42 DIRECTOR REPORTS- 2026 / 2027
LIZ KEATING Portfolio: Youth
I am pleased to present my end of year report to you. The Youth Portfolio has had another productive year. Some of our achievements are as follows: 1. Free Memberships: Free youth memberships for the 2025 / 2026 year, also following on with free youth membership for our 2026 / 2027 current financial year. The free membership has generated 63 new first time youth members, with 361 youth memberships in total. 2. Website: There is now a dedicated section on the AQHA website through the member’ s section for our young people to access information pertaining to anything youth. Our office is keeping this updated with new and exciting ideas and information. 3. Free Youth Clinics: I am happy to relay that our free youth clinics have been very well received, and have been a great success. With most States taking up the opportunity to run these clinics they have increased our youth membership and awareness of our association and our beloved Quarter Horse. Clinics are one day, and generally but not limited to be run through an AQHA affiliate, and use an AQHA Professional Horsemen, if you are interested in applying for a clinic in your State, please feel free to contact me to organize. 4. Fundraising: Our major fundraising for the year will be an online auction run via nominate. All items have been sourced by our Youth Division committee members, and I thank you for your diligent work in obtaining them. The auction will be held in the coming months, and all advertising will be via the AQHA website and Facebook pages. Please keep a watch out
LEE ANN HALL Portfolio: Judging
It has been a productive and positive year for the Judges Portfolio, with some exciting plans beginning to take shape for the future. I would firstly like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the previous Portfolio Holder, Joanne Gregory, for her dedication and the work she has contributed during her time overseeing the portfolio. In particular, Joanne played an important role in the formation and implementation of the Limited Judges Permit Program, which is continuing to provide a valuable pathway for people wishing to become involved in judging. In last year’ s Annual Report, we were pleased to welcome two new Limited Permit Judges. This year, I am delighted to report that we have welcomed a further four Limited Permit Judges. It is very encouraging to see this program continuing to grow and to see new people taking that first step along the judging pathway. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the AQHA office staff for their ongoing support and assistance. Their contribution behind the scenes is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in the administration of our judging programs. One of our major focuses at present is a revision and update of the current Judging Program, including our accreditation and examination processes.
LORELEI PAYNE Portfolio: Versatility Ranch
The Versatility Ranch program has continued to develop throughout the year, with Ranch State Shows and the Quarter Horse Nationals being very well received across Australia. There has been an increase in participation and entries, along with improvements in the quality and presentation of some of the cattle events. This reflects ongoing development within Ranch classes and sustained interest in the versatility and performance of the Quarter Horse.
LORELEI PAYNE Portfolio: Traditional
This year has seen continued progress in the promotion and development of Quarter Horses across Australia. New style rugs were awarded at each State Show and the National Championships to the Champion Show Hunter and Champion Show Hack. These awards were well received and provided valuable recognition of exhibitors and their horses. for the opening, and place your bids. All proceeds going to our youth to help sustain free clinics, free memberships, team challenge awards, educational opportunities and much more. Our Youth Bank account has a balance of $ 26,849.00 as of the 30th June, 2026. These funds are directly attributed to our fundraising efforts to date. 5. Q26 National Show: Our Youth AGM is held at the National show every year. I would like to congratulate the Youth Division on your appointment’ s and hope to hear from you with your ideas, as this is your division. 6. Trans-Tasman 2027: The Trans-Tasman is an international event seeing Australian and New Zealand youth and amateurs compete for their country. The next Trans-Tasman will be held in New Zealand October 2027. Applications have been emailed out to all youth, and you can also find applications on the AQHA website under the International tab. Be sure to consider applying to represent your country. Applications close November 2026. 7. Youth World Cup: Unfortunately, the YWC will not be run in the near future. Australia did have word that Italy were considering running in 2027, however they have since declined. When we have any other information we will let the membership know, but as disappointing as it is, at this point there is nothing in the pipeline. I would like to thank my youth sub-committee, Kim Johnson and Dave Caleo, my Youth division committee, our General Manager Gemma Clarke and the AQHA office staff for all of their help over the past year, and everyone who has donated and helped our youth along the way. I look forward to an exciting new season. I am available via email or mobile phone if you have any questions or ideas for the following term.
This is an important project that will take some time and one that we hope will provide clearer pathways, greater consistency and more opportunities for education and development for both our existing judges and those aspiring to become judges. We also have some exciting ideas for the future. These include developing educational judging videos that can be used by both current judges and applicants for training and practice, as well as looking towards the reintroduction of Judging Seminars and Conferences. Providing opportunities for our judges to continue learning, sharing knowledge and developing their skills is something I believe is extremely important. This year we are fortunate to have the 2026 Asia Pacific Educational Seminar held in Melbourne, and I would like to sincerely thank the American Quarter Horse Association for hosting this valuable educational opportunity. Bringing judges and members together to learn, discuss and exchange ideas is of enormous benefit, not only to those who attend, but ultimately to our competitors and the wider Quarter Horse industry. There is still plenty of work ahead, but I am very encouraged by the direction the Judges Portfolio is taking. I look forward to continuing to work with our judges, applicants, members, AQHA staff and my fellow Directors as we build on what has already been achieved and continue to strengthen and develop our judging program for the future.
Ranch clinics have also increased during the reporting period, supported by qualified clinicians contributing to development of the discipline. Looking to the Future. With the new Versatility Ranch Rules and the move towards the American rules, we need to look forward and embrace these changes, This will provide an opportunity to continue developing the sport, improve competition and strengthen the future of Versatility Ranch and the Quarter Horse in Australia.
Clinics in Western Dressage and Hacking were conducted to encourage participation and promote the versatility of the Quarter Horse. Sessions were held from Sarina, Hughenden to Armidale, offering members opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. Overall, the year has reflected steady growth and increasing engagement in Western Dressage, Hacking, and the broader promotion of the Quarter Horse. Continued development and participation are anticipated in the year ahead.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION- www. aqha. com. au