Steve Meadows wins 2026 Markel/APHA Professional Horseman of the Year
Lifelong horseman Steve Meadows of Staunton, Virginia, is being honored June 25, 2026, as the 2026 Markel/APHA Professional Horseman of the Year.
A fourth-generation horseman, Steve has been involved the horse industry since childhood. Steve and his wife, Becky, own Meadows Quarter Horses; daughter Noel helps Steve train and show horses. After winning multiple world championships in Western pleasure, Steve shifted his focus to ranch events in 2014. He has since enjoyed bountiful success and more than 30 world championships in ranch events with APHA, American Quarter Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association and International Ranch Horse Association.
An APHA Professional Horseman since 2020, Steve is a committed trainer, coach and clinician. He’s an APHA judge and is also carded with AQHA and NSBA.
“I’ve been so blessed with great horses, great clients and my family. We wake up talking about horses and go to be talking about horses. I absolutely adore APHA, and we love coming to the World Show,” Steve said. “This is a life-changer for me. I’m so honored and humbled to be recognized by APHA and my fellow Pro Horsemen. It’s a milestone in my life that I’ll always remember.”
Celebrate
First awarded in 2017, the Markel/APHA Professional Horseman of the Year award honors a hardworking professional who exemplifies the Professional Horsemen’s code of ethics and serves as a positive ambassador of Paint Horses and the overall equine industry. APHA Director of Judges & Professional Horsemen Sandy Jirkovsky appreciates Steve’s positive impact on APHA and the greater horse industry.
“Steve has always been the kind of horseman who lifts others up,” Sandy said. “Whether we’re in the warm‑up pen or at a judges’ table, he brings professionalism, calm leadership, and a genuine passion for doing things the right way. I appreciate his integrity, his horsemanship, and his willingness to help anyone—no matter their experience level. He sets a standard we all strive to meet. This award couldn’t be more well‑deserved.”
Steve and other milestone award winners are being honored June 25 at the APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Ceremony. It takes place at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, in conjunction with the 2025 APHA World Championship Show. Other year-end award winners honored at the event include APHA’s newest Hall of Fame class, Distinguished Service Award winner, High-Point Open Exhibitor, Judge Emeritus recipients, Don Manuello Ring Steward Award winner and more.
2026 APHA Hall of Fame & Awards Celebration
June 25, 2026
Round Up Inn, Will Rogers Memorial Center
Fort Worth, Texas
Save the date—tickets will be available soon!
Event Details: Email Jennifer Crites at jcrites@apha.com
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.