Jim Jennings - 2026
Updated: Jun 24
Western Photographer
Induction Year: 2026
Born: 1945, Hearne, Texas
Primary Discipline: Media / Photography
Profession / Role: Western Photographer and Editor
Primary Skills: Western photography, Editorial leadership, Historical documentation
Known For: More than five decades documenting the Western way of life through photography and journalism. Leadership of American Quarter Horse Association publications and award-winning Western storytelling
Early Life and Background
Jim Jennings was born in 1945 in Hearne, Texas. His father worked in the oil fields, and the family moved frequently during his childhood. Despite limited means, his father ensured that Jim and his sister had horses to ride, fostering an early connection to horsemanship and ranch culture.
Jennings roped calves as a youth and carried those experiences into adulthood, grounding his later storytelling in firsthand knowledge of the Western lifestyle.
He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1968. Shortly thereafter, he began his professional career with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, working on its publication, The Cattleman, in Fort Worth. During this period, he married his wife, Mavis. In 1971, he accepted a position with the American Quarter Horse Journal in Amarillo, marking the beginning of a 37-year career with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).
Professional Career and Rise
Jennings joined the American Quarter Horse Journal as associate editor and steadily advanced to editor, editor-in-chief, and ultimately AQHA executive director of publications. In that role, he oversaw the Association’s entire publications department, guiding its editorial direction for nearly four decades.
Just three years into his tenure, he received a Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for his article “George Humphreys, A Half Century with the 6666.” The Wrangler Award is widely regarded as one of the highest honors in Western art, literature, and media.
Jennings traveled extensively to document leading horses, breeders, ranchers, and competitors. In 1981, he represented AQHA at the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, organizing and documenting the participation of American Quarter Horses in the inaugural parade in Washington, D.C.
He attended numerous National Finals Rodeos, writing about Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association champions and their horses. His relationships within the rodeo community led to his first book, Why We Win, which examined the mental preparation of world champions including Roy Cooper, Walt Woodard, Lynn McKenzie, and Don Gay.
Jennings later authored Best Remudas (2006), chronicling the first 15 recipients of AQHA’s Best Remuda Award, and They Still Ride Good Horses (2014), detailing AQHA history from 1990 to 2015. After retiring from AQHA, he continued writing, contributing to the RFD-TV program “Red Steagall is Somewhere West of Wall Street,” work that earned him five additional Wrangler Awards. He also authored books on Wagonhound Land and Livestock and a biography of Red Steagall.
Under his leadership, AQHA publications received hundreds of awards for journalistic excellence. He was inducted into the Livestock Publications Council Hall of Fame and received the Champion Award from American Horse Publications. In 2019, he was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.
Jennings has also served as president of the Miss Rodeo America organization (1985–1987), remains a member of Western Writers of America, and serves on the executive committee of the National Ranching Heritage Association. He continues to assist AQHA as editor emeritus and co-hosts the podcast “Good Horses,” featuring conversations with influential figures in ranching, rodeo, and the equine industry.
Legacy and Impact
Jim Jennings has played a central role in documenting the modern history of the American Quarter Horse industry and the broader Western way of life. Through millions of photographs and thousands of articles, he has preserved the stories of working ranchers, world champions, breeders, and everyday horsemen.
His editorial leadership helped shape AQHA publications into award-winning journals recognized for journalistic excellence. His storytelling combined technical knowledge of bloodlines and breeding with personal insight drawn from a lifetime around horses, allowing him to capture both the factual and human dimensions of Western culture.
Beyond print media, his books and television work have expanded the reach of Western history to new audiences. His continued writing, research, and mentorship ensure that the documentation of ranching and rodeo traditions remains active and ongoing.
Later Years
Following his retirement from full-time editorial leadership at AQHA, Jennings has remained active as a writer, researcher, and media contributor. He continues to work with AQHA publications in an advisory capacity and contributes to television and podcast projects focused on Western heritage.
He and his wife Mavis maintain close ties to their family ranch near Archer City, Texas, where their daughter and extended family are involved in ranching. Jennings remains engaged in team roping and Western community activities while continuing to write and document Western history.
Honors and Recognition
Wrangler Award – National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (multiple years)
Inducted – Livestock Publications Council Hall of Fame
Champion Award – American Horse Publications
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, 2019
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, 2026
Links and References
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - https://nationalcowboymuseum.org
American Quarter Horse Association - https://www.aqha.com
