Foundation

At RMQHA, we believe in the power of giving back to our community, and our Foundation serves as the embodiment of this commitment. As a charitable, separate 501C3 organization, the RMQHA Foundation is dedicated to supporting a wide array of educational, charitable, and scientific projects that benefit enthusiasts of the American Quarter Horse in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Our mission is clear: to provide support through scholarships and charitable donations for initiatives that enhance the lives of Quarter Horse devotees and promote the well-being of these magnificent animals. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

Preserving History and Accomplishments:

The RMQHA Foundation is committed to preserving the rich history and remarkable achievements of the American Quarter Horse in the Rocky Mountain Region. We honor the individuals and institutions that have contributed to these accomplishments, ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come.

Educational Advancement:

One of our primary objectives is to support the educational advancement of our industry’s youth. Through scholarships and educational programs, we empower young enthusiasts to pursue their passion for Quarter Horses while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Equine Education and Veterinary Research:

The Foundation recognizes the importance of ongoing education and research in the field of equine science and veterinary medicine. We support initiatives that advance equine health and welfare, contributing to the well-being of Quarter Horses and the broader equine community.

Promoting Therapeutic Riding Programs:

We believe in the transformative power of the human-equine bond. That’s why the RMQHA Foundation is dedicated to promoting the use of American Quarter Horses in therapeutic and handicapped riding programs. These initiatives offer invaluable opportunities for individuals to experience the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits of interacting with horses.

Through our Foundation, we aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Quarter Horse enthusiasts and their beloved animals. Join us in our mission to support, empower, and inspire the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse community. Together, we can create a brighter future for all who share a passion for these extraordinary animals

Kelley Simonsen

Kelley Simonsen has been showing in RMQHA shows for close to 40 years as an Amateur exhibitor. Raised in the suburbs of Washington DC her early efforts were focused on English classes. After winning a Western show saddle at the Colorful Colorado AQHA show in Estes Park in the mid-go’s she ventured into the Western classes as well. Today she competes as a Select Amateur in the core All-Around classes.

Kelley served on the Board of RMQHA for many years, serving as Vice President of the Show Division from 2013-2016 and as RMQHA President from 2017-2018. With a background in Accounting her focus has been on the financial health of the Association. She is now an Honorary Vice President and currently serves as RMQHA’s Treasurer. .

Roxanne Doogan

My name is Roxanne Doogan. I’m an attorney with a solo practice focusing on trust and estate planning. I’m a lifetime member of AQHA and have been a member of RMQHA since the 80’s, showing in youth, and now showing in the select all-around and ranch classes. As a director, my goal would be to increase RMQHA membership and participation. Having competed as a youth who came to Rocky Mountain through 4 H and local shows, I believe that reaching out to that demographic is particularly important to achieve this goal. To echo my experience, even if young people take an extended “break” from showing, participation in this industry begins with our youth. Furthermore, as a competitor in the ranch events, I would like to encourage even more participation at the entry level in these popular events.

Shaun Gloude

By way of introduction, my name is Shaun Gloude and I am interested continuing to serve as a Director of the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association. After completing two terms as a Director, I made the decision to step down to allow others to become active in the Association. In 2023 I filled a one-year vacancy left on the Board and am now seeking a full three-year term. I have continued my involvement with the Association by participating on the Youth Committee, the Foundation Committee and currently serve as the Chair of the By-laws Committee. In 2022, the by-laws committee took on the challenge of a complete review of the existing by-laws; a task not for the faint of heart. RMQHA has been a part of my life for many years. I have so many fond memories and cherish the friendships that have come from that involvement. In addition to training and coaching youth and amateurs, I hold a second degree black belt in Taekwondo and teach all levels of children and adults. As a graduate of the University of Denver I have a dual degree in Public Policy and Political Science as well as a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Denver College of Law. I have been and AQHA and NSBA judge for many years and also hold a judge’s card with the APHA.

Jill Cook, DMV

I am serving as a RMQHA Race Director because RMQHA and horse racing in Colorado has been an important part of my life and I want to do what I can to improve racing opportunities here. I am an equine veterinarian and started Royal Vista Equine with my late husband Vaughn in 1990. We offered equine reproductive services and stood many top race stallions including Super De Kas, Rocket Wrangler, Special Leader, and Moon Lark just to mention a few. The facility in Fort Collins continues to offer reproductive services as it is leased to Vista Equine Colorado.

We also raced horses both here in Colorado and in many other parts of the country. I think Colorado is a great place to raise top quality race horses and I strive to have better and more fair racing here.

Our daughters Bailey and Jamie showed extensively and one of my favorite things was being a “show mom” and watching them compete. Now my hobby is riding and showing reining.

I am also an AQHA national director and serve on the AQHA Racing committee as well as the director of the RMQHA Foundation. In addition, I serve on the CSU Research Advisory Committee for racing research funds.

Please contact me with questions or suggestions. We need more people involved in preserving our racing industry.

Foundation

Preserving History and Accomplishments:

Educational Advancement:

Equine Education and Veterinary Research:

Promoting Therapeutic Riding Programs:

History

Mission Statement

Programs

Hall of Fame

Board Members

Jill Cook, DMV

Kelley Simsonsen

Shaun Gloude

Julie Jolstad

Leslie Lange

Roxanne Doogan

Jake Jolstad

Jimmy Daurio

Forms & Documents