OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–APRIL 29, 2022–Earlier this week the Oklahoma State Senate approved a bill calling for the Quarter Horse to be recognized as the official state horse.

"This legislation is very near and dear to my heart," said Sen. Blake "Cowboy" Stephens, R-Tahlequah. "Our state was built upon the western heritage and lifestyle of our ancestors and naming a state horse pays tribute to the cowboys, Native Americans, pioneers and others who built Oklahoma. There’s no better way to honor our past while still looking toward the future than enshrining the Quarter Horse as our state’s horse."

The American Quarter Horse, one of the oldest recognized horse breeds in the nation, dating back to the 1660s and descends from the Colonial Spanish Mustang, which has major ties to Oklahoma’s tribal community, according to a State Senate news release.

The Quarter Horse industry is also an economic staple in Oklahoma with more registered Quarter Horses per capita than any other state in the nation and over 33,000 registered owners.

"It’s been estimated that the 15 national and world-level shows hosted in Oklahoma City alone account for a $126.5 million economic impact," a State Senate news release said.

Oklahoma City is also home to Heritage Place Sale Company, the industry's leading auction house for American Quarter Horse racing. This year the company will host its 44th annual September Yearling Sale, 44th annual Fall Mixed Sale and in January will hold the 45th annual Winter Mixed Sale.

Remington Park in Oklahoma City hosts one of the nations premier Quarter Horses race meets from March thru June each year. The racetrack has provided more than $288 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Remington Park is also home to Oklahoma's richest horserace, the $1 million+ Heritage Place Futurity(G1).  

An Oklahoma Equine Alliance study found that the Oklahoma horse industry accounts for a combined direct, indirect and induced effect of $3.6 billion and 35,000 full-time jobs, the news release states.

"This legislation was requested by a very special constituent, my granddaughter, Julianne, several years ago after she realized Oklahoma did not have a state horse," Randleman said. "I’m thrilled to see this designation cross the finish line so we can recognize the valuable role the American Quarter Horse has had in our state history."