Member Spotlight: Ohio Quarter Horse Association

Member Spotlight by [Ohio Quarter Horse Association]

Provide us with a brief summary of your business’ services

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) was established in 1951 as the state affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and made its mission to encourage the breeding and competition of American Quarter Horses in Ohio, as well as to provide educational opportunities about the breed. AQHA is a global association that currently registers over 6 million American Quarter Horses worldwide and sanctions over 2,000 shows around the world each year. In the beginning, OQHA sponsored classes at shows in the state, established its own futurity event, and provided year-end awards for members who competed at AQHA-sanctioned shows. Present day, OQHA operates the All American Quarter Horse Congress, which began in 1967 right here in Columbus at the Ohio Expo Center, where it has remained ever since.

“The Congress,” as it is often referred to, is the world’s largest horse show with over 25,000 entries annually. Held during September and October, what began as a 3-day event has now blossomed into more than 4 weeks and attracts over 500,000 visitors to Columbus every year, generating over $429 million for the central Ohio economy. In addition to world-class equestrian competition, the Congress also offers top tier shopping opportunities, boasting a 20+ acre trade show that includes more than 200 vendors. Offering everything you need to embrace the western lifestyle, including clothing, boots, hats, home décor, and so much more; there is truly something for everyone at the Congress!

Tell us about your company’s mission and values

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association protects and promotes the Quarter Horse and the interests of owners, breeders, exhibitors and enthusiasts. But what is an American Quarter Horse?  The American Quarter Horse is a breed of horse originally developed in the United States and got its name by being the fastest breed of horse to run a quarter of a mile. Originally developed for speed and endurance, the American Quarter Horse is now known for its versatility, docile nature, and all-around easy-going personality. Being utilized in a variety of activities, such as ranch work, showing, recreational riding, therapy programs, polo, racing, and more; the American Quarter Horse is the popular breeds in the world. OQHA is committed to setting the standard in the equine industry by engaging equine enthusiasts through world-class competition, recreational activities, education and engagement of the next generation of participants and industry leaders.

What are the services you use the most (or are looking forward to using) from the Columbus Chamber?

As a longstanding Columbus event, we are most looking forward to spreading awareness about both the equine and western/agricultural way of life with other businesses and members of the central Ohio community. We look forward to connecting with the Chamber’s vast networking opportunities and becoming more involved in the community.

How do you stay engaged with trends that you see in your industry?

The fabric of OQHA is woven with the core values of integrity, trustworthiness, honesty, and a commitment to bettering the lives of our horses and the people who care for them. Our team of staff and Board of Directors is always connected to the people we serve, and in turn we know what they need, when they need it.

OQHA strives to be as innovative as we can be, bringing new and exciting opportunities to the Congress and its exhibitors, vendors, and spectators!

What is your company culture like?

As with the common thread of the agricultural industry, family -focused values are pinnacle for OQHA. The association has a full-time staff of 6 individuals, driving an atmosphere of camaraderie and teamwork that shows in the work we do each day. It is not uncommon for team members to be part of OQHA for 5, 10, 15, even 20+ years because of the tight-knit nature of the office and the passion that drives each and every one of us to continue working for the betterment of our industry. Those same values transfer to the more than 200 people hired to work for the Congress each year.

What does it take to be a successful employee at your company?

At OQHA, a successful employee is equal parts passionate, flexible, and customer-focused. We look for individuals who can pivot when needed to best fit the needs of our exhibitors and visitors, and embrace innovation and new ideas. Whether you work with exhibitors, sponsors, spectators, or local media, the entire team brings a positive, energetic outlook to the table with each and every interaction.

What makes Columbus such a great place to do business?

Columbus is more than just a great place to do business, it is the epicenter of the Midwest. There are so many agricultural areas all within only a few hours drive from the metro, which is so important to our customer base and what attracts so many to our event. Columbus also offers a diverse economic, government, nonprofit, and higher education base that feeds into the goals of the Congress well. We enjoy sharing our values based in the modern western lifestyle with folks in Columbus who are maybe unfamiliar with our industry.

We are proud to be part of the Wild, Wild Midwest!

Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/QuarterHorseCongress
LinkedIn: www.instagram.com/QHCongress
Website: https://www.oqha.com/