Renowned Horseman and Mentor to Canada’s Quarter Horse Industry
In Memory of Joe Carter
April 11, 2025
Photo courtesy of AQHA
Story courtesy of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, cqha.ca
Joe Carter, a celebrated figure in Canada’s Quarter Horse industry, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, expertise, and passion for horses. Joe was instrumental in shaping the Canadian Quarter Horse industry. For over six decades, he made significant contributions as a judge, horse trainer, farrier, and clinician, sharing his profound knowledge with thousands of equestrians.
Joe’s career in the Quarter Horse industry is defined by his extraordinary contributions as a judge and mentor. He received his American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) All-Around Judges Card on January 1, 1981, and his Ranch Versatility AQHA Judges Card 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 Cutting Horse Association, and several other breed associations. His judging experience spanned 26 countries and every state and province in North America. He was highly sought after to judge some of the biggest shows in the Quarter Horse industry, including the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress and the National Reining Horse Association’s Reining Futurity, which he judged numerous times. He was deeply committed to mentoring fellow AQHA judges, preparing them for the high-pressure, prestigious responsibility of judging world shows. He was repeatedly honored with the opportunity to judge 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 Versatility Ranch Horse Championship Show in 2018. His last recorded AQHA show as a judge was the Manitoba Quarter Horse Association’s Canada Day Classic on July 1-2, 2022.
Joe met his wife, Pat, in 1962. Together, they established Carters Training Facility in St. George, Ontario, which became a cornerstone of the Quarter Horse community in Ontario. Following Pat’s passing in 2018, the facility continues to thrive under the leadership of their granddaughter, Paige, furthering Joe and his family’s commitment to equine excellence. Joe’s love for his family was immeasurable. He is survived by his daughter, Patti; granddaughter, Paige; her husband, Kyle; and their newborn, Joe’s great-granddaughter, Peyton Patricia Johnson. He often spoke fondly of the day his daughter, Patti, was born in 1965, calling it his “perfect day” — one of the happiest moments of his life.
Joe was deeply passionate about the history of western horse sport and often expressed his admiration for the founding members of the AQHA, fondly recalling the early days of his career. He considered Bill Brewer, past Executive Vice President of the AQHA, a hero and a close friend. In 2008, Joe was inducted into the Ontario Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and was named AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year that same year. In 2024, he was honored with the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Judge Emeritus Award.
Joe’s wisdom, integrity, and humor were evident in every interaction. He was a dedicated mentor, guiding many trainers and exhibitors who went on to have successful careers. Joe frequently advised new judges to seek mentorship, gain experience, and ensure their opinions were both educated and independent. His expertise was admired, but it was his warmth, comedic genius, and captivating storytelling that truly left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His devotion to his family and the horse industry, along with the legacy he leaves behind, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. Joe’s passing marks the end of an era in Canada’s Quarter Horse industry, but his influence will endure for generations to come.
In Memory of Joe Carter, A Life Full of Laughter and Adventure
It would only be fitting to close this memorial with a funny incident that Joe shared with the Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada for their Judge’s newsletter in the spring of 2021. He was asked to share with them a funny memory of a horse judging experience, and this is what he said:
“Well, I wasn’t judging, but in 1975, I was showing at the Georgetown Fair in Georgetown, Ontario. I was showing a horse named Wonder Seeker, who ended up being my first AQHA Supreme Champion. The Trail class was the last class of the day, and Wonder Seeker was still back at the trailer, so I rode back to switch horses. Back then, there wasn’t a pattern provided for the Trail; rather, the judge told you which obstacles to complete in what order. I got back to the ring just as the judge was telling everyone what they were going to do, and they called out that I was the first horse to go on Wonder Seeker. I got through all the obstacles and rode up to a 45-gallon barrel with both ends cut out.
The judge told us we had to dismount, ground tie, and crawl through the barrel. When I got out the other end of the barrel, I knew I had been had! The whole crowd was clapping and laughing!
Some friends told the judge about the prank, and the judge went along with it — I ended up winning the class!”
A celebration of Joe’s life was held at Wm. Kipp Funeral Home, 184 Grand River St. N. Paris, ON, Tuesday, April 15th with a funeral service taking place on Wednesday April 16 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to the American Quarter Horse Foundation’s Professional Horsemen’s Endowment fund or the American Paint Horse Association’s horseIQ education platform.
Online condolences and donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com
Make a Donation in Memory of Joe
The AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Endowment supports AQHA professionals in crisis and seeks to ensure the longevity of the personal and professional wellbeing of the AQHA Professional Horsemen. The Professional Horsemen’s Endowment Fund Program will be administered through the Professional Horsemen’s Association. Recipients will be selected by the Professional Horsemen’s Council.
Mail to: American Quarter Horse Foundation, P.O. Box 32111, Amarillo, TX 79120
Joseph “Joe” Archibald Carter
Longtime judge and AQHA director at large died April 10.
AQHA.com – April 10, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Archibald Carter, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a prominent figure in the equine industry. Joe passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by mentorship, integrity and a lifelong devotion to the equine world.
Joe’s heart was firmly rooted in family. Cherished husband to the late Jeanette “Patricia” Carter (nee Erhardt, 2018). Beloved father to his daughter, Patti Carter (Ed) and to his stepchildren Danny Howlett (Patty) and Peter Howlett (Ellie). Much loved Poppa of Ashley “Paige” Johnson (Kyle), and most recently to his newborn great-granddaughter Peyton Patricia Johnson. He is sadly missed by his siblings Muriel Touchings, Bill Carter, Barbara Carter, Sue Burr and Ruth Walker. He is predeceased by his parents, William and Effie Carter (nee Ashford), siblings Lloyd Carter and Anne Dawson, as well as his stepdaughter Lorna Howlett (Brian).
Joe was born in Francois, Newfoundland, to his cherished parents, Bill and Effie Carter. Joe’s passion for horses began when his family moved to Harbour Breton, Newfoundland, where he and his friends would catch and ride wild horses. In 1962, he met Pat, and together they founded Carter’s Training Facility in St. George, Ontario — a hub of excellence and mentorship in the horse community. For more than six decades, Joe dedicated his life to the advancement of the equine industry, both in Canada and internationally. As a renowned judge, trainer, farrier and clinician, he shared his knowledge and passion with thousands, shaping the careers of countless equestrians and fellow professionals along the way.
Joe’s warmth, storytelling and unique sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Joe’s passing marks the end of an era, but the impact he made will live on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.