PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Quarter Horse Association (SDQHA) has named Dana and Aimee Sippel of Sippel Quarter Horses as the Producer of the Year. The prestigious award, presented during the association’s annual convention, recognizes the Sippels for their outstanding contributions to the American Quarter Horse industry and their commitment to excellence in breeding and bloodline preservation.

For years, Dana and Aimee have operated their program with a focus on versatile, high-quality athletes capable of performing both in the arena and on the ranch. Their operation, based in Pierpont, South Dakota, has become a hallmark for genetic integrity and performance-proven stock.

It began as a farming enterprise (and still is) and has grown to include two of Sippel’s favorite things; cattle and horses. He made the decision to quit college in the 1980’s and go full tilt into the business. From a business perspective, he learned diversification can make or break a business saying that sometimes the cows support the farm and vice versa, but they both support the horses.

The Producer of the Year award is not simply a reflection of one successful season, but a testament to a sustained standard of excellence. To be considered, a producer must demonstrate genetic strength, maintaining bloodlines that consistently produce champion-caliber offspring along with versatility in breeding horses that excel in multiple disciplines, from reining and cutting to working ranch horse classes.

To that end, Sippel says he focuses on ranch and rope horses (he was a steer wrestler and roper in rodeo) with a primary goal of producing horses that the average person can ride without sacrificing performance. He warns about over-performance being bred into horses that don’t match the skills of a lot of riders. For an industry that is sustaining and growing its brand beyond competitions to encourage and include pleasure riding, that’s important.

“The Sippel name has become synonymous with quality in our region,” said an South Dakota Quarter Horse Association representative. “Their dedication to the breed and their support of the youth and amateur programs in South Dakota makes them the ideal recipients of this honor.”

Sippel’s continue to keep foundation bloodlines at the top of the list in their program. A green-broke sale barn mare started it all. Dee Rey Lee (Lee Mar82 x Dakota Rey), called Dexter, became one of the cornerstones of the horse program. From there, a mare out of My Sister Patty (a broodmare at the Thomas Ranch near Harrold, S.D.) by Mr. Illuminator named Silver kept things going to what is now a broodmare band deep in usability and performance.

Beyond the breeding barn, Dana and Aimee Sippel have been vocal advocates for the growth of the Quarter Horse industry in the Midwest. Their program often highlights the importance of the AQHA Ranching Heritage program, ensuring that the working heritage of the American Quarter Horse remains vibrant for future generations.

As they accepted the award, the Sippels emphasized that their success is a team effort, crediting their family, neighbors, trainers, and the loyal community of buyers who have supported Sippel Quarter Horses over the years. He credits family, good horses, great neighbors and good people for his being able to do what he loves, every day.

With this new accolade, the Sippels are looking forward to a busy 2026 show and sale season. The award serves as a capstone to a year of significant achievements for their homebred horses, many of which have topped leaderboards across the state and region.

The SDQHA continues to be one of the most active affiliates of the American Quarter Horse Association, and honoring producers like the Sippels ensures that South Dakota remains a powerhouse in the equine world.