Carl Ballew
Carl Ballew, had a great passion for horses
and for the quarter horse in particular. Although we can pay
homage to his dedication, commitment and contribution to the
industry, it presents something of a challenge to describe his
“spirit”. His contagious smile, his eternal optimism and the
genuine warmth of his personality – the hallmarks of the
“spirit” of this man – are difficult to capture with words.
Carl Ballew was a “horseman” in the true sense of the word, and
because of his passion he bred, raised, trained, showed, and raced
- It all began with Ol’ Pat – a family work horse that Carl
loved to ride down the road at full speed; roping or trying to rope
anything in his path. As his interest matured, his favorites were
Ron Bar Bailey and Venture Royal. But Connie Win and
especially One Hundred Grand – a 1974 stallion by Win or Lose –
were his true loves. He raised them both from weanlings.
Born in Wainwright, Oklahoma, in 1927, Carl came to Oklahoma
City following World War II and his service in the U. S. Navy. In
1959, he formed Capitol Paint Manufacturing Company, which
continues today under the skillful management of his son, Stan,
who joined him in 1976.
A lifetime member of both the OQHA and the AQHA, Carl was
extremely active in both organizations He served as Chairman of
the OQHA Race Committee among many others, culminating in
his service as OQHA President in 1983. He was constantly
involved with the Youth organization, and untiringly supported his
daughter, Kim, in her show activities and her involvement in both
the OJQHA and the AQHYA.
He was an AQHA Director and served with distinction on the
Youth, Race, and Foundation Committees. He was honored by
being named an AQHA Honorary Vice-President in 1989.
Through his generous contributions through the AQHA
Foundation , an AQHYA scholarship is permanently recorded in
his name.
Carl was a Charter member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame and
Western Heritage Cente: and his active involvement with the
Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce contributed to the
successful movement of the AQHA World Championship Show to
Oklahoma City.
Involved in civic affairs, he was a member of the Oklahoma City
Exchange Club, the Committee of 100, Sirloin Club, the Greens
Country Club, and Cedar Valley Golf Club—where he indulged in
his second passion – golf.
Carl was a Mason, a member of the Shrine Mounted Patrol, and the
Jesters. He was also President of the Oklahoma Chapter of the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Carl Ballew left an indelible mark on the OQHA and the AQHA
by his selflessness and lack of any personal agenda. His only interest was that which was in the best interest of the American
Quarter Horse.
