Since 1970, Al Dunning has owned and operated Almosta Ranch, a Quarter Horse training facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In 2004 Al was the recipient of the Monty Roberts Equitarian Award, in 2003 he received the Zane Schulte NCHA Trainer of the Year Award and in 1996, Al was named American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman of the Year. In 2005 Al received the "Spirit of Community Award" from the Scottsdale Charros for his contribution to an innovative horse program for children called "Horsesense".
Al Dunning and his students have garnered 21 World titles, including 9 AQHA World champions, 9 AQHA Reserve World Champions, 7 AQHA Amateur World Titles, 500 Arizona Year End champions, 3 AJQHA World Champions, and 11 All-American Congress Winners. Al also placed in the 2001 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman contest.
In addition, Al has won the 1980 NRHA Open World Championship and non pro Matt Kimes won the 1996NRHA Derby Non Pro Championship. In 1984 he won the Tropicana Cutting Futurity Championship, 1986PCCHA Derby Championship, 1988 Las Vegas Classic/Challenge Championship, 1991 NCHA World Champion Open Gelding, 2002 NRCHA Open Bridle Horse Champion at the S.B.F., and many other major show championships.
Al Dunning has served as a leader for the local and national horse industry for over 30 years. He is one of the founding members of the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association and Charter President, and was a youth advisor for 10 years. Al has been on the Board of Directors since 1975, he was Chairman of the Drug committee, and has served as President of the AZQHA. Al also served on the USET formation committee for Reining as an Olympic sport. With the AQHA, Al is a Director at Large, served on the Show Committee for 17 years. He has served as Chairman of the Show Committee from 1997-99, Western Sub-Committee Chairman, served on the Hall of Fame Committee, and Nomination Credentials Committee. Al was President of the Arizona Cutting Horse Association. He has also served on Nominations, Limited Age Events and Rules Committees of the National Cutting Horse Association, and was National Director for the NCHA. Al served on the American Horse Show Association Stock Seat Committee for 5 years. Currently he serves on the National Reined Cow Horse Association and AQHA judges committee.
In Print: Articles written by Al Dunning have been featured in Quarter Horse Journal, Western Horsemen Magazine, Performance Horse Magazine, Horsemen, Horse and Rider, Western Outfitter, Performance Horsemen, Arizona Horse Connection, Eastern/Western Journal and more.
On Film: Al Dunning has participated in six educational and promotional films for AQHA.
An Author: He is the author of REINING, "Completely Revised" Western Horseman's best-selling book.
Videos: Six essential instructional videos on cutting, reining, riders guide, advancing to the hackamore and fundamental training of the young horse have been produced by Al Dunning.
Al and Becky Dunning have been married since 1971. Becky is a nationally known horse show announcer. They have two children, McKenzie and Grady. AQHA World Championships: 1976 Jr. Western Riding - Mista Bull 1976 Sr. Working Cowhorse - Expensive Hobby 1978 Western Riding - Bucket O Moonbeams 1979 Sr. Working Cowhorse - Expensive Hobby 1979 Sr. Reining Cowhorse - Expensive Hobby 1984 Sr. Cutting - Sanacee 1986 Sr. Cutting - Montana Suzanna 1988 Sr. Cutting - More Oats Please 1999 Sr. Cutting - Acres Blueberry Hill
