Tennessee Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame 2018 | Inductee #9
Roger & Sandra Elder | Maryville, Tennessee
The Elders of Excellence
Roger and Sandra Elder are one. They cannot be separated in life or in their remarkable contributions to the horse industry. Both are equally deserving to be inducted into the Tennessee Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Together, they have faithfully served the AQHA and TQHA and played key roles in the development and success of both associations.
Beginning in the late 80s until now, their service to TQHA, AQHA, 4-H, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association has been extraordinary. While serving these associations, they have at the same time grown their Last Lap Ranch into a teaching, boarding, and showing facility that fosters the development of hundreds of youth and amateurs in the world of horses.
Roger has served on the TQHA board since the late 80s as well as serving as President. He has been an AQHA Director for twenty-two years and served on the AQHA Youth Committee just as long and was elected Chair for three years. He has also served on the AQHA Hall of Fame Committee and as a member of the Professional Horsemen Association. An AQHA Judge for the Novice and Versatility Ranch Horse classes for ten years, Roger additionally officiated as an AQHA show steward for ten years, including several World Championship Shows.
Never far away from Roger is "Miss Sandra," teaching kids and making a mark of her own. Sandra has spent much of her last thirty years in the arena teaching and encouraging youth to be better horsemen and showmen. She chaired the 4-H youth and horse to TQHA, where she served as Youth Advisor for ten years and many more years on the Youth Advisory Committee. Sandra’s work was recognized on a national level when she was awarded the AQHA Youth Advisor of the Year in 1998. She too is a member of Professional Horsemen as well as earning credentials through the Certified Horsemanship Association.
For their dedication to TQHA, AQHA, and the youth of Tennessee, the team of Roger and Sandra Elder become the ninth inductee into the Tennessee Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.