Pete Kyle's A Ruf Gal entered 2013 as one of the top reining mares in the country and continued to earn top results culminating with her recognition as an International Horse of Honor by the United States Equestrian Federation.

Known as a powerful mare that possesses the grit of a champion, A Ruf Gal has always been highly regarded for her quiet demeanor, elevating her to the upper echelons of the sport. Prior to 2013, the talented mare had shown an aptitude for winning as she teamed with owner Pete Kyle along with his wife, Tamra, and son, Reed, to earn many of reining's top prizes.

Standing only 15 hands, the sorrel Quarter Horse mare is a true champion perfectly packaging power and grit with a quiet demeanor. Bred at Green Valley Ranch by Wallis Winegar and his family, A Rul Gal will forever hold a connection to the Aubrey, Texas facility as she bares the moniker of one of Winegar’s daughters, Emily.

As a three-year-old, she first caught Pete Kyle’s eye at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity. A Ruf Gal stood out with her very physical stopping and willing attitude, demonstrating Emily’s love for her job. The talented mare again crossed Pete’s path two years later and the reining legend jumped at the opportunity to have the mare in his barn.

Following her purchase, A Ruf Gal quickly became a star performer for the Kyle Family. With Pete’s wife Tamra, Emily slid to numerous championship titles including Reserve Champion honors in the Amateur Reining division at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show. Tamra and Pete’s son Reed also took a turn on A Ruf Gal seizing opportunity with both hands as he and Emily scored Team and Individual Gold at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

After a 2012 season which saw her gain not only Young Rider glory but also a World Championship Freestyle title, A Ruf Gal upped the ante in 2013. She and Pete kicked the year off in April at the Kentucky Reining Cup, earning Co-Reserve Champion honors in the World Championship Freestyle and a fifth-place finish in the CRI3*. Two months later at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, the pair won both the CRI3*and the USA Reining Open section. Then at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Emily and Pete claimed second place in both the CRI3* and Open Reining Freestyle competition and third in the NRHA Open Reining division.

In November, A Ruf Gal racked up more solid performances at the AQHA World Championship Show. Competing in a field packed with the sport’s elite, she was Co-Champion in the CRI and earned a Top 10 finish in the Senior Reining division. This accomplishment put her over the $100,000 mark in earnings, making her only the 30th mare in NRHA history to have earned over $100,000. For this feat, A Ruf Gal earned the 2013 USA Reining Horse of the Year title.

For her outstanding results in 2013, A Ruf Gal earned the 2013 USA Reining Horse of the Year title. Additionally, with her accomplishments this year, she became only the 30th mare to earn over $100,000 in NRHA, AQHA, and FEI/USEF competitions.

During her competitive career, A Ruf Gal has truly proven herself as a talented athlete, delivering consistent performances, achieving impressive results, and always willing to give her all.