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