Sam Rose Memorial

Sam Rose was heavily respected throughout both the NCHA and the equine industry as a whole, judging world-class events and riding and training multiple world champion horses throughout his career. Growing up in the equine industry, he developed an unmatched wealth of knowledge throughout his lifetime. He became an NCHA member in 1981 and an NCHA judge in 1999, earning a AAAA rating. Sam became the NCHA Director of Judges earlier this year in April of 2022. During his time as the director of judges, Sam rapidly made positive changes to the department, including further development in the education programs for both NCHA judges and the NCHA membership. 

In addition to his time with NCHA, Sam was also an AQHA Professional Horseman and Director Emeritus. He trained and showed multiple open Honor Roll and AQHA world champions, and coached several youth and amateurs to multiple world championships. He has been on the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission since its inception and has served on the AQHA Hall of Fame Committee and AQHA Show Council.

While his accomplishments inside of the show pen are many, Sam’s legacy will be the impact he had on others outside of the arena. First and foremost in his life were his wife and daughter. Sam was a loving husband to his wife and best friend of 42 years Pam and an amazing father to their daughter Kristen. Known for his kindness, sense of humor, storytelling abilities, and vast knowledge of horses and the industry he loved, Sam was always willing to take the time to help others and was passionate about educating others in the performance horse industry. His enthusiasm for the future of the industry shown brightest through his interactions with youth in and out of the arena.

To honor the legacy of Sam Rose and his passion in the growth of education, Pam and Kristen, are asking consideration to the NCHA Foundation Youth Tenent.