By Laurie Haughton, Chair, CQHA Media, Marketing & Communications Committee

There’s something uniquely powerful about the Canadian Quarter Horse community. From small-town fairgrounds to regional show arenas, the heart of the industry beats strongest in the grassroots — where passionate owners, riders, breeders, and volunteers work together to celebrate and grow one of the most iconic horse breeds in the country.

In 2025, the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is renewing its commitment to that community. Through closer collaboration with AQHA’s provincial affiliates, CQHA will be working across the country to strengthen its presence at the local level, support grassroots events, and create opportunities that celebrate Canadian Quarter Horse owners and their horses where they are.

This joint initiative focuses on building stronger partnerships, fostering community engagement, and recognizing the people and horses that are keeping the Quarter Horse legacy alive across Canada.

A Shared Mission, A National Commitment

From its re-establishment in 2001, CQHA has served as the national voice for the Canadian Quarter Horse community —supporting the development of the breed while representing the industry’s interests within Canada’s unique legal, regulatory, and equestrian framework.

Meanwhile, provincial AQHA affiliates have continued their long-standing roles as grassroots leaders — organizing shows, youth programs, clinics, and breed promotion activities at a regional level.

In 2025, these two levels of leadership are coming together with shared purpose.

“We know the real heart of the Quarter Horse industry lives in our grassroots community,” says Mallory Melville, Ontario Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) 1st Vice President. “This year, we’re focused on reaching deeper into those communities — working alongside CQHA as the provincial affiliate to support the existing grassroots events and finding ways to encourage the development of new ones, like OQHA’s inaugural Weekend Roundup Open Horse Show & Educational Event scheduled for July 25-27 at REACH Huron in Clinton, ON.”

The collaboration with the provincial affiliates will focus on increasing visibility and support for local events through coordinated outreach, recognition of local volunteers, and identifying opportunities to reduce barriers to participation at AQHA-approved events.

Quarter Horse shows and events — whether fun shows, youth clinics, ranch riding weekends, or large multi-day circuits — are where Canada’s Quarter Horse story is written. By helping to elevate these activities, CQHA hopes to build new pathways for engagement and foster long-term sustainability for Canadian affiliates.

“There’s incredible talent and opportunity here in Canada,” says CQHA President Gilles Seguin. “By working more closely with our provincial affiliates, we can create an environment where Canadian competitors and breeders feel supported and recognized, right here at home.”

Looking Ahead: Programs with Purpose

In addition to supporting grassroots events, CQHA and AQHA will also be exploring new ways to strengthen Quarter Horse programs within Canada over the coming year. This includes looking at how current AQHA programs can be better tailored to Canadian needs, celebrating Canadian-bred horses, and identifying new areas of advocacy to help advance the breed at the national level.

By celebrating what makes each region of Canada unique while strengthening national connections, CQHA and the provincial affiliates are laying the foundation for a stronger, more unified future — one Quarter Horse at a time.

Canadian Quarter Horse Association

Photos: CQHA