The American Quarter Horse Association has announced the 2019 AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year, AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year and Most Valuable Professional award winners. These individuals will be recognized in November at the AQHA Awards Celebration in Oklahoma City, coinciding with the 2020 AQHA World Championship Show.

Leonard Berryhill

The 2019 AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year is Leonard Berryhill of Talala, Oklahoma. Berryhill has served AQHA as a member of the AQHA Judges Committee, has also been involved with teaching AQHA judges for several years and has served as a judges’ workshop clinician for both Western Riding and Roping. He served as a director for the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and is currently the OQHA first vice president. Berryhill was also honored at the 2017 Most Valuable Professional for the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association.

Berryhill has been an AQHA Professional Horseman since 1996 and AQHA judge since 1997. He has judged the AQHA World Championship Show; AQHYA World Championship Show; AQHA Select World Championship Show; AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships; and All American Quarter Horse Congress. He, his wife, Leigh, and their son, Thompson, own and operate Berryhill Quarter Horses, where they train horses for all-around events, as well as heading, heeling and tie-down roping. Berryhill approaches horses with an open mind, patience and the intent to bring out the horses’ natural talent so they can excel in their own niche.

Karen Graham

The 2019 AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year is Karen Graham of Cave Creek, Arizona. Graham started in the equine industry as a youth and is a life member of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association and AQHA. Her passion for the American Quarter Horse and AQHA members is contagious, as she chooses to be a positive influence to her fellow AQHA Professional Horsemen and competitors. Graham has been an AQHA Professional Horsewoman since 1994, specializing in all-around horses, and has shown, coached and trained numerous AQHA world champions, reserve world champions and All American Quarter Horse Congress champions across all divisions. Graham has been an AQHA judge since 1996 and has judged the World, Youth World, Select World and All American Quarter Horse Congress. She has served on the AzQHA board of directors and on the AQHA Professional Horseman’s Council. She has also served as a Ride the Pattern clinician at AQHA championship shows.

Marilyn Randall

The 2019 Most Valuable Professional is Marilyn Randall of Bridger, Montana. Randall is a dedicated horsewoman and volunteer for AQHA and has served as an AQHA Professional Horsewoman since 2002, in addition to being an AQHA steward and judge. She selflessly volunteers her time as an AQHA director, a member of the AQHA International Committee and volunteered as a college equine professor for nearly 30 years. Randall holds judging cards with the American Paint Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, Federation Equestre Internationale, United States Equestrian Federation, National Reining Horse Association and has judged across the United States and in 16 countries. When she judges internationally, Randall conducts clinics to help exhibitors learn how they can better enjoy and show their American Quarter Horse. Her goal has been to bring her enthusiasm and love of the horse to others, from her students and competitors to her fellow AQHA members and peers. Randall believes in respecting the horse and being a good steward of our equine athletes, placing their welfare and safety as an utmost priority. Randall has exemplified what it means to be an expert Professional Horsewoman, judge, steward and mentor for many AQHA members. She received the AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year award in 2011.