Ozark Quarter Horse Association Promotes American Quarter Horses in Arkansas and Missouri

Introduction to the Ozark Quarter Horse Association

The Ozark Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the American Quarter Horse breed in the Ozark region. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the OQHA has become a pillar in the Ozarks' equine community and continues to connect quarter horse enthusiasts through various events, programs, and services.

History of the OQHA

The OQHA was founded in 1972 by a group of quarter horse breeders and owners in the Ozarks who saw the need for an association focused solely on the popular breed in their region. Some of the founding members included Bill and Mary Lou Wahl, who ran a successful quarter horse operation near Springfield, Missouri.

In those early days, the OQHA held small horse shows, trail rides, and educational events to generate interest in quarter horses. As membership grew over the years, so did the OQHA's offerings. More shows were added, and in the 1980s, the association started hosting multiple-day quarter horse shows that attracted top exhibitors from surrounding states.

Today, the OQHA sanctions over 20 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) approved horse shows annually throughout Arkansas and Missouri. The nonprofit's signature event is the Fall Classic Quarter Horse Show, which takes place every September at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO.

Promoting and Preserving the Breed

As part of its mission, the OQHA works to preserve the integrity and promote the welfare of the quarter horse breed. The association offers educational programs, showcases top Ozark quarter horses, and connects members to breeders and trainers in the region.

The OQHA is dedicated to upholding the AQHA's rules and regulations. Only registered American Quarter Horses are eligible to participate in OQHA-sanctioned events and programs. By emphasizing proper registration and pedigree, the OQHA helps maintain the reputation and bloodlines of the breed.

Youth activities are a major focus, as the OQHA aims to pass on a love and appreciation of quarter horses to the next generation. The association sponsors regional events just for youth riders and hosts educational seminars on topics like grooming, training, and showing.

OQHA Programs and Activities

Members of the OQHA can take advantage of an array of programs and events catered to quarter horse enthusiasts in the Ozarks, including:

• AQHA-Sanctioned Horse Shows - The OQHA puts on over 20 AQHA-approved quarter horse shows annually, with classes in halter, english, western pleasure, reining, cutting, and more.
• Trail Rides - The association hosts guided trail rides at locations throughout the Ozarks region several times a year.
• Year-End Awards - At the end of each show season, the OQHA honors top quarter horses and exhibitors in each class competing at OQHA events.
• Fall Classic Show - The OQHA's premier event featuring halter, performance, and speed classes over several days in September.
• Educational Events - Seminars and demonstrations are held on topics like training, grooming, equine health, showing, and ranch work.
• Youth Activities - Youth members can get involved through shows, clinics, contests, scholarships, and networking events.
• Stallion Auction - Top quarter horse stallions stand at stud in the annual OQHA stallion auction.

Members also receive the OQHA's quarterly newsletter with association news, show results, training tips, and quarter horse highlights. The OQHA website and social media pages help keep members up to date year-round.

Membership Benefits

Horse owners and enthusiasts in the Ozarks who join the OQHA can take advantage of many member benefits, including:

• Discount show entries at all OQHA-approved events
• Eligibility for yearly high-point and year-end class awards
• Access to the online show points and standings system
• A vote in OQHA elections and rule changes
• Discounted rates on stall rentals at shows
• Subscriptions to the quarterly newsletter
• Access to classified ads section on OQHA website
• Invitations to member trail rides and networking events

Members also gain the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting Ozark quarter horse events, youth programs, breed preservation efforts, and equine legislation lobbying through their dues.

The Ozark Quarter Horse

American Quarter Horses bred and raised in the Ozarks have some unique characteristics that have been shaped by the region's environment and ranching traditions.

Ozark quar

FAQs

What is the Ozark Quarter Horse Association?

The Ozark Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the American Quarter Horse breed in Arkansas, Missouri, and surrounding states. Founded in 1972, the OQHA sanctions AQHA-approved horse shows, hosts educational events, and offers programs catered to quarter horse owners and enthusiasts in the Ozarks.

What types of events does the OQHA host?

The OQHA puts on over 20 AQHA-sanctioned quarter horse shows each year throughout the Ozarks. Shows feature halter, english, western, speed, ranch horse, and versatility classes. The association also organizes trail rides, educational seminars, youth clinics, award banquets, and other member events.

How can I become an OQHA member?

Horse enthusiasts can join the OQHA by filling out a membership form and paying annual dues. Membership levels offered include individual, family, and youth. OQHA members get discounts on show entries, access to year-end class awards programs, and other benefits.

What is the OQHA Fall Classic Show?

The Fall Classic is the OQHA's premiere quarter horse show held each September at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, MO. This multiple-day event attracts top quarter horses and exhibitors vying for class wins and year-end high point awards.

How can I get involved with OQHA youth programs?

The OQHA offers many youth activities including reduced membership rates, clinics, scholarships, contests, and a points program for year-end awards. Youth must be 18 or under as of January 1 to participate in youth classes and activities.