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Year Inducted: 2005
Home State: TX
Ann Lowdon Call’s love and appreciation for horses and western culture began back in the early days of her childhood. Playing cowboys and Indians with friends developed the cowgirl spirit that still remains today in this top American Quarter Horse Association competitor.
Her very first horse was Tex, a black part-Shetland that her grandparents gave her. She loved to ride that horse. She would even sneak leftover hot dogs out to him after finishing her dinner. The relationship she developed with Tex sparked a love for horses and competition that has taken Ann to the height of equine sports.
Ann bought her first AQHA registered horse shortly after she returned to Fort Worth from Utah. She met her husband Rodger there while teaching physical education at Brigham Young University. They returned to Fort Worth to be closer to family and have made it a home for them and their two children, Katri and Rob. But despite her deep love for family, Ann is serious when it comes to horses. She was once quoted saying, “Let’s put it this way, you can criticize me, my husband and even the children. But don’t ever criticize my horses.”
Ann made horse showing a family affair. The family started showing professionally with Mac, a palomino. With a 4 to 1 ratio, the family would get into heated discussions about who exactly got to show Mac in what classes. They started showing Palominos in 1985 and Ann won the High Point Amateur Award at the Palomino World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1986 – just one year after she started showing professionally.
Mac was just the beginning. Since then, Ann has won numerous titles and awards and remains at the top of her class. In light of physical challenges, Ann continues to compete. She lost both her legs to illness but the pleasure driving class keeps her in the driver’s seat and not on the sidelines. She has won the AQHA Reserve Championship almost every year since 1998 and she won the World Select in 2005. Her competitive spirit and drive for excellence keeps her going. We gladly welcome Ann Lowdon Call, a cowgirl full of strength, courage and resolve.
