OQHA

OQHA Nominees 2022 OQHA

OFFICER & DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

During the September Ohio Quarter Horse Association monthly Board of Directors meeting, nominations were made for the 2022 election slate. Nominations are as follows:

President Greg Tordoff

1st Vice President George Seanor

2nd Vice President Judd Paul

Directors

Cynthia Bauman Rick Cecil Shawn Flarida Kyle Flatter Jeff Gore Ron Kendle Roger Landis Cindy Morehead Sally Puzacke Todd Salome Eric Wyers

Voting Procedure • Election ballots will be mailed in December. • Officers: Vote for one candidate per office. • Directors: Vote for at least 4 and no more than 6 directors for ballot to be counted. • One ballot per return envelope. • Ballots must be received by January 28th.

Ballots should be mailed to:

Holbrook & Manter CPAs 103 Professional Pkwy Marysville, OH 43040

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT :

GREG TORDOFF

OCCUPATION :

I work for Covia Corporation, a

mining company that produces

high purity silica sand for

Industrial and Energy Markets.

My current position is Director of

Sales for Industrial Markets.

Current Involvement

I am the President of Wild Oats Farm and we are members of SOQHA, NOQHA, EOQHA, AQHA and NSBA. My wife and I are founding members of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association Foundation and assist in developing educational activities/ events for OQHYA. Our family is also involved in local charities such as Nationwide Children’s Hospital, American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign, OhioHealth Kobacher Hospice House, Flying Horse Farm and we are members of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Powell, Ohio. I am also actively involved in associations within my industry including the American Foundry Association.

Contribution to OQHA

I have served as OQHA President for the past year. During this past year I have gain invaluable experience and knowledge regarding OQHA and our future. I have regularly attended monthly OQHA meetings and have participated on several OQHA and Congress Committees. I have been the Chair of the Technology Committee for the past four years and serve on the Annual Banquet Committee. I have also been involved with the OQHA Long Term Planning, Finance, and Public Policy Committees. In addition, I am involved in the following Congress Committees: Animal Protection and Fire, Stall Move-In, VIP, and Awards. During the All American Quarter Horse Congress (AAQHC) I assist in selling tickets at the PBR event, the Freestyle Reining event.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1) Continued dedication to the long term planning for the OQHA and the All American Quarter Horse Congress including developing partnerships with local businesses and organizations to promote our growth, diversify our supporters and increase awareness of OQHA, AAQHC and the American Quarter Horse.

2) Collaborate with OQHA Youth to support and determine opportunities for growth, leadership and engagement of future generations.

3) Support and partner with the OQHA Foundation to ensure long-term prosperity of OQHA and the American Quarter Horse Industry both locally and nationally.

CANDIDATE FOR 1ST VICE PRESIDENT :

GEORGE SEANOR

OCCUPATION :

I am currently the General Manager of The

Ruhlin Company’s Industrial Division, responsible for

the coordination of all construction activities, and

earned my Bachelor of Science degree in civil

engineering from The Ohio State University. Stark

County has been my home for my entire life where I

live with my wife Pat on a small farm that we share

with our horses and pets.

Current Involvement

I am a life member of The Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association, a past president and currently serve on the NOQHA Executive Committee. My wife and I have owned and shown quarter horses for the past 30 years.

Contribution to OQHA

I have been an OQHA board member for 7 years serving on many committees. Currently I am a Congress Tri-Chairman, First Vice President, chairman of the executive committee and member of the Congress Trail, OQHA finance, rules, horse show advisory and long-range planning committees. As chairman of the building committee, I oversaw the renovations to OQHA’s headquarters. I have also been the Congress Trail Coordinator for the past 18 years.

If elected I would contribute directly to the operations of OQHA, to Congress as Tri-Chairman, as well as serve on committees that I feel are important to the long-range success of OQHA: finance, rules, long range planning and horse show advisory.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

The 2021 Congress is behind us and its success was a result of hard work by the OQHA staff and Board of Directors. We faced unprecedented challenges this year and will continue to face challenges in 2022. Successfully navigating the challenges by the Board and Staff is critical to a successful 2022 Congress.

It is important that we continue to strengthen OQHA financially, to involve qualified directors and staff to accomplish our goals.

Current Involvement

Have been 2nd Vice President for OQHA previously, currently on OQHA Executive Board. 25 years Training Horses

CANDIDATE FOR 2ND VICE PRESIDENT :

JUDD PAUL

OCCUPATION :

Horse Trainer for IronGate Quarter Horses

Contribution to OQHA

Have served on the board for over 12 years. Continue to help promote the quarter horse in Ohio. Make the Congress better.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

Get new people on the board. Promote our youth. New building for Congress.

Current Involvement

I love to compete in Mountain Trail Challenges across the country. I Also enjoy trail riding and Ranch shows. I own 6 horses. I am a Director of OQHA, OAQHA and the President of PMT (Premier Mount N Trail).

OCCUPATION :

Owner of Creekside Horse Park

Contribution to OQHA

I have ran the OQHA annual trail ride and challenge for the last 14 years, this coming summer will be the 15th year. I have brought Mt Trail to OQHA and even year end awards are given. I hope to grow Mt Trail even more, which in turn grows OQHA.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

The top 3 priorities for this coming year for me will be helping grow the OQHA membership, give a reason to become a member and give a reason to continue to stay with OQHA.

Current Involvement

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR :

RICK CECIL

OCCUPATION :

Horse Trainer

Rick Cecil grew up in the horse business and enjoyed a highly successful youth career winning the All-Around Youth in the Nation as well as Congress wins. Rick turned professional after his youth years were over. He opened his professional business, Rick Cecil Quarter Horses and has trained and coached many riders to Congress and World Champion wins as well as Honor Roll titles. Ohio Quarter Horse News

Contribution to OQHA

Rick has served on numerous committees and would like to continue on the board in the same capacity.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

Financial Responsibility, Youth Development and Maintain the Congress.

Current Involvement

A professional reining horse trainer based in Springfield, OH. I was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2011 and active member of the OQHA.

SHAWN FLARIDA

OCCUPATION :

Professional Horseman

Contribution to OQHA

I am a proud member of the OQHA. Being able to help contribute to the growth of our association through previous roles on the board, addressing challenges faced by our membership, and promoting the successful programs that the OQHA has to offer their members.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

Helping the OQHA with the growth of the Congress. Developing the future of our industry who can take on leadership roles not only in our organization but our broader associations as well. Being a listening ear & voice for our fellow members to help evolve our programs, grow & improve.

Current Involvement

I run Flat Ridge Training Center where we specialize in all around horses. I am a member of AQHA’s Professional Horsemen’s Association and have served as the Vice President of EOQHA for the last 4 years.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR :

KYLE FLATTER

OCCUPATION :

Horse Trainer

Contribution to OQHA

I have been a director for OQHA for 6 years now. In this time, I have served on: professional horsemen’s committee, rules committee, annual awards, membership, horseshow advisory, and nomination’s committee along with several congress committees.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

As it has been in the past I believe our number one priority needs to be the Congress. Being the largest single breed horse show in the world is something the association has worked hard for and been proud of for many years. With the new challenges that have faced us in the past two years, I think we need to be doing everything we can to keep the Congress as the prestigious event that it has been known as for years. Also I would like to see OQHA’s youth association continue to grow and the associations membership to increase. Over the last few years we have seen growth through including the trail riding and reining associations and would like to see us continue this trend with other Ohio affiliates.

Current Involvement

Been in the equine industry with my daughter for about 13 years, served as a OQHA Director for the past 4 years. Also a current director for SOQHA, and sat on the board of directors for Dreams on Horseback for 10 years. Been involved with the OQHA foundation for the past 3 years.

Current Involvement

AQHA judge for 30+ years. Director for Ohio Quarter Horse, currently serving as 2nd VP of OQHA. Chairman of the Ranch Horse Sale and Yearling Stakes Sale programs.

OCCUPATION :

Real Estate Broker

Contribution to OQHA

Serving as a current OQHA Director, and have been for the past 4 years. Received the Presidents award in 2019, for working with others when needed throughout the year, and especially at the Congress. Help with VIP camping, move in committee Chairman, serve as the membership chairman, and on numerous committees to help with the Congress. Been involved with the OQHA foundation for the past 3 years, and assist with our Congress Cup golf outing.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Being creative in making the Congress better than ever before. 2. Listening to our trainers and members on how we can do better to serve as an organization. 3. Support our youth as they are our future in the industry.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR :

ROGER LANDIS

OCCUPATION :

I am co owner of North Farm Inc. I stand Makin

Me Willy Wild and The Best Martini along with

having a band of broodmares.

Contribution to OQHA

I will continue to work on making the Sale programs not only successful but income generating for OQHA. I’ll continue to work for the betterment of OQHA as an industry icon.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

Bringing new people into the Quarter Horse world. Working to keep the Congress the #1 event. Reaching out to the youth in our industry.

Current Involvement

I have been a long time director for OQHA. I also help my daughter with her IHSA and IEA teams when needed.

CINDY MOREHEAD

OCCUPATION :

I am retired from the University of Findlay

where I taught in the Western Equestrian

Program for 40 years. I was head coach of their

IHSA Equestrian Team from 2005-2017 achieving

4 National Championships and 4 Reserve

National Championship Titles.

Contribution to OQHA

I am in charge of Animal Protection Fire and Safety and Commercial Exhibitors. I also help out with Hunter Jumper Warm-ups, NYATT Ceremonies, and anything else needing help, including early morning free donut delivery! Being retired, I feel it gives me time to help with different activities.

I started showing in the youth division (a few years ago), went to college and graduated with my MS in equine nutrition, trained and showed horses with my husband Jay and took over my family business in 2000. We have a booth at the Congress with our store. I also judge AQHA and APHA shows.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. Congress - Keep working on facilities, scheduling, awards, promotions, vendors, exhibitors, and attendees. 2. Increasing Membership 3. Our Youth and Amateurs.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR :

SALLY PUZACKE

OCCUPATION :

BUSINESS OWNER

Current Involvement Contribution to OQHA

I have been helping with classes and events at the Congress last year and had hoped to introduce new ideas for 2022.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

I hope with some new ideas, we can make the 2022 Congress the best ever.

Current Involvement

I showed in Youth and Amateur and was fortunate to place in the top 5 at the Congress, AQHA World Show, NSBA World and NSBA Breeders Cup in Western Pleasure. I serve on Newark Rotary, Salvation Army, Cattleman’s Association, Lees Advisory committee, The FOP, The Elks Lodge and The Newark Veterans Association.

TODD SALOME

OCCUPATION :

Owner of Todd Salome Enterprises consisting of

Lees Famous Recipe, Heritage Catering Salco Ltd.

and Greenbrier Farm.

Contribution to OQHA

I’ve been on the OQHA board for 15 years. I served as 2nd Vice President for 2 years and was on the Executive committee for 4 years. I have chaired and co chaired The Trail Ride where we have to today made it the largest AQHA sanctioned Trail Ride and Challenge in the Country for the last 5 years. I have also chaired the Nominating committee, Banquet, Fire and Safety, Opening Ceremonies, NYATT and move in day. I have served on the awards, food snd beverage, nominating, Rules, Security and professional horseman’s committees. Lisa Martin and myself created the Door decal advertising program that allows everyone advertising opportunities in key traffic locations that generates revenue for OQHA. We have been running this program for 8 years and sell 40+ door decals a year.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

I believe the Congress is like a 3 piece suit. Without all 3 it won’t sell!!! The 3 pieces consist of exhibitors, sponsors and vendors, and spectators. 1. Reach out to our exhibitors. Show our appreciation and take care of them. Make them feel this is their favorite show. 2. Take care of our corporate sponsors, show sponsors and vendors. Make them feel special and try to cater to their needs. 3. Take care of the spectators. Offer 3 day weekend passes and drop the gate prices during the week. Try to get the 1 timers to come 2 or 3 times. Finally, continue to keep our show fresh with new ideas, media, Facebook and creativity.

Current Involvement

My daughter, Cora, and wife Michelle, have been active in OQHA events for several years and I am the VP of Sales for Tenda Horse Products which manufactures and sells equine care products and supports/sponsors

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR :

ERIC WYERS

OCCUPATION :

VP Sales Tenda Horse Products

many equestrian events, charities and facilities every year. We are also a Corporate Partner of the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Contribution to OQHA

I look forward to our continued sponsorship of the All American Quarter Horse Congress and plan to bring some unique opportunities for the Congress to reach larger and more diverse audiences around the world. I also plan to contribute by helping OQHA by giving back. My family has benefited from the OQHA in so many ways and I look forward to lending a hand wherever it is needed.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

Growth of the OQHA Youth and Amateur programs. Continue to evolve and improve the Congress so that it remains the greatest show on earth.

Current Involvement

Jeff and his wife, Tera, along with their daughter, Emma, have been active in OQHA, AQHA and NSBA for several years.

Jeff’s past work experience includes 20 years in the manufacturing industry as a supervisor and maintenance technician. He currently owns and operates WJG Management, which is Irongate Quarter Horse cattle and calf business. Jeff has numerous years of experience with equine nutrition and livestock management.

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR :

JEFF GORE

OCCUPATION :

WJG Management

Contribution to OQHA

I look forward to our continued sponsorship in OQHA. As my daughter has many years left in the OQHA, I will enjoy having the time to give back to the association by volunteering at events, dedicating my time where it is needed at any of the OQHA shows and sharing my expertise as a member and parent.

Top 3 Priorities for OQHA

1. My first priority is to to use my knowledge to lend a hand with the OQHA anyway I can.

2. Help increase sponsorships for the OQHA by speaking with business owners in order to explain the merits of sponsorship for the OQHA.

3. Help with the sustained growth of the OQHA in all avenues of the organization.