FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER /21


Ontario Quarter Horse Association Inc. 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS


President 1st Vice 2nd Vice Treasurer Secretary Past Pres.


Jenna Woodley Val Love


Katie Thompson Carrie Farr Val Love


Katie Thompson www.oqha.on.ca • info@oqha.on.ca Affiliate A Night to Remember: The Ontario


Quarter Horse Collaborative Awards Banquet Kicks Off 2026 Excitement


was the Awards Ceremony—an op- portunity to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our incredible competitors and supporters. Adding a special touch of nostalgia, printed programs made a welcomed return, reminding many of awards nights past while blending seamlessly with the fresh, fun atmosphere of the


moment guests arrived. With full ta- bles, a delicious buffet dinner enjoyed by all, and a silent auction spanning six jam-packed tables, there was no shortage of excitement. From must- have items to friendly bidding wars, the auction alone kept the energy high throughout the evening. Of course, the heart of the night


Quarter Horse community gathered for a night we’re confident will be talked about well into the 2026 show season—and beyond. The Ontario Quarter Horse Collaborative Awards Banquet, featuring the Ontario Quarter Horse Association (OQHA), Area 2 Promotional Club, and Area 3 Promo- tional Club, delivered an evening full of celebration, connection, and unfor- gettable moments. The room was buzzing from the


On January 24th, the Ontario


night couldn’t get any more entertain- ing, a fan-favourite made its way into the program—musical chairs! Bor- rowed from the fun and creativity showcased at this year’s Provincial Championship, the game brought laughter, cheers, and a reminder that our community knows how to cele- brate together. Many arrived excited, and every-


evening. And just when guests thought the


one left with something—whether it was an award, a silent auction treas- ure, a laugh shared with friends, or simply renewed enthusiasm for the season ahead. Most importantly, everyone left with memories and mo- mentum. We would like to extend a heart-


Kick Off | Ancaster, ON • May 28–31, 2026 – Area 1 Summer Circuit | Ilderton, ON • June 26–29, 2026 – Area 3 Sum- merama | Thornton, ON • July 24–26, 2026 – Weekend Round Up Open Show | Clinton, ON • September 2–6, 2026 – OQHA Sum- mer Finale | Ancaster, ON Here’s to a season filled with great horses, great people, and even greater memories.


2026 Ontario Quarter Horse Board of Directors


felt thank you to the entire OQHA community for joining us in celebra- tion. Nights like these remind us why this sport and this community are so special. We cannot wait to see every- one again as we head into an exciting 2026 show season!


2026 Show Season Dates to Remem- ber: • May 7–10, 2026 – Area 2 Spring


President: Jenna Woodley 1St Vice: Valerie Love 2nd Vice: Katie Thompson Treasurer: Carrie Farr Secretary: Valerie Love Past President: Katie Thompson


Area 1 Director: Gabrielle Bella Area 2 Director:Amber Zabel Area 3 Director: Andrew Dewar Area 4 Director: Valerie Love Area 6 Director: Penny McAlpine- Clayton


OQHA Hall of Fame - Class of 2025 OQHA Hall of Fame is


proud to announce our 2025 OQHA Hall of Fame Inductees -


Mr. Pete Hammer (Ontario - top left) and Mr. Steve Cook (On- tario botom right).


Also being inducted is “Designed By Se-


cret” - “Arnie”, (bottom left) proudly owned and dearly loved by Pete and Sharon Hammer. Although this stallion’s career was cut


short, his legacy lives on through his offspring. The list is plentiful, and the accomplishments even greater — a true testament to his lasting impact on our industry. Congratulations to all of our inductees on


this well-deserved honour! It was a privilege to celebrate this milestone with you at the OQHA Year End Awards Banquet on January 24 at the Courtyard Marriott. Thank you for your lasting contributions to OQHA and our community.


Kayla Brickus Crowned 2026 OQHA Queen A New Era of Leadership,


view, a written test and a submitted horse- manship pattern on video as part of her application to be the 2026 OQHA Queen. The coronation ceremony opened with


tion proudly welcomed Miss Kayla Brickus of Guelph, Ontario as the newly crowned 2026 OQHA Queen during the Ontario Quarter Horse Association Banquet in Burlington, Ontario on January 24th. The induction ceremony gathered members, supporters, volunteers, and an inspiring group of queen alumni, creating an evening that celebrated the past, present, and future of the OQHA. Celebrating Tradition & Community Kayla participated in a panel inter-


Horsemanship & Heart Begins… The Ontario Quarter Horse Associa-


a warm welcome and recognition of the OQHA Queen Committee led by Chair Ja- nine Domingos. The association also ac- knowledged several queen alumni in attendance, including Gabrielle Bella, Jenna Woodley, and Lindsay Allen, who continue to support and strengthen the long-standing legacy of the Queen pro- gram.


down memory lane,” celebrating the his- tory and evolution of the OQHA Queen role.


Guests enjoyed a meaningful “walk


bassador for the Ontario Quarter Horse As- sociation; a representative at the All American Quarter Horse Congress Queen Contest; a role model promoting horseman- ship, leadership, and sportsmanship; and a public figure at shows, community events, and educational activities. This program supports youth development and helps cul- tivate the next generation of leaders in On- tario’s equine community.


About the OQHA Queen’s Program The OQHA Queen serves as an am-


ership came to the forefront as Co-Captain of the IHSA Western Equestrian Team, earning recognition as the 2024 IHSA Western MVP. Her community spirit is equally strong—she fosters cats and kittens and supports the university’s OCEA team through the fundraising committee. Kayla describes the western community as excep- tionally welcoming and credits her coach, teammates, and fellow riders for an encour- aging environment that has shaped both her horsemanship and personal growth.


well-rounded equestrian background across multiple disciplines, developing confidence, adaptability, and a deep appre- ciation for the sport. Beyond the saddle, she has served as a scribe and ring steward, gaining insight into the precision and pro- fessionalism of the show pen. At the Uni- versity of Guelph, where she is in her final year of Equine Management, Kayla’s lead-


Queen Miss Gabrielle Bella proudly pre- sented the crown and sash and officially in- ducted Miss Kayla Brickus as the 2026 OQHA Queen. The banquet hall erupted in applause as Kayla stepped forward to begin her year as an ambassador for the Ontario Quarter Horse community. Kayla gave a heartwarming speech and later in the evening presented each award to celebrate our members’ success from the 2025 show season. Thank you to Mary White for cap- turing photos of the awards. Come to meet Kayla at these 2026 ap-


Crowning & Official Induction The association, and our 2025 OQHA


Introducing the 2026 OQHA Queen – Miss Kayla Brickus With fourteen years of riding experi- ence, Kayla has built a diverse and


pearances… Ontario Equine Expo — March 27, Markham, ON Area 2 Spring Kickoff — May 7–10, An- caster, ON Area 1 Summer Sensational— May 28– 31, Ilderton, ON Area 3 Summerama — June 26–29, Bar- rie, ON 2026 Weekend Roundup Open Show — July 24-26, Clinton, ON OQHA Summer Finale — September 2– 6, Ancaster, ON All American Quarter Horse Congress — October 4–9, Columbus, OH (Queen Contest week)


Kayla… On behalf of all Ontario Quarter Horse


Association Board and members, thank you, Kayla, for stepping forward to repre- sent our province with class, courage, and kindness. We’re proud to stand behind you as you begin your year of service and pre- pare for Congress this fall! Thank you to our 2026 OQHA Queen


Sponsors! • Ontario Quarter Horse Association • Haala Denim Canada • Barn Clothes • Kelsi Kathleen Photo and Video – Kelsie Beck • Janine Domingos • Wecan Sales • Dave Aitchison • Sharpe Farm Supplies • Leader Products • Windfola PEMF Solutions • Whinny Whims • Mark Grice • Show Off Designs • Zoetis Equine • CW Blanket Company • The Rider • 2025 OQHA Queen Miss Gabrielle Bella • JM Quarter Horses • Craig Cunningham • OpenStride Show Horses • Jeff Bagshaw


sent Ontario at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress Queen Contest, held in Oc- tober in Columbus, Ohio. During the com- petition, she will be judged in the three official categories that determine the Con- gress Queen title: 1. Oral Interview – 50% of Total Score- Judges evaluate communication skills, poise, professionalism, personality, and presence. 2. Written Test – 30% of Total Score-An exam covering quarter horse/breed knowl- edge, the 2026 AQHA Official Handbook, and Congress/OQHA knowledge. 3. Ridden Horsemanship Class–20% of Total Score-A required pattern, rail work is scored by a specialized panel for precision and overall horsemanship. Scores from all three categories are combined for overall results. From All of Ontario: Thank You,


What Comes Next? As OQHA Queen, Kayla will repre-


Check out our website for the latest OQHA information!


vlove@sympatico.ca Carrie50f@gmail.com


vlove@sympatico.ca


Area 1 Director Gabriella Bella Area 2 Director Area 3 Director Area 4 Director Area 5 Director Area 6 Director


Amber Zabel Andrew Dewar Val Love


Sheryl Chillson


dewarperformancehores@hotmail.com vlove@sympatico.ca


sherylchillson@gmail.com Penny McAlpine-Clayton


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40