An American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) membership summit is conducted every other year for each region to review international department specific and general AQHA news, task force updates, rule changes, funding structures, educational seminars and any other information that’s pertinent to the region. Topics of discussion also include short and long-term goals for the AQHA International Department, as well as business plan goals for the affiliate organizations.
During the European Summit, AQHA, in partnership with the Associazione Italiana Quarter Horse (AIQH), hosted a show management day on January 31 and a business summit on February 1. It was a great opportunity for affiliates, judges, show managers, and members to confront with AQHA Representatives about new rules, new programs, and event management.
AQHA President Stan Weaver was present during the Summit, always available to collect observations and ideas to increase and promote the growth of the American Quarter Horse in Europe. Weaver of Big Sandy, Montana, has been an AQHA director since 2011 and is a former member of studbook and registration; public policy; AQHA Hall of Fame selection committees; foundation, marketing, and ranching councils; and has served as chairman of the Ranching Council. He was also instrumental in developing the AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders program. Breeder of American Quarter Horses for over 30 years he has registered over 1,650 AQHA foals during that time.
“I’m for sure very happy to be here representing AQHA, and I’m very happy I had the chance to meet new European members,” said Weaver. “I’m a rancher from Montana, but my job gave me the opportunity to travel around the world and meet different people, with different cultures, but with a common love for horses. During these two days we discussed new ideas and suggestions, that I will certainly bring back home; an important part of my job is listen to our members and try to make situations better for everybody to increment the American Quarter Horse breed.”
AQHA Senior Director of Judges Patti Carter and AQHA Director of Competition Administration Melynda Ackley led the Show Management Summit, dedicated to the perfect organization of a show, with economical, marketing and practical skills for all AQHA show managers and AQHA secretaries who attended the summit. “Having show managers, secretaries, and affiliates involved in the organization of AQHA shows here with us was an excellent opportunity. We are so grateful for the hard work that they all do to promote the breed here in Europe,” said Carter whose impact on judging and the horse show world has been huge. “I’ve been involved with horses in Europe for the last 30 years and I can truly see the passion and the positive energy that goes in different good directions.”
AQHA Director of International Activities Sierra Kane led the Business Summit, concerning updates and reviews of AQHA programming and task forces; she also guided the Member Services Open Forum with Anna Morrison, Chief International Officer/Chief Foundation Officer. “We really appreciate the fact that all the European Affiliate representatives were here bringing extra value to this great Summit,” said a very proactive Morrison. “We covered a number of important topics, which were sometimes challenging, but all the affiliate representatives’ approach was very positive with the intent to overcome the difficulties as a big family. We had great feedback and we truly appreciate our international members who are always ready to share their experiences and challenges giving us the opportunity to help them.”
During the day, attendants had also the chance to talk, through a Skype call, about Show Department updates with AQHA Chief Show Officer Justin Billings, and also about Member Experience Updates with AQHA Director of Member Experience Tiffani Carter and AQHA Manager of Member Experience Chelcei Butler.
Held in conjunction with the AQHA European Summit a Judges Workshop — co-hosted by AQHA and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) — will be held on February 3-4, 2020.
By IHP Press Release
