Super Sires is a national nonprofit stallion incentive program built by horsemen — for horsemen. Founded by passionate industry professionals, Super Sires continues to grow with purpose, transparency, and lasting impact.
Total awarded to date in cash & prizes
Paid out in 2025 alone (so far)
Paid to Non-Pros in 2025 (so far)
Paid to Open riders in 2025 (so far)
2013: Our first booth at the Reichert celebration
our mission
The mission of the Super Sires is to foster Non-Pro riders of all skill level in all competitions recognized by the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and to support the breeding of quality bloodlines. The Super Sires will showcase the offspring of this exclusive stallion program in competition for Non-Pro, Limited and Open riders as defined in the NSBA handbook. Significant cash and prizes shall be awarded with Stallion Position Enrollment funds allocated to the participants.
Our vision
To lead the industry in opportunity, recognition, and financial support for performance horses and the people who work with them — today and for generations to come.
Our success
The success of the Super Sires program over the past several years is credited in large part to the Executive Committee that is composed of horsemen and women that are passionate about the industry. The Executive Committee members are Stephen Stephens, Jan Pittman, Gil Galyean, Johne Dobbs, and Joan Logan Smith – Executive Director, Christa Conway – Executive Secretary, handles day to day business, administrative work and communications.
more than a decade of purposeful growth
From our earliest classes to nationwide presence and record-setting payouts, Super Sires has grown with integrity, strategy, and a vision for the future. Here’s a look at the key milestones that brought us here.
The concept for Super Sires was formed in October 2012 at Gil Galyean’s stalls during the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Following JR Reichert’s announcement that the legendary Reichert Celebration would be coming to a close, a group of horsemen came together with a shared mission: to build a new, sustainable incentive program that would give back to breeders, owners, and trainers across the industry.
In its inaugural year, 100% of stallion enrollment fees were paid directly into classes, emphasizing Super Sires’ core commitment to transparency and meaningful payout. A Touch of Sudden earned the very first Super Sire of the Year title, and the program awarded a total of $80,000.
In 2014, Super Sires took its next major step forward, officially hosting classes for the first time at the Tom Powers Futurity in Berrien Springs, Michigan. This debut marked the program’s evolution from concept to action — putting money in the hands of exhibitors and reinforcing its commitment to integrity, transparency, and opportunity.
That year, two lucrative 3-Year-Old Non Pro Western Pleasure classes were held. In the Open division, Rock County Kid (by Good I Will Be and out of JDZ Madison County), owned and shown by Sharnai Thompson, took home the $10,069.50 top prize from a $37,962.50 purse. In the Limited division, Sleepin N Paradise ApHC, sired by Too Sleepy To Zip and owned by Nettie Olsen, earned the $10,000 win — plus a $500 Color Bonus — with Jessica Olsen aboard, from a total purse of $39,149.50.
Too Sleepy To Zip was named the 2014 Super Sire of the Year, and the program awarded $77,112 in total payouts.
Super Sires returned to the Tom Powers Futurity in 2015, continuing to build credibility and momentum as a premier incentive program in the western pleasure industry. This year marked a pivotal moment behind the scenes, as Christa Conway officially joined Super Sires as Executive Secretary — a connection made through stallion owner Russ Louderback, whose stallion Extremely Hot Chips was actively enrolled in the program.
With an expanded Executive Committee including Joan Schroeder, Russ Louderback, Stephen Stephens, Gil Galyean, Steve Thompson, Sue Thompson, and Eric Peterson, the program continued to thrive under hands-on leadership. Two marquee 3-Year-Old Non Pro Western Pleasure classes delivered major payouts, and Too Sleepy To Zip once again earned the prestigious title of Super Sire of the Year. A total of $58,230 in prize money was awarded, further reinforcing Super Sires’ mission to reward passion, performance, and pedigree.
Super Sires returned to the Tom Powers Futurity for a second year and introduced foal nomination requirements to support program growth and sustainability. The year also marked the start of rolling 50% of stallion enrollments into future Breeders Purse classes. A new Non Pro Yearling Longe Line – Western class debuted, and Super Sires set up its first-ever booth in Congress Hall at the All American Quarter Horse Congress to promote the program and enrolled stallions.
Super Sires marked its fifth anniversary in 2017, continuing to host classes at the Tom Powers Futurity in Berrien Springs, Michigan. That year, Harris Leather sponsored a custom leather show halter for the Longe Line winner, while Wenger Leather Works awarded working saddles to the 3-Year-Old class winners, adding prestige to the payouts. The Executive Committee included Joan Schroeder, Steve Thompson, Susan Thompson, Gil Galyean, Stephen Stephens, and Russ Louderback. Extremely Hot Chips once again earned the title of Super Sire of the Year, and a total of $51,756 was awarded.
2018 marked a year of growth for Super Sires with the introduction of a second venue: a $5,000-added 4/5-Year-Old Non Pro Trail class debuted at The Madness in Wilmington, Ohio. Core classes, including the 3-Year-Old Non Pro Western Pleasure and Non Pro Yearling Longe Line, remained a highlight at the Tom Powers Futurity. Jan Pittman joined the Executive Committee, bringing new leadership to the expanding program. VS Code Blue was named Super Sire of the Year, with a total of $63,300 awarded across Super Sires classes.
2019 marked a pivotal year of growth and inclusion for Super Sires. The program lifted its offspring earnings cap, opening enrollment to all eligible stallions and expanding its reach across the industry. That same year, Super Sires introduced its Annual Stallion Service Sale and launched an all-new English Breeders Purse option. For the first time, classes were held at the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH, awarding $16,920 across three events — including the program’s first-ever Hunter Under Saddle class, a Non Pro Yearling Longe Line, and a 2-Year-Old Open Western Pleasure class.
In 2020, amidst the global uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Sires adapted with determination. With many events cancelled throughout the year, all Super Sires classes were successfully moved to the inaugural Tom Powers Futurity held at the stunning World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This year also marked the beginning of a 10% payout of added money directly to stallion owners for all money-earning offspring—further reinforcing our commitment to supporting every level of our program. Its A Southern Thing earned his second title as Super Sire of the Year, and more than $72,000 was awarded across the season.
Super Sires officially became a 501(c)(5) not-for-profit in 2021, strengthening the program’s funding model. Beginning this year, all Breeders Purse classes would be fully funded by stallion enrollments during their breeding year, while 85% of Stallion Service Sale proceeds would go directly toward Stakes Purse payouts. Super Sires expanded its event footprint to include two major shows at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida—the A Sudden Impulse Futurity and The Championship Show—while continuing a sixth successful year at the Tom Powers Futurity (now held in Wilmington, OH). The All American Quarter Horse Congress also welcomed Super Sires classes for a second consecutive year. Additionally, 2021 marked the launch of the first Super Sires Online Yearling Sale, paving the way for future Sales Graduate classes and even more opportunities for participants.
In 2022, Super Sires streamlined their program by combining the Western and English tracks into a unified Breeders Purse, simplifying enrollment and expanding opportunities for all. A new age-based payout structure was implemented, securing a stronger pipeline of classes for foals through their 5-year-old season. The year marked a westward expansion with debut classes at the Arizona Sun Circuit, March to the Arch, and the inaugural Back to Berrien. Super Sires also introduced a standout Sales Graduate class at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and proudly became the title sponsor of the AQHA World Show Pleasure Versatility Challenge.
2023 marked a milestone year for Super Sires as the stallion roster proudly grew to 50 enrolled stallions—bringing even more opportunities for breeders, exhibitors, and owners. New venues were added across the country, including Fun in the Sun (FL), Bluebonnet Festival (TX), and the EMO Celebration (NV), showcasing the program’s coast-to-coast commitment. The Super Sires Online Sale evolved into a full Yearling and Prospect Sale, now hosted by Pro Horse Services. Leadership also expanded with Julie Voge and Nancy Ditty joining the Executive Committee, and Joan Logan Smith officially named Executive Director alongside Christa Conway, Executive Secretary.
2024 marked a milestone year of growth, innovation, and giving back. Super Sires introduced its first-ever Youth Scholarships at the Big A in Conyers, Georgia, reinforcing its commitment to the next generation. Online applications opened for new show venues, expanding access and participation across the industry. A 10% payout to nominators of money-earning horses was implemented, adding even more value for breeders. Natashya Vince of Stallion Compare and Envy Design joined the team to enhance social media and develop the inaugural Super Sires Year in Review program. With Heart Stoppin named Super Sire of the Year and an impressive $260,275 awarded, 2024 set a new standard for what’s possible.
In 2025, Super Sires crossed a historic milestone, surpassing $1.5 million awarded since 2013—with its largest payout year yet, distributing $266,350 across eight premier venues. Enrollment continued to surge with 95 Stakes Purse stallions and 60 Breeders Purse stallions participating, underscoring industry confidence in the program. Long-term commitments were secured with three additional years of classes at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and continued title sponsorship of the AQHA World Show Pleasure Versatility Challenge through 2027. Behind the scenes, Super Sires began work with Envy Design on a new website launching in 2026, alongside deeper integration with StallionCompare to deliver best-in-class data and marketing for stallion owners.
In 2026, Super Sires proudly expands into the world of color by debuting at the APHA World Show for the first time since the program’s inception. This exciting new partnership with the American Paint Horse Association reinforces our mission to create more opportunities for breeders, owners, and exhibitors—no matter the registry.