Minnesota Quarter Horse Association

UPDATED MQHA Point Standings are now available on our website, see link in comment below. Check your point standings for year-end awards.

MQHA is saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Link. Ken was a long-time presence at AQHA and MQHA shows, professionally showing and training many Quarter Horses, and was an AQHA judge. Full obituary in comments.

NOMINATE A DESERVING VOLUNTEER
Nominations are being accepted for MQHA's Volunteer of the Year. Do you know of someone who should be recognized for important contributions to MQHA? Send to [email protected] or [email protected] (Pictured: Liz Midtlien, 2026 Volunteer of the Year)

NOMINATE A DESERVING PERSON OR HORSE FOR MQHA'S HALL OF FAME
Nominations are being accepted for MQHA's Hall of Fame. Do you know of someone who should be recognized? Or a horse with important contributions to MQHA and the Minnesota Quarter Horse family? Send to [email protected] or [email protected]

FALL GATHER CANCELED DUE TO FLOODING
The recent heavy rains in southeast Minnesota caused a great deal of flooding on the Predmore farm, site of this year’s Fall Gather. The hosts felt they would not be able to stage the event, unsure if cleanup could be completed and water levels would recede enough. MQHA thanks the Predmores for offering their farm for this event, and wishes them the best as they clean up.
Watch this page and the MQHA website for further details

KARI COSTA
MQHA members and friends are mourning the death of Karin “Kari” Costa, longtime MQHA member and exhibitor.

Kari, 61, of Stillwater, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. She had a successful show career which included accolades such as her Top Ten placings at the NSBA World Championship Show and AQHA World Championship Show.

A memorial service celebrating Kari’s life will be held at noon on Friday, October 2, at First Lutheran Church in Hayward, WI with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. A time of gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A private interment will be held at the Town of Lenroot Riverside Cemetery in Seeley, WI.

For full obituary link, please see comment below.

MQHA WANTS YOU!
Get involved and lend your talents to MQHA. There are three At-Large board seats available for the upcoming term, as well as District Director seats from Districts 1, 2 and 5. Please leave a comment or private message if you can throw your hat in the ring!

MQHA Seeks Candidates for Association Treasurer

Chad Horkey has informed the MQHA board that he would like to step away from the MQHA Treasurer position by the end of 2026. MQHA is looking for a qualified individual for the treasurer position. This is a "paid volunteer" position with compensation set by the Board.

The treasurer is responsible for day-to-day financial responsibilities for the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association, including carrying out the organization’s goals and policies. The treasurer will attend all board meetings, report on the progress of the organization, answer questions of the board members, and carry out the duties described in the job description. The board can designate other duties as necessary. MQHA has a complete job description available for interested individuals. Please send a private message if you are interested in this position.

JOIN US for a great afternoon of fun and horses! Everyone invited! Please note UPDATED registration form in comments.

JOIN US for a fund afternoon! Everyone's invited to the Fall Gather! Join us October 3, 2026 at Predmore Farm for a trail ride, roping game, refreshments, great food and fun! Please note UPDATED registration link in comments below.

LAST CALL!
ATTENTION CHAMP SHOW QUALIFIERS
MQHA members who qualified and are showing in the 2026 WSCA Champ show starting September 24, we want to feature you in our Fall newsletter edition. This a huge show in Minnesota and we want to let members know who will be representing MQHA and in what events.
If you could send me a quick note that includes your horse’s name or names, what you classes you are showing in and if this is your first or 50th Champ Show. If there is anything special you would like others to know about you, your horse and what you most anticipate about showing in this showcase show, please include that.
Deadline for submission is Sept 8, please send along a photo of your horse or horses and we will publish them.
Thank you, Vickie Kettlewell, MQHA publications editor [email protected]