXECUTE, 02/03/04 –09/17/26.
The 2004 sorrel AQHA/APHA 15.2 hand stallion by Mr Touchdown Kid and out of Forever Coolest, owned by Carolyn Stewart, passed away peacefully of old age on September 17, 2026, and will be missed by the family and the industry.
His classic lineage encompassed legendary bloodlines of horses such as Kid Clu, Touchdown Kid, Mr Conclusion, Skipa Star, and Coolest, and the 6-panel negative stallion was one of the first double-papered horses in modern times to prove himself as a unique halter horse that also truly excelled in performance.
His own accolades as a show horse included three AQHA World Championships, two Reserve World Championships, multiple Top Ten placings in both Amateur and Open competition, as well as a Superior in Heeling and an APHA Honor Roll title in Senior Heeling.
“We like a good horse that’s versatile,” explains Cara McMillian-Gibson, whose mom purchased EXECUTE after the passing of Linda Gordon, owner of the famous Fossil Gate stallions. Carolyn Stewart, Cara’s mom, and the Gibsons were able to give EXECUTE a rebirth in a boutique stallion program and forge a new path as a versatile AQHA/APHA stallion with the expertise of Chris Arentsen Quarter Horses, where he stood and was laid to rest.
EXECUTE was a multiple time Leading Sire of APHA Platinum and Gold Futurities at the APHA/WCHA Halter Million. Photo credit: APHA/PHJ
As his progeny continued to excel throughout the industry, EXECUTE boasted titles such as #2 on Q-Data’s Top 50 Halter Sires of All Time (as of 10/2026), the #2 Stallion in Top Halter Sires of AQHA in 2023, multiple time Leading Sire of APHA Platinum and Gold Futurities at the APHA/WCHA Halter Million, including the 2025 APHA Breeders’ Futurity Leading Halter Sire award, just to name a few.
As a sire, his combination of classic and formidable bloodlines produced countless halter champions, with recognizable names such as La Exclamation, Excuses N Lace, Execute Pretty, Executes Jewel, and most recently, Shirlee Temple and X Hes Cute.
Shirlee Temple, BHF Futurity Champion. Photo by bar H Photography.
It’s his versatility that also sets him apart, however, particularly as he passes it along to his foals who are also performance champions in roping and ranch events –notably, horses such as Yiketty Yak, a 2020 bay gelding who is excelling in halter, performance, and ranch events, earning diverse Congress and World titles.
As if his legacy as a sire wasn’t impressive enough, Cara McMillian-Gibson reveals that not only was EXECUTE kind, but he bred good-minded and kind horses as well.
“My mom says he upped our game, taking us to the next level and putting us on the map as a stallion owner,” explains McMillian-Gibson, who adds that EXECUTE will continue to influence the industry with new babies coming in the spring, and due to modern resources of frozen embryos and semen.
“We never thought we would own a horse like him that was so unique, versatile, and stood the test of time over the years.”
Execute photo by Shane Rux Photography.
View recent Equine Chronicle website articles for EXECUTE:
Trillions and Execute Take Home 2023 Breeders’ Futurity Leading Sire Awards | Equine Chronicle
Execute Named Breeders’ Futurity Leading Sire at APHA WCHA Halter Million | Equine Chronicle
Breeders Halter Futurity Welcomes New Owner of Execute, Carolyn Stewart | Equine Chronicle
