On Thursday, September 20, Priefert Ranch received a Merit Award from the Titus County Historical Commission (TCHC) in recognition of having been home to Goliath and Radar, back-to-back Guinness World Record Title Holders for Tallest Living Horse.
Steve Austin of the TCHC presented the award to Bill Priefert and family. Several employees were present for the ceremony, including Charles and Guilda Woods, who traveled with both horses during their time as record holders. A plaque acknowledging the award will be on permanent display at the ranch entrance, near the memorials for each horse.
The ceremony was opened with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Austin then spoke about the horses, the Priefert family, and the significance of the Merit Award before making the presentation. Each horse received an Award of Merit, with Marker #008 in honor of Goliath and Marker #009 in honor of Radar. Bill Priefert closed the ceremony with comments of his own regarding the horses, along with an expression of sincere thanks to Mr. Austin and a deep appreciation of the TCHC and their work.
Goliath, a Percheron gelding who stood 19.1 hands high, held the record for Tallest Living Horse from 2003-2005. Radar, a Belgian gelding, took the record in 2006. Radar stood over 19.3 hands high and held the title through 2009. Both horses were owned by the Priefert family during their time as title holders and lived out their days peacefully on Priefert Ranch. Goliath and Radar are fondly remembered as true gentle giants by all who knew them. Today, they are buried near the ranch entrance, with individual monuments marking their final resting places.
The purpose of the Titus County Historical Commission Merit Award is to further public awareness and education about the historical significance of a person, place, or thin, within Titus County. TCHC Markers are also designed to aid in the preservation of our local history and heritage by providing a visual symbol that there is historic significance relating to the location of the TCHC Marker.
Priefert is one of the largest ranch and rodeo equipment manufacturers in the world. Founded by Marvin Priefert in 1964 and located in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Priefert is considered the leading innovator in the livestock handling industry. With over 200 acres dedicated to manufacturing and over 1000 employees, Priefert is recognized as having the highest quality equipment on the market and is proud to have its products used and endorsed by the top cattle, equine, rodeo and roping organizations in the country. Now in its third generation of leadership, Priefert is still family owned and operated.
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