2025 Hall of Fame: Steve Cook

OQHA Hall of Fame Nomination: Steve Cook

For more than five decades, Steve Cook has been a pillar of the Ontario Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) community. His lifelong commitment, leadership, volunteerism, and unmatched expertise in show management and ring stewarding have made an extraordinary and lasting impact on the Quarter Horse industry in Ontario.

Steve’s involvement with Quarter Horses began in 1968, when he purchased his first registered Quarter Horse. By 1972, he and his wife, Karen, were actively showing—Steve in halter and Karen in performance—with many more horses and homebred foals raised on the Cook farm over the years. But although Steve enjoyed life as an exhibitor and breeder, his true legacy was forged in the show pen—not as a competitor, but as one of Ontario’s most respected and relied-upon ring stewards and show managers.

Steve began ring stewarding in 1970 at the Picov shows in Ajax, Ontario, and quickly became known for his organization, professionalism, and deep understanding of ring procedure. His calm demeanour, attention to detail, and ability to keep shows running smoothly set him apart. By the time Quarterama came around each year, everyone knew that Steve Cook would be at the helm of the ring crew, ensuring judges, exhibitors, and ring staff were exactly where they needed to be. His presence became a hallmark of the event.

In 1983, Steve became an OQHA Director, serving on the Board until 1998, including a term as Vice President. Beyond the Board, Steve generously devoted his time to the OQHA Breeders Futurity, where he served as ring steward for many years. His commitment to the next generation of show officials was equally impressive—he dedicated countless hours to setting up and teaching ring stewarding clinics, ensuring that others could benefit from his experience and continue the high standards he upheld.

Steve’s service did not end there. From 2002 to 2023, he served on the OQHA Disciplinary Committee, helping guide the association through fair, thoughtful governance and ensuring integrity within competition. He also led and supported his local Quarter Horse community as President of the Area 4 Promotional Club, while spending many years managing and ring stewarding shows throughout that region. Please put your hands together to welcome Steve into the OQHA Hall of Fame.

Steve’s dedication extended far beyond the horse industry. In his community, he was an enthusiastic athlete and volunteer—playing baseball and hockey, and later coaching both midget and juvenile teams for many years. He also cochaired a major local fundraising initiative to save a threatened waste disposal location in his township, demonstrating his commitment to improving the community where he lived.

In summary, Steve Cook’s decades of service exemplify the very spirit of OQHA volunteerism. He travelled countless miles, spent innumerable days helping run events, and provided expertise that was essential to the success of shows across Ontario—all without ever requesting or receiving compensation. His longevity, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication make him not only respected, but truly cherished within the Quarter Horse community.

For his lifelong contributions and the immeasurable impact he has had on the Ontario Quarter Horse Association, we proudly nominate Steve Cook for induction into the OQHA Hall of Fame.