The Ohio Quarter Horse Association and Connie Hill, founder of the Southern Belle Invitation, have announced the transition of administration of the Southern Belle program to the Ohio Quarter Horse Association.

The Southern Belle Invitation, which began in 1994 as a futurity show and later added a breeders incentive program held during one event, has grown to include classes at major shows including the Sun Circuit, Tom Powers Triple Challenge, the Big A, the Reichert Celebration, the AQHA World Championship Show, the APHA World Championship Show and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

“The ability to change with the needs of the industry is paramount to the success of any solid program,” said Connie Hill.  “I felt that to reach the pinnacle of success for our breeders, it was imperative to find a home for our breeders program that offered a full slate of events, quality management, people of integrity and the opportunity to expand. The Qhio Quarter Horse Association depicts all of these attributes and more.

“I am grateful for the friendship, business acumen of the director and president, and I look forward to watching The Southern Belle Breeders Program flourish.”

The Southern Belle program has had strong ties to Ohio with Chris Cecil-Darnell serving as the show’s secretary and administrator of the breeder’s program. Chris, who currently serves as president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, will oversee the transition. Rhonda Harter, OQHA’s Congress horse show secretary, will lead the transition team and serve as the lead contact for stallion owners and breeders in the program.

For additional information about the Southern Belle Invitation, please visit www.oqha.com.