With OQHA, You're Family
It was another incredible year for OQHA members and their families at the 2025 OQHA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.
Held at the Hilton Downtown Columbus on Saturday, February 8, the attendance numbers shattered association records with over 530 people in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of exhibitors!
The Ohio Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors began the day with their annual meeting, reviewing 2024 and recognizing the service of the board members, past presidents, and honorary directors. The AQHA Most Valuable Professional award, an achievement voted on by Ohio directors, was awarded to Lynne Puthoff of West Milton, Ohio. Closing the meeting, the new board of directors and leadership team were installed to continue furthering the mission of the association in the new year.
View the 2025 Ohio Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors here.
The Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association and Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association also met to discuss their past year and install their new board of directors.
View the 2025 Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors here.
View the 2025 Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association Board of Directors here.
Following the conclusion of the annual meetings, attendees gathered at the Affiliate Social Hour to mix, mingle, and pick up their year-end prizes from Eastern Ohio Quarter Horse Association, Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association, and Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association. Beth Himes also attended to share the services available for Ohio members through the association’s corporate partner Markel Insurance.
The Awards Banquet kicked off with a plated dinner at 6pm, before moving into the evening program. Hosted by co-emcees Madison Heilveil, 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen, and Sidney Hawk, 2024 Ohio Quarter Horse Association Queen, attendees heard remarks from outgoing OQHA President George Seanor, outgoing OAQHA President Heather Duer and incoming President Michelle Ceschan, and OQHYA President Colton Smith. President George Seanor awarded the annual President’s Award to Russ Faulhaber and Jeff Gore. President Colton Smith, on behalf of OQHYA, awarded the Youth Sportsmanship Award to Caden Craft.
The Association also recognized George Seanor for his service over the last two years as president of the organization.
Ohio Quarter Horse Association would also like to thank special guests: Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge; Columbus Chamber of Commerce CEO and Director Derrick Clay; and Miguel Aguilar, designer of the 11 custom awards saddles.
Madison and Sidney were also on-hand to crown the 2025 Ohio Quarter Horse Association Queen, Morgan Adkins. Morgan will represent OQHA at affiliate shows, the AQHA Level 1 East Championships, the AQHYA World Show, the 2025 Congress Queen Contest, and various other association and equine events.
The night ended with an awards presentation that saw over $125,000 in prizes given to 2024 year-end winners!
Thank you to everyone who made the evening a spectacular event, and we look forward to highlighting your achievements at the 2026 OQHA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, scheduled for February 7, 2026.
