The All American Quarter Horse Congress shifted its focus to military veterans and active duty service members on Friday afternoon as it hosted its ninth annual Heroes On Horses Walk Jog Western Pleasure. The event attracted the largest number of exhibitors in its history, with 23 riders gracing the arena.

The festivities actually began a day earlier when the veterans were treated to a practice with training professionals. The camaraderie continued with a complimentary breakfast, during which Ohio officials greeted the veterans and their families. Ohio governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy addressed the group and highlighted the sacrifices made by the veterans that allow Americans the freedoms they enjoy, as well as the healing power of horses. Each exhibitor was recognized individually during the breakfast.

Honoring Service

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association and Ohio officials offered a salute to the veterans just prior to the Heroes On Horses class, and then the competition was on. The 2025 class saw a heavy participation among the Army, with 19 exhibitors coming from that branch of the service. Their experiences ranged from combat medic, to security forces, infantry, health care, veterinarian corps, assistant chaplain, mechanic to heavy equipment operator. Other military branches represented included the Marine Corps and Air Force.

Michael Brown Takes The Heroes On Horses Win

After competing in the Heroes On Horses class twice, Michael Brown, of Quincy, Ohio, took home the win and bragging rights for the Heroes On Horses Walk Jog Western Pleasure. 

“Just having an event like this for veterans in general is awesome,” Michael said. “Whether they served in Vietnam or they’re serving now, it’s bringing people back together and I love it. 

“The tribute they did before our class was a tearjerker. I had to contain myself a couple of times. I listened to everyone’s stories, and some of these guys got beat up way more than I did. I never had the camaraderie in my civilian job that I had with my combat buddies. They become your family.”

Supporting Each Other

Veteran Michael Brown took home the trophy about Dots On a Dice (owned by Warren E English). Credit: Connie Lechleitner

Michael worked with trainers Vickie and Travis McColley to prepare for the class. “My horse was provided by Albion College,” he said. “I was able to train at the college with my coach, and it was great. The horse is used at the college, and the owner was more than happy to let me borrow him for this show.” Michael had a bit of an inside track to find his horse and practice at the college, because Vickie McColley is the equestrian coach at the Albion College.

Michael normally considers himself the ‘support guy.’ “I help my wife, Kristi, prep for horse shows and take her to shows. It’s just what we do,” he said. “I’m retired from the Department of Corrections, so I have time to help her now. This is the only class that I get to do, so I’m excited to do it.”

Although he hasn’t quite become immersed in horse show life, he does see their benefit. “I don’t get into it as much as my wife does, but I think the horses are therapeutic. I love the animals and they’re good for people,” he said.

Service To Country

Michael was one of the many Army veterans in the class. “I was in the Army in the military police, “he said. “I did military training in Fort McLelland and had a two-year tour in Korea. Then I was attached to an infantry division in direct support at Fort Sill, Georgia. When they got deployed, we were the first ones deployed with them. I also had Middle East training in California while I was serving six months in Kuwait.”

Although it had not sunken in that he was the champion, Michael already has future goals. “This is surreal. But now I want to show in this class next year at the NSBA World Show,” he said. “I’ve already asked the McColleys if we can haul my horse out when they go to Tulsa.”

Congratulations to Michael and his team, and we thank him for his service!

About NSBA

Established in 1983, National Snaffle Bit Association has expanded from its roots in the Western Pleasure discipline to recognize various disciplines and eight breed associations in competition. NSBA’s mission is to grow the show horse community through various equine programs and events where every activity benefits horses, breeders, owners and exhibitors alike.

National Snaffle Bit Association has more than 20,000 active members and more than 44,000 registered horses across its eight alliance breed organizations. NSBA members earn more than $13.5 million in monetary awards at NSBA-sanctioned horse shows annually, and the association sanctions nearly 600 horse show events and close to 200,000 horse show entries each year.

To learn more about NSBA, please visit nsba.com.