Describe your involvement in the Arabian horse breed as a volunteer, and what your accomplishments are:
end of 2015 – 2016 AHA Board of Directors – Director at Large
2013- 2015 Chair AHA Professional Horseman’s Committee
2012 – present USEF Arabian Rules Committee
2010 – present USEF Western Committee
2007 – present AHA Competition Advisory Committee (Chair 2016)
2009- present Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes Commission (Vice Chair)
Other Committee involvement: Working Western, Equitation & Showmanship
2.) What are some of the highlights and successful moments involving the Arabian horse for you in 2015?
I don’t know that 2015 had a single great success that stands out, but rather a number of things that I have been involved with for a few years have begun to come together and reveal their relevance and importance to the Arabian Horse Industry. Among those are:
The Leveling Program – The Scottsdale Show implemented the program joining many Regionals that offer it. Youth Nationals will be the first National Show to hold the Leveling classes starting in 2016.
Sweepstakes changes implemented that seems to have created more relevance for the program once again. Particularly the AAOTR Sweepstakes Jackpot performance classes which will begin being held at the 2016 US Nationals. Prize money available for AAEP and AWEP Champions. More prize money at the Regional level in AAOTR classes.
The importance of the AHA One Day Show program. I helped develop the ODS program a few years back now, but each year it has proved to be more important to maintaining affordable shows for the industry. I believe they now account for approximately 1/4 of the Arabian shows held.
The growth of Working Western classes at the local, Regional and National levels particularly in Trail and Cow Horse classes. Changes taking place for the 2016 US Nationals shows the importance of this growth with the additions of Select Trail and the Herd Work classes.
The growth and changes that have taken place in Horsemanship and Showmanship classes in both the youth and Adult divisions.
3.) If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
I would hope things like “passionate, honest, hard working, does what he says he will do (follows through).”