For those who love the Quarter Horse world, the All American Quarter Horse Congress isn’t just an event — it’s a tradition. It’s a gathering of passion, talent, and the people who have shaped the industry for generations. This year, the Congress presented one of its highest honors to three individuals who have left a lasting impact: Jerry and Penny Robinson, and Bobby Smith.
For Jerry Robinson, the love of horses took root early. His mother would laughingly tell friends that he “learned to read by studying the classified ads.” As a kid, he sent away for sale catalogs the way others collected baseball cards — memorizing bloodlines, stallions, and pedigrees long before he was old enough to buy one. By 15, he had his first truck. Not long after, he made a deal with AQHA judge Stretch Bradley for a trailer, giving him everything he needed to haul to shows and chase the life he’d studied so intently.
Penny first noticed Jerry at a Labor Day horse show in 1961. There he stood, watching the winners line up — the polished horses, the starched shirts, the big rigs, the people at the top of their game — and quietly deciding that one day, he’d be standing right among them. Together, Jerry and Penny turned that vision into reality.
They built J.L. Robinson Quarter Horses, a program developed in partnership with Dewey Smith Quarter Horses, and together created one of the most respected breeding and showing operations in the industry. Their horses — halter and performance alike — represent decades of dedication, integrity, and an unmatched eye for quality. Notable stallions such as PF Premo, FG Born Legacy, and World Champion HippiesAndKowboys are testaments to their commitment to excellence.
Jerry’s show career is equally remarkable. He has shown at every Quarter Horse Congress from the very first year through the 50th — a streak of loyalty and passion few can claim. One of his proudest moments came during that 50th anniversary celebration, when he was named Grand Champion Stallion with PF Premo, the kind of milestone that stays with a horseman forever.
Dewey & Tammi Smith and Jerry & Penny Robinson
Trophy & ribbon display in Bellefontaine branch
But what makes the Robinsons truly deserving of this honor is not only their success in the show ring — it’s the way they’ve given back. Their impact stretches far beyond their own barn. Jerry and Penny have mentored horsemen across the country, supported youth in the industry, and played an important role in helping establish Discovery Riders, an equine-assisted therapy program in Logan County, Ohio.
Discovery Riders holds a special place in our hearts at Richwood Bank as well. The organization is one of our Richwood Coffee beneficiaries — a partnership that helps provide ongoing support to programs that strengthen local communities. Knowing that the Robinsons helped plant the seeds of such a meaningful nonprofit makes this recognition even more fitting.
Our connection to this story runs even deeper. Richwood has long been intertwined with the Quarter Horse community. Years ago, the Ohio Quarter Horse Association headquarters were located right here in Richwood, Ohio. Many families in our area — including the Robinsons — helped build the legacy of Quarter Horse showing in the state and contributed to the industry’s growth nationwide.
As part of this celebration, you can view several of the Robinsons’ trophies on display in our Bellefontaine and Richwood branches through March. We invite you to take a look when you’re in — they’re a remarkable glimpse into a lifetime of dedication and success.
At Richwood Bank, we love celebrating the accomplishments of customers who make our communities stronger — and the Robinsons demonstrate exactly what that looks like. Their story is one of hard work, family, passion, and purpose. It’s a legacy rooted in Richwood and carried into arenas across the country.
Congratulations to Jerry & Penny Robinson on this well-deserved recognition. Their journey continues to inspire everyone who believes in the power of horses, community, and lifelong dedication to a craft.
