Is there  a better way to market  ranch horses, the American  Quarter Association thinks so, that’s why they developed the Ranching  Heritage Challenge and if you own a registered ranch raised Quarter horse you just might be able to compete in it. I’m Susan Allen stay tuned for Open Range. In July of 2011 the AQHA, American Quarter Horse Association debuted  it’s Ranching Heritage Challenge. Like ranch rodeos this event is  designed as a competition for ranches thus a ranch must be  listed as a AQHA Ranching Heritage breeder to be able to enter horses. 4 year olds bred by Ranching Heritage  Breeders can compete in the open or limited open challenge this August in Rapid City South  Dakota while horses 5 years old or older have their day in the amateur class as well. The goal of the Ranching Heritage Challenge is to provide more opportunities for ranches that raise Quarter horses to create new markets and evolved from  recently formed AQHA Ranching Council. So far 200 ranches have been approved so if you own a ranch bred horse you can go online to the AQHA website and see if your ranch is  on the list.  The ranches that are selected throughout the world must raise Quarter horses and own a minimum of five registered brood mares. The ranch must maintain a remuda for the specific purpose of operating a cattle ranch and have received a 10-year Breeder award. All ranches must apply and be approved by the AQHA Ranching Council.  By creating more awareness, through better  branding  the AQHA hopes buyers will eventually opt for horses  with the  coveted Ranching Heritage Seal.