WCHA established this award to both honor and remember Bruce Walquist, a highly respected WCHA member and Specialized Halter Judge. Everyone in the stock horse industry felt the loss of Bruce’s sudden passing in 2023 as he set the standard for professionalism and kindness toward others. The positive influence Bruce had on our horse industry regardless of discipline will never be forgotten and WCHA wanted to recognize professionals in our association that “best emulate” those qualities.

The criteria taken into consideration for this award are:

  • As A Mentor: Bruce had a unique gift for identifying young people—whether youth competitors, amateurs, or aspiring trainer who needed encouragement. No matter how busy his own schedule was, Bruce always made time to mentor others, offering support and guidance in his characteristic, uplifting way.

  • Ethics: Bruce believed that a trainer’s business should be conducted with the highest ethical standards. He upheld honesty in the selling and representation of horses, and as a judge, he strived to provide unbiased placings in every class. Bruce’s integrity earned him the respect of his friends and peers throughout the horse industry.

  • Like Bruce, recipients of this award show humility in success and accountability in defeat, never making excuses.

  • Leadership: Bruce gave his time and experience to various associations. He was a doer rather than a complainer, supporting the hard work of others instead of criticizing it.

  • Above all, Bruce was known for his respectfulness, kindness, and his deep love for God and family. These values were at the heart of everything he did.

    • 2025 - RANDY JACBOS

    The World Conformation Horse Association recently named Randy Jacobs as the 2025 “BE LIKE BRUCE” honoree !!

    From Don Falcon, WCHA Executive Director, “Bruce would no doubt give his big smile and wholeheartedly approve of this year’s selection, Randy Jacobs, as our recipient of the Bruce Walquist “Be Like Bruce” Spirit Award. Randy has many of the same qualities as a leader and professional ethics as Bruce. We should all remember Bruce for the gentle soul that he was and try our best to Be More Like Bruce. We are honored to name Randy Jacobs as the 2025 recipient”.

    The first recipient of the “BE LIKE BRUCE” SPIRIT AWARD is Jason Smith, Whitesboro, Texas.

    “It is fitting that Jason Smith be named as the first recipient of the Be Like Bruce Award, says Don Falcon, WCHA Executive Director “he has many of the same qualities as a professional trainer as Bruce”. “We were very honored to have Bruce’s wife Cindy and daughter Whitney Walquist present this special award” at the WCHA Hall Of Fame Banquet held at the WCHA Breeder’s Championships in Fort Worth. Falcon continued, “this will be an award we all can reflect and try our best to “Be More Like Bruce”.