Rick Adkins
Richard “Rick” E. Adkins, Jr. was born August 1, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. Following his father’s military service, his family relocated to Osmond, Nebraska, He graduated from Osmond High School and then attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Business and a master’s degree in Agronomy. While in college, he met Joan Skinner, whom he married on June 5, 1966.
Rick began his career as a Nebraska County Extension Agent, working with youth and livestock programs before transitioning into banking in 1970. He joined Geneva State Bank and later moved his family to Laurel following the acquisition of Security National Bank. After the unexpected passing of his father, Rick assumed the roles of CEO and President in 1980. He served as President of the Nebraska Bankers Association from 1999–2000. He retired in 2015 as CEO and President of Security Bank and continued to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Rick’s involvement in the American Quarter Horse industry began when his daughter Megan started showing. He served as Nebraska Quarter Horse Youth Association Leader and was recognized as the AQHA National Outstanding Youth Leader in 1998. By the late 1990s, Rick had become an accomplished exhibitor. He achieved significant success with horses including Texana Leaguer, Classic Deesire, Huntin An Invitation, Maintenance Man, KM Best of Brandy, and Shake It Up.
Among his many accomplishments, Rick won the AQHA World Select Championship, was named National High Point Select Trail Rider by the National Snaffle Bit Association in 2012 and the American Quarter Horse Association in 2013. He was also the 2014 All American Quarter Horse Congress Select Trail Champion and a recipient of the prestigious Gene Graves Super Select Award at the AQHA World Show. His contributions extended beyond the show arena, as he served multiple terms as President of the Nebraska Quarter Horse Association, elected an AQHA National Director in 2010 and elevated to Director Emeritus in 2020.
Above all, Rick’s greatest pride was his family. He and Joan raised four daughters, Sara, Amy, Betsy, and Megan, and cherished their grandchildren, Sam, Ben, and Claire. Rick was a constant presence in their lives, supporting their academic, athletic, and personal pursuits.
Richard “Rick” E. Adkins, Jr. passed away on November 29, 2025. His legacy lives on through his dedication to family, community, and the American Quarter Horse industry.
Deck of Stars
What started as a “whim” became a life-long partnership and association with one of AQHA’s most influential stallions.
Judy Pryor purchased a little mare named Just Esprit, at a sale in the mid-1980’s. Judy bought the horse, “on a whim” and didn’t pay a lot of money for her, but the two went on to have a very successful career in the western pleasure events which included placings at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and the AQHA World Show. Just Esprit was sired by Deck Of Stars and because of her talent and demeanor, Judy bought more horses sired by Deck.
Deck Of Stars was foaled in 1977 and was sired by Skipa Star and out of Opal Deck. His pedigree includes AQHA Hall of Famers, Skipper W, Plaudit, Top Deck, Leo, Three Bars and Joe Reed II. Ray Walker, Houston, TX., is recorded as his breeder. In 1992 Deck Of Stars became available for sale and Judy purchased the big sorrel stallion. She credits him for starting the very successful Pryor Ranch breeding business. In the first year Judy owned him, they bred 49 mares. (This was before the advanced breeding practices of today).
Judy knew he would be a great sire that could produce beautiful halter horses that could also earn performance points. “He was so good in his top-line and withers. His babies used their shoulders so well and were ahead of their time in how they carried themselves.” Judy remarked.
Deck Of Stars was a Superior Halter horse, with 36 wins in 48 shows, 15 Grand Champions and nine Reserve Champions. His progeny have earned over 1500 AQHA halter points, over 18,000 AQHA performance points, 275 Register of Merit awards, 82 Superior awards, 18 AQHA Champions, and over $225,000 to date.
He produced the sires, Duplicated Deck, BMQ Legacy and The Epitome; all of which produced winners themselves. He also sired Palomino Horse Breeders of America Leading Sire, The Golden Deck. Some of his other point winning offspring include, PR Deck Dot Com, Deck Can Do A Star, All Star Edition, Ocean Magic, A Star In Space and Decks Mr Chant.