Elroy “Roy” Low, of Polk City, Iowa, shared the early days of IQHA. He served as IQHA Director for District 5 where he and his wife, Helen, were always willing to help and contribute to the growth of the IQHA and its members. He passed away due to heart failure on October 27, 1978 at the age of 68. Gradual failing health had required him to retire from D-X Sun Oil Co. in Des Moines before his death.

Roy always enjoyed helping the young or inexperienced horsemen get the kinks out of their hang-ups or horse-handling problems. His low-key manner of doing things made him a friend of everyone. He was what he said he was. When he sold a horse his parting words were always the same. “When you get it home and if you become dissatisfied then bring it back.” What more could anyone ask for?

Trail riding in the companionship of his friends of all ages and being campfire host was Roy’s natural place.

“Roy’s passing leaves an uncommon loss among his many friends. But it also left some colorful and permanent memories amid those who rode with him. FUN is what it was. And it was pure.”
– Bob Brown, Former Publicity and Promotion Director, IQHA

The Roy Low Memorial Award was established in 1979 as a tribute to the late Roy Low, a charter member of IQHA. Funded by private donations, annual awards were presented, both Living and Posthumous, to persons 60 or older who had made a significant impact on the Iowa Quarter Horse Association. Recipients were chosen by these merits by an unknown committee of Roy’s peers and were presented by his widow, Helen at the annual awards banquet. At Helen’s request, the award was ended after ten years. Over this period a very deserving and dedicated group of true IQHA Horsemen and Horsewomen or their families proudly accepted the award given in honor of one of the greatest friends of IQHA.