Gerald Butler (1991–2018), 27 Years
Bill French (1989–2018), 29 Years
Ed Mayfield (1970–2018), 48 Years
R. J. Muir (1977– 2018), 41 Years
Mike Sheppard (1978–2018), 40 Years
Dan Williams (1978–2018), 40 Years
Roger L Johnson (1978 – 2018), 40 Years
Pat Trebesch (1978 – 2018), 40 Years
Carl McCuistion (2006 – 2018), 12 Years, awarded posthumously, approved by the APHA Judges Committee per the guidelines of the Emeritus Award.

APHA sponsors awards for up to 15 classes per show; selected events are at the discretion of show management. Awards include a Gist championship buckle and second- through sixth–place medallions for each class, valued at $3,500. Shows may offer additional Paint Horse Championship classes and purchase the additional awards for these classes from APHA.

The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Hall of Fame was created in 2005 to recognize outstanding individuals, horses, ranches or businesses whose contributions involving the American Quarter Horse significantly impacted the great state of Oklahoma’s equine industry. This event is dependent on the generosity of donors who acknowledge those contributions with financial support.

Horses play a unique role in cultures and communities around the world. American cowboys, Mexican charros, Argentinian gauchos, riders of the Royal Spanish Riding School, breeders of Arabian racehorses, South African ranchers, Australian stockmen, plainsmen of Mongolia, dressage competitors of Germany and jockeys in the United Kingdom, all share a passion and love for the horse.