Dr. Charles W. Graham, was recognized Saturday, March 7, for his contributions to the equine industry with an induction into the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame. The ceremony was a part of the AQHA conference held this past weekend in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Graham, a Texas A&M former student and Aggie veterinarian, was a key player in the passage of pari-mutuel legislation for Texas. Dr. Graham is also the only person to have ever been elected as both the president of the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas Thoroughbred Association.

Dr. Graham has owned and operated Southwest Stallion Station in Elgin, Texas for 40 years and has built the operation into one of the most prominent breeding facilities in the Southwest for both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds.

Dr. Graham is also the owner of Graham Land & Cattle Company, Sunset Livestock Carrier's Inc., and Wills Prairie Livestock Auction

“The success of a college can be judged by the success of its graduates,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “We thank Dr. Graham for making Texas A&M so successful. We are very proud of his accomplishments, and his lifetime of achievement.”

Graham has served as leader in not only the equine industry, but also in his community and his profession. While serving on numerous boards and committees, Graham has been named Most Worthy Citizen by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce and received the Distinguished Alumni award from Texas A&M University where he completed degrees in Animal Husbandry and Animal Science. After serving in the United States Army, Graham returned to Texas A&M where he received his DVM degree from in 1961.

The Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo recognized Dr. Graham’s contributions by honoring him with the naming of the Charles W. Graham Western Heritage Center. In addition, he was honored with a Senate Concurrent Resolution by Senator Ken Armbrister and Representative Robert Saunders during the 70th Legislature of the State of Texas.

Dr. Graham has also been inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame (2002) and has served on its Board of Directors and as an Executive Board Member. In 2008, Graham was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

“I am honored to have been selected for induction into the AQHA Hall of Fame,” said Graham. “This is the icing on the cake for a tall, skinny boy that came from Thorndale, Texas. I promised my mother when I left Thorndale that I would amount to something, and I believe I've kept my promise. The love of the horse has been the common thread that has brought me to the dance, or so to speak. I have loved working for the horse owners and sharing my passion for the livestock industry as a whole. My blood runs maroon for the Fighting Texas Aggies and the lessons I learned while I was in College Station prepared me to be a leader, to stay involved and speak my voice for what is right whether it be in family, community or the industry where I've earned my living. This honor is the reward for many, many long days and nights keeping my hands to the plow. I think any student that holds a spot at Texas A&M University has the potential to become a Hall of Famer, as well.”
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