AQHA/APHA World Champion, Judge, Trainer Randy Wilson Joins University of Findlay as “Expert In Residence”
University of Findlay
by: Barb Lockard
Randy R. Wilson ‘83 will join the University of Findlay Western Equestrian Program this fall, as an “Expert in Residence.” Wilson is a National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Hall of Famer and a five-time winner of American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World and Reserve World Championships.
“We are delighted to welcome Randy back to the University of Findlay and we know that he will be a tremendous addition to our Western Equestrian Program,” said Darin Fields, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. Wilson holds an Associate of Arts in Equestrian Studies from UF.
Operating Randy Wilson Quarter Horses, a training facility in Zanesville, Ohio, since 1986, Wilson has more than 30 years’ experience training horses for western pleasure, hunter under saddle, all-around and reining. He’ll work collaboratively with the western equestrian faculty, training students in western pleasure and other disciplines. According to Fields, Wilson will also serve as an “ambassador for our program across the many events he attends each year.” Employed by Clark Bradley Quarter Horses from 1981-86, Wilson has also been a riding instructor at Ohio University, Zanesville Campus.
Having served as a judge at World Championships for the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA), NSBA and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), Wilson also serves on the NSBA and Ohio Quarter Horse Association Boards of Directors and the NSBA Judges Committee.
Wilson stated that he has always been inspired by the dedicated teachers and trainers who encouraged him while an undergraduate at UF.
“They gave me the opportunity to intern and ride with some of the leading professionals in the industry,” he added. “Now, with over 30 years of tested experience, I am able to give back by helping incoming students learn the industry as it was taught to me.”
The University of Findlay has one of the top equestrian studies programs in the nation and has set the standard for excellence in western equestrian studies for more than 30 years. The Western Farm and Dr. C. Richard Beckett Animal Science Facility are located on 72 acres, south of the UF main campus at 14700 State Route 68. For more information on the program, contact the University of Findlay Admissions Office at admissions@findlay.edu or 419-434-4732.
