OQHA News

With perfect weather, a beautiful course, and a worthy cause, the 4th annual  Congress Cup charity golf outing was one for the books as participants "Battled for the Buckle." Organized by the Ohio Quarter Horse Foundation and held at  Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club in Sunbury, Ohio, the event not only provided a world-class experience, but also served as a means to generate funds for the annual Foundation scholarships. Rattlesnake Ridge provided the ideal backdrop for the day; a private course, renowned for its gorgeous landscapes and exceptional amenities. The outing saw a total of 20 registered teams and generous sponsorship support, both setting new records for the Congress Cup.  OQHF also welcomed special

OQHA members escaped the heat last week at IronGate Equestrian Center for the annual summer picnic. Held Monday, June 17, the picnic was once again a favorite event for members and their families, with well over 100 guests in attendance. Sharing good food and fellowship, the summer event provided an opportunity for folks to get out of the summer heat but still enjoy time with friends. After dinner, the Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association met and discussed their plans for the rest of the summer, including their upcoming trips to the YES Conference in Amarillo, Texas, and the AQHYA World Show in Oklahoma City, Okla. Youth members also held the drawing for their annual fundraiser; this year they held a raffle and raised

The 17th annual Ohio Quarter Horse Association Trail Ride took place on Saturday, June 15, at Creek Side Horse Park in Waynesburg, Ohio. This year’s event was a success, drawing over 1,000 entries and setting a new attendance record. Participants enjoyed a combination of trail ride and Mt Trail Challenge, exploring Ohio woodlands through guided and self-guided rides. Following the day’s activities, attendees gathered for meals, live music, and both silent and live auctions. OQHA CEO Justin Billings, OQHA Director Todd Salome, and OQHA Queen Sidney Hawk were present to support the event and assist with the awards ceremony. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of OQHA Honorary Director William "Bill" Flarida. Bill was not only a respected figure within the Association, but was also a cherished family man, known for his unwavering love of his wife of 70+ years, Betty, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bill joined the OQHA Board of Directors in 1994 and was named an Honorary Director in 2018. He served 6 years on the OQHA Executive Committee, and he and his wife Betty were avid supporters of the youth association for over 20 years. Bill was the start of the Flarida family reining tradition, and he passed the love of the American Quarter Horse and the sport of reining to his sons and grandchildren. He was

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we share the passing of a true legend, OQHA Past President and AAQHC Hall of Fame member Skip Salome Albert “Skip” Salome, of Newark, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Skip was not just a familiar face at the Quarter Horse Congress; he was an integral part of its success for countless years. Having been involved with the Congress since its inception in 1967, Skip served on every OQHA committee and held every position possible, including Association President from 1993-1994, 2005-2006, and 2009-2010. Skip was also a Congress Tri-Chairman for many years, and was inducted into the Congress Hall of Fame in 2008. Skip’s presence at the Congress and within OQHA was

Thank you to the OQHA Family for an unforgettable 2024 Banquet! Held at the Hilton Downtown Columbus on Saturday, February 3, the OQHA Annual Meetings and Awards Banquet was the most well-attended in association history. The Ohio Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors started the day with their annual meeting to review 2023 and plan for the new year, as well as install the newly elected and appointed directors. The AQHA Most Valuable Professional award was presented to Art O'Brien, voted on by his OQHA peers. The Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association and the Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association also met and discussed their year, as well as installed their new directors and officers. Following the conclusion

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of OQHA Honorary Director Wayne Erwin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family during this challenging time. Wayne's legacy is marked by his positive impact on our organization and his unwavering love for his family. Wayne was a mainstay at the Congress and enjoyed sharing countless stories.  Wayne M. Erwin, 86, of Bucyrus passed away on Saturday January 20, 2024 at Altercare of Bucyrus.  Wayne was born October 19, 1937 in Bucyrus to the late Dallas and Margaret (Painter) Erwin.  He was married January 17, 1997 to Lisa (Will) Erwin who survives.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nephew Brett Erwin. Wayne is also survived by children

It is with heavy hearts that the Ohio Quarter Horse Association announces the passing of Alan R. Potts of Coschocton, on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Alan was born in Morgan County, Ohio on November 11, 1934 to the late Charles Elmer and Jessie (Fitch) Potts. He was a 1952 graduate of Pennsville High School and worked at Malta Manufacturing in Malta, Ohio before moving to Coschocton. He was employed at General Electric for 39 years and retired from there in 1995. Alan was a very accomplished horseman, beginning in his childhood. His first horse, Vicky, was a paint horse in the 1940s and the first 4-H horse project in Morgan County. He learned to rope from his brother, which led to him competing and eventually training

On Wednesday, October 4, Capitol Square got a taste of western culture when the All American Quarter Horse Congress paid a visit to the Ohio Statehouse, bringing four American Quarter Horses to the steps of the President William McKinley monument.  A press conference was held, featuring remarks from Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, and Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) CEO Dr. Scott Myers. Also in attendance were NBC4 anchor Monica Day, Ohio Expo Center General Manager Virgil Strickler and Assistant General Manager Alicia Shoults, OQHA Executive Vice President of Operations Justin Billings, OQHA President