41
DIRECTOR REPORTS- 2026 / 2027
KIM JOHNSON Portfolio: International
I would like to thank all of my fellow directors for their hard work. Gemma and the office staff have been very busy. I thank all of you for your support of me in my position on the board.
We have introduced more awards and classes for the International Events at the Nationals.
The International Meeting was held at the Nationals 2026. We are looking for more input from you, our members. The American Seminar, with the AMQHA Professional Horseman, was very successful. Over 25 members attended.
Internationally, we have a new International Executive Officer in 2026. We have completed our business plan and attended virtual meetings with AMQHA for better communications. We have a new Head of International Activities, Scott. See the AMQHA website for all information.
We have a new registration form that has been approved by AMQHA to make it easier for breeders to duel register their foals.
AmQHA is the largest equine breeding registry in the world, with 130 countries and approximately 31,000 members and 440,000 registered Quarter Horses. We are keen to develop further communications with all international affiliates.
We have organised an international seminar to be held at the end of August 2026, which will cover all areas of AmQHA programs, plus Judging. We have had an outstanding year and look forward to 2027. We thank the members for their support throughout 2026-2027.
KANE SKOPP Portfolio: Marketing
The AQHA Marketing Committee is focused on maintaining and building a stronger, more consistent presence for the Association, its members, sponsors and major events. With the Q-Show growing year after year, we aim to convert that momentum into greater participation, stronger partnerships and meaningful year-round engagement.
The proposed 2026 – 2027 marketing program represents a planned investment across several key initiatives: Website upgrade, Q27 marketing and promotion, broader advertising, content and communications equipment and early preparations for the Q-Show’ s 50th anniversary in 2029.
This investment will allow AQHA to maintain a professional and consistent public presence while promoting initiatives including the Q-Show, AQHA
Incentive Programs, Youth and Amateur Clinics, member opportunities and Association activities.
A major upgrade of the AQHA website will create a more modern, accessible and user-friendly platform. This redevelopment will improve how we communicate with both new and existing members, making it easier to find important information, access services, discover upcoming events and stay connected with Association activities.
Targeted advertising will also help AQHA reach beyond its existing membership, introducing new audiences to the Australian Quarter Horse and encouraging greater participation across a wide range of disciplines.
By investing in professional content, purposeful advertising, memorable member experiences and long-term planning, the Marketing Committee is working to ensure AQHA continues to grow while honouring the members, competitors, breeders, volunteers and horses at the heart of the Association.
JOHN STEEL Portfolio: Affiliates
This year has been relatively busy for affiliates seeing many changers to our rules which now incorporate a lot more Ranch options for clubs to run. There was a restructure of pricing for affiliates show approval and a substantial increase to the monies given to each affiliate / state that runs a state show.
All of the above along with advertising for free youth clinics have been communicated to each of our affiliates via newsletters and also info has been provided on our web site.
For all accounts show are been well supported and the changes to show programs been accepted well.
As the end of the show year has now passed I wish all of our high point recipients a huge congratulation for the effort and commitment you have put in to achieve your results.
Hope to see you all at the AGM / Awards night later in the year. There has been an increase in affiliates this year which is encouraging.
If any member needs to make contact with the office, please reach out to Jo who will be happy to assist you.
To my fellow board member who are up for re-election thank you for your support over the past 12 months and I will you all best best in the upcoming elections. To all of our office staff thank you for you continued support and guidance you provide.
DAVE CALEO Portfolio: Amateurs
This is being my first year as the portfolio holder for the amateur division I have enjoyed working alongside the amateur division they have exciting year planned, free clinics and lots of amateur incentives. Including super selects.
This will be exciting year ahead and something to look forward to. Amateur division works tirelessly to help improve their division and work closely with the AQHA building a brighter future for all of us.
DAVE CALEO Portfolio: Professional Horsemen
This year, we have welcomed a number of new members to the Pro Horseman Division. We have also introduced incentives at major shows and state shows. Looking ahead, we are committed to another proactive and productive year. We have some exciting new ideas in development
and look forward to working closely with AQHA to create opportunities that benefit both AQHA and its members.
Our goal is to continue growing the Pro Horseman Division, supporting our members, and strengthening our partnership with AQHA for the benefit of the entire industry.
AQHA 2026 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER ISSUE