Local Stallion Inducted into Iowa Quarter Horse Hall of Fame

RL Styling Rey, owned by Gary and Tracy Thede, honored for successful competitive career and breeding program

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:31am

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The Iowa Quarter Horse Association (IQHA) inducted the American Quarter Horse stallion RL Styling Rey, owned by Gary and Tracy Thede of Reinbeck, Iowa, into its Hall of Fame at the organization's annual awards banquet in Des Moines. The stallion, known as "Dozer," had a successful competitive career, earning nearly $20,000 in winnings and qualifying for the AQHA World Championship Show 18 times. After retiring from competition, Dozer has gone on to sire offspring that have earned over $90,000 in AQHA and AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse events, including the 2024 AQHA High Point VRH Junior and Senior Horses.

Why it matters

The induction of RL Styling Rey into the IQHA Hall of Fame highlights the importance of breeding quality American Quarter Horses that can excel in both the show ring and as sires of future champions. As a successful competitor and prolific sire, Dozer has made a significant impact on the Quarter Horse industry in Iowa and beyond.

The details

RL Styling Rey, known as "Dozer," was purchased by Gary and Tracy Thede in 2016. The stallion competed in National Reined Cow Horse and American Quarter Horse events, with Tracy showing him in the amateur division and their trainer showing him in the open division. Dozer earned nearly $20,000 in winnings and qualified for the AQHA World Championship Show 18 times, including being named the Level 2 Reserve Champion Junior Team Roping - Heading and Level 2 Reserve Champion Performance Halter Stallions at the 2017 AQHA World Show. After his successful competitive career, Dozer retired to stand at stud, and his offspring have gone on to earn over $90,000 in AQHA and AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse events, including the 2024 AQHA High Point VRH Junior and Senior Horses. At the 2025 Iowa Quarter Horse Association Ranch Horse Futurity, Dozer's winning offspring earned him the title of Reserve High Money Stallion.

  • The Iowa Quarter Horse Association (IQHA) held its annual awards banquet in Des Moines on January 10, 2026.
  • The Thedes purchased the American Quarter Horse stallion RL Styling Rey in 2016.
  • At the 2017 AQHA World Show, RL Styling Rey was named the Level 2 Reserve Champion Junior Team Roping - Heading and Level 2 Reserve Champion Performance Halter Stallions.
  • In 2024, both the AQHA High Point VRH Junior Horse and High Point VRH Senior Horse were sired by RL Styling Rey.
  • At the 2025 Iowa Quarter Horse Association Ranch Horse Futurity, RL Styling Rey's winning offspring earned him the title of Reserve High Money Stallion.

The players

RL Styling Rey

An American Quarter Horse stallion owned by Gary and Tracy Thede of Reinbeck, Iowa, who was inducted into the Iowa Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame for his successful competitive career and breeding program.

Gary and Tracy Thede

The owners of RL Styling Rey, the American Quarter Horse stallion inducted into the Iowa Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.

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What they’re saying

“Our goals breeding him were conformationally-correct, good-minded athletes. We are blessed and amazed at the consistency in his foals. And the friendships that is IQHA. We would not be here today without the amazing people in this association.”

— Tracy Thede (Instagram)

The takeaway

The induction of RL Styling Rey into the Iowa Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame showcases the importance of breeding high-quality American Quarter Horses that can excel in both competitive events and as sires of future champions. Dozer's successful competitive career and the accomplishments of his offspring demonstrate the lasting impact a single stallion can have on the Quarter Horse industry.