2025 AQHA Convention Awards and Recognitions

The equine industry is full of outstanding individuals dedicated to the American Quarter Horse and the American Quarter Horse Association. During the 2025 AQHA Convention, AQHA honored many individuals across a variety of areas in the industry and in various stages of their equine journey.

American Quarter Horse Foundation Most Valuable Player

Larry Bell of Midland, Texas, was the recipient of the AQHF MVP award, an award presented to a volunteer who demonstrates an exemplary level of service to the American Quarter Horse Foundation and its mission. Larry set the strategic vision for the financial sustainability of the Foundation and guided staff and his fellow council and trustees toward a successful model. With a comprehensive understanding of financial and investment matters, facilities, endowments and charitable giving, Bell has served on multiple committees and task forces throughout his service to the Foundation.

Congratulations to this year’s AQHF MVP winner, Larry Bell.

AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine Assisted Services Horse of the Year

The AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year Award is a nomination-based award determined through a selection process by AQHA and PATH Intl.  Nominated horses must be considered an equine-assisted services horse (involved in therapeutic horsemanship sessions including, riding, therapies incorporating equines and learning) at one of 794 PATH Intl. member centers and be registered with AQHA. The nominating center must also be a current AQHA member.

There were two winners awarded:

• The Queens Pistol, aka “Reyna,” with Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation Inc.

• Big Money Duke, aka “Blaze,” with ARC Caddo-Bossier’s GREAT program

Read more about the horses honored this year.

2024 AQHA Professionals of the Year

Voted on by their peers, the Nutrena AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year or Most Valuable Professional are the top awards an AQHA Professional Horseman can receive in the equine industry.

• Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year Bruce Walquist

• Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year Deborah Kail

• Nutrena Most Valuable Professional Cynthia Cantleberry

AQHA was also proud to recognize Linda Falls with the AQHA Professional Horsemen Achievement Contribution and Excellence, ACE, Award. Falls was given this award to honor her dedication and service to professional horseman and the industry.

President’s Award

The President’s Award was presented at the AQHA Party by 2024-2025 AQHA President Jim Hunt. This award winner is chosen by the standing AQHA President and is based on the hard work and efforts of the recipient.

AQHA Executive Assistant Robin Brooks received the recognition for 2025. Brooks has worked for AQHA since 2007 and has worked as a member service representative and as the events planning secretary before moving into her current role in 2015.  

Breeder Recognition Banquet

The 2024 50- and 75-year breeders were recognized at the Breeder Recognition Banquet, presented by Teton Ridge, along with AQHA Ranching Heritage Awards and the international and domestic AQHA Best Remuda Awards. Read more about the Breeder Recognition Banquet here.

The inaugural Ranching Heritage Breeder Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Kalpowar Quarter Horses with Larry and Ellen Bell. Read more about this prestigious award.

AQHLead

AQHLead is a joint program of the American Quarter Horse Foundation, AQHA and AQHA Corporate Partner Farnam. They are pleased to partner on their shared commitment to the development of young adults and their continuous involvement in the equine industry through AQHLead. This program is designed for young adults, ages 21-35, to help support their development as young leaders in the equine industry.

Read more about the AQHLead Class of 2025.

AQHA Emerging Leader Award

Another program highlighting the accomplishments of young adults is the AQHA Emerging Leader Award. AQHA and Farnam recognize young adults for their outstanding leadership abilities and service to the equine industry. This award is for young adults, ages 21-35, and acknowledges success in their early careers, as well as their contributions to the industry.

Read more about the 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipients.

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