AMARILLO, Texas - The American Quarter Horse Journal, the official business publication of the American Quarter Horse Association, earned the first-ever Vaquero Media Publication Award presented by the National Reining Horse Association and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The award will be presented during the NRHA Futurity, November 23 through December 1 in Oklahoma City.

According to NRHA Media and Publicity Coordinator, Cheryl Magoteaux, the four NRHA National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Vaquero Media Awards were created to recognize those who have contributed substantially to the reining world through the media. Magoteaux, along with Lycrecia Cunningham, Public Relations Coordinator for the Musuem and NRHA Director of Operations and Events Management Chris Potter, worked to create the joint awards.

Also awarded in the electronic category, the Vaquero Media Award winner was the Horseman's Radio Weekly; the Individual Editorial award goes to Betsy Lynch of Fort Collins, Colorado, editor of Performance Horse and contributing writer to The Reiner and Showtime, the NRHA Futurity's daily news publication; and the "Behind The Scenes" category, the Vaquero Media award was awarded to the production staff of Quarter Horse News.

"We are extremely pleased to be honored for such an award," said Jim Bret Campbell, Editor of The American Quarter Horse Journal. "For several years some exciting developments have happened in the course of its adoption as an Olympic sport. We are eager to continue covering the news as it happens."

Award winners, who were chosen by a special committee, will receive a National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum commissioned Bristol pewter reproduction of Charles Russell's "Bronco Twister" during the National Reining Horse Association Gathering of Legends reception held on Friday, November 30, at noon.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, originally named the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, is one of the most unique museums in the world, dedicated to the history and art of the American West. A variety of galleries and exhibits represent a huge range of western art and memorabilia, and special exhibits feature outstanding western individuals from rodeo stars to Hollywood actors.

The National Reining Horse Association, headquartered in Oklahoma City, is the governing body of the sport of reining, with over 10,000 members. The organization approves over 345 events worldwide and distributes over $4.6 million in prize money each year.

The partnership between the NRHA and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a perfect fit, according to Chris Potter. "The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the American west while reining celebrates the traditional western riding skills of the cowboy and his working horse."

For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or for a subscription to the magazine contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811 or visit the Journal's Web site at www.aqha/journal.com.