2025 Congress Special Awards

The All American Quarter Horse Congress and the Ohio Quarter Horse Association seeks to recognize and honor individuals who have left a lasting impact on the Congress and the Quarter Horse industry.

The Champion of the Congress Award celebrates partners of the event and the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, and their support of the mission of both the Association and the event itself.

This year, the Congress awarded this honor to Tribute Superior Equine Nutrition, the Official Feed of the All American Quarter Horse Congress, and their president, Paul Kalmbach Jr.

For more than 60 years, Kalmbach Feeds has been a family-owned Ohio company dedicated to producing the highest-quality animal nutrition. Founded in 1963 by Paul Kalmbach Sr. and proudly based in Upper Sandusky, the company has grown into one of the most trusted names in feed manufacturing - serving farmers, ranchers, and horse owners across the country. Under the leadership of Paul Kalmbach Jr., the company has continued to thrive, combining cutting-edge research and innovative technology with the same family values and committment to excellence that built its foundation. Through its equine brand, Tribute Feeds, Paul and his team have become steadfast partners of the Congress, ensuring that the horses who compete here are fueled with premium, science-based nutrition designed for health, performance, and longevity. Tribute's support extends far beyond the feed bin, though. Their sponsorship, partnership, and presence throughout the grounds demonstrates a deep committment to exhibitors, youth, and the future of the American Quarter Horse industry.

From Left to Right: Hank Clason, Kelli Diaz, Chris Darnell, Justin Billings, Paul Kalmbach Jr., Wayne Davis

The Friend of the Congress Award is a prestigious recognition presented to individuals who have demonstrated unwavering committment, dedication, and support to both the Congress and the Quarter Horse industry.

This year, the Congress awarded this honor to Jerry & Penny Robinson and Bobby Smith.

Jerry's love of horses started early - his mother used to say he "learned to read by studying the classified ads." As a young man, he'd send away for sale catalogs and memorize bloodlines. By 15, he had his first truck, and soon after made a deal with AQHA judge Stretch Bradley for a trailer - ready to haul to the shows. Penny first spotted him at a Labor Day show back in 1961, where Jerry was watching the winners - the polished horses, starched shirts, big rigs - and deciding that one day, he'd be right there among them. Together, they built J.L. Robinson Quarter Horses, in partnership with Dewey Smith Quarter Horses, a respected program known for breeding and showing some of the finest halter and performance horses in the industry. Their stallions - including PF Premo, FG Born Legacy, and World Champion HippiesAndKowboys - reflect decades of dedication, integrity, and a true eye for quality. Jerry has shown at every Quarter Horse Congress from the first year through the 50th - a record of loyalty few can match. And one of his proudest moments? Being named the Grand Champion Stallion at the 50th Anniversary with PF Premo. Beyond the show ring, the Robinsons have given back to their community and the industry - from mentoring horsemen across the country to helping establish Discovery Riders, an equine therapy program in Logan County, Ohio. 

From Left to Right: Steve Headley, Lexi Wills, Colton Smith, Tammi Smith, Dewey Smith, Ann Stanley, Penny & Jerry Robinson, AAQHC Queen Ashlyn Gonzalves, Lauren Clark, Justin Billings

For 50 remarkable years, Bobby Smith of Rod Patrick Bootmakers has attended the All American Quarter Horse Congress year after year, showing up not just as a vendor or industry participant, but as a steadfast friend, mentor, and a fixture of our family. From that first Congress in the 1970s to this very night, Bobby has been there: offering expertise, lending a hand, fostering relationships, and supporting the mission of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association and the Congress with unwavering generosity. Beyond titles, sales, and exhibitions, Bobby has always been about family - our Congress family. He attends the show, not just to do business, but because he cares about the people. As he put himself: "This is where I get to see members of my horse family that I do not see throughout the year." He is someone OQHA and the Congress can rely on whenever needed. Five decades of attendance: that kind of loyalty, that kind of commitment, speaks volumes in an industry built on relationships, trust, and kindness. He is more than a vendor, he is part of the heart and soul of the Congress; a true member of the Quarter Horse Congress family.

From Left to Right: Ken & Laina Banks, Rick Gage, Kelli Diaz, Greg Tordoff, Bob Geesaman, Chris Darnell, Bobby Smith,
Justin Billings, Rebekah Kazakevicious, Kevin Glover, AAQHC Queen Ashlyn Gonzalves, Lauren Clark

The Congress also took time to honor two people who have dedicated their lives to the Ohio Quarter Horse Association and the Congress - Dan and Darlene Trein. For decades, Dan and Darlene have operated Trein Training Center in Seville, Ohio - shaping riders, horses, and character with patience, professionalism, and heart. Dan, an AQHA judge, Professional Horseman, and past AQHA Professional of the Year, and Darlene, his steadfast partner and icon in her own right, have mentored countless youth and amateurs, whose success stories trace back to their barn. Beyond their training careers, they've given deeply to OQHA - serving on committees, volunteering at every level, and helping make the Congress the world-class event it is today. Now, as they close this remarkable chapter and move to Pavo, Georgia, to be near the Parrish family and their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we celebrate all they have built - and the countless lives they've touched along the way.

From Left to Right: Greg Tordoff, Hank Clason, Bob Geesaman, Kelli Diaz, Chris Darnell, Justin Billings, Dan & Darlene Trein