AQHYA Region 4

07/31/2025

07/23/2025

🚨 Applications are now open for the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗤𝗛𝗔 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺! 🐴 Want to raise and train your own weanling? Here’s your chance to gain real-world experience, grow your horsemanship skills, and connect with the ranching lifestyle. Apply now! 🤠 aqha.com/youth/programs/young-horse-development

07/22/2025

Finally is, Colton Smith.
Bellefontaine, Ohio, Colton Smith is an incoming senior at Calvary Christian School. Colton is currently one of the Region 4 Directors.
In the show pen, Colton has seen many years of success, while also maintaining honor roll grades. Outside of the industry, he volunteers at the local nursing home and is active in charities in his community. “Learn, lead, believe, achieve” is his platform. He would like to learn how to be a better leader and problem solver through conventions and workshops, build a better team through strong leadership, believe in the work being done and put his whole heart into that and achieve the goals at hand for the Association.

07/20/2025

Next up we will be spotlighting Olivia DeFranco!
Hi, my name is Olivia DeFranco. Im from Montville OHIO and i am proud to be one of your region 4 Director. I show in the reining and ranch events as well as horsemanship. My horse Honey Pale Ale known around the barn as “Honey Bun” is a 5yr Mare. My platform is Good Vibes Only. I want to make it a more positive experience for new and old members. I want us to connect on deeper levels outside of the show pen and not just see each other as competitionb but as friends. My three main goals are engagement, expansion and education.

07/19/2025

Next on our spotlights is Lizzi Smith.
Hey everyone, my name is Lizzi Smith I am from Burton Michigan and I am proud to be serving as one of your Region 4 Directors. I show all around events with my horse Good Lookin Flatline AKA Cash.
This year my platform is “Vet Med, Real talk” Where I plan to host a video series discussing the mental strain that being a veterinarian can have. My goal this year is to shine more light on vets and the struggles they can have.

07/18/2025

We would like to spotlight our Region 4 board members.
starting with Elden Fredenburg!
Hello, my name is Elden Fredenburg. I’m from Straughn Indiana and I am proudly serving as your AQHYA First Vice President and Public Policy Committee chair. I show western all around events and just now started showing reining as well. My horses are named ItsonlyrockandRoll and Lil Ruf Whizkey, aka Mj and Cowboy. My platform is AQHYA where everyone has a seat at the table. This means that you don’t just have to show to be a part of AQHYA, but you can participate in so many other opportunities AQHYA has to offer. One of my goals this year is to bring our current members closer together. I believe a more connected membership will also attract new members because they will feel welcomed, but feel like they truly belong.