In memory of Joe Carter (June 1, 1943 – April 10, 2025)
Renowned rider and mentor in the Canada's Quarter Horse Industry
Joe Carter, a notable figure in the Canadian Quarter Horse industry, has died and leaves a legacy of mentoring, specialist knowledge and passion for horses. Joe was instrumental in the design of the Canadian Quarter Horse industry. For over six decades, he made significant contributions as a judge, horse trainer, farrier and clinician and informed his deep knowledge with thousands of Equestrians.
Joe's career in the quarter horse industry is defined by his extraordinary contributions as a judge and mentor. On January 1, 1981, he received his all-round judge for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and his ranch versatility on July 16, 2007. In addition to his AQHA cards, he was also a judge for the National Snaffle Bit Association, the National Reining Horse Association, the National Cut Horse Association and several other breeding associations. His assessment experience comprised 26 countries as well as every state and the province in North America. He was very much in demand to assess some of the biggest shows in the Horse industry, including the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress and the Reining Futurity of the National The National Reining Horse Association, which he assessed several times. He was deeply obliged to look after the AQHA judge from others and to prepare her for the high-pressure, prestigious responsibility for the assessment of world shows. He was repeatedly honored with the opportunity to assess these prestigious events, including the AQHA Youth World Championship Show in 2016, the AQHA World Championship Show in 2018, the AQHA-Select World Championship Show in 2012 and the VSUGility Ranch Horshhary Championship show in 2018.
Joe met his wife Pat in 1962. Together they founded the Carter's training facility in St. George, Ontario, who became a cornerstone of the Horse community in Ontario. After Pat's death in 2018, the facility continues to thrive under the leadership of her granddaughter Paige and promotes Joe and the commitment of his family for Equine Excellence. Joe's love for his family was immeasurable. He is survived by his daughter Patti; Granddaughter, Paige; her husband Kyle; And her newborn, Joes great -granddaughter Peyton Patricia Johnson. He often spoke lovingly of the day his daughter Patti was born in 1965 and called his “perfect day” – one of the happiest moments of his life.
Joe was deeply enthusiastic about the history of western horse sports and often expressed his admiration for the founding members of the AQHA and liked to remember the early days of his career. He looked at Bill Brewer, the former Executive Vice President of the AQHA, a hero and a close friend. In 2008 Joe was admitted to the Ontario Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and appointed the AQHA professional riding of the year in the same year. In 2024 he was honored with the emeritus award of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).
Joe's wisdom, integrity and humor showed up in every interaction. He was a committed mentor and led many coaches and exhibitors who made a successful career. Joe often advised novel judges to search for mentoring, gain experience and ensure that their opinions were both formed and independent. His expertise was admired, but it was his warmth, his comedic genius and his captivating storytelling that really left everyone who knew him. His dedication to his family and the horse industry as well as the legacy he leaves will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to know him. Joe's death is the end of an era in the Canada's Quarter Horse industry, but his influence will take over generations.
In memory of Joe Carter, a life full of laughter and adventure
It would only be appropriate to close this monument with a witty incident that Joe shared in the spring of 2021 with the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada for her judge's newsletter. He was asked to share a fun memory of a horse experience with them, and he said:
“Well, I didn't judge, but in 1975 I showed Fair in Georgetown, Ontario. Order.
The judge told us that we would have to descend, crawl to the ground and through the barrel. When I took out the other end of the barrel, I knew that I had had! The whole lot clapped and laughed!
Some friends told the judge about the prank, and the judge went along – I won the class! “
