Ohio Amateurs Well Represented at AQHA Convention

This year’s AQHA Convention was held March 11-14 at the incredible South Point Hotel and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. Our Ohio Amateurs made sure what happened in Vegas didn’t just stay in Vegas. Each of the five members who attended were active in the marketing and show committee meetings, as well as supportive of AQHA’s Foundation and PAC benefits. They brought back with them insight into AQHA’s strategic mission of remaining innovative in an ever changing world that presents constant challenges to our industry. For example, AQHA stressed how important it is for us to be the Netflix of the equine industry instead of the Blockbuster Video who failed to evolve with the times. While AQHA remains the dominant force in all equine activity at 60%, the entire industry has been shrinking as the barrier of cost continues to be a top concern. One solution has been AQHA’s key support of Take Me Riding, a program targeting young moms, a key demographic in AQHA membership. Another solution has been to cultivate participation in the Ranch Horse, Rodeo and Barrel Racing side of AQHA where the cost of participation is often times more feasible. 

OAQHA members also brushed up on their skills by attending AQHA’s Show Management Workshop led by Patti Carter, Director of Shows and Professional Horsemen. They spent two days reviewing AQHA guidelines and sharing ideas with fellow horse show managers from all over the world, including Germany and New Zealand. This certifies them for five years as managers of the Buckeye Classic.