2026 Emerging Leader Award Recipients

The American Quarter Horse Association proudly announces the 10 recipients of the 2026 AQHA Emerging Leader Award:

• A.J. Kendrick of College Station, Texas

• Alexis Canen of Circle, Montana

• Jenna Seal of Stephenville, Texas

• Kelly Thompson of St. Francisville, Louisiana

• Macie Soderquist of Sabina, Ohio

• Maggie Murphy of Peyton, Colorado

• Micah Barnes of Alta, Iowa

• Nicholas Joyner of Lexington, South Carolina

• Rachel Cogle of Canyon, Texas

• Rafael Martinez of Stephenville, Texas

AQHA and Farnam are thrilled to recognize these young adults for their outstanding leadership abilities and service to the equine industry through the Emerging Leader Award. This award is for young adult AQHA members, ages 21-35, and acknowledges success in their early careers, as well as their contributions to the industry. This year’s recipients will be celebrated at the 2026 AQHA Convention, slated for March 13-16 in Las Vegas.

Click here for more information about the AQHA Emerging Leader Award nomination process and selection.

About the Sponsors

Founded in 1946, Farnam Companies Inc. has grown to become one of the most widely recognized names in the animal health products industry and has become one of the largest makers of equine products in the country. That’s why no one offers a more complete selection of horse care products. Farnam Horse Products serves both the pleasure horse and the performance horse markets with products for fly control, deworming, hoof and leg care, grooming, wound treatment and leather care, plus supplements.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text "AQHA In the Know" for the latest Association updates.