July 12, 2006 — Blair Folck, the founder of the All American Quarter Horse Congress, Blair Folck, died July 7 at the age of 80.
Folck of Springfield, Ohio, served as Ohio Quarter Horse Association (OQHA) president in 1963-64 and 1970-71 and became one of OQHA’s first members from the western half of Ohio in OQHA’s early days. He brought the idea of the All American Quarter Horse Congress to the OQHA board of directors in 1966 after attending the Charolais Cattle Congress. Folck also founded National Equine Sales and the Folck Insurance Agency in Springfield.
Folck is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Nancy. He is also survived by a daughter, Nicki Heine and son-in-law, George; three sons, Timothy and daughter-in-law, Denise, Stuart and daughter-in-law, Cathy, Robin and daughter-in-law, Peggy; 12 grandchildren; and two brothers, Glenn and Gene Folck and their wives, Helen and Joanne.
Folck was raised on the family farm, south of Springfield, Ohio and had a partnership with his father and brothers. Chester Folck and Sons Jersey Cattle was world renowned for breeding, raising, showing, and selling purebred Jersey cattle.
Folck and his wife purchased their first Quarter Horse in 1955, and became involved with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and OQHA. In 1960 he established National Quarter Horse Sales (changed to National Equine Sales in 1982). In 1964 he developed the Fall Tattersall Sale and then the Spring Tattersall Sale in Lexington, Ky. His oldest son Tim joined the business in 1969, adding the Winter and Summer Sales plus The Folck Agency (Insurance Specialist Equine and Farm).
Folck and his wife bred, raised, raced and showed many champion Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds including leading sires Impressive (Quarter Horse) and What Luck (Thoroughbred).
Folck created the idea and concept of the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in 1966–the world’s largest single breed horse show and exposition running three weeks in October in Columbus, Ohio, with $150 million economic impact. He has been inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame and Ohio Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.
Condolences may be sent to Nancy, Tim and Denise Folck at 2040 West Blee Road, Springfield, OH 45502.
A scholarship fund has been established in Blair Folck’s memory through the OQHA. Donations may be made to OQHA Blair Folck Scholarship, P.O. Box 209, Richwood, OH 43344.
