20/ MAY 2024 THE RIDER INSIDE


AQHA News ................................20 OQHA News ................................21 EOQHA News..............................22 QROOI News...............................23 Bill Gavin Racing Alliance ..........23


AQHA Director’s Report


many years, AQHA is proud of these members and their efforts.


AQHLead AQHLead is a joint pro-


gram from the American Quarter Horse Foundation, AQHA and AQHA corporate partner, Far- nam. They are pleased to partner on their shared commitment to the development of young adults and their continuous involvement in the equine industry through AQHLead. This program is de- signed for young adults, ages 21- 35,


to help support their


development as young leaders in the equine industry. During con- vention the 2024 class of young adults were recognized. Amy Olson of Azle,


By Kathy M. Patterson AQHA Director


2024 AQHA Convention Awards and Recognitions The equine industry is full


of outstanding individuals dedi- cated to the American Quarter Horse and the American Quarter Horse Association. During the 2024 AQHA Convention, AQHA honoured many individuals across a variety of areas in the in- dustry. From young adults to those who have been involved for


Texas. Ariel Higgins of Lascas- sas, Tennessee. Cassie Younginer of Greenville, South Carolina. Christy Petry-Adams of Claren- don, Texas. Darcy Woods of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. Kelly Thompson of Saint Fran- cisville, Louisiana. Lauren Pavel of Highland Village, Texas. Megan Miller of College Station, Texas. Sydni Nilles of Fox Lake, Illinois. Zane Zilverberg of Ho- labird, South Dakota. While in the program, par-


ticipants will attend leadership- focused webinars to provide additional insights into AQHA and the industry. They will also


have the opportunity to partner with a mentor from the American Quarter Horse industry to learn about their mentor’s leadership activities in service to AQHA and the equine industry, and benefit from gaining more insight into their roles in impacting the indus- try.


AQHA Emerging Leader Another program high-


lighting the accomplishments of young adults is the AQHA Emerging Leader Award. AQHA and Farnam are working together to recognize young adults for their outstanding leadership abil- ities and service to the equine in- dustry. This award is for young adults, ages 21-35, and acknowl- edges success in their early ca- reers,


as well as their


contributions to the industry. Congratulations to these out- standing young individuals. Ali Hartman of Advance, North Car- olina. Ariel Higgins of Lascassas, Tennessee. Arizona Parker of Cave Creek, Arizona. Ashley Kanaman of Weatherford, Texas. Carey Nowacek of San Antonio, Texas. Logan Pluhar of Whites- boro, Texas. Tammy Greaves of New Milton, Hampshire, United Kingdom.


American Quarter Horse Foundation Most Valuable


Player The American Quarter


Horse Foundation Most Valuable Player award was presented at the Foundation Luncheon. The AQHF MVP award is presented to those who show devotion to the people and horses served by the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Robin Merrill of Poolville, Texas, was appointed to the Foundation Committee in 2004 and is concluding her serv- ice as the first appointed Founda- tion Board of Trustees member. She has shaped the Foundation’s programs, vision and direction with her calm yet passionate de- meanor and has catapulted the Foundation’s mission and fundraising efforts through her unwavering confidence in the staff and appreciation for her fel- low volunteers. Merrill was re- cently recognized as a member of the inaugural class of the Wrangler Women of Influence. She is a “game changer” who has made significant contributions to the American Quarter Horse In- dustry.


Congratulations to the in-


augural AQHF MVP winner, Robin Merrill.


AQHA-PATH Intl. Equine As- sisted Services Horse of the Year


The AQHA-PATH Intl.


The Canadian Quarter Horse Association is an affiliate of the AQHA. Annual membership is


on-line, visit the CQHA web site: www.cqha.ca, and choose


free to current members of AQHA. To enroll


Choose “Affiliates” to link to provincial Quarter Horse & Racing Association sites. Contact: CQHA President,


Gilles Seguin, ph: 613-293-6176, email: president@cqha.ca


Equine-Assisted Services Horse of the Year Award is a nomina- tion-based award determined through a selection process by AQHA and PATH Intl. There were two winners awarded. Cheerioak, aka “Hank”,


with Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center and Amigos in Jags, aka “Amigo”, with Equest. First place received $10,000 and sec- ond place received $5,000 with both being recognized during the convention party.


2023 AQHA Professionals of the Year Being named a Nutrena


AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year or Most Valuable Professional are the top awards an AQHA Professional Horse- man can receive in the equine in- dustry. Each year, individuals are nominated by AQHA Profes- sional Horsemen for the presti- gious honour of being named a Nutrena AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year.


Nutrena Don Burt AQHA Pro- fessional Horseman of the Year- Robin Frid Nutrena AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year- Nancy Sue Ryan Most Valuable Professional- Art O’Brien


recognize


AQHA was also proud to the Professional


Horsemen Lifetime Achieve- ment Award. Judy Bonham of Norco, California, has been an AQHA Professional Horse- woman since 1995 and was rec- ognized as the 2008 AQHA Most Valuable Professional and re- ceived the AQHA Merle Wood Humanitarian Award. Her in- volvement in the American Quarter Horse industry has influ- enced many and she has helped shape many more AQHA profes- sionals.


President’s Award The President’s Award


was presented at the AQHA Party by 2023-2024 AQHA Pres- ident Kenneth Banks. This award winner is chosen by the standing AQHA President and is based on the hard work and efforts of the recipient. Cheyenne Tyk, the AQHA Manager of Organiza- tional Events received the recog- nition for 2024. The 2023 50- and 75-year


breeders were recognized at the Breeder Recognition Banquet along with AQHA Ranching Heritage Awards.


American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Class of 2024


Continued on Page 21 “Membership” section.


New order of


Tom Balding Bits are in!


Opening May 1st By Appointment


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