Wyoming Breeder Award Program
The purpose of the Wyoming Breeder Award Program is to promote the improved breeding and development of the horse industry in the State of Wyoming.
The program offers an exceptional opportunity for owners, breeders, and stallion owners of accredited Wyoming bred horses to earn significant monetary award incentives, while serving as the backbone to a valuable agricultural industry in the Cowboy State.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission is the regulatory agency that serves as the official registrar and administrator of the Wyoming Breeder Award Program. The Commission is tasked with always ensuring the integrity of program rules and the welfare of the horses and participants at all times.
Definitions:
ACCREDITED means the process of certifying a horse’s eligibility to participate in the Wyoming Bred Program by the Commission.
ACCREDITED WYOMING BRED RACING STOCK means any horse used for racing purposes foaled in the state of Wyoming and out of an accredited Wyoming broodmare and is registered with the Commission.
ACCREDITED WYOMING BROODMARE is a female horse (mare) used for breeding purposes and physically located within the borders of the state of Wyoming, to include tribal lands and federally owned property and is registered with the Commission.
ACCREDITED WYOMING STALLION means a male horse (stallion) used for breeding purposes and physically located within the borders of the state of Wyoming, to include tribal lands and federally owned property and is registered with the Commission.
BREEDING SEASON is from January 1 through December 31. BREEDER of a foal is the owner of its dam at time of foaling.
Broodmares:
Once an accredited Wyoming Broodmare is accredited by the state breed registrar, the horse shall be physically located within the borders of the State of Wyoming. A mare shall be accredited as a broodmare by August 15 of the year in which an eligible foal is conceived. A mare may leave the state of Wyoming for breeding, medical, sale or racing purposes without losing its accreditation, provided the mare returns to the state of Wyoming each year before August 15.
The mare owner shall notify the Commission in writing at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to any movement, whether in-state or out of state, for any nonemergency purpose. Owners shall notify the Commission of emergency movements as soon as reasonably possible, and provide the Commission written verification of a medical emergency from a licensed veterinarian. Mares moved from their certified location to another location without proper notification shall have their accreditation suspended and must be re-accredited to return to the program. The suspension shall be for the remainder of the current breeding season through the end of the next breeding season.
Stallions:
An accredited Wyoming Stallion must be physically located the entire breeding season in the state of Wyoming. A stallion may leave the state for racing, medical or sale purposes as long as he returns to the state of Wyoming each year before December 1.
The stallion owner shall notify the Commission in writing at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to any movement whether in-state or out of state for any nonemergency purposes. Owners shall notify the Commission of emergency movements as soon as reasonably possible, and provide the Commission written verification of a medical emergencyfrom a licensed veterinarian. Stallions moved from their certified location to another location without proper notification shall have their accreditation suspended and must be re-accredited to return to the program. The suspension shall be for the remainder of the current breeding season through the end of the next breeding season.
A horse accredited as racing stock must be re-accredited as an Accreditate Wyoming Broodmare or Stallion for breeding stock purposes.
All checks must be made payable to: WGC - Wyoming Bred. Accreditation fee is a non-refundable fee. Online payments are accepted here.
Policy & Directive Updates
2023 Breeders Awards Banquet {Click on the picture to view the slideshow}
The 2023 Wyoming Breeder Award Champions were honored on September 14, 2024 at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Hosting the event was Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC and what a tremendous night they created from the beautiful venue to the fabulous dutch oven meal including a full roasted pig with all the fixing including homemade root beer and old fashioned peach cobbler. Wyoming Horse Racing’s Eugene Joyce, along with emcee A. P. Harrold kept the audience entertained as each winner was honored with beautiful racing trophies presented by the Wyoming Gaming Commission President, Troy Broussard.
Nick Larramendy, the Wyoming Gaming Commission Deputy Director on behalf of the commissioners and staff welcomed the award banquet attendees, expressing that everyone was gathered to celebrate not just the incredible achievements of our fellow horsemen and horsewomen, but also the spirit of camaraderie and passion that unites us all. Larramendy stated, “the evening was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that each of the attendees had shown throughout the past year. Whether it be a rider, trainer, breeder or supporter, everyone’s love for these magnificent animals and the sport we cherish is what brings us together. In honoring the remarkable accomplishments of our award recipients, we must recognize the countless hours of training, the early mornings, and the late nights spent caring for these horses. Each victory, big or small, is a reflection of the bond we share with these incredible animals.”
The Wyoming Bred Program continues to reach new highs every year. This could not be done without the breeders, the horsemen, the operators and the commission working together for a common goal.