Youth

The Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association finished strong in Oklahoma City at this year’s AQHYA World Championship show! It was a big year for Ohio, and OQHYA sent 44 youth exhibitors and 61 horses. Ohio youth brought home a total of:             11  CHAMPION Titles             9 RESERVE CHAMPION Titles             8 BRONZE CHAMPION Titles             11 Top Five  Placings             37 Top Ten  Placings             57 Finalist Placings Here’s the breakdown:   Isabella D’Onofrio and IF IT AINT SOUTHERN:             WORLD CHAMPION: L3 Performance Geldings     Isabella D’Onofrio and WHATA MOONLITE RIDE:              RESERVE 14-18 ALL AROUND             WORLD CHAMPION: L3 Hunt Seat Equitation 14-18             RESERVE

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

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

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

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