The ‘not so’ Little Buckeye 2025 - The Ohio Amateur group is hard at work as preparations for the 2025 Little Buckeye are well underway. We’re thrilled to return to Garwood Arena from July 10-13. With ongoing improvements—including a brand-new indoor arena—exhibitors are sure to love the facility even more. The showbill is available on our website and through An Equine Production’s website. We’re proud to continue hosting an exhibitor-focused show with great prizes, clinics, free arena photos, exhibitors meals and more!
Key Dates:
• April 1 – Stalls go live
• April 15 – Camping reservations open
• June 1 – Stall counts due
Stay updated by following the Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association Facebook page for more details.
Amateur Engagement Stipend - OAQHA is continuing the Amateur Engagement Stipend for 2025. Any OQHA amateur member is eligible to participate by:
• Attending two board meetings via Zoom
• Volunteering 4 hours at either the Little Buckeye or the Pancake Breakfast Incentives:
• Complete requirements by August 15 – Receive a Congress parking pass or $50 stipend
• Complete requirements after August 15 – Receive a $50 stipend
OAQHA Board Meetings - Board meetings are open to all OQHA members of amateur status and are held on the fourth Monday of each month (unless otherwise noted). The Zoom link is available on our website at www.oaqha.com.
2025 OQHYA Officers:
Colton Smith - President
Isabella Hamilton - Vice President
Meghan Kaser - Secretary
Kambrie Atkins - Treasurer
Emily Craft - Reporter
2025 OQHYA Directors:
Morgan Adkins Molly Mullady
Cheyenne Brand Kaylee Olds
Caden Craft Allie Paul
Callie Davenport Kennedy Rospert
Olivia DeFranco Juliah Studer
Stella Dorsey Gwen Toth
Morgan Merrill Adrianna Weygandt
OQHYA Advisor: Tammi Smith loganwesternsupply@yahoo.com 918-534-7770
OQHA Annual Meetings & Awards Banquet
It was an 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 surpassed 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. 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.
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 EOQHA, NOQHA, and SOQHA. 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. Madison and Sidney were also on-hand to crown the 2025 Ohio Quarter Horse Association Queen, Morgan Adkins.
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 OQHA champion saddles.
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.
Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association Mid-Ohio Dressage Association
Everyone is looking forward to spring and show season! Our list of approved shows are as follows:
May 23-25: Spring Extravaganza, Findlay Western Farm, Findlay
May 26: Level 1 Show, Findlay Western Farm, Findlay
May 31-June 1: Fulton County Saddle Club, Fulton County Fairgrounds, Wauseon
June 6-8: OMIQHA Summer Sensation, Garwood Arena, Columbiana
June 11-15: Six Pack Circuit, Findlay Western Farm, Findlay
July 10-13: The Little Buckeye, Garwood Arena, Columbiana
July 18-20: BWHA Classic, Findlay Western Farm, Findlay
August 22-24: Fall Extravaganza, Garwood Arena, Columbiana
Congratulations to our 2025 NOQHA Queen, Addison Schliesser. Addison lives in Bowling Green, Ohio and is a student at the University of Findlay with a double major in Business Management and Western Equine Studies. She competes in AQHA all-around events and is actively involved both on and off campus.
Check out www.noqha.com for all things Northern Ohio Quarter Horse; Sponsors, Youth, Scholarships, Shows, and much more. As always stay in touch with Facebook and Instagram.
Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association
We want to thank all the exhibitors who joined us for the 2025 Challenge and we look forward to seeing you at the Pre-Madness May 1-4 and The Madness May 6-11.
We are also pleased to share that SOQHYA NYATT and year end award participation is now open to out of state youth! For membership information, please go to SOQHA.com.
OQHA Queen - Morgan Adkins
Hello, I am Morgan Adkins! I’m currently 18 years old and employed at OhioHealth. Born and raised in Shelby, Ohio, I began riding at three years old. At six, I started participating in 4-H, which led to my increasing involvement in the Quarter Horse world. Since the age of 14, I have competed with OQHA; focusing on the all-around events under the guidance of Missy Thyfault.
I am honored to serve as the 2025 Ohio Quarter Horse Association Queen. I hope that I inspire young girls to compete for the crown one day & to always be kind!
I would like to give a huge thank you to SonderAvenue for sponsoring my shirts for 2025. Additionally, I am excited to announce my queens giveaway, featuring various prizes. Follow along on my social medias for more! I look forward to meeting many new individuals during my reign. I’m wishing all exhibitors the best of luck at the spring majors!
Follow Morgan’s Queen Journey on Facebook:
Based on last year’s positive response, Mid-Ohio Dressage Association (MODA) kicked off the year with another Warm-Up Challenge for all current members. Those who participated were given a log to record any time spent with their horse. This could include riding, grooming, or attending clinics and shows. Ribbons were awarded to those participants who reached 25 logged entries before the challenge closed on March 31.
An educational event will be held March 29, 2025 at the Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock) Library. Joint therapy and supplementation in the horse will be the topic presented by Dr. Maureen Kelleher, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, CVA. Doors open at 12:00pm with a light lunch provided.
MODA is proud to sponsor a Meet & Greet Event focusing on Western Dressage, featuring guest speaker Lynn Palm. This event will be held in conjunction with Lynn’s Winning Ways Show and Clinic at Hold Your Horses Stable in Ashville, Ohio on May 4, 2025 at 5:30pm. There is no cost for this event, however registration is required. Food and beverages will be available.
Show season is just around the corner, and we kick things off with a schooling show held at Duncan Run Farm on April 5. Please note that our June and September shows are AQHA Special Events, where points may be earned! Prize lists will be posted on the show secretary website: www.showsecretary.com/razor.
Information for all of these exciting events can be found on our website or Facebook page! www.midohiodressage.com www.facebook.com/MidOhioDressageAssociation
The showbill for the 2025 Buckeye Reining Spectacular can now be found online at www.buckeyereiningseries.com. Join us in Springfield at the Champions Center, May 28 - June 1!
This year’s show will feature a number of exciting perks, including:
Michigan Indiana Quarter Horse Association
As we eagerly count down the days to spring, we’re also looking forward to The Warm-Up Show! Mark your calendars for the weekend of March 21–23 at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio. Our dedicated team of directors is working hard to ensure a fantastic event with exciting prizes, an unforgettable show experience, and, of course, donuts every morning.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, attendees can enjoy a variety of treats, including a pizza party, sub night, coffee and juice with donuts, and a lively exhibitor party. And don’t miss out on the always-fun egg toss!
We’re also excited to announce that our 2024 Queen, Riata Rouch, will be crowning the 2025 Queen on Friday, March 21st. Riata has done an incredible job representing our association and the AQHA industry during her reign. Thank you, Riata, for your outstanding dedication and leadership!
Looking ahead, the Summer SunSation Show is scheduled for June 6–8, 2025, at Garwood Arena in Columbiana, Ohio. We’re thrilled about another memorable show season and can’t wait to see all of you there.
• Over $100,000 in added money to the NRHA and jackpot ranch classes
• AQHA reining classes
• AQHA ranch riding, working western rail, and ranch trail classes
• NRHA Derby, Stakes, and Maturity classes
• Youth and Green Reiner entry fees are FREE
• Entertainment and food is complimentary to exhibitors
• Youth parties
We’re excited for a fun-filled summer in Mt Trail! If you love spending time with your horse but aren’t ready for high-stakes competition, this is the perfect place for you. Our low-key, enjoyable events are designed to strengthen the bond between you and your horse. Meet fellow horse enthusiasts who share your goals! With a friendly atmosphere that encourages camaraderie, a competitive edge, and support for all ages, breeds, and disciplines, everyone is welcome. Don’t worry about being the “new guy”—this is a place where everyone lends a helping hand. Test your skills with In-Hand and Riding Classes; both are encouraged but not required. Plus, you can work toward yearend awards with OQHA in the Adult and Youth Divisions! To qualify, simply attend a minimum of five out of the six shows. For more information, visit OQHA.com and CreeksideHorsePark.com. We look forward to seeing you there!