American Quarter Horses give us their all – find out how to give back to them.

The American Quarter Horse Foundation provides monetary support to therapeutic riding centers. A gift to the Foundation would ensure that this support continues. (Journal photo).

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Whether it’s out in the mountains of Montana or in the Jim Norick Arena at the AQHA World Championship Show, your American Quarter Horse gives you his best.

Have you ever thought about how much your American Quarter Horses gives? And have you noticed that he asks so little in return? Did you know that there’s a way to give back to your horse and to ensure that the heritage of his breed will live on?

A gift to the American Quarter Horse Foundation Endowment Fund is an investment in the future of the American Quarter Horse Foundation – it’s also an investment in the heritage of the American Quarter Horse.

Gifts are invested with the understanding that the principal is never spent, and the investment return is utilized to grow the fund and support the programs of the Foundation. Gifts to the Foundation are utilized to support:

• Administration of youth scholarships, grants for equine research and therapeutic riding centers
• Support of development operations
• Educational outreach programs for young people designed to foster their interest in the horse
• Acquisition of traveling exhibits relevant to the American Quarter Horse and its heritage
• Operations of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

Service was a big part of the life of the late Frank “Scoop” Vessels III, an AQHA past president, and he especially valued service to the breed that shaped his life.

Watch our video tribute below to American Quarter Horse who give their best.

“You realize that you really need to give something back,” Scoop said. “These horses have been a part of your life forever and ever because of the AQHA and how strong of an organization it is. When you get a chance to give something back, you jump at the chance.”

Honor a Special Someone

We have all been privileged to know and love a special person or horse who has helped us realize a dream or inspired us to succeed. These inspirational people and horses deserve recognition, and the American Quarter Horse Foundation has the perfect way to do that. Through a memorial or honorary gift to the American Quarter Horse Foundation in their name, you can honor your loved one, as well as help others.

In addition to honoring your loved one, your gift supports the education of our youth, research for equine afflictions, therapeutic riding grants and the Hall of Fame & Museum. An honorary gift is also a wonderful way to celebrate a friend’s birthday, anniversary or special event.

In light of the upcoming elections, here’s an update on your Association’s Public Policy efforts and AQHPac activity.

AQHA advocates members' concerns in Washington, D.C.

With election season in full swing, I  encourage you to vote on Tuesday, November 2. If early voting is an option, certainly exercise that option!

In light of the elections, I wanted to give you a quick update on your Association’s Public Policy efforts and AQHPac activity over the past few months. Remember, as horsemen and women, it’s important for us to support candidates who understand and support equine activities. With the make up of our country becoming more urban, education will continue to play a key role with our elected officials.

With our partner, the American Horse Council, public policy efforts continue in the following areas:

• Equine Infectious Diseases – Attempts are underway to specify funding in the next ag appropriations bill specifically for equines for the purpose of equine health issues. Specific funding in that bill would better help the industry when infectious outbreaks occur. AHC will be stepping up its efforts for this in the coming weeks. For more information on this, please call AQHA or AHC.
• Taxes and depreciation – Horse, farm and ranch owners need to be able to deduct larger expenses for their operations. This “stimulus” will be talked about by AHC President Jay Hickey, including how it helps AQHA members, during the AQHA Convention in March.

It seems at least once each session, someone tries to reclassify horses from livestock to companion. Horses need to remain classified as livestock for disaster relief, taxes and for other benefits that livestock are eligible for.

While we hope it doesn’t come up in Congress, as a reminder, AQHA remains opposed to any such law that would limit the transportation of horses to processing facilities domestically, or in Canada or Mexico.

AQHPac has been busy accepting donations and making contributions to candidates on both sides of the aisle in Washington. Working with AQHA’s lobbying firm Gage to identify candidates favorable to agriculture and appropriations issues, AQHPac has made contributions to 31 candidates for more than $30,000 in contributions during the current election cycle. These checks have been hand-delivered or personally mailed by staff, our lobbying firm, Q-Contacts, members of the AQHA Public Policy Committee or the American Horse Council. This provides us with an opportunity to visit one-on-one with leaders in Washington. If you’re at the AQHA World Championship Show, November 6-20, 2010, in Oklahoma City, please join us for an AQHPac reception in the Built Ford Tough Club on Saturday, November 13, beginning with evening finals performance. A minimum $100 AQHPac contribution is requested.

Speaking of Q-Contacts, we will be looking to train up to 10 new Q-Contacts in 2011. Our first choice is to have AQHA directors serve as Q-Contacts, followed by members who are politically active, and who are willing to deliver horse-industry messages to congressmen and senators. Currently, we have 25 people serving as Q-Contacts. If you are interested – or want to know who the Q-Contact is for your state – please call Tom Persechino at (806) 378-4359. Our ultimate goal is to have 50 Q-Contacts – one in each state.

I hope you’ll visit AQHA’s Public Policy page. And remember, to learn more about your elected officials, log into the members section of AQHA’s website and click on the “Public Policy” link.

Please vote!

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

From test rides behind the scenes to world-class performances in front of packed crowds, the 2010 Games was an experience of a lifetime.

This event will go down for all of us at AQHA as an experience of a lifetime.

My head is still spinning (no pun intended) with what we have accomplished at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. After a sell-out individual finals performance, the evening concluded with another sold out exhibition of our best freestyle reiners. The Allltech Arena literally rocked with excitement! Front page coverage in local Lexington, Kentucky, papers featured a near half page photo of Tom McCutcheon aboard Gunners Special Nite, who together won the individual gold medal with a 228. The silver went to Craig Schmersal, with Duane Latimer winning the bronze.

Get the details at our special Games website.

But we have garnered so much more than showing off top reining competition. E-mails are coming to me about a nice story that appeared in the online and printed editions of the New York Times; USA Today lists the reining winners. Wherever we went on the massive Kentucky Horse Park grounds, people noticed our cowboy hats and many stopped to compliment us on the exciting competition.

The AQHA viewing area during the finals on September 30 were a bustle of activity. First to arrive was Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, president of the FEI. The daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan, she is now married to HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Her highness, along with FEI Secretary General (the equivalent of my position with FEI) Alex McLinn enjoyed the first five competitors with explanations of the maneuvers by AQHA President Johannes Orgeldinger.

Prior to her visit to the AQHA box seats, we received a briefing on protocol from one of the princess’ four bodyguards. For you non-royals, you address her first as “Your Royal Highness,” followed by “Ma’am.”  Next in the AQHA box seats were Kentucky Gov. Steve Brashear and First Lady Jane Brashear. Kentucky’s first lady is an equestrian who earlier in the week requested a reining lesson and was granted one by Tim McQuay. She is now a great ambassador for the sport!

We also welcomed WinStar Farms co-owners Bill and Susan Casner to watch the event with us. WinStar owns this year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, and Belmont winner, Drosselmeyer.

On Sunday, September 26, AQHA and NRHA hosted all the reining teams, sponsors, FEI officials, 500 people total, at WinStar for “quite a party.” Entertainment was provided by former AQHYA member Paul Bogart and his band. But a highlight of the evening was a rockin’ guest performance on the drums by our own Johannes – a talent I did not know he had!

While all of this was going on, our friend Bob Hughes of Carr Hughes Productions and his staff of 150 made sure the competition was being broadcast to 120 countries around the world, part of the required television feed for all WEG competitions. We understood Germany, Great Britain and several other countries took the feed and showed the competition live on various sports networks overseas.

On October 1, I saw what most consider the greatest dressage horse ever to perform, Moorlands Totilas and rider Edward Gal, in another sold out performance at the main stadium in the dressage freestyle. I don’t understand all there is to know about dressage, but this man makes it look easy; the rider/horse duo actually scored perfect 10s on several maneuvers earlier in the week. Johannes was able to see him in the team competition, and he led the Dutch to the gold medal. He won the gold that evening, which was his third gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. I sat with Chris Jacobi, our good friend with Corporate Partner Farnam, who is a dressage fanatic!

The next day, it was back to reality, and I headed home, but AQHA’s great team in Lexington continues with test rides aboard American Quarter Horses each day, demonstrations featuring our top professionals and an information booth, where we’re distributing information about our great breed!

Many of us have been working on this project since 2002, when the first bid by Kentucky was submitted. It will go down for all of us at AQHA as an experience of a lifetime.

In addition to my personal thanks to the staff and directors of AQHA, my hat goes off to the staff, officers and directors of NRHA, who partnered with us on this massive project.

Expanded Broadcast
Many of you saw the reining individual competition featured on October 3 on NBC’s telecast. You can catch more of the reining events during NBC’s October 10 overall Games recap, beginning at 4 p.m. EDT.

Until next week … enjoy the ride.

During this busy season, it’s fun to get a first-hand look at this important part of our industry.

These past few weekends, I’ve had the pleasure of attending several sales. These included the Ruidoso Select and Heritage Place yearling sales, as well as several production sales, featuring primarily weanlings and occasional older horses from our ranching members.

I really enjoy attending these sales and visiting with our members. At the ranching sales in particular, it gave me a first hand look at the compassion our members have for the American Quarter Horse, our country and their ranching way of life. Also, it reaffirmed with me how our ranching members have a keen desire to produce quality horses that are easily trained, with good dispositions that people want to be around.

The first stop on the ranch production sale circuit was at the “Come to the Source” sale in Laramie, Wyoming, featuring consignments from four entities: Randy and Laurie Dunn of Bath Brothers Ranch, Laramie, Wyoming; Chip and Kathy Merritt, Fort Collins, Colorado; Sam Shoultz and Ken Matzner of Fort Collins; and Dick and Dianne Van Pelt of Laramie. AQHA President Johannes Orgeldinger was able to make the trip with me to witness a good crowd on hand to purchase the horses, most of whom traced back to Blue Valentine and Driftwood.

It was very rewarding to see the two young sons of Chip and Kathy Merritt, Brady and Corey, so active in the marketing of their foals. While Chip and one of the boys prepared the next foal for the auction ring, Kathy and the other son, led the mare and foal into the ring. You could tell very quickly this was a family operation, and the Merritt name will continue on for many more years in AQHA through Brady and Corey.

A highlight was the lunch on sale day prepared by Laurie Dunn, another example of the family atmosphere. The Van Pelts send their 2-year-olds to Greg Frye in Nebraska for initial training. Greg has several children, including three young ladies in their teens, all of whom were at the sale showing off the 2-year-olds they had started under saddle.

Sam and Ken are proud of their Blue Fox Hancock, the 2009 AQHA All-Around High Point Reserve Champion, who will be shown at this year’s World Show.

My next stop another weekend, was to South Dakota to attend the Open Box Rafter Ranch production sale in Rapid City and on to Georga Sutton’s for her 59th production sale, near Gettysburg.

Jim and Joni Hunt have seven children, ranging in age from 22 to 7, and they are all involved in the ranch activities. More than 100 head were sold, averaging in the $3,000 neighborhood. The Hunts, who hauled all of their offering, plus mares, plus stallions 120 miles from their ranch in Faith, South Dakota, to Rapid City, were very pleased with the results. The sale was on September 11, and the Hunts paid tribute to those who lost their lives nine years ago with a moment of silence, a pledge of allegiance and a blessing before the sale started.

From there, I drove to the middle of the state, near Gettysburg. Georga and Heather Sutton joined me for dinner Saturday night at Bob’s Resort and Steak House, located on the Missouri River. You may recall, the family lost Raymond a few years back in a fire accident on the ranch. Georga and Heather are continuing the Sutton tradition of producing American Quarter Horses and selling them at their annual auction. This was the 59th, which I believe is the longest continual production sale in our industry.

Although the horses didn’t sell as well as Georga and Heather had hoped, it was an opportunity for buyers. It was good to see grandparents buying foals for their accompanying grandchildren and a neighboring young rancher and his family purchasing a couple of foals, which he intends to make ranch geldings. Faculty from South Dakota State University was on hand and purchased several for their equine sciences program.

One of President Orgeldinger’s goals is to reach out to our ranch membership, as he feels we can do more for them. I am excited that we at AQHA are working on several initiatives that we hope will benefit this important part of our industry.

The ranch production sale circuit continues for the next few weeks. If you are near one, please attend. I know you will enjoy it!

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

Discussions with stock show/state fair managers, ranchers, and show managers further encourage AQHA’s Executive Committee to bring together focus groups to discuss suggestions relative to shows.

Mike Major ropes his cow under the judges' eyes during the ranch remuda contest at Battle in the Saddle in Oklahoma City in July 2010.

The past couple of weeks have been busy with several meetings taking place. In addition to the AQHA Executive Committee, the past presidents, the American Quarter Horse Foundation Council, AQHA Investment Oversight Committee and the AQHA Hall of Fame Selection Committee all met. Among the items the Executive Committee reviewed and discussed was criteria for racing at the Jockey Club de Sorocaba in Brazil, the AQHA World Show financial statements along with regular business items related to registration and show issues that require the committee’s action.

The Executive Committee also met with stock show managers. Discussion focused on the changing demographics of the stock show/state fair audience, which is typical of the changing demographics of the horse industry enthusiasts. In previous years, spectators at stock shows and rodeos were “in tune” with agriculture-related events and had a knowledge of livestock events. Today’s audience strictly wants entertainment.

Many different scenarios and suggestions were discussed to attract more spectators and exhibitors. These discussions, coupled with a show managers’ summit held in June, have further encouraged the Executive Committee to move forward with bringing together focus groups to discuss a wide range of suggestions relative to AQHA shows.

The stock show managers meeting, as was a rancher’s meeting held during Battle in the Saddle in Oklahoma City, was beneficial for both AQHA and the participants. Discussion during the Rancher’s meeting focused on enhancing AQHA’s registration process, continuing to work with the Ranch Horse Association of America, Stock Horse Of Texas, National Versatility Ranch Horse Association, American Stock Horse Association, etc. … by exploring consistency in rules and possibly co-sanctioned events, investigating the concept of a Ranching Heritage Breeder Program, which likely could be an extension of the AQHA Breeder Referral Program, etc. The meeting further opened the lines of communication with this important group, which is truly the backbone of AQHA’s industry.

We’ll do our homework on the suggestions from both the Ranchers and Stock Show Mangers meetings and pursue moving forward with recommendations to help these essential segments of AQHA’s industry.

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

AQHA is committed to the health and welfare of the American Quarter Horse.

As AQHA continues its commitment to ensure that the health and welfare of the American Quarter Horse remains paramount, I am more than pleased with the debut of the AQHA Stewards program. Funding for the stewards program comes from an increase in show processing fees that became effective in 2010.

To help level the playing field for exhibitors and ensure the welfare of horses in competition, a portion of those funds have been designated for breed integrity initiatives like the stewards program.

Stewards are assigned to specific shows selected by AQHA with geography in mind to minimize travel costs. The most critical and urgent need for stewards is to monitor and patrol show grounds and warm-up areas at events to carry out AQHA’s pledge to humane training practices. The safety of participants, both human and equine, must not be compromised, nor should the fairness of competition. Additionally, stewards will also help show management, judges and exhibitors to help them increase their usefulness at various events.

Stewards are required to have a comprehensive knowledge of AQHA’s show rules and assist in answering questions in other areas, such as equipment, prohibited conduct, eligibility, safety, show management concerns and overall class operations. Stewards’ feedback on situations they encounter will be key to helping the program evolve.

Above all, stewards are asked to be ambassadors for the American Quarter Horse, AQHA and AQHA shows, so that as AQHA expands its show menu, horse owners will feel more comfortable participating in AQHA events.

Beginning in April, the 39 people who attended the inaugural comprehensive training program March 18 in Dallas began stewarding some of AQHA’s more than 3,200 annual shows and special events. To date, AQHA stewards have been present at more than 45 AQHA-approved show days of competition.

The program is making AQHA’s members aware of the concern the Association has for animal welfare, and we have heard many positive comments about the program. Many people say they think the program further illustrates the commitment of AQHA’s judges and Professional Horsemen to protect all animals from inhumane treatment.

While the program may not yet be perfect and may not resolve all problems, I hope you would agree it’s a step in the right direction and that progress is being made toward AQHA’s commitment to the welfare of the American Quarter Horse.

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

View standing committee reports and Executive Committee action.

Many great recommendations came out of AQHA’s 14 standing committees, which met during the AQHA Convention.

The Executive Committee spent a great deal of time reviewing the reports. You can review the reports and recommendations by visiting  Member Services (second column below MEMBER ACTION, click COMMITTEE REPORTS) to view all the standing committee reports and the Executive Committee’s action.

I believe you’ll notice on the committee reports/recommendations that the Executive Committee concurred with virtually all recommendations and agrees that, in these economic times, AQHA needs to do all it can to be more inclusive rather than exclude anyone or any reasonable opportunity.

I am grateful to AQHA’s directors and standing-committee members who attend the Convention at their own expense and meet to propose and help implement changes for the betterment of AQHA.

Learn the many reasons you should be a member of the world’s largest equine breed registry. Join AQHA today!

Happy trails,

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

Even if you’re not a competitor or a diehard reining fan, the World Equestrian Games “World’s Fair atmosphere” will be something itself.

I hope you are planning to attend the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, Kentucky, September 25 – October 10. As you know, AQHA is an official sponsor and the official breed sponsor of reining, one of the eight international disciplines spotlighted at the games. Even if you’re not a competitor or a diehard reining fan, the World’s Fair atmosphere that surrounds the games will be something itself.

Having had the privilege of attending three prior WEG events, I can tell you firsthand, this is a unique experience. The Equine Village will feature 150 educational booths and demonstrations by top-notch clinicians, equine entertainers, and breed organizations, along with a vast trade show. I hope the United States audience will respond to the WEG like the Europeans have, in that the athletes are held in the same regard as our professional athletes.

If you haven’t done so already visit www.aqha.com/WEG to purchase tickets. Each competition is ticketed separately, and this site will easily let you know for which competitions seats are available.

You might also consider purchasing a $25 grounds pass which allows you access to the grounds of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, including the Equine Village, an interactive children’s area, the trade show, a Kentucky Experience that offers a virtual tour of the Bluegrass State, and more. Children 12 and under are allowed entrance to the grounds without charge, when accompanied by a paying adult. Grounds passes do not allow entrance to competition venues. Buy your grounds passes at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets.

Learn the many reasons you should be a member of the world’s largest equine breed registry. Join AQHA today!

With the huge influx of people expected, parking is another thing to consider, as are accommodations. Details about these and other spectator concerns are available at www.alltechfeigames.com/content.aspx?id=3102.

Stay tuned – the Adequan United States reining team selection trials, as well as the United States Equestrian Federation National Open Reining Championship will be held July 10 as part of the Battle in the Saddle special reining event in Oklahoma City. Visit www.battleinthesaddle.com to learn more about the competitions taking place during BITS and to purchase tickets.

I look forward to being in both Oklahoma City during the Battle in the Saddle competitions, and Kentucky for the World Equestrian Games – hope to see you both places, as well.

Happy trails,

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

Join me in welcoming our new AQHA Executive Committee.

Johannes and wife, Astrid, with Fritz Power, the leading sire of the German Quarter Horse Association.

On March 8, at the 2010 AQHA Convention, we welcomed the first international AQHA President, Johannes Orgeldinger of Grosswallstadt, Germany.

Johannes has been involved with American Quarter Horses for more than a quarter of a century and has volunteered his time and talents to the  the AQHA Executive Committee for the past four years. He was first elected to the AQHA Executive Committee in 2006. He divides his time between Germany and a ranch in the United States. As the international registry of the American Quarter Horse, AQHA is a world-wide organization, and Germany is the ninth-largest AQHA affiliate with 6,675 AQHA members — only seven other states and Alberta, Canada, have more members.  Kansas is ranked 10th with 6,567 members in 2009. After the United States and Canada, Germany ranks third on the list of countries by American Quarter Horse population.

AQHA is proud to be an international breed registry for the American Quarter Horse. The breed was developed in the United States, but its versatility has made American Quarter Horses popular around the world. Johannes is a perfect testament to this reach, having bred American Quarter Horses for more than 25 years. AQHA has many affiliate branches across the globe, and the total international population of American Quarter Horses is a whopping 136,198. Right now the National Reining Horse Association is hosting the 2010 NRHA European Futurity & NRHA Show in Kreuth, Germany. Reining continues to gain in popularity in Europe, and this year, 48 horses were entered in the $1,000 added Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 at the NRHA Show. That’s twice the number of horses entered at the show last year in that division.

Johannes has been very involved with AQHA. He has served on the affiliate council as well as the stud book and registration and nomination and credentials committees. Johannes also served as the discipline manager of reining for the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

He and his wife, Astrid, own and operate a gravel and stone company and JOMM Ranches in Grosswallstadt as well as Main River Quarter Horses in Gainesville, Texas.

Peter Cofrancesco III of Sparta, New Jersey, was named first vice president. Cofrancesco is chair of the Grinnell Group of Companies, which includes several entities, including solid waste and recycling, real estate and concrete products manufacturing. Cofrancesco was American Quarter Horse Youth Association president in 1991 and is the first youth president to serve on AQHA’s Executive Committee.

Gene Graves of Grand Island, Nebraska, was elected second vice president. Graves is auctioneer of Diamond G Auction Company and is a Realtor for Century 21.

New members were also named to the AQHA Executive Committee. Johne Dobbs of Champaign, Illinois, and Johnny Trotter of Hereford, Texas, were elected. Dobbs, a director from Illinois, owns Johne Dobbs Equine Insurance. She becomes the second woman to serve on the AQHA Executive Committee. Trotter, a director from Texas, is president and chief executive officer of Livestock Investors Ltd.

It’s important to note that these individuals all volunteer their time to serve on the Executive Committee. I would like to thank them for spending a significant portion of their time working for your Association.

How Convention Works

Here’s a little bit more about AQHA’s annual Convention:

The AQHA Convention is a chance for breeders, trainers, owners and horse lovers of all kinds to get together to talk about issues affecting the industry and discuss proposed changes to the way AQHA does business.

• Committee Agenda Items – to be eligible for consideration by a standing committee, a member’s proposed agenda item must be submitted using the rule change proposal form. All proposals were due by December 31, 2009. Proposals for the 2011 Convention, which is scheduled to be held in Texas near Dallas/Fort Worth, are due by the end of 2010.
• All AQHA members (having a membership for at least 60 days prior to the first day of convention) have voting rights at the AQHA Convention.
• All standing committee meetings were open to the general membership. The only exceptions to this rule are meetings denoted as being closed in the convention program, or portions of meetings that are conducted in closed session because of personnel, legal or other sensitive material.

Learn the many reasons you should be a member of the world’s largest equine breed registry. Join AQHA today!

Remember that you, as a member, are always welcome to share your views and comments regarding issues that affect or pertain to AQHA with AQHA directors. The list of directors is available at AQHA Member Services. An important aspect of Convention is the election of AQHA directors. So make your vote count, and help mold your Association into what you want it to be.

The AQHA Executive Committee will meet in April to finalize the committee reports. At that time, all the rule changes that were approved at the 2010 Convention will be available on the internet.

Congratulations to the 2010-11 AQHA Executive Committee. The AQHA staff looks forward to working with each of you to make the organization that represents the world’s most versatile horse even better.

Happy trails,

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

Check out a few of your many member benefits.

Events like the Ford Youth World Show are made possible by AQHA's Corporate Partners.

AQHA’s corporate partners provide many discounts and benefits, such as America’s Horse magazine, plus support for some of AQHA’s most popular programs and events.

By becoming an AQHA member, you will receive discounts with the following Corporate Partners.

Ford

Along with sponsoring the Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show, Ford Motor Co. gives every AQHA member a chance to save big on a new vehicle. Each member receives a $500 rebate toward the purchase of a new Ford or Lincoln Mercury. And not only that, but you receive up to four of these rebate certificates each year — two for Ford, and two for Lincoln Mercury. So, if you are a member of AQHA and are thinking about purchasing a new Ford, contact Customer Service for your rebate certificate, or with any questions you have.

Members Plus

AQHA has teamed with John Deere, Sherwin Williams and Toshiba through Members Plus to provide our members discounts with the following vendors.

• John Deere — Eligible members receive as much as 23 percent off of select John Deere equipment.
• Sherwin Williams — Receive preferred pricing by opening your AQHA member account at Sherwin Williams!
• Toshiba — With the newest addition to the Members Plus program, you’ll receive as much as 25 percent off when you purchase from Toshiba Direct with promo code EPQH. Access Toshiba Direct’s Web site or call (800) 405-3704 to purchase.

Featherlite

Looking for a new trailer? Look no farther than your AQHA membership card! Get your horse’s trailer wish list and access Featherlite’s Web Site to download your discount coupon.

MD Barns

AQHA members receive a $500 discount at MD Barns on barns price at $20,000 or more. Flash your membership card at your local MD Barns dealer to get it!

FedEx

It’s nice to know that you do have some control in your world. Tracking numbers provide that control, and that’s why FedEx is just about one of my favorite AQHA corporate partners! Enroll with Passcode 8CL9P313 and receive as much as 20 percent off the services FedEx provides.

SmartPak

SmartPak offers a huge range of products for your horse! Save 5 percent on all purchases of SmartPak products. No codes or accounts to set up here, just input your AQHA membership ID at checkout online or let the SmartPak representative know you are a member when you order via phone.

EquiPass

EquiPass road service is only available to AQHA members. Travel with peace of mind – join EquiPass today and receive a discount on EquiPass roadside assistance and equestrian concierge services.

Support from AQHA’s corporate partners helps make all these discounts possible for you, the AQHA member.  Visit www.aqha.com/partners if you need further information about these benefits or just want to learn more about the products and services provided by all of AQHA’s partners.

A one-year membership with AQHA is only $40. Any one of these discounts, plus the discounted fees on paperwork submitted to AQHA, outweigh the cost by far. AQHA offers a three-year for $80 (that equals one free year!) and a lifetime membership for $500.

I’m headed to Kissimmee, Florida, for AQHA’s 70th annual convention where many of our Corporate Partners will be in attendance. It’s always nice to have the opportunity to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. Our Corporate Partners are true partners in all that they do for this Association. Without their support, many of our programs would not be possible.

Learn the many reasons you should be a member of the world’s largest equine breed registry. Join AQHA today!

Happy trails,

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

As a testament to the dedication of AQHA employees, those that were able to get to the office dug in where they were most needed.

The first month of 2010 ended in a flurry of activity – literally. A severe winter storm hit Amarillo last week. On Thursday, January 28, the AQHA offices closed at noon due to deteriorating weather and road conditions. We were able to reopen the offices Friday with a skeleton crew. As a testament to the dedication of AQHA employees, those that were able to get to the office dug in where they were most needed. Customers that called in to the customer service department were greeted by yours truly and employees from other departments.

After a foot of snow fell on Amarillo, new customer service representatives were recruited to answer AQHA's phones.

Learn the many reasons you should be a member of the world’s largest equine breed registry. Join AQHA today!

Happy trails,

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President

With the beginning of a new decade, we look forward to a productive year at the Association.

The Treadway family had a great holiday, and I hope you did, too. Grandson Connor received his first horse. Connor’s mom insisted that we wait a little longer before he gets his American Quarter Horse so this year we had to settle for just a quarter-sized horse.

Connor Treadway rides his Christmas pony.

With the beginning of a new decade, we are looking forward to a productive year at the Association. The staff is making final preparations for the Racing Champions Announcements and the Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show, which will both take place next week.

The 2009 AQHA Racing Champions awards will be announced Wednesday, January 13, at 6 p.m. CST from Heritage Place in Oklahoma City. The show will broadcast free of charge on Q-Racing Video. If you are not able to be in Oklahoma City for the announcements, be sure to tune in to the live broadcast via the Internet.

Once again, American Quarter Horses will take center stage at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, January 13-14, for the 2010 Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show. The American Quarter Horse Journal will be in Denver to bring you full show coverage from live results to photo galleries and championship stories. Keep up with the action in Denver.

Information about the 2010 AQHA Convention is online. Early registration discounts are available until January 31.

Happy trails,

Don Treadway
AQHA Executive Vice President