Ohio Hosts 4 of AQHA’s Top 10 Shows for 2022
Image courtesy AQHA
By Delores Kuhlwein
As the AQHA industry is celebrating the release of the list of the Top 10 AQHA Shows, the AQHA affiliates in Ohio are doing a little happy dance of their own.
Four of the 10 shows listed are shows in Ohio, including #1 – the All American Quarter Horse Congress; #5 – SOQHA The Madness; #7 – SOQHA Pre Madness; and #10 – The Little Buckeye.
Though it can be reasoned that the success of the Ohio affiliate shows has a lot to do with a concentration of high level exhibitors and trainers, Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association President Heather Duer says there’s even more to it.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress came out on top as the #1 show overall of 2022.
“Success breeds success,” she says. “For each new offering that one organization brings to the table, the other Ohio organizations now have to offer that.”
Duer reveals that each affiliate organization offers equally nice year-end awards, which help drive exhibitors to as many shows as possible for each organization. OQHA, for example, also offers a very nice end of the year banquet, which also serves as a big motivation for participation. (See their press release about their largest banquet in history in 2023: https://www.oqha.com/oqha-news/oqha-celebrates-largest-banquet-in-history).
She explains their commitment to being better each year is another factor. “Each year the Ohio show teams evaluate what made their shows and other shows across the country successful and what exhibitors want to experience.”
Additionally of note as an example of the strength of the Ohio affiliates: “The little Buckeye is the only ‘weekend’ horseshow that makes the list and it’s run by the Ohio amateurs,” Duer adds.
Last but not least, she says, “I would also be remiss if I did not mention the excellent show management that partners with the hosting organization to put on both a great show and great experience for the Exhibitor outside of the arena.”
Justin Billings, Executive Vice President of Operations of OQHA, has this to say: “I am partial, but I do believe Ohio is the best state for showing Quarter Horses. I’d say there are a few primary reasons why. Our region is dense with many quarter horse owners and there are several facilities within only a few hours drive for most. Mix that with some very active affiliate organizations who give back and consistently produce exhibitor friendly events and you have a recipe for success!”
Congratulations to the Ohio affiliates on your success, as well as every horse show that made the Top 10! Way to drive the industry!
