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The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) Annual Awards recognize excellence across all facets of the Quarter Horse community in Canada. Each year, through the Awards & Selections Committee, CQHA celebrates breeders, trainers, youth, amateurs, and horses who have demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, and dedication.
These awards are proudly presented annually to outstanding member members of our Canadian Quarter Horse community by CQHA through the financial support from the AQHA International Business Funds Plan.
Had to Be Ivory – CQHA 2024 Horse of the Year
Had to Be Ivory, a 2015 Ontario-bred bay gelding, has become one of Canada’s most decorated Quarter Horses. Bred and owned by Carol and Jaime Robertson of Hillsburgh, ON, and trained by veteran horseman Bryn Robertson, “Ivory” is by Ivory James and out of Had to Be Fandango by HadtoBeNuts. Since his racing debut, he has thrilled fans at Ajax Downs, compiling more than 30 career wins including multiple stakes victories and track records.
After an unbeaten 2022 campaign—where he captured six straight races including the Alex Picov Memorial Championship, Picov Maturity, and Ontario Bred Maturity, and set a 440-yard track record with a speed index of 112—Ivory carried his momentum well into 2023. He kicked off the year by winning the Norman Picov Maturity (300 yards) in May, earning a 97 speed index, then extended his winning streak to eight with a strong 400-yard Ontario Bred Maturity in July, posting a 107 speed index. By mid-2023 his record was 24 wins from 30 starts, with over $390,000 in earnings.
The 2024 season only added to his legacy. He opened with another Norman Picov Maturity win, collected his 27th career win in a 300-yard open allowance in June, and closed the year by smashing the Ajax Downs 110-yard track record in October with a blazing 6.761 seconds and a career-best speed index of 113. By the end of 2024, he stood at 29 wins in 39 starts.
Beyond statistics, Ivory is cherished as a once-in-a-lifetime horse by the Robertson family. Known for his focus on the track and playful character at home, he stands as a symbol of teamwork, resilience, and the strength of Canada’s Quarter Horse racing community.
Cory Seebach & Dr. Candice Hall – CQHA 2024 Performance Horse Breeders of the Year
British Columbia breeders Cory Seebach and Dr. Candice Hall oversee a top-tier breeding program known for producing outstanding performance Quarter Horses. Hailing from Black Creek, BC, their operation is distinguished by horses that consistently excel in Western Pleasure, Trail, Showmanship, Western Riding and other performance divisions.
One of their signature achievements is owning the AQHA Leading Western Pleasure Sires list stallion Machine Made (AQHA stallion, foaled 2007, by A Good Machine out of Gypsys Little Image).
The couple has bred multiple successful horses sired by Machine Made, such as Made By J, Hawaiian Honey, Lexus Made Lady, Made N The Shade, etc., which have earned futurity titles, AQHA-points, NSBA honours, and championship titles.
Their success with this sire, combined with a lifetime of raising and breeding horses that compete at the top of our industry nationally and internationally, has firmly positioned them among Canada’s leading performance horse breeders. Their recognition as the CQHA Performance Horse Breeders of the Year reflects both the quality of their breeding stock and the competitive results
Stojan Quarter Horses – CQHA 2024 Race Horse Breeder of the Year
Stojan Quarter Horses of Sexsmith, Alberta has long been a powerhouse in Canadian Quarter Horse racing. The program was founded by the late Charles G. Stojan (1943–2024), whose passion and vision elevated Canadian-bred racehorses onto the international stage. Under his leadership, Stojan Quarter Horses produced multiple champions and became a consistent force in both Canadian and U.S. racing circuits.
The stable’s achievements include titles such as the AQHA Racing Challenge Champion Owner in 2020 and 2022, earned through the success of horses like Free Thought, Stripstreak, Flight Club, and Light Footed. These horses brought home major wins across Alberta and beyond, showcasing the quality and competitiveness of Stojan-bred horses.
Charles Stojan’s passing in November 2024 marked the loss of a dedicated breeder, businessman, and leader within the Quarter Horse community. Yet his legacy lives on through Stojan Quarter Horses, which continues to exemplify the resilience, excellence, and passion for the sport that he instilled.
The CQHA’s recognition of Stojan Quarter Horses as Race Horse Breeder of the Year is a fitting tribute to a program—and a man—that helped define Canadian Quarter Horse racing at its best.
Donald Sobey, NS — Ranch Horse Breeder of the Year
Donald R. Sobey of Sumac Farms, located in Pictou County near Trenton, Nova Scotia, is a respected breeder of Canadian-bred Quarter Horses. Sumac Farms sports well-appointed facilities and a strong reputation for raising performance animals capable of competing at high levels. (sumacfarms.com)
One of his standout recent successes is Sumac Gunnabeflashy, a 2017 chestnut gelding by Gunnatrashya out of Chics Graceful Whiz, bred by Donald Sobey. Sumac Gunnabeflashy was named the 2024 AQHA Superhorse at the Nutrena AQHA World Championship Show—this horse earned more points than any other across multiple Level 3 classes in multiple categories (senior ranch trail, open working western rail, among others) in November 2024.
Sumac Farms is more than just breeding horses: the facility itself spans about 460 acres, surrounded by private woodlands, with high-quality amenities. These include heated indoor and outdoor arenas, a show barn, paddocks, and trails.
Donald Sobey who passed in March of 2021 also brought a broad vision and philanthropic heartbeat to his work. He is known nationally for his leadership in cultural philanthropy, including founding the Donald R. Sobey Foundation, his work with the Sobey Art Award, many civic and educational contributions in Nova Scotia, and the community around Sumac Farms.
Deserie Bitz, AB — AQHA Trainer of the Year
Deserie Bitz of Bentley, Alberta, has earned the title AQHA Trainer of the Year from the Canadian Quarter Horse Association in 2024, marking her as one of the premier horse trainers in the Canadian Quarter Horse circuit. Her reputation is built on consistency, skill, and leadership, both in and out of the show ring.
Deserie is deeply involved in the Quarter Horse community. She serves on the Board of the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta (QHAA), participates in organizing shows and affiliating events, and is known for mentoring younger competitors, amateurs, and youth in the sport.
Her clients’ horses compete successfully in AQHA and QHAA shows across Western Canada and occasionally beyond. She’s known for a well-rounded program, covering Western Pleasure, Showmanship, Trail, and Equitation classes, among others. While exact show records for all her horses weren’t fully available, her results are strong and resonant enough among peers to merit this award.
Deserie’s recognition as Trainer of the Year reflects her consistently high standard of horsemanship, her contributions to the Quarter Horse industry in Alberta, and her role in fostering growth and excellence among both seasoned and up-and-coming riders.
Emily Furth, BC — Canadian AQHA Youth of the Year
British Columbia youth member Emily Firth has quickly become one of the most active and influential young leaders in Canada’s Quarter Horse community. Selected in 2023 as a Horsemanship and Leadership Development member for Team Canada at the AQHA Youth World Cup in Texas, Emily has since expanded her impact far beyond the show arena.
She spearheaded all social media coverage for Team Canada, ensuring the riders’ journey and successes were shared with the wider community. Building on that experience, she launched and led a national youth initiative, which she presented to the membership at the CQHA Annual General Meeting, where it received unanimous support.
Emily has volunteered countless hours to the CQHA Media and Communications Team, the BC Quarter Horse Association, and numerous grassroots horse shows. Her dedication demonstrates a passion not only for competition but also for community-building and youth engagement. Looking ahead, Emily hopes to continue developing her leadership and horsemanship skills at the collegiate level, with aspirations to be drafted to a U.S. College Equestrian Team in the fall of 2025.
Recognized as CQHA Youth of the Year, Emily represents the next generation of Canadian Quarter Horse leaders: committed, innovative, and deeply connected to the future of the sport.
Shelby Devet, AB — Canadian AQHA Amateur of the Year
Alberta amateur exhibitor and dedicated volunteer Shelby Devet has made a lasting mark on the Canadian Quarter Horse industry since beginning to show Quarter Horses in 2016. In that time she has earned 12 national class championships, two National All-Around titles, and three AQHA World Show qualifications, along with numerous year-end and circuit awards.
Shelby is widely respected not only for her accomplishments in the show pen but also for her leadership and service. A Vice President of the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta (QHAA), she has organized year-end banquets, overseen awards, created new initiatives such as the Pro/Am Horsemanship Challenge, and contributed countless volunteer hours to strengthening affiliate shows.
In 2022, she was voted by her peers as the recipient of the QHAA Amateur Sportsmanship Award, recognizing her integrity, horsemanship, and positive spirit. Her resilience is equally admired—after breaking her collarbone at the 2021 AQHA Congress, she returned to competition within months, exemplifying perseverance and dedication.
Shelby Devet embodies the values of sportsmanship, commitment, and passion that define the Quarter Horse community in Canada.
