Al Dunning: A Life Built on Good Horses

Twenty-six AQHA world championships sounds like a finish line, but Lainie DeBoer treats it like a trail of relationships, one great American Quarter Horse at a time. We talk about the moment it started, a camp pony named Hank's Smoky Jet, and why that early feeling of safety and confidence still defines what she looks for in a show partner today.From there, we follow the real career path: the unexpected Montana job that pulled her into AQHA, the first time Congress felt overwhelming, and the culture shock of discovering a community that rallies around horses and horse people. Lainie shares the behind-the-scenes details that never make the highlight reel, like how a spooking issue at the in-gate turned into a full training plan involving muffins, repetition and a whole lot of patience.We also go deep on the horses that shaped her program: Regal Intentions and the owner partnership with her mom Margaret, "Lucy" (A Chanceof Blueskies) and the lesson that great horses do not need to be over-schooled, GI Jazz and learning to tune out distractions, plus "Dillon" (DGS Dont Tell Tales) and the idea that every horse has a different “secret sauce.” Along the way, Lainie explains what a “good horse” really means to her, how she mentors the next generation and why trust is the most practical safety tool a trainer can give a rider.If you care about AQHA hunters, Quarter Horse training, horsemanship, show-ring mindset or simply what it takes to earn a horse’s trust, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a horse friend and leave a review, then tell us: which horse taught you the biggest lesson?Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

There are some names in the horse world that don’t need much introduction, and Al Dunning is one of them.From AQHA world championships to a career that has influenced generations of horsemen, Al’s story is easy to measure in wins and awards. But behind all that is a story shaped by the horses that taught him, challenged him and ultimately built the program he’s known for today.In this episode of Good Horses, Al walks through the horses that marked different points in his journey, like Expensive Hobby, Stormy Pink and others that came along at just the right time. Because at the end of the day, the best programs aren’t built on hype. They’re built on good horses.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

Karen Evans Mundy didn’t become the winningest all-around amateur in AQHA history with one great run, or even one great horse. She built that record over years, alongside exceptional partners that included Ask Me For Details.In this episode, Karen talks about the horses behind those eight titles. The ones with heart. The ones that made her adjust, learn and work harder than anyone saw from the stands. She shares how each partnership required something different and why true all-around success is always about the horse first.This episode reminds us that while records may stand in the books, it’s good horses, and the work you put in with them, that make history.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

Casey Deary’s career has been shaped by an unwavering belief in letting good horses show you who they are, and few trainers have had the privilege of listening to horses like his.From Americasnextgunmodel to Down Right Amazing, Casey reflects on the horses that defined pivotal moments in his career and the ones that continue to raise the bar in his program. He talks about what separates truly great horses in the show pen, the pressure of competing at reining's highest level and the trust it takes to let a horse step up when it matters most.Throughout the conversation, Casey shares how his faith has remained a steady foundation by keeping wins in perspective, guiding the hard days and reminding him that every great horse and opportunity is part of a bigger plan.This is a story of championship horses, defining runs and a career built on trust between horse and rider, and beyond the arena.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

In this episode of Legends Remembered, we share the unexpected story of Casey’s Ladylove. Casey’s Ladylove was originally purchased as a ranch and show horse for the family's children, meant to be a steady, honest partner, not the foundation of a breeding program. No one could have predicted that she would go on to become one of the most influential mares in the performance horse world.Through the generations she produced, Casey’s Ladylove proved that the most impactful broodmares are often the ones no one planned for, just good horses who quietly change everything.Today, her legacy lives on through some of the sport’s most recognizable names, including Adios Pantalones, DM Sissy Hayday,  French Flash Hawk, the legendary Frenchmans Guy, and MP Meter My Hay.This is the story of a good horse who was ultimately destined for greatness.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

With more than $4 million in lifetime earnings, and multiple NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity and World's Greatest Horseman titles, Corey Cushing is one of the most accomplished cow horse trainers of our time. But at the heart of his success is a simple philosophy: be better each day.In this episode, Corey talks about the once-in-a-lifetime horses that shaped his career and keep him motivated. He shares the lessons he has learned and why staying committed to incremental improvement matters just as much as the big wins.If you love stories about exceptional horses, lifelong learning, and the mindset behind greatness, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

With more than 30 AQHA world championships to his name, Bobby Lewis has earned his place among the greatest rope horse trainers of all time. Raised in New Mexico, he grew up rodeoing and riding his dad’s racehorses, a foundation that set the stage for a remarkable career. Over the years, Bobby has swung a leg over some of the best horses the industry has ever seen, and his talent for bringing out their full potential has made him a household name in the roping world.In this episode, Bobby shares stories of the great horses he’s ridden and reflects on how they helped shape his remarkable legacy as a trainer and breeder.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

Some horses leave their mark on the track or in the breeding shed. Mr Jess Perry did both. In this episode of our Legends Remembered series, we honor the 1994 AQHA Racing Champion Two-Year-Old Colt who went on to become one of the most influential sires in American Quarter Horse racing history.Dr. Glenn Blodgett reflects on Mr Jess Perry’s journey from standout runner to a stallion whose offspring reshaped the sport. It’s a look back at a legacy that still runs strong today.Know a horse or person whose story should be remembered? The legacy of great horses like Mr Jess Perry lives on because people took the time to tell it. Nominate your pick for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame today at aqha.com/nominate.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

For Martha Josey, every milestone, every buckle, and every history-making run begins with the horses. Before she became one of the most celebrated names in barrel racing, she was a Texas girl with a passion for Quarter Horses sparked by her dad and a determination that would carry her from amateur rodeos to the world’s biggest stages.In this episode of Good Horses, Martha shares the stories of the horses that defined her career — the ones that taught her, and ultimately carried her into the history books. With stories of unforgettable runs, once-in-a-lifetime horses, and the lessons she’s learned from every ride, Martha reflects on a lifetime spent chasing dreams down the alley and the horses that made it all possible.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram! 

Some horses don’t just shape the industry, they redefine it. High Brow Cat is one of those rare legends. In this episode, we continue our Legends Remembered series, honoring the horses whose influence earned them a place in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.Jack Waggoner shares High Brow Cat’s incredible journey to becoming the all-time leading sire in across all disciplines. Take a look back at the stallion’s remarkable legacy.Know a horse or person whose story should be remembered? The legacy of great horses like High Brow Cat lives on because people took the time to tell it. Nominate your pick for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame today at aqha.com/nominate.Follow AQHA on Facebook and Instagram!